A New Star Is Born: Shanne Gulle, Kumu’s Sing For The Stars First Grand Champion

A gentle-spoken young woman with a powerhouse singing voice launches into her music career in the aftermath of Kumu’s first virtual singing contest.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better word to describe Shanne’s hard-won victory than the word “Deserved”. Hailing all the way from General Santos City, in the southern part of the Philippine archipelago, Shanne sang her way to the finish. Winning was no easy feat, but she had what it takes: talent, dedication, and the courage to take a leap of faith. And let’s not forget the final piece of the puzzle: the technology to reach the farthest corners of the globe, which is where Kumu comes in handy.

The Trajectory To Victory 

If you want to reach the stars, you have to break the stratosphere, which is a need answered by having the best technology can offer. Kumu’s Sing For The Stars was the vehicle aspiring singers and musicians rode to see how high they can reach. Hundreds of aspirants joined the country’s first ever virtual singing contest and called upon their supporters to fuel the journey via the giving of virtual gifts. And much like an actual rocket launch with parts disengaging along the way, there were eliminations that narrowed down the contestant number from 100 down to 30, to 15, and finally, the top 3.

Paolo Sandejas’ Delightfully Sweet Single “HIDE & SEEK” Is About Finally Finding Your Special Soulmate

Following the successful release of “Different Shade of Blue” last January (WATCH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE), which has racked up over 491,000 streams on Spotify, rising singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas is dropping yet another feel-good indie-pop single, “HIDE & SEEK” under Universal Records.

The summer’s intensity is now in full effect this April and so is Paolo’s streak of wonderful singles as he continues to heat up the OPM scene with new music.

“Hide & Seek” is a splendid track that shows off the young singer-songwriter’s intricate talent in crafting such a feel-good melody mixed with simple yet glamorous poetic lyrics.

Paolo says of the song: “’HIDE & SEEK’ is a song about fate. It’s about finding that person who makes all the heartbreaks and heartaches you’ve endured worth it. The ‘AHA’ moment of meeting someone who makes you go “where have you been all my life.”

Home Credit Philippines bags Gold Stevie® at the 2022 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

The leading consumer finance company wins Innovative Use of Technology in Human Resources Category

The country's leading consumer finance company Home Credit Philippines was named Gold Stevie® awardee in the ninth annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for the Innovative Use of Technology in Human Resources category. The award recognizes technology-driven human resource initiatives of Home Credit Philippines as "a way to connect, engage and transform people as they use technology to adapt to the future of human resource in the Philippines."

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Home Credit Philippines has been focusing on creating initiatives driven by technology to connect and engage with its employees all over the country and help streamline the company's overall processes. 

Globe bags Opensignal’s Excellent and Core Consistent Quality awards

Independent global standard Opensignal has recognized Globe for delivering the most consistent mobile quality in the Philippines.  Globe bested its global peers in the Excellent and Core Consistent Quality categories of Opensignal’s Mobile Experience Awards*.

The digital solutions platform bagged the Excellent Consistent Quality award with 51.6 percent or 7.8 percentage points higher than the nearest competitor, according to Opensignal’s April 2022 Mobile Network Experience Report for the Philippines.  The report is based on data collected from Jan. 1 to March 31 this year.

“Globe is the outright winner of the Excellent Consistent Quality award, as the highest proportion of users’ tests met the minimum recommended performance thresholds to watch HD video, complete group video conference calls, and play games on its network,” Opensignal said.

Likewise, Globe topped in Core Consistent Quality with 74.6 percent, beating the nearest competitor by 12.8 percentage points. Core Consistent Quality uses thresholds for less demanding applications.

“Our measures of consistent quality quantify how often users’ experience on a network was sufficient to support common applications’ requirements,” Opensignal said.

Globe users also had the best experience when streaming video over 5G networks.  The company emerged as the winner of the 5G Video Experience Award with 71.2 points. 

Opensignal’s 5G Video Experience quantifies the quality of mobile video streamed when connected to 5G. It includes picture quality, video loading time, and stall rate, with the perceived video experience as reported by the users.

