Operation Smile Turns 30 via "Journey Home"


Operation Smile Philippines (OSP) Singing Ambassador, Chadleen Lacdo-o, Ms. Universe 2011 3rd runner-up and OSP Ambassador Shamcey Supsup, former cleft lip patient Angel and joaquin E. Quintos IV, Chairman OSP Board of Trustees 


"Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone." - Michael Jackson


Kathleen S. Magee and Dr. William P. Magee

It has been thirty wonderful and amazing years since the kind-hearted couple Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a registered nurse, participated in an event that would forever change their lives - and the lives of thousands of children around the world. They were co-founders of Operation Smile, an international children's medical charity that has originated here in our very own country, the Philippines, specifically in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol region. 





In 1982, the Magees together with their group of medical volunteers set foot here in the Philippines for the first time to repair children's cleft lips ans cleft palates. Haven't been able to treat all the patients and families that had come before them, they felt the need and inspired them to make a promise to return to help more children thus, Operation Smile was born. 



Today, Operation Smile has grown, conducting surgical missions in over 60 countries with a global network of more than 5,000 volunteers from 80 countries. It has provided over two million comprehensive health care evaluations and over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with clefts, of which more than 24,000 are Filipinos. 


Mr. Joaquin Quintos 

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Operation Smile International, it has once again returned to the Philippines via the program "Journey Home." “It is indeed a very significant move for OSI (Operation Smile International) to celebrate the organization’s 30th year here in the Philippines. We are privileged and honored to host ‘The Journey Home’,” says Joaquin Quintos, chairman of Operation Smile Philippines (OSP), the in-country organization of OSI. 


Mr. Roberto Manzano speaking during the event


Operation Smile’s “The Journey Home” is a series of medical missions that seeks to change a child’s life by conducting free surgery to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. “It is touching how the mother organization OSl continues to give back to the country where it began. It is truly a fitting tribute to the country and the Filipinos are equally grateful for this,” says Roberto Manzano, OSP president and executive director.

Here's the "Journey Home" Medical Mission Schedule




Board of Trustees
Operation Smile Philippines






                                                                                                                                
"It's both our responsibility and delight to come together and thank the Filipinos for inspiring the birth of Operation Smile,” says Dr. Magee, co-founder and executive chairman of Operation Smile, Inc., the mother organization headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. 

The program "Journey Home" was launched just recently at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila. it was a well-attended event that known personalities, business tycoons, political figures, medical professionals, commoners and media people gathered and united to join and express full support to this humble program in order to promote the mission and vision that the Operation Smile International had been gearing for. 

Ms. Shamcey Supsup 


Ms. Janine Mari Tugonon


Chadleen Lacdo-o 


Present in the said event were Ms. Universe 2011 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup, reigning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2012 Janine Mari Tugonon and Chadleen Lacdo-o, former cleft palate patient of Operation Smile turned singer and had been supporting the foundation in its various projects and activities in and out of the country. She performed with one of the world’s renowned singer-song writer, Mr. David Pomeranz in his concert tour nationwide last Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, 2009 in a three-city benefit concert tour entitled “In Our Hands," and was recently qualified in the the nationwide competition "Kanta Pilipinas." The three ladies pose as Smile Ambassadors of Operation Smile Philippines. 


Mr. Ramon R. Isberto with Ms. Shamcey Supsup during the event


Also present in the said momentous event was Mr. Ramon R. Isberto who is the concurrent Public Affairs Head of thePhilippines’ biggest telecommunications firm, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and its wholly-owned wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications Inc. 


We've viewed a very heartfelt AVP during the event which I'd like to share with all of you and it's entitled

"A Smile Changes Everything"


Here's another one, this is a short AVP but it also conveys truthful and very touching message...


"Beggar" 



This young and very innocent kid in the "Beggar" video was Angel 


And this is Angel today after her miraculous 45-minutes operation. Angel was such a sweet baby.


