Because even the smallest habits can shape how we feel, think, and live.
In a world that rarely slows down, where days are packed, and expectations run high, finding small pockets of comfort has become more important than ever. For many Filipinos, that comfort often comes in the form of a simple snack—something to enjoy between tasks, to share with loved ones, or to savor during a quiet pause.
But what if snacking could be more than just a quick fix?
What if it could be intentional, nourishing, and even empowering?
This is the idea behind mindful snacking—a growing movement that invites people to rethink how they eat, not by restriction, but by awareness.
From Mindless to Mindful
Snacking has always been part of daily life. It slips naturally into routines—a mid-afternoon biscuit, a sweet treat after a long day, or a merienda shared with friends. These moments, while small, carry meaning. They offer comfort, connection, and a chance to pause.
Yet because snacking feels so automatic, it’s easy to fall into habits without much thought. Portions become guesswork. Nutrition labels go unread. And enjoyment, while present, lacks intention.
Mindful snacking shifts that perspective.
At its core, it’s about being present—choosing snacks with awareness, understanding what’s in them, and savoring each bite. It’s not about giving things up but about finding balance between indulgence and well-being.
A Shift in How Filipinos Snack
Today, more Filipinos are becoming intentional about their health and lifestyle choices. Taste and convenience still matter—but they’re no longer the only considerations. There’s a growing curiosity about ingredients, portion sizes, and how food fits into a balanced day.
Without the right information, however, even simple choices can feel uncertain.
Recognizing this, Mondelēz International, together with registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian, launched the “Snack na Swak” initiative—an effort to help Filipinos navigate their snack choices with confidence.
The goal is straightforward: turn everyday snacking into something more mindful, more informed, and ultimately more satisfying.
Making Mindful Snacking Practical
Mindful eating might sound like a big lifestyle shift, but in practice, it’s surprisingly simple.
It starts with small habits:
Reading and understanding nutrition labels
Being aware of portion sizes
Taking time to actually enjoy what you’re eating
During a recent event at Common Ground in Rockwell, participants experienced this firsthand. Through activities like the “Portion Puzzle,” they learned how to build snack combinations within a 250-calorie range, aligning with guidance from the FNRI-DOST.
The takeaway? Balance isn’t about saying no to your favorite snacks—it’s about knowing how they fit into your day.
Keeping the Joy in Snacking
One of the biggest misconceptions about mindful eating is that it takes the fun out of food. In reality, it does the opposite.
Mindful snacking encourages people to fully enjoy the foods they love—whether it’s the familiar twist of an Oreo, the creamy richness of Cadbury Dairy Milk, or the crunch of a biscuit—without guilt, but with awareness.
Because when you slow down and pay attention, even a small treat feels more satisfying.
More Than Just Food
Ultimately, mindful snacking isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about how you relate to food in everyday life.
It’s about:
Finding balance in the middle of busy days
Turning routine habits into intentional choices
Creating small moments of care, even when life feels overwhelming
With better access to information, clearer labeling, and initiatives that make nutrition easier to understand, mindful snacking becomes something anyone can practice.
And in those simple, everyday bites, there’s an opportunity to feel a little more grounded, a little more present—and a lot more in control.
Because sometimes, the smallest choices—like how you snack—can make the biggest difference.
Grocery shopping just got a whole lot more exciting. SM Supermarket and Savemore are bringing back their popular “Treat Yourself” promo, giving shoppers more ways to enjoy exclusive deals, earn rewards, and take home exciting freebies.
Running from April 15 to June 15, 2026, this much-anticipated campaign is packed with value—whether you’re shopping in-store or online at smmarkets.ph. Backed by trusted brands like Del Monte, Unilever, Lucky Me, Nissin, Head & Shoulders, and Creamsilk, every purchase comes with added perks.
Earn More Rewards When You Shop
Make every grocery run count with extra SMAC points when you purchase participating items at SM Supermarket and select Savemore stores.