As of February, Globe has over 1.62 million devices registered on its 5G network. In terms of 5G outdoor coverage, it now covers 96 percent of Metro Manila and 84 percent of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We are glad to be recognized by Opensignal for the consistency of our network performance.  Globe has been focusing on improving its overall quality of service, not only Internet speed.  Today we serve our customers a diverse range of digital services and content delivered through our network.  These are all designed to meet the evolving digital lifestyle of our customers and enrich their lives,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

The company continues to enhance its network by earmarking a large portion of the P89 billion for its capital expenditures this year.  It intends to build new cell sites, upgrade existing sites to 4G/LTE, accelerate the rollout of 5G connectivity, and ramp up the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

*Opensignal Awards – Philippines: Mobile Network Experience Report April 2022, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period January 1 – March 31, 2022 © 2022 Opensignal Limited.

Warner Reveals First-Looks of "Don't Worry Darling" and "Barbie," Confirms "The Batman" Sequel

Vengeance is returning to Gotham.  Warner Bros. Pictures made that revelation plus a couple of first-look debuts during the studio’s presentation April 26 at CinemaCon, the annual convention of movie theater owners held this year in Las Vegas.

“The Batman” Sequel

Warner announced that director Matt Reeves has begun scripting a sequel to “The Batman,” which he and Dylan Clark would also return to produce.  The news comes on the heels of the current film passing the $750 million mark at the global box office.  The announcement was made  by Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group, and Reeves himself, who joined Emmerich onstage during his opening remarks.

Monster Gaming supports grassroots E-Sports, mounts all-star MLBB tourney with Good Game PH, Monster Energy, and PlayForce TV

Monster Gaming gives it full support to budding local content creators and aspiring Pro Gamers via an all-star Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament organized by online amusement-style platform, Good Game PH.

The GoodGame.PH all-star tournament promises a fun and exciting event that will showcase 20 teams of promising local content creators throughout the Philippines that will battle for the championship title plus prizes from sponsors Good Game PH (150,000 GoodGameGold), Monster Gaming (G-Knight X300S Headsets), and Monster Energy (E-Sports Jerseys).

Watch the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night LIVE on YouTube

It’s that time of the year again where the most beautiful Filipinas battle it out with their style, confidence, and wit to win the coveted Miss Universe Philippines title.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation night will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Filipinos all over the world will be able to watch the event LIVE and for FREE on April 30 at 7:00PM (Manila time) on the YouTube channel of ABS-CBN Entertainment. ABS-CBN is the official digital streaming partner of the Miss Universe Philippines.

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 and top 5 Miss Universe finisher Beatrice Luigi Gomez will be crowning her successor at the event.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, and Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow will serve as the coronation night’s hosts.

A K-Pop Event Unlike Any Other: Fans stand together as a force for Political Activism at KFiesta

The wait is over! The first multifandom K-Pop gathering after two long years is finally in your area!

This May 1, 2022, KFiesta will bring color to Amoranto Sports Complex as Filipino K-Pop fans join hands to show their one love for the country. Hallyu fans have always been passionate about the things and people they love. With several K-Dramas and K-Pop songs strongly advocating social responsibility, it is truly inevitable that it sparks inspiration in the hearts of fans to want to become catalysts for change themselves. K-Pop Stans 4 Leni was established on the day VP Leni Robredo announced her presidential bid and support for the group’s cause has grown extensively since. The group’s Externals Committee head, Majo, stresses that K-Pop has always been political, just as any other form of music or art is. “In 2022, Filipino K-Pop stans will stand together to elect the leaders we deserve”, says Majo.

Concert producer Happee Sy, one of the main organizers of the event, shares that this will be the biggest gathering of K-Pop fans since the pandemic began. “We are so happy that all fandoms decided to step up and volunteer their time in the spirit of loving their country and showing it the way we know best—through K-Pop,” she enthuses. 

COMCO Southeast Asia, the only Philippine PR agency finalist in PRCA APAC Awards 2022, wins the highly coveted Purpose Award

Global award winning communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia, the only Philippine communications agency finalist in the prestigious Public Relations & Communications Association Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) Awards 2022 wins the top award for the Purpose Category. 

The Agency won the Purpose Award for Dear Survivor: COMCO Southeast Asia's Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2 which was co-presented by Eastern Communications and Jobstreet, sponsored by AirAsia, Xiaomi Philippines and supported by Teleperformance. The campaign was designed to motivate and spark hope to those who are strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the stories of bloggers and content creators across the Philippines. 

Teleperformance Philippines receives ISO 45001: 2018 certification for excellent occupational health and safety programs

Teleperformance Philippines gets ISO 45001: 2018 certification. Present during the ceremonies were (L-R) Rachel Cacabelos, TP Philippines VP for Human Resources and Communications & Marketing, SGS Sales Head Rose Mangubat, SGS Account Manager Nina Alejandro, TP Philippines Chief Operations Officer Joey Marquez, TP Philippines SVP for Human Capital Resource Management Jeffrey Johnson, and TP Philippines VP for Facilites & Administration Ed Punzalan

In line with their commitment to creating a safe workplace for all, Teleperformance (TP) Philippines, the global leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, has been awarded the ISO 45001: 2018 certification.

AKARI launches its latest line of innovative, value-driven air coolers in the PH market

AKARI remains steadfast in its commitment to provide innovative, value-driven, and high-quality air coolers and rechargeable fan products to millions of households in the Philippines.

A great option to beat the summer heat, AKARI AIR COOLER is the leading partner of choice to cool your living space without having to break the bank. If you’re looking for a mobile, eco-friendly alternative to air conditioners, then look no further: this top-notch brand ensures optimum cooling performance with its ergonomic design and technology. 

Huawei: Digital Innovation Never Stop for a Greener Intelligent World

Ken Hu, Huawei's Rotating Chairman, speaking at HAS 2022

Huawei plans to boost investment in innovation to build new products, to enhance and accelerate new technologies. The company held its 19th annual Global Analyst Summit in Shenzhen from April 26 to 27.

For more than 30 years, Huawei have been innovating nonstop to create value for our customers and society. Innovation has become a core part of Huawei's DNA. Despite considerable operational challenges over the past few years, we have continued to steadily increase our investment in R&D. For nearly a decade, our strategy has been to re-invest at least 10% of our annual revenue back into R&D. Last year, we invested 22%. Huawei's Rotating Chairman Ken Hu said during the event.

Hu went on to discuss the specific initiatives that Huawei is working on to realize its vision for the future. "We are currently focusing on three areas: strengthening our approach to innovation, equipping all industries with the tools and knowledge they need to go digital, and helping build a low-carbon world."

Aisin Philippines Celebrates Growth, Shares New Targets For The Future

Despite the pandemic causing a disruption with the world automotive market especially for parts and accessories. Aisin, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality automotive equipment parts emerges to go beyond expectations which is now celebrated on their recent Dealers' Convention held recently.

Moving with the new normal and adjustments for it's market, they presented  the growth that they have despite the pandemic and is looking forward to  more growth now that lockdown are easing up and the economy is slowing getting back its momentum. 

Huawei: Attracting world-class talent with world-class challenges

Huawei kicked off its 19th annual Global Analyst Summit in Shenzhen. Huawei's Rotating Chairman Ken Hu said that the company will continue to boost investment in innovation to build new products and enhance and accelerate new technologies.

"At Huawei, when we talk about innovation, the first thing we think is people. We hope to attract world-class talent with world-class challenges, and work together to push the limits of science and technology," said Hu, referring to the Top Minds recruitment program that the company launched on its website. 

The Greenhills Skyline: The most exciting alfresco spot in the heart of San Juan

Thinking of where to go on your next date or catch up session with friends? Stress no more because you can never really go wrong with a stunning view.

A more enjoyable dining experience awaits mallgoers in Greenhills as Ortigas Malls converts the roof deck of the iconic Connecticut Arcade into an open-air lifestyle hub. Dubbed the ‘Greenhills Skyline’, the neighborhood alfresco offers panoramic views of the city which makes it a perfect place for meet-ups over good food, coffee dates, and even sunset cocktail sessions.

With the Greenhills Skyline opening on April 21, here’s what people can experience in the new lifestyle hub.

Food, delish food

Greenhills Skyline prides itself as a dining destination with its wide selection of restaurants. Delight in personal conversations with your favorites from Italian and Filipino restaurants, or relish pica-pica sessions with sushi, shawarma, wings, corn dogs, fresh fruit, juices, and more!

Xiaomi introduces Redmi 10C in the Philippines

Xiaomi announced Redmi 10C, the latest entrant to its popular Redmi 10 series, with an aim of making high-quality products accessible to more consumers across the globe. 