I've signed my vow of support to the foundation hoping that by this simple blog of mine, could reach and touch the hearts of many and extend their helping hand to those in need. In that way, we'll be able to change more lives... we can do this, we can change the world. 


It will take as little as 45 minutes to create a smile...
and change someone's life forever.




"Operation Smile" is also made possible by the following generous sponsors: 



"Operation Smile" is set to conduct 10 missions in 9 different sites across the country for 3 weeks participated in by a thousand volunteers from 30 countries for its homecoming.

To find out more about Operation Smile’s “The Journey Home,” call (632) 811-9737 or email info@operationsmile.org.ph.

Please do like operationsmilephils on Facebook and follow @OpSmilePhil on Twitter. 










































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@ANCalerts goes on air along with New Niche Talk Shows on ANC


ANC anchors Tony Velasquez, Coco Alcuaz, Warren de Guzman, Karmina Constantino, Lexi Schulze, Phoemela Baranda, Ron Cruz, TJ Manotoc, and Boyet Sison at the presscon


We've all been glued to watching and tracking the live coverage of the "Coronaserye" as Ms. Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs tagged it hihihi, funny but true isn't it? The Chief Justice Corona impeachment trial had ran for 44 days and it started last January 16, 2012 until May 29, 2012. It was a "trending" topic (#cjontrial) in every household, establishments, social networks and all forms of media and was even labeled like a "teleserye" or a "reality tv" program.


Senator-judges Franklin Drilon (L) and Jinggoy Estrada in light moments during the CJ Corona trial in the Senate pool. (Photo by Junny Roy, abs-cbnnews.com)


Chief Justice Renato Corona was getting emotional as he speaks of his testimony during his trial 
(Photo by Joseph Vidal, abs-cbnnews.com)


The most trusted cable news channel, ANC had carried live, uninterrupted coverage of the said impeachment trial. But it doesn't end there - starting this Monday, June 11, 2012, ANC will be launching new afternoon programs and niche primetime talk shows which will start with the daily 30-minute newscasts "News Now," slated at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.


Ron Cruz (Twitter: @donronX )

The "all-around news guy," Ron Cruz, anchor of the news and talk program "Mornings@ANC," will kickstart the newscast by presenting major national, business and foreign news.


Coco Alcuaz (Twitter: @cocoalcuaz )

And for those business-minded and interested about stock exchange, ANC business news head Coco Alcuaz will be presenting at 3 p.m. over "News Now," with a rundown on major news developments, business stories, updates on Asian markets and live interviews from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).


Warren de Guzman (Twitter: @wddeguzman )

Don't be deceived by Warren de Guzman's boyish looks huh, I know that he was recently listed as the 8th Cutest Talking Head in Philippine TV, but once you get to watch him and talk to him, he's so motivated and oh! boy, he really means business. He'll be delivering updates from PSE trading floor as well.


Karmina Constantino (Twitter: @ConstantKC )

The ever-lovely and sweet persona Karmina Constantino or KC will be delivering the biggest national and regional stories in the country, she'll be handling reports from ABS-CBN bureaus around the world in "The Bureau," to better serve Filipinos worldwide.


Boyet Sison (Twitter: @BoyetJSison )

To complete the cast for "News Now," it's "Hardball" host Mr. Boyet Sison will be delivering not sports updates but the hourly weather updates and forecasts. During the presscon, Mr. Sison had even made it clear to us that he's not a meteorologist (he was sounding funny) it's just that, he's so proud to share that they have one of the most advanced modality for weather forecasting. Mr. Boyet Sison is Boyet "Season" for his co-anchors, that's what they tag him now :)) I remember him saying, "We just have to take the weather seriously, and we've been doing that, for a long time." Lexi Schulze, from the Goyena showbiz clan, will be giving the latest buzz and trends from the social media team.


TJ Manotoc (Twitter: @tjmanotoc )


Lexi Schulze (Twitter: @LexiSchulze )

As of this writing, @ANCALERTS has already reached almost 454,000 followers. It started the news channel's influential Twitter account, and it's but high time and justifiable that ANC should launch the country's first-of-its kind social media news program. "@ANCALERTS" will be anchored by one of the influential tweeps, sports buff TJ Manotoc and Lexi Schulze. The show covers the hottest social media buzz, user-generated content, "Bayan Mo, iPatrol" stories, and real time feedback from ANC viewers on weekdays at 4:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, ANC will beef up its Wednesday primetime offering with premium back-to-back niche talk shows on business and science and technology. “Inside Business,” which will be anchored by Coco Alcuaz, will present insightful and significant business news discussions and dissect headline-hitting business developments airing on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Tony Velasquez (Twitter: @KakanTuring )

“Primetime on ANC” and “Top Story” anchor Tony Velasquez will also launch a revitalized “Future Perfect” as a 30-minute science and technology show with features on the latest inventions, gadgets, and technological advances, and one-on-one interviews with Filipino inventors and science geniuses. The program will air at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. And during the presscon, Mr. Tony expressed his support to the idea of Solar energy and hopes that more countries will be convinced to adopt this method. 

Phoemela Baranda (Twitter: @phoemelabaranda )

ANC welcomes entertainment reporter Phoemela Baranda as the new host of "Cityscape," one of my fave shows, because it is serves as our guide to the hippest food establishments, fashion trends, weekend getaways and hottest events in and out of the metro, oh my so likable! It airs on Fridays at 9:30 p.m.
Stay tuned to ANC (SkyCable Channel 27) for breaking news and relevant information. Watch “News Now” and "The Bureau" on weekday afternoons, “Inside Business” at 7 p.m. and “Future Perfect” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and “Cityscape” at 9:30 p.m. on Fridays only from the country's real, first and only 24/7 news channel.
Beyond TV "We can change the way you get the news"

Please do like ANCalerts on Facebook and follow @ancalerts on Twitter
Special thanks to Flow Galindez of www.angsawariko.com for everything. :))













































































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Meet the UNIQLO Philippines Cast






UNIQLO reveals the Filipino faces to exemplify it’s MADE FOR ALL Philosophy.
UNIQLO, the global apparel brand from Japan announces the complete Cast of highly admired Filipino personalities to embody its MADE FOR ALL Philosophy. MADE FOR ALL is the UNIQLO brand philosophy that captures the company‟s vision of providing casual clothing that is made for all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or any other ways that define an individual. The “UNIQLO Cast” plays a vital role in creating a bridge between the UNIQLO brand and the heart of every Filipino.

Chris Tiu, Iza Calzado, Chito Miranda and Nikki Gil are the faces of UNIQLO in the Philippines. UNIQLO believes that the Filipino Cast members exemplify the MADE FOR ALL philosophy in their own daily lives. Each cast personifies different characters – sporty, fun, witty, serious, spontaneous -- bringing out their own individualities. Despite these differences, they find a piece in UNIQLO that suits their distinct preference. Through Chris, Iza, Chito and Nikki, UNIQLO trusts that Filipinos will identify themselves in every product offering that the brand is set to bring to the Philippines.

“We are happy that the UNIQLO Cast is finally revealed. We believe that they will be able to communicate UNIQLO‟s brand message and philosophy—„MADE FOR ALL‟—with such zeal and passion, our objective is to let Filipinos know that UNIQLO has clothes for every individual – no matter who they are, what they love or where they are from.. As we say in the company, there is a UNIQLO for everyone,” explains Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, during the sidelights of the UNIQLO Cast Party.

The announcement of the four members of the “UNIQLO Cast” serves as a showcase of UNIQLO‟s preparations leading up to the opening of the very first UNIQLO store in the Philippines this coming June 15, 2012, at the 2nd floor of the Main Building, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Chris, Iza, Chito and Nikki will be seen in the upcoming advertisements of UNIQLO in the Philippines.Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu, or “Chris Tiu,” is a true sports figure, an inspiration for education (with two college degrees), he hosts, does commercial modeling and product endorsements, and also has his own business-all these while projecting a wholesome image.

Maria Izadora “Iza” Ussher Calzado is what you call a “triple treat:” can act, dance and sometimes sing. She is part of ABS-CBN‟s impressive roster of talents and is a co-host of ABS-CBN‟s hugely popular Sunday noontime show ASAP.

Funny and witty, Alfonso “Chito” Miranda is a singer-songwriter, the main man of Parokya ni Edgar, a funk rock/alternative group that made ripples in the early 90s music scene. Their group gave Filipino rock music a truly unique sound that was loved by many Filipino music fans regardless of socio-economic status and age.

After singing the TV ad jingle of a popular softdrinks brand, there was no stopping Monica Pauline “Nikki” Gil from conquering local showbusiness. She loves hosting, singing, acting in movies and now even in theater. She is also a staunch protector of the environment and a popular product endorser just like Chris Tiu.
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I LOVE GLOBE ❤!!!


Why do I love Globe? Or I guess it would be more aptly stated as "What are the reasons why I love Globe?"

Global Power

When you want to reach out to everyone, most especially your loved ones and the people that you care to the farthest place possible, you can really depend on the Global Power of Globe. Be it personal or business matters, Globe is very much reliable that it reaches out, connects and stands out in so many ways. 

Limitless Connection

Ever since I had my very first mobile phone, I've known no other telecommunications network that gives Limitless Connection and for me, Globe is the most likable network and less-likely to lead us astray. Why? Because Globe always sees to it that we're in the right path, with powerful connection and provides the full service possible. Globe utilizes LTE, the most advanced 4G technology capable of blazing data speeds therefore with Globe, nobody and no one will go haywire, trust me. :))

Official Network

I don't wanna sound boastful or rude but no offense meant to other networks huh,  I just believe and I'm pretty much sure that majority of the Filipino users would agree with me to the very obvious fact that Globe is the Official Network in the Philippines! It has more than 25 million subscribers with 650,000 wireline and broadband users. And I'm so glad and proud to say that I'm one of them! :))

Boundless Modernization

I am very much confident about my network and I know that they are pursuing great efforts in building and creating Boundless Modernization of their systems to be able to render us, their subscribers and broadband users, the optimum service range and most advanced network. To cope up with our modern digital and virtual settings, endless technological improvements, widening and boosting are prioritized in their platforms.


Experience

Be it extreme, exclusive and extraordinaire, Globe prepaid subscribers like me and my family enjoy much of Globe's services and promos. Have you watched Sarah Geronimo, Gerald Anderson and Vice Ganda's newest Globe TVC? It's "Go Play with Globe prepaid *143#," it encourages us to punch those figures on our mobile phones to call request and then you'll discover Globe's amazing offerings wherein you can choose (Item no.1) and make your own promo for as low as P5. 

Being an avid texter and an "on the go" person, I'm lovin' and enjoyin' much the ALLNET combo (Item no. 3). Once you're subscribed (Item no. 1) to this, you'll experience UnliTxt (Unlimited text) to ALL netwroks (Oh my!); 10 minutes calls to ALL networks (this is really something!) and 50 minutes calls to Globe/ TM for only P25 in one day, OMG! 

Here's a TIP for you guys...if you opted to subscribe for 1 whole week which is equivalent to 7 days, it would only cost you P150 instead of P175, isn't that such a great deal?! And if you're thinking about your combo status, worry no more 'cause you'll get your answers as soon as you punch those specific numbers, you'll see... :)) So, what are you waiting for? Go lang ng Go! Let's go with Globe!!! 

"Go Play with globe Prepaid *143#" TVC



Just wanna share you two of the exclusive experiences I had with Globe, I used to appear in several Globe's TVCs as a talent. This video was released last 2009 with the title "Sa Globe Abot Mo Ang Mundo." If you'll notice, in the video thumbnail, I was the one wearing the blue top in the picture frame ...


"Sa Globe Abot Mo Ang Mundo" TVC




and here's the screen capture of one of the tvc's scenes...
That's me from your right holding an orange fan, hahaha so sorry for the blurry capture :)


Next is the "Hospital" Globe TVC released last 2010

Globe Telecom TVC "Hospital"




Here's the screen capture...

Again, I was at the background hahaha, notice the girl back there eating while talking? hahaha that's sooo me. ;P 

And this time, I am hoping and been wanting to experience participating in one of Globe's special events. 
See? There's a bunch of valuable experiences we could get from Globe, that's why, I wanna shout out and let the world know...

I LOVE GLOBE ❤!!! 


Visit www.globe.com.ph and do like them on Facebook and follow on @enjoyGLOBE 

Special thanks to my blogger-friend Mr. Richard Mamuyac of www.mapanghingikaba.blogspot.com



























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Golf Your Way To Father's Day at Marriott Manila


This June, we share our own fun way to uniquely indulge every great leader of the family—our dads! At Marriott Manila, we ensure that we’re the perfect venue to celebrate his life and love through golf.

Since it’s another event that deserves a grand blow out, food is always the first thing to consider especially for the man who takes time to enjoy family, hobby, and a good meal of course. If thinking where to eat on his special day, it would be great to consider a venue where dad can enjoy a hole-in-one treat from dining, accommodation, plus his love for golf!

Wake up the whole family a little earlier and head to Marriott Café for a taste of our most-talked about Sunday Brunch. Needless to say, there’s just something so endearing about a brunch especially at Marriott Café which has set the bar on the way we brunch—cozy, comforting, and basically has everything to satisfy an ever-fickle taste buds. For only P2, 500 net, the whole family is in to be treated with a spread that is purely gourmet. You cant’ go wrong with executive chef Meik Brammer’s 17 stations, featuring its newest additions such as oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, homemade pasta, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor.

Foie Gras

Plus, Cru Steakhouse also incorporates its specialties such as Angus beef rib eye, strip loin steak, grilled fish, squid and veggies--which of course, every meat lover dad should never pass up! If you’re family is a fan of big, tender, and tasty slabs of steaks, you must have heard about our Cru. Our well marbled, precious steak slices that are usually saved up for special occasions can now be gorged limitless and enough to suffice the price for this brunch. And who would’ve thought that a martini bar is such as pleasure to enjoy this time of they day? With these well-crafted cocktails and great mixes, it will surely set the stage for dad’s extra special event.  Plus, our chocolate room that spells decadence is brimming with assorted chocolates and rich cake choices is always worth saving up the space for. Whether it’s for the romantic mom and dad or sweet-toothed siblings, this corner is bound to let you experience a taste of heaven.  And if you haven’t tasted just yet our sensational homemade gelato, it’s the best time to savor every flavor,  especially the famous Ferrero! 

What’s amazing with dads is that, they love all sort of action-packed bonding experience, especially if it’s a golf game. That’s why while enjoying brunch, an indoor putting station awaits all families that is guaranteed to bring fun and can make any family closer than ever. Make sure to bring out the best putt for a chance to win Marriott Manila gift certificates such as overnight stay, Java+, Marriott Café buffet, golf lessons, and freebies when dad makes it hole-in-one.

But if your goal is to surprise dad with a most romantic kind of date, book for a Cru Steakhouse dinner. For this occasion, sous chef Redj Casanova takes it up a notch with a special Father’s Day 4-course menu: Crispy soft shell crab salad, cream of chicken veloute, grilled grain fed Australian rib eye or pan roasted salmon fillet, and dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s ice cream--all at P4, 000 net.  And since it’s a day to be extra lavish, might as well consider treating him with a wine-by-the-glass which can add a wine tasting dimension to a meal. With its welcoming yet sophisticated fine dining vibe coupled by Cru’s personalized flair of service, dad will surely feel an amazing king of the day experience that he’ll probably talk about for years.

Another hands-down way to reward a hard working head of the family is by taking him at the Quan Spa, where he’s in to experience a whole new way to wholeness and wellness. Featuring Pevonia Detox massage for only P5, 950 net, this two-hour treatment is designed for distressing, detoxifying, and toning while taking away toxins and impurities of the body. This revered treatment for two hours is using Pevonia’s seaweed wrap teeming with nourishing extracts, guaranteed to revive and refresh a tired body. 

A grueling first half of the year deserves a much-awaited break, and kicking back with your family sounds heavenly. Why not take them at Marriott Manila and avail of the mid-year bonus room package? For only P9, 888++ per night when staying for two nights, the deluxe room accommodation is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two—and an extra 3rd night for free plus a double Marriott Rewards points!

Who said that crafting a special event like this would be such a pain? At Marriott Manila, we offer a simple formula for an occasion that is worth remembering while getting out of the traditional.
  
For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

About Marriott Hotel Manila

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and  Bonifacio  Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.





















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The delightful goodness of Gardenia Pandesal

Waking up with the wafting aroma of pandesal will surely bring back many fond memories. Who can forget dipping and dunking this soft bun into a fresh cup of coffee or chocolate drink before relishing it? Some even enjoy pandesal with condensed milk, especially when the thick milk starts to ooze out from the bread and the urgent need to catch and lick it before it spills on the floor. Simple yet delicious treat.    

Among the breads in the Philippines, pandesal is undoubtedly the king as it is an important part of our tradition and culture. Recognizing the need of Filipino consumers for high quality pandesal, Gardenia has made its own version of pandesal using world-class standards to ensure utmost quality in both taste and appearance.

Aside from bringing back happy memories, enjoying the delightful goodness of Gardenia pandesal is always a pleasurable experience.

So how does the Gardenia Pandesal experience start?

It begins the minute you pull one out of a pack—the smell of deliciousness and freshness. You’d almost instantly want to savor on its delightful flavor. The first bite is another story, experiencing the delectable taste the moment you sink your teeth onto its crusty outside yet blissfully soft inside.     

One more distinctive attribute of Gardenia pandesal is its delicious hot or not. It’s disappointing when the bread you heated becomes hard as a stone when you take it off from the oven. But with Gardenia, consumers are assured that the pandesal will remain tasty, filling and appetizing even after heating or re-heating it, just like the moment you bought it from the supermarket.  

Whether with scrambled eggs, fried spam or hotdog, ham, peanut butter, coconut jam, plain good butter or just by itself, Gardenia pandesal could be consumed during breakfast, merienda in the afternoon or late in the evening since it can stay fresh and soft longer, making Gardenia a sure-fire and practical choice for consumers. Plus, Gardenia Pandesal is packed with vitamins and minerals, a bit of news that would certainly bring a smile to Mommies’ faces since they know that every bite of Gardenia Pandesal is good for their kids’ health and nutritional needs.

Consumers are also assured that Gardenia observed strict quality control in the production of its bread products, giving Mommies peace of mind. 

For Mommies who want to whip up something for their kids’ merienda or baon that they can enjoy once they go back to school, try making your own by adding tomato sauce and their favorite toppings to an open-faced pandesal and pop it in the oven for that instant, home-made pizza! For office workers, grab a bottle of your favorite soda—or again with coffee—together with Gardenia pandesal for that quick yet tasty break time treat. Longing for palaman for your pandesal, you could always use any savory left-over food from the refrigerator.

To know more about the delicious Gardenia Pandesal and its other bread products, visit www.gardenia.com.ph

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