Shoppers can also enjoy:
Free SM Bonus items with qualifying purchases using SMAC
4+1 bundles and exclusive in-store deals
It’s a simple upgrade to your usual grocery routine—more value, more rewards.
Shop Online and Get Exclusive Freebies
If you prefer shopping from home, Treat Yourself has you covered. With a minimum spend of ₱1,500 on participating items, you can score limited-time freebies using special promo codes.
Freebie Schedule:
April 18–19, 24–25 & May 2–3 Code: TY FOOD – Free Lay’s Stax Sour Cream & Onion (42g)
May 30–31, June 6–7 & 13–14 Code: TYHEALTH – Free Pediasure Plus Choco Liquid (110ml x 4 RTD)
Perfect for stocking up on essentials while enjoying a little extra.
Experience the Treat Yourself Expo
The Treat Yourself Expo adds even more excitement to your shopping experience, featuring games, exclusive promos, and surprise rewards.
Highlights:
Indulge Wheel – Spin for prizes with a minimum ₱500 purchase using SMAC
Surprise Treat – 50 lucky shoppers can get ₱200 OFF vouchers (with a minimum ₱3,000 spend), redeemable until June 15
Upcoming Locations:
May 1–3 – Savemore Festival Mall
May 15–17 – SM Supermarket Southmall
May 29–June 1 – SM Supermarket Fairview
Collect Limited-Edition Sticker Surprises
Starting May 1, 2026, SMAC members can collect fun, limited-edition “Sticker Surprise” collectibles featuring Ron Turon and partner brands.
Get them with a minimum ₱1,500 grocery purchase at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and select Savemore stores.
These playful stickers are perfect for personalizing notebooks, tumblers, journals, and gadgets—adding a little fun to your everyday essentials.
Make Every Grocery Trip More Enjoyable
With the return of Treat Yourself, every trip to SM Markets becomes more rewarding. From exclusive deals and bonus rewards to exciting freebies and collectibles, there’s always something extra to look forward to.
So whether you’re shopping for essentials or indulging in your favorites, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself.
School’s officially back, and with it the early mornings, baon prep, never-ending shopping lists, and long days for parents—especially moms. In the newest episode of Mommy, G Ka Na?, celebrity host and mom of two Jolina Magdangal-Escueta opens up about the pressure of balancing her numerous responsibilities during the back-to-school season.
Jolina Magdangal, Dimples Romana, and Angeline Quinto share how GCash helps provide everyday gaan for moms
Together with guests Dimples Romana and Angeline Quinto, the candid conversation turns personal, and the three moms share personal stories, smart strategies, and comforting words for moms who may be overwhelmed with the back-to-school rush. They remind each other, “Hindi mo kailangang gawin lahat mag-isa.”
Amid the laughs and real talk, Jolina, Angeline, and Dimples reveal some of their back-to-school survival tricks.
Angeline, for example, swears by the power of a cute lunchbox (or fun shapes) to get her kids to eat.“Kahit simpleng sandwich lang, basta cute ang baunan, ganado na agad si Sylvio,” she shares.
She and Jolina also agree that fancy recipes aren’t necessary. Instead, a little bit of creativity and a whole lot of love go a long way. As Jolina puts it, “Hindi kailangang mahal ang baon, basta punong-puno ng effort at love, ramdam ‘yan ng mga anak natin.”
Then there’s the never-ending to-do list. I have groceries, bills, and errands to run. Sometimes, when schedules get too packed, there are things forgotten along the way. For when it gets overwhelming, the three moms all agree—shopping online and paying with GCash is the ultimate lifesaver. While doing the laundry or helping with their kids’ homework, they can check off items on their grocery list without even leaving the house!
Dimples, meanwhile, brings up the challenges she faces having to keep up with the constant stream of expenses once the school year starts.From school projects and extracurricular activities to unexpected gastos, the financial pressure doesn’t end after enrollment.
“Kala mo tapos ka na, pero may bagong shoes, uniforms, at pang-extracurricular pa pala,” she opens up. Her solution? We are breaking down the big-ticket items. With GCash’s GGives, she can split purchases like gadgets or sports gear into smaller payments, with zero down payment needed.