Redmi 10C offers efficient and powerful performance thanks to the Snapdragon® 680 processor, which is built on an efficient 6nm process. With its large 6.71" DotDrop display, Redmi 10C offers immersive entertainment for all your favorite content, and is compatible with Widevine L1 HD streaming for your favorite movies and shows.

Setting it apart within its segment, Redmi 10C is equipped with a 50MP high-resolution main camera for crisp photos and videos, as well as a 2MP depth sensor that helps to achieve a natural bokeh effect. Backed by a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, Redmi 10C provides enough power to last you through the day, letting you spend more time playing and less time charging. When you do need to charge, 18W fast charging helps get you juiced up quickly.*

You can now pay your SSS and Pag-IBIG fees with ShopeePay

With ShopeePay, enjoy up to 25% cashback when you pay government billers.

Many of us need to pay fees to government agencies for employment, travel, and business requirements. At times, we spend almost half a day or more finishing our transactions—from physically going to the offices, banks or payment centers to filling out forms and lining up. The good news is that ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, has made paying government bills more convenient and rewarding .

Oil price hikes wrecking your budget? Globe Group has services to help you #SaveOnFuel

Just as we are slowly trying to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, the Russia-Ukraine conflict came into play and disrupted global markets once again, causing a steep rise in the prices of oil and other commodities. Despite these challenges, we long to move forward and do the things we love.

The Globe Group is fortunately a step ahead and is ready with a variety of platforms, solutions and promos that will continue to enable Filipinos’ everyday experiences while creating utmost value for customers.

Here are just a few services designed to empower Filipinos through the many challenges they face:

#SaveOnFuel with PureGo

To help you cut down on your gas expenses, PureGo is here to deliver your groceries straight to your doorstep. Globe’s online grocery PureGo features thousands of products from trusted brands, all sourced directly from the Puregold supermarket chain to fulfill all your essentials.

To help you save further, PureGo is also offering promos such as Always Free Delivery for a minimum spend of P2,000 on the PureGo website and a minimum spend of P1,000 on the PureGo App. The online grocery also offers P200 off plus free delivery for a minimum order of P2,000 with the BESTDEAL200 offer, and allows customers to make use of their GRewards to avail of vouchers. With 250 rewards points, for instance, customers can receive a PureGo voucher worth P300.

Anji To Bring Out Relatable 'Feels" In First Solo Concert On April 30

Anji Salvacion is beaming with elation and gratitude as her “Feels: The Concert” is finally happening on April 30 (Saturday)—her first solo concert where she hopes to connect with her supporters.

“This is really very special and important to me because first of all I'll be sharing this beautiful moment with my supporters and that’s what I’m really looking forward to as well. I can't wait to share the bond between a performer and an audience,” Anji shared.

Though tight-lipped about the must-see performances she prepared for her digital concert, the former “Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10” celebrity housemate assured that a full-on concert vibe is to be expected as well as lots of relatable ‘feels.’

TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

After the success of the pandemic love story “Dito at Doon” in 2021, TBA Studios is ready to roll out its 2022 lineup with a major movie project leading the way.

On April 20, the award-winning film company announced on their Facebook page that it’s teaming up with Sea'N'Sun Film Productions to produce an action-packed crime thriller called “Grace”.

Grace table read video: https://www.facebook.com/TBAStudiosPH/videos/401456611486899/

To be helmed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Ato Bautista (“Expressway”), “Grace” tells the story of a college student who seeks revenge for the brutal death of his girlfriend and takes down an elite powerful fraternity whose members and alumni are seated in every power sect of Philippine society.

Refresh The Sound The Summer With LG Audio

Summer is fast approaching and you know what that means - it’s time to party (responsibly, of course). The best place to catch up with friends and family in a socially responsible way is to hold the gathering at the comfort of home. Having house events, whether it’s a pool party, a karaoke contest, or a simple catching up session, lets you celebrate while maintaining safety as a priority.

One of the best ways to chill and keep the vibe going during house parties is to have a great sound system. Even if guests are socially distancing themselves, they’ll still be able to enjoy the music or program you’ve prepared. LG’s XBOOM CL88 offers a powerful 2900-watt sound that is sure to keep your party going strong until late in the evening. If you feel the sound is still lacking, you can link multiple units to double the power. 

Data Centers 101: How enterprises benefit from colocation and outsourced IT management

The data center sector in the Philippines is facing exciting times. Pandemic lockdowns triggered an increased need from local companies to shift servers and Information Technology (IT) equipment from their premises to data centers. Foreign groups are also looking at establishing their facilities in the country.

Recently, Globe entered into a $350-million joint venture partnership with ST Telemedia Global Data Centres and Ayala Corporation to develop and operate data centers.  Globe already has several data centers but believes that the joint venture will help it become a leader in the space.

Data centers are dedicated buildings usually used by customers who manage their servers and applications but would like to outsource colocation and management to reduce costs. Users only have to pay a colocation fee instead of putting up their facility and handling operations.

Nokia E3511 wins big at iF Design Awards and Red Dot Design Awards 2022

Nokia bagged awards for Outstanding Product Design from separate global design competitions for its latest offering, the Nokia E3511. This makes the ANC-equipped true wireless earphones a solid example of value for money attributed to its superior build and performance. 

iF Design Awards published the Nokia E3511 as part of their winning products this April via their communication channels, while the Red Dot Award for Product Design was given March 2022.

BRAD logistics announces nationwide expansion to support SMEs

On-demand logistics solutions provider BRAD has unveiled plans to go nationwide this year to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mainly homegrown businesses. 

BRAD spent the first quarter of the year covering Metro Manila and nearby provinces.  By the second quarter, it plans to expand to the rest of Luzon and then to Visayas and Mindanao in the second half of 2022. 

Currently, the company has more than 30 merchants in its portfolio and over 150 riders based in different localities. It expects to grow the number significantly with its ongoing expansion.

Upgrade your gadgets at Shopee’s Tech Showroom and win up to ₱135,000 worth of vouchers from realme, Philips, GameXtreme, and more!

Don't miss out on exciting rewards and huge discounts when you shop from your favorite tech brands at Shopee's Tech Showroom sale this April 20-23, 2022!

Upgrading your home with the latest appliances and gadgets can come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, Shopee is giving Pinoy techies a treat with its first Tech Showroom sale from April 20-23, where huge discounts from a wide assortment of electronics brands await. Even bigger rewards are in store for shoppers, with exciting vouchers to be given away by bestselling brands such as realme, Philips, GameXtreme, DJI, Deerma, and many more!

Score the best deals this summer at Home Credit’s Great 0% Festival

Over 1,000 items are available at 0% interest installments at all participating stores nationwide until May 31

Just when we thought summer couldn’t get any more exciting this year, the country’s leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Home Credit Philippines offers Filipino shoppers 0% interest installments from its wide selection of over 1,000 items at its first-ever Great 0% Festival.

Starting April 11 until May 31, customers who wish to purchase their summer budol may get to avail of their chosen items through an affordable installment plan with Home Credit. For up to 3 different items in one loan contract, customers may choose a flexible payment of 6, 12, 15, and 18 months at 0% interest at all participating stores nationwide. 

New "Top Gun: Maverick" Featurette Shows Cast's Intense Pilot-Training

The most intense film training ever…You won’t believe the training each actor had to go through. Go behind the scenes now and see the action come to life in Paramount Pictures’ Top Gun: Maverick. Watch the film May 25 in theaters and IMAX across the Philippines.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kh7OZYI-tNQ 

About Top Gun: Maverick

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose”.

K-Pop rock girl group Dreamcatcher drops sophomore album, [Apocalypse : Save us]

After much anticipation, Dreamcatcher finally drops their second album, ‘[Apocalypse : Save us]’ today via Sony Music Entertainment Korea. This is their second full-length album following the release of their first album ‘[Dystopia : The Tree of Language]’ two years ago, and approximately nine months since their EP ‘[Summer Holiday]’. 

Dreamcatcher presents a 14-track filled album as they embark on a new journey, making way for their ‘Apocalypse’ trilogy.

Following Dreamcatcher’s ‘Dystopia’ series, the K-Pop rock group introduces their new ‘Apocalypse’ era. Their new album ‘Apocalypse : Save us’ is a desperate plea and cry to save the planet from ecological damage and global warming. The title track “MAISON” (translating to “home” in French) stays true to Dreamcatcher’s sonic identity and style based on rock genre and distortion bass. The track serves as a warning to the deafened ears and those who are turning a blind eye to the environmental concerns surrounding everyone’s home, the Earth. In addition, the album presents solo tracks of each member, which marks their first album involving all seven members’ songwriting. 

‘Dare to Booya!’ realme 9 Pro+ Free Fire Limited Edition variant to launch in the PH at P2,000 OFF on April 25

realme is set to launch the world’s first Free Fire-themed smartphone on April 25, starting at only P18,990!

realme, the PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand for 2021[1], is set to bring the limited edition realme 9 Pro+ in collaboration with Free Fire to the Philippines on April 25. Following the launch of the realme 9 Pro Series in March, this edition offers the flagship-level features of the realme 9 Pro+, along with exciting customizations inspired by the battle royale mobile game.

With the realme 9 Pro+ Free Fire Limited Edition, realme elevated its latest Number Series offering with design elements related to the Free Fire universe. In terms of product design, the back panel of the device was customized to reflect the game’s adventurous spirit with details reminiscent of the FF Knife, along with other iconic Free Fire branding elements. 

C-Lium Fibre Elaborates on the Many Benefits of Psyllium Fiber in New Campaign

Celebrity mom Solenn Heusaff supports her overall health through gut care with fiber supplementation every day  

C-Lium Fibre, the leading Psyllium fiber supplement ¹ underscores the benefits of Psyllium fiber in its 2022 campaign, that tackles the importance of gut health in achieving overall wellness. 

DUAL CLEANSING ACTION 

Sourced from the Plantago ovata’s seeds, Psyllium fiber has two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble.2 Soluble Fiber helps remove excess fat, sugar, and bad cholesterol, while insoluble fiber gently sweeps them out of the digestive system.3 

GUT HEALTH IMPACTS OVERALL HEALTH 

With these actions, Psyllium fiber helps cleanse the body of wastes and toxins and relieves constipation. 

It also aids.in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and assists in weight management 4 along with proper diet and exercise. 

Psyllium Fiber also feeds the gut's good bacteria (also known as probiotics),⁵ which support the immune system.6

Given all these benefits especially to the gut which helps prevent certain chronic diseases, Psyllium fiber plays a key role in achieving overall health and wellness.7 

Victory Liner taps PayMaya for safe and convenient digital payments

Victory Liner levels up the commuter experience with PayMaya 

Now that travel is back to normal, bus commuters going to Northern and Central Luzon need not wait in long lines when buying tickets or paying for cargo deliveries as PayMaya enables Victory Liner with safe and convenient digital payments

Through a tie-up with one of the country's largest transportation firms, Victory Liner, and the only end-to-end digital financial services platform PayMaya, commuters can now easily book and pay for their bus tickets at Victory Liner's website (https://www.victoryliner.com/) using their PayMaya account, any debit, credit, or prepaid card, or via other e-wallets.  

Meanwhile, commuters buying their bus tickets at Victory Liner stations in Baguio, Caloocan, Cubao, Dagupan, Olongapo, Pasay, Sampaloc, Santiago, and Tuguegarao can safely scan to pay via PayMaya QR or any debit, credit, or prepaid card. PayMaya has enabled these Victory Liner stations with PayMaya One, the all-in-one Android device that allows businesses to accept QR and any card payment. 

On top of these, PayMaya also equipped all 23 of Victory Liner's Drop and Go outlets with PayMaya One terminals so consumers can conveniently make PayMaya QR or any card payment for their delivery service needs. 

foodpanda, PhilHealth launch partnership for delivery partners’ access to gov’t health benefits

L-R: Leopoldo de Castro Jr (foodpanda Finance Director), Angelo Luis Apostol Sta. Maria (foodpanda rider), Secretary Silvestre Bello III (DOLE Secretary), Mr. Rex Paul Recoter (PhilHealth, Senior Manager), Patricia Jacinto (foodpanda Operations Director), Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez (DOLE)

Leading food and quick-commerce digital platform foodpanda and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) have partnered to help foodpanda’s delivery partners gain access to the government’s mandated healthcare benefits, in line with the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Program.

According to Lhecks de Castro, finance director of foodpanda Philippines, the idea for the partnership began at the height of the pandemic when the government rolled-out the massive COVID-19 testing initiative in which PhilHealth membership is required for free testing. 

Shopee, Shopee Xpress partner with brands and charities to aid Taal evacuees

The continued unrest of the Taal Volcano forced over 1,000 Filipino families to evacuate to nearby communities in Batangas last March. With Alert Level 3 still in place, these families continue to spend their days in evacuation centers across the region.

As part of its commitment to better the lives of the underserved, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with several brands and charity organizations to provide aid for Taal evacuees. 

Filipino hip-hop group PLAN B delivers a spellbinding crossover jam on “Love”

The 10-piece ensemble taps SB19’s PABLO as producer for their debut R&B/rap single

10-member hip-hop group PLAN B marks their highly anticipated debut with “Love,” their first official single under Sony Music Philippines.

The smooth, soulful track was arranged by SB19’s PABLO, who delivers his producer stamp with no-skips-required hook and signature swagger. In return, the newly formed mega-group breathes new life to the genre with a star-turning performance that serves as testament to their craft.

With an inescapable groove that seems built for vibing, PLAN B’s “Love” chronicles multiple failed attempts in pursuing someone on a romantic level. 

MR.DIY Shares Five Household Essentials for an Eco-friendly Lifestyle

MR.DIY, your one-stop-shop for home improvement, is with the entire globe in celebrating April as Earth Month! 

This month-long celebration encourages the public to learn and practice sustainability to make the world a better place, and MR.DIY has exciting items to offer for Filipinos who are looking into contributing to this ongoing cause for the environment. 

These five (5) household essentials from MR.DIY promises great value for money and can be useful to help everyone kickstart their journey towards a more sustainable and waste-free lifestyle!

Teejay Marquez Launches Goodskin Skincare Line

Teejay Marquez adds another feather to his cap as he launches his exclusive line of skincare products.

The actor, influencer, brand endorser and YouTuber is now a proud entrepreneur calling the shots for his GoodSkin brand.

With his matinee idol looks and flawless complexion, Teejay is his own best testimonial and  aspirational figure—not just for his fans—but for Filipinos from all walks of life in search of the “fountain of youth” and affordable, practical and fuss-free everyday skincare solutions.

According to the actor who currently headlines the top-rating GMA-7 Tsinoyserye Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss, GoodSkin was actually inspired by the clamor of his fans who keep asking him about his skincare secret.

VIU Original Pretty Liars returns for a second season

Popular series returns with the storyline to revolve around social issues at hand

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, today announced the second season of the award-winning Original series Pretty Little Liars, will premiere on April 14, 2022 in all 16 Viu markets.

The winner of the Asian Academy Creative Awards and Content Asia Awards for the first season bringing pride to Indonesian storytelling  through the teen mystery-drama of the same name from WBITVP,  Viu’s Pretty Little Liars adaptation is set in the fictional town of Amerta, exclusively created in Bali.

Pretty Little Liars follows the lives of four female students whose clique fell apart when their leader, Alissa (Yuki Kato), went mysteriously missing. The Liars find themselves reunited when they suddenly begin to receive creepy messages from a mysterious figure known as "A", who threatens to expose their darkest secrets.

A.S. Watson Greener Stores Accelerate Global Movement Towards a More Sustainable Future

Watsons’ parent company, A.S. Watson (ASW), just celebrated its 180th anniversary, and the Group is launching a Greener Stores Global Framework to accelerate the transformation of retail towards lower-environmental impact stores to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste as well as leverage its scale for good to speed up the global movement towards a more sustainable future. The ASW Greener Stores Global Framework aims to forge and inspire its businesses to build a stronger sustainability culture and practice in the way it designs, constructs, operates and maintains its stores. 

A.S. Watson Introduces Greener Stores

As the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, A.S. Watson operates an extensive network of over 16,400 stores under 12 retail brands in 29 markets. It is one of the fastest growing retailers opening over 1,000 stores a year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years, A.S. Watson continued to open 1,600 new stores. That’s why making its stores greener is pivotal in accelerating its sustainability progress. 

According to Malina Ngai, Group Chief Operating Officer of A.S. Watson Group, and CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia and Europe), “A.S. Watson Greener Stores Global Framework shows our deep commitment to accelerate our sustainability progress and move towards a more sustainable future. It is our vision to make every one of our stores a greener store with lower environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. 

“Keys to our Greener Stores Global Framework are efforts to inspire a sustainable culture in the everyday operations of retail stores, engaging customers in choosing more sustainable products and lifestyle, accelerating energy efficiency and renewable energy, increasing the use of responsible materials and waste diversion.”

 

A.S. Watson Chooses Superdrug Peterborough in the UK as its First Greener Store

Ngai continues, “Under the Greener Stores Global Framework, A.S. Watson will be developing store designs that minimize its environmental impact from the full lifecycle of the store. This includes the increasing use of recyclable materials, explore ways to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, save water, all the way to end-of life disposal. The construction process will also be carefully planned and managed to ensure landfill and recycling targets are set together with local contractors.” 

A.S. Watson’s first greener store is a Superdrug store in Peterborough’s Serpentine Green Shopping Centre in the U.K. opened last October. Sustainability has been a core focus of the store development process from conception to reality. The store features fully recyclable signages that were made from recycled yarn and plastic bottles. Its ceiling tiles were also made from bio-soluble mineral wool, clay and starch and is also 100% recyclable.  

The store has also introduced several sustainability features including an AAA efficiency rate air conditioning system, a waste management target of 5% to landfills and using a reduced number of LED mood lights in the ceiling which led to a 37% saving on electricity. As a result, the store has managed to save 5,800 KWh of energy annually which is equivalent to a 1,200 kg CO2 annual reduction.

Daily Operations – Forging a Sustainable Culture 

Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, Ngai adds, “A.S. Watson Greener Stores Global Framework is not just about how we construct stores, it’s about creating a culture of sustainability inside and outside the organization. That’s why the Framework also comprises of initiatives to engage and inspire our colleagues, our customers, and our business partners to team up with us to build a better world. 

Building a sustainable culture is not a one-off action; it’s a continuous effort to raise awareness of sustainability and bring behavioral changes to our people, customers as well as health and beauty industry as a whole. Providing a safe and healthy environment to our people and customers is just as important in our Greener Stores Global Framework. So we truly believe that the Framework will ultimately bring an all-win situation to all parties.” 

A.S. Watson has been actively reducing the environmental footprint of its products with a better selection of ingredients and packaging materials. Since 2014, A.S. Watson has banned the use of microplastics in its rinse-off exclusive cosmetics or personal care products. This ban was extended to all consumer brand products sold in all stores in 2020. A.S. Watson has also been working on Our Watsons Own Brand and its global partners, including Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, Shiseido, Beiersdorf, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Kao, Reckitt and Unilever, to offer Sustainable Choices products, in stores and online in Asia, making it easier for customers to find products that have more sustainable packaging and better ingredients and contribute to a better world.

Customer Experience – Inspiring Sustainable Lifestyle

Every year, A.S. Watson serves 5.5 billion customers via its O+O (Offline plus Online) platform so it’s critical to engage and inspire our customers to do good to the planet with us. Besides providing Sustainable Choices products, we’ve been running a wide variety of programmes that encourage customers to lead a sustainable lifestyle. 

In Europe, Superdrug is the first U.K. retailer to provide customers with a solution to recycle empty medicine blister packs in over 200 pharmacies. Thanks to the “Little Packs, Big Impact” recycling initiative, over 4.8 million blister packs have been recycled weighing over 10,000 kg. Meanwhile, at The Perfume Shop, for every perfume bottle that customers recycle, it donates the cost of planting one tree and its target is to plant 1 million trees by 2030.

In Asia, Watsons has rolled out a region-wide plastic containers recycling programme to Go Green with its customers. In collaboration with supplier partners such as P&G and L'Oréal, over 1 million plastic containers have been collected and diverted from landfills and re-processed through local NGOs and recyclers.Meanwhile, at Watsons Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, Refill Stations have been launched to encourage more customers to play a part to reuse the containers and reduce the use of plastic, contributing to a more sustainable world. In the Philippines specifically, Watsons has worked with Plastic Bank and SM Cares, in collaboration with P&G, Unilever and L’Oreal for recycling initiatives.

Ngai concludes, “A.S. Watson Greener Stores Global Framework is just a kick-off of our greener journey together with our customers as we continue to roll out initiatives to make our stores around the world more sustainable. We want to lead by example in setting a new benchmark for health and beauty retail, inspiring more businesses to follow suit and create more greener stores that help transform retail towards making a positive impact on the planet.” 

Loyal PLDT customer wins P5 million in Grand Giