7-Eleven Philippines is offering a new twist to the popular pao with the launch of Pizza Pao. Consumers now can enjoy both popular merienda dishes in one product. Pizza Pao is available at 7-Eleven Luzon store for only PHP 36.
7-Eleven Singapore has collaborated with Kerry to encourage consumers to customise their own 7Café beverages with DaVinci Gourmet capsules. Previously, we have seen Kerry offering Wellmune Boost stick that provides 250mg of yeast-beta glucan to help improve general immune health and maintain overall physical health.
The latest partnership allows consumers to create their own Hazelnut Chocolate by adding a Hazelnut capsule to their Hot or Iced Chocolate at just SGD0.30. Alternatively, they can add a pleasant twist to their Iced Latte with the Caramel capsule.
Thailand’s Srinanaporn Marketing Public Company Limited (SNNP), the maker of Jele, has partnered with Nestle to launch a new ready-to-drink jelly drink featuring Nestea. The new product offers a refreshing taste of Neste in two flavours – the classic lemon and pomegranate. The new products high in vitamin C are available exclusively at 7-Eleven.
The Malaysian artisanal soft drink company The Tapping Tapir has unveiled its latest Christmas collection – HO HO HO Yum Cherry Xmas and HO HO HO Cool Merry Xmas. The Tapping Tapir’s Christmas flavour for this year is Cherry & Vanilla.
The limited edition Cherry & Vanilla Light comes in a 325ml can and contains sparkling water, cane sugar, cherry, vanilla, citric acid and steviol glycoside (stevia leaf extract).
Green Spot, the producer of Vitamilk, has launched Vitamilk Double Milk in the Philippines. Vitamilk Double Milk is a blended product featuring soy and milk to offer consumers with a smoother, creamier and more delicious taste.
Right now, the soy milk category is moving into two directions. First, the category is eliminating cow’s milk and other animal-sourced proteins to become 100% plant-based or vegan friendly to be in line with the plant-based trend. Another approach, which is where Vitamilk Double Milk comes in, is to combine soy milk with the benefits of cow’s milk with a focus on taste and health. Both approaches have their own merits.
Vitamilk Double Milk is described as an “all-natural soy milk that’s delicious, nutritious, and packed with protein and other vitamins and minerals that are good for the body.”
Shah Alam, 7 December 2021 – No one could have prepared us for the whirlwind of change over the last two years. Between the frequently changing SOPs and a virus that does not stop mutating, we’ve been kept on our toes constantly. But humans are resilient, we are wired to adapt. And we have done exactly that; we’ve learned and evolved. It may not seem like much, especially if most of our time was spent working from home and ordering in, but let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture and all we’ve accomplished.
A new conversation about mental health
Mental health has always been a hush-hush topic, particularly in Asian cultures. In fact, some still believe it to be “all in the head”. But when the Ministry of Health Malaysia [via its psychosocial support hotline] receives distress calls, 85.5 per cent of which were related to mental health issues, the topic of mental illness needs to emerge from its taboo status. And it has.
It seems that political leaders too are acknowledging mental health and social well-being as a fundamental foundation for society to thrive. In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 on the 10th of September, Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, spoke about the need to remove the stigma against people with mental illness.
In addition to addressing mental health issues, we are also instilling a greater sense of empathy. For instance, business leaders are more understanding and flexible towards working parents who are navigating through these uncertain times. It goes without saying, the pandemic is cultivating higher emotional intelligence in our society.
If you are feeling lonely, in distress or having suicidal thoughts, please do not hesitate to call Befrienders which offers confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day. You can contact Befrienders via their phone hotline at 03-7956 8145. For Covid-19 psychosocial support, call 03-2935 9935. You can also choose to reach out to WhatsApp Talian Kasih at 019-2615 999, or the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) at 1-800-820066 (24/7), or Office: 03-7932 1409.
Bridging the digital gap
Remember when parents asked for children’s help with IT related issues? As a result of mandatory work-from-home, these same parents are now equipped with their own laptops and a much better understanding of digital lingo. Although some may argue that they have too much access to the internet (Yes, we’re looking at you serial messengers who mass forward articles without verifying if the facts are from official sources).
The digital gap is still an issue that exists, but the pandemic has given us the opportunity to encourage the digital stragglers to make that leap. In a world which we continue to evolve digitally, everyone needs to have basic knowledge of today’s technology in order to keep up and keep in contact with loved ones; and the pandemic has given us that. While the pandemic kept many of us apart from loved ones physically, we learned new ways of connecting digitally, and in some cases more frequently than ever before, ultimately adapting to a whole new way of living.
Think: work from home. The idea of remote work in a corporate setting was unheard of. You either worked eight hours in the office or you were a freelancer. But the pandemic forced us to work from home. What else could companies do? They had to adapt to this change by educating employees and providing them with the tools to work from home. It was a bumpy ride at first, but everyone has got the hang of it now. Many corporates have indicated that ‘hybrid’ working is now here to stay.
Once the domain of Millennials and Gen Z, online shopping was pushed into mainstream during the pandemic. Malaysians have become much more comfortable shopping online to minimise contact, save travel time and for sheer convenience, and this trend will continue post-pandemic. In fact, consumers today can do all their errands digitally – groceries, finances, you name it; and this is forcing a lot of businesses to adapt to these new norms too.
Hobbies turned Lifelong careers
“It started off as a hobby.” This is the case for most start-ups or side hustles. During the pandemic, people had more time to explore new hobbies. According to the Gardenia ‘Wellness Begins at Home’ Survey, one of the top three skills respondents picked up during the MCO was cooking and baking. Here, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the role of the local media who generously amplified visibility for small businesses under movements like #sapotlokal. Thanks to the shareability of news on digital platforms, the news generated by the media helped these entrepreneurs put food on the table for their families and not to mention, for the rest of us, satisfying the cravings of our inner foodie.
Laughter is the best medicine, they say. So last year, during the first week of MCO 1.0, Facebook account, ‘Masak Apa Tak Jadi Hari Ni Official’ started sharing her failed cooking efforts in an attempt to cheer people up. In just 10 days this Facebook account gained over a million followers, with many sharing their own cooking disasters.
While Norlaila Dollah-Ahmed, owner of ‘Masak Apa Tak Jadi Hari Ni Official’, created the account just for laughs, others decided to turn their hobbies into small businesses. There’s been a surge in home-run bakeries and food businesses to cater for the ever-increasing demands since the lockdown.
Finding alternatives
While Covid-19 has resulted in many small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) shutting down, some have come back even stronger. More and more Malaysians are finding alternatives to approach their businesses. Entrepreneurs turned to social media to sell accessories, preloved clothes, home-cooked foods, hand-crafted items, and a plethora of other things.
People found that starting their businesses in this way helped gauge their success at a low cost. There was not a need to pay for overheads like commercial rent or utilities as most of these businesses started off in their own homes.
Being avid users of smartphones, most of these entrepreneurs simply had to tap into their social media skills to sell their products. People created accounts on Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok to talk about their products. It reached customers at a lower cost than brick-and-mortar outlets.
Gardenia KL continues to stand in support of the nation as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. In conjunction with World Mental Health week 2021, findings from the Gardenia ‘Wellness Begins at Home’ Survey were discussed over a live forum hosted on @GardeniaKL’s Facebook with celebrity mental health activist and Patron of MIASA, Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim; mental health activist and MIASA President, Anita Abu Bakar; and Gardenia KL, Corporate Affairs and Public Relations General Manager, Hazlinah Harun. The discussion covered the impact of the pandemic on Malaysians, tips for a healthier lifestyle and many more.
If you missed it, don’t worry! You can still watch the discussion on Gardenia KL’s Facebook page: https://fb.watch/8Lrd_rysnb/
Guinness adds a dash of magic to the festive season by inviting fans to celebrate time together with loved ones, just like it was before
KUALA LUMPUR, 9th December 2021: Christmas celebrations for the past two years have been rather different for everyone. While the tradition of sharing gifts and love lived on despite being far away from one another, there is nothing quite like the spirit of celebrating the festive season and being merry in the presence of our loved ones.
Guinness, Malaysia’s favourite stout1, wants to remind drinkers that time spent together is the best gift we can give our loved ones this Christmas. In an effort to amplify the festive spirit as Guinness lovers reconnect with one another again, the brand provides a platform to enable its drinkers to share a meaningful Christmas with their loved ones – all while enjoying a smooth, cold and creamy Guinness.
This year, fans who want to take their Christmas celebration up a notch with their loved ones stand to win an exclusive Guinness Christmas gift via the brand’s latest social media contest HERE. All they have to do is share a throwback picture or video of them spending Christmas with loved ones and tell Guinness why they need a Guinness Christmas this year. Their submissions will be complete when they tag @GuinnessMY and include the hashtag #GuinnessXmas on either Instagram or Facebook platforms.
“Guinness is all about bringing loved ones together to celebrate the joyous moments. When dine-ins were allowed again, we welcomed our loyal drinkers back to bars by giving away about 3,300 FREE freshly tapped Guinness’ to commemorate their wait to have the first sip of Guinness Draught again. Now, to keep the celebrations going, we’re inviting them to have a Guinness Christmas by celebrating their precious time together with loved ones, just like they did before. With Guinness, their joyous occasion will have a dash of magic to it,” said Shaun Lim, Marketing Manager of Guinness Malaysia.
From now until mid-December, up to five winners will be selected weekly to share a Guinness Christmas with their loved ones. Up for grabs are exclusive Guinness Christmas dinner for five pax at Makhan by Kitchen Mafia, a comedy night at Crackhouse Comedy Club for five pax, an exclusive Guinness cookbook for those who want to bring something different to the table this Christmas, as well as a cosy Christmas movie night for five pax at Aurum Theatre, The Gardens Mall.
“We all have a different take on festive celebrations. Some look forward to tasting a Christmas feast – be it a home-cooked meal or at their favourite restaurants, while others might prefer an intimate movie night with their loved ones as they enjoy each other’s company. Celebrations with loved ones, however, also go hand-in-hand with laughter and that special festive cheer. As such, we are looking forward to gifting our fans a Guinness Christmas that they can cherish for years to come,” Lim continued.
Guinness and all related activities are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. Guinness Malaysia advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive. For more information, visit Guinness Malaysia’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia and www.instagram.com/guinnessmy.
With the wholesomeness of Wheat, Barley, Flaxseed, Oat, and Quinoa
Singapore, 9 December 2021 – Wake up to start your power-packed day with a delightfully nutritious breakfast with the brand-new MAGNOLIA Plus Low Fat Hi Cal Milk with Multigrains by F&N. Made with fresh milk and a unique blend of supergrains – wheat, barley, flaxseed, oat and quinoa. The invigoratingly nutritious and delicious beverage also contains a host of other nutrients for those in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
A host of benefits are known to be derived from the wholesome and delicious blend of super grains – fibre being the most outstanding benefit derived from such grains. According to HealthHub1, fibre is important for a healthier diet and provides a slew of benefits such as contributing towards regular bowel movements, weight management, control of blood sugar levels, lowering of cholesterol levels which may lead to a lower risk of heart diseases. Dietary fibre may also help you maintain a healthier weight as the bulk from fibre keeps you feeling fuller longer and prevents overeating.
MAGNOLIA Plus Low Fat Hi Cal Milk with Multigrains is accompanied with the goodness of prebiotics called inulin which is imperative for digestive health. Studies on inulin and its benefits in humans have also shown that it is crucial in promoting the growth of good bacteria to maintain a healthy digestive system2.
While inulin, like other dietary fibres, has been shown to promote regularity, researchers have also postulated that inulin and other fibres have potential health benefits that include improving or maintaining colon health as a prebiotic, lowering cholesterol and glucose, increasing the absorption of minerals, particularly calcium, and improving immune function3.
MAGNOLIA Plus Low Fat Hi Cal Milk with Multigrains contains 9.3g of dietary fibre per cup which is equivalent to fibre in four slices of wholemeal bread, served with lower sugar and lower saturated fat, and carries the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) accorded by the Health Promotion Board (HPB). It also contains vitamin D3 which assists the body in the absorption of calcium for building and keeping strong bones.
It is available at the Recommended Selling Price (RSP) of S$4.50 in a 1-litre pack and S$2.60 in a 500ml pack at most supermarkets, hypermarkets, and participating retails outlets. For more information, please visit www.magnolia.com.sg.
Footnotes:
1 High Fibre for a Fit and Fabulous You, HealhHub.sg, Ministry of Health: https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1049/more-fibre-for-a-fit-and-fabulous-you
2 Inulin Studies in Humans: Overview of Health Benefits, US Pharm. 2006;10:109: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/inulin-studies-in-humans-overview-of-health-benefits
3 Inulin Studies in Humans: Overview of Health Benefits: https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/inulin-studies-in-humans-overview-of-health-benefits
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 December 2021 – Netflix Fans, this is for you! 7-Eleven Malaysia has organized the Netflix Buy & Win Contest that runs nationwide from now until 26 December 2021 with exciting prizes up for grabs.
All you have to do is purchase any Netflix gift card at 7-Eleven, snap a clear picture of the receipt and then scan the QR code to stand a chance to win RM35,000 worth of prizes. Every purchase of RM55 Netflix gift card entitles you to one entry, and every purchase of the RM100 Netflix gift card entitles you to three entry submissions.
Better yet, there is no limit to the number of times you can enter the contest! So, what are you waiting for? Increase your chances of being one of the 14 lucky winners by heading over to your nearest 7-Eleven stores to purchase your Netflix gift card now!
For more information on the Netflix Buy & Win contest and full terms and conditions, please visit www.7eleven.com.my or follow 7-Eleven Malaysia’s official social media pages at 7ElevenMalaysia.
Singapore, 8 December 2021 – Following numerous accolades since opening its doors in late 2018, MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is honoured to claim its spot at No. 36 of World’s 50 Best Bars 2021.
Despite a challenging few years in light of the pandemic, MO BAR has quickly gained remarkable recognition within the industry since its inception in November 2018, including recognition as No. 46 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 and No. 45 in 2021, No. 51 in Top 500 Bars 2020 and No.40 in 2021, and Asia’s 50 Best’s Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2021.
“The World’s 50 Best Bars list remains an ultimate international reference guide to the world’s top bars and drinking destinations. Winning this incredible accolade for the first time bears testimony to the hardworking and passionate team at MO BAR, and it further celebrates the continuous support of our team, loyal guests, partners and friends,” said Adrian Besa, Bar Manager of MO BAR.
Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the rich culture of Asia’s ports and the travellers who journey between them, MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore invites guests to experience the rich culture and history of the region through cocktails. From bartenders to floor staff, the MO BAR team goes out of their way to deliver consistently impeccable service, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and at home as soon as they arrive. Discover a sophisticated space where the distinctive bar counter takes centre stage while an open concept allows a glimpse into the bartender’s world of mixology. The luxurious ambience comes to life through an earthy palette of warm brown and olive green, accented with splashes of nomadic furnishings and décor.
MO BAR’s current Volume Three menu was introduced in November 2020 to continue the journey seen in the first two volumes. Starting from refreshing no- to low-ABV options before progressing towards more robust, spirit-forward drinks, the menu offers a diverse selection of regionally inspired cocktails with a personal story from the inspiration city attached to each one. Spanning both Western and Eastern influences, the food selection at MO BAR is specially curated to accompany the cocktails, drawing inspiration from famous local and international flavours with vegetarian options for inclusivity.
Continuously innovating, MO BAR introduced a fully interactive and digitally engaging menu to complement the in-bar experience. The bar’s Volume Three menu features the one-of-a-kind digital hub that explores innovative ways to take customers on a journey. Breaking from conventions, the site is a nod to how the drinks were designed – embracing the new normal with virtual guest shifts rather than in-person while exploring the history and culture of their chosen destinations across the Asia Pacific.
Guests can look forward to a new selection of creative cocktails and other surprises as MO BAR will be rolling out their newest menu – Volume Four – in the weeks ahead. For further information about MO BAR or to view the digital menu, please visit http://www.mobarsg.com/. Follow MO BAR on Instagram (@mobarsg) for additional updates on upcoming events and special programming.