And of course, there are the surprise expenses—like when emergencies happen. For those moments, Jolina reminds viewers that they can lean on GCredit, which provides users with a credit line of up to PHP 50,000.
For even bigger needs like tuition fees, there’s also GLoan, which lets users borrow up to PHP 150,000 instantly, with affordable terms and quick disbursement straight to their GCash wallet. “At least you know that there is someone you can rely on.” Hindi ka kakabahan agad,” they agree. For those who encounter unforeseen expenses before payday, it provides peace of mind.
Watch Mommy, G Ka Na? online
Throughout the episodes, a recurring theme emerges: moms can learn a lot from other moms. “Okay lang humingi ng tulong,” Jolina reminds viewers. “May mga kapwa mommy, may mga tools—tulungan tayo.”
Stream Mommy, G Ka Na? on the official YouTube channel of GCash. Join the conversation online with fellow moms finding gaan and ginhawa in every stage of school-year parenting by following @gcashofficial on Instagram and Facebook.
For more than two decades, The Linden Suites has been a reliable haven for countless business travellers, families, and professionals, right in the vibrant heart of Ortigas Center, Pasig City. This year, the hotel elevates its legacy by launching a new sub-brand, Living in Linden, tailored for guests in search of the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and extended stays.
Crafted for the dynamic lifestyles of today, Living in Linden presents meticulously curated, fully furnished living spaces — from 40 sqm to 120 sqm in our one- to three-bedroom suites — that embody the essence of home while providing the luxurious benefits of a hotel. Guests who choose to stay longer benefit from weekly housekeeping, front desk secretarial support, and complete access to hotel amenities. Their stay allows them to concentrate on work, study, or simply lead an active lifestyle, with complimentary use of the gym and the all-weather indoor heated pool. At the same time, The Linden Suites manages everything else.
The Linden Suites boasts a prime location in the heart of Ortigas’ bustling business district, surrounded by shopping centres, hospitals, restaurants, and cafes. Living in Linden caters to professionals seeking a home, students chasing their academic aspirations, and young adults ready to embrace the vibrant city lifestyle.
The Linden Suites is evolving alongside its guests, and Living in Linden embodies this fresh perspective: a commitment to providing a warm, versatile environment that caters to the varied demands of today’s generation while prioritising space, comfort, and style. Crafted for ultimate flexibility and comfort, every space empowers guests to tailor their stay to perfectly align with their lifestyle.
Experience the ultimate comfort at The Linden Suites, where we invite you to make your life Linden with our exclusive rates designed specifically for extended stays. For any enquiries or to make reservations, connect with them on Facebook and Instagram @LivinginLinden, or reach out via phone at +632-56387878, +63917-1324108, or +63917-1356835.
In today’s fast-paced world, where many use their homes for both business and leisure, COBE Living is helping Filipino families design homes that are harmonious in form and function. Offering carefully selected items that elevate daily life, COBE Living has grown into more than simply a home store; it has become a reliable lifestyle companion.
Josephine Jeresano started COBE Living with a straightforward goal: to provide Filipino families with fashionable, high-quality necessities for the house. These days, people recognise the name when they think of high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally sound homeware, furniture, and décor. Every piece, from contemporary dining sets to elegant bathroom suites, is hand-picked to enhance both contemporary and traditional Filipino homes.
According to Jeresano of COBE Living, every home should tell the story of the individuals who live there, including their comfort and style. “Our products aren’t merely decorative; they’re functional tools for a better, more organised, and more pleasurable life.”
The minimalist, classic styles that the business promotes are perfect for any home because they allow personalisation without sacrificing the overall cohesiveness of the area. This practical elegance has captivated not only families but also interior designers, boutique hotels, dorms, spas, and resorts nationwide.
Customers can now shop for their favourite pieces anytime and anywhere, thanks to COBE Living’s strong online presence at www.cobeliving.store, which reflects the growing need for convenience. You can get your hands on the store’s high-quality items even if you’re not in Metro Manila because they offer countrywide delivery. As an example of its adaptability and dedication to serving a broader market, COBE Living offers bulk and custom solutions for enterprises in the hotel sector, in addition to retail.
One thing that makes COBE Living stand out is its commitment to providing affordable style and utility. Each item embodies the brand’s fundamental principles: elegance, cosiness, and dedication to elevating Filipino residences.
Inspiring every Filipino to create beautiful, meaningful homes that reflect who they are remains COBE Living’s driving vision as it continues to expand. COBE Living is not content to merely adorn houses; it actively contributes to the construction of homes with its enduring designs and top-notch craftsmanship.
Uratex, the country’s leading foam manufacturer and sleep solutions provider, reaffirmed its commitment to product quality, operational excellence, and long-term customer trust with a full-day tour of its flagship facility in Plaridel, Bulacan, and a celebration at RONAC Living Gallery in Mandaluyong. The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event honours the brand’s 17th straight Trusted Brand Award from Reader’s Digest.
Uratex Philippines hosted members of the media for a walkthrough of its largest and most technologically equipped facility in Plaridel, Bulacan. Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
The campaign highlights Uratex’s position as the nation’s leading maker of mattresses and foam products, emphasising that trust is gained not only through brand longevity but also through continuous daily execution across systems, teams, and customer touchpoints.
“Having been recognised as a trusted brand for 17 years is a meaningful affirmation for us,” stated Uratex’s managing director, Peachy Medina. “Trust is earned, and we think it’s built through how we serve people—whether it’s through the products we make, the service we give, or the promises we keep.”
Uratex, currently in its 57th year, remains a household name synonymous with innovation, comfort, and durability. The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event emphasises the brand’s basic values and its long-standing pledge of dependability towards Filipino families and institutions.
Mrs Natividad “Naty” Cheng – Uratex Philippines Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
“For over five decades, we’ve stood by our customers through comfort, quality, and care,” stated Mrs Natividad Cheng, Uratex’s CEO. “Trust is something we earn each night. And we are pleased that we continue to be a brand that Filipinos can trust.”
The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards are based on consumer surveys done in different Asian countries to assess opinions of brand trust, quality, value, and willingness to purchase. Uratex has achieved the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category for the past 17 years.
From left: Sheron White – Reader’s Digest Advertising and Retail Director for the Asia & Pacific Ressfgion, Natividad Cheng – Uratex Philippines Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Maricarl Garcia – Reader’s Digest Advertising Sales Director for the Philippines Uratex has received the Platinum Most Trusted Brand Award in in the mattress category for 17 consecutive years.
A closer look at Uratex’s operations
The day started with a tour of Uratex’s largest and most technologically advanced facility in Plaridel. The complex, which has been operational since 2000 and spans over 450,000 square meters, is critical to the company’s national manufacturing and distribution efforts.
The plant guided the guests through its major zones, starting with the section for producing foam blocks, which combines raw materials under strict quality norms. From there, the group proceeded to the curing and cutting stations, where newly created foam blocks were stabilised and shaped using automated technologies designed to maximise yields and limit material waste.
The fabrication, assembly, and packing departments demonstrated Uratex’s ongoing process efficiency advancements, particularly the recent inclusion of automated mattress assembly lines in 2023. The automated technologies enable increased production rates, assure uniform bonding across the numerous foam layers used in mattress layouts, and provide a smooth flow.
Guests also toured the company’s in-house product testing and research facility, where engineers and specialists undertake durability tests, density checks, and performance evaluations. These measures are an integral part of the company’s quality assurance program and are compliant with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
The warehousing and delivery sectors rounded out the trip, with modernised racking systems and organised loading zones to ensure the smooth movement of finished goods across the country.
Throughout the walkthrough, Uratex representatives emphasised how the company’s use of lean manufacturing, automation, and real-time monitoring technologies helped it meet volume and quality targets.
The facility employs more than 500 people, the majority of whom are involved in plant operations. The rest help with administration, engineering, warehousing, and quality assurance. Production runs in various shifts to accommodate national demand and support distribution throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“This is our opportunity to express gratitude and to reaffirm what we stand for,” Medina told the crowd. “We may be known for our foams and mattresses, but more than that, we want to be known for being reliable—whether you’re a customer, a partner, or a team member.”
Uratex also reaffirmed its ongoing expansion ambitions, including the construction of its distribution centre, which aims to increase capacity and improve delivery services at key locations. Future years are likely to see the publication of additional information.
We are celebrating our partners and milestones.
The Trusted Brand Recognition was held at the RONAC Lifestyle Centre in Mandaluyong, where the company conducted a program focused on dialogue, acknowledgement, and appreciation.
Mrs Cheng, Mr Eddie Gallor, executive vice president of automotive, and Mr William Lee, executive vice president of furniture and bedding, participated in a fireside talk that kicked off the event. Their debate revolved around Uratex’s strategy for operational integrity, leadership, and brand durability.
Uratex Philippines’ Pillars of Trust, top management, and its most trusted brand ambassadors and personality guests at the Tried, Tested, Trusted Media Event, which marks its 17th consecutive Trusted Brand Award from Reader’s Digest. From left: Hector Go – Manufacturing Director, John Rosagas – Uratex Group of Companies’ General Manager, Stephen Lee – Uratex Philippines PSleep Business Unit Director, Eddie Gallor – Uratex Philippines Executive Vice President for Automotive, Dindo Medina – Uratex Direct to Consumer Director, Atom Araullo – Filipino Broadcast Journalist and 2024 Reader’s Digest Platinum Awardee for Trusted TV Platform, Alyssa Valdez – Filipino Volleyball Player and 2025 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Sports Personality, Natividad “Naty” Cheng – Uratex Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pauleen Luna-Sotto – Filipino Actress and Host, Bigboy Cheng – DJ, Vlogger and Uratex Philippines PR Director, Janeena Chan – Filipino Actress and Host, Peachy Medina – Uratex Philippines Managing Director, William Lee – Uratex Philippines Executive Vice President for Furniture & Bedding, Christian “Kurt” Cheng – Uratex Philippines Junior Category Manager
Medina then delivered a statement in which he stressed the values that guide the company’s course, as well as the necessity of honouring the trust placed in them by customers, partners, and communities.
Uratex also recognised its most trusted partners, including the Philippine Orthopaedic Association and the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, for their ongoing collaboration in improving sleep health and standards.
Before presenting Uratex with its 17th Most Trusted Brand Award in the mattress category, Reader’s Digest defined the award’s standards. Mrs Cheng accepted the prize on behalf of the company and delivered a heartfelt speech.
“For almost five decades, we have worked tirelessly to provide Filipino families with quality and care. Receiving this prize again is quite special”. It’s a reminder that our work matters and that we must always uphold the trust placed in us,” she said.
Trust via execution.
The “Tried, Tested, Trusted” event highlights Uratex’s operational backbone. With over six decades of sustained development, the brand’s foundation is still based on product quality, service reliability, and long-term partnerships with customers and communities.
Medina stated that, while honours and achievements are causes for celebration, work continues every day on the company floor, in distribution channels, and in homes across the country.
From left: Janeena Chan – Filipino Actress and Host, Alyssa Valdez – Filipino Volleyball Player and 2025 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Sports Personality, Pauleen Luna-Sotto – Actress and Host, Atom Araullo – Filipino Broadcast Journalist and 2024 Reader’s Digest Platinum Awardee for Trusted TV Platform, Bigboy Cheng – DJ, Vlogger and Uratex Philippines PR Director
“What we do every day is really about helping people sleep better, live better, and trust that we’re here for the long run,” she told me. “That trust is not something we take for granted—it’s what pushes us to do better every day.”
Uratex approaches 2025 with a renewed focus on manufacturing innovation, nationwide accessibility, and strengthening its guarantee of trust for future generations.
Collect Limited-Edition Sticker Surprises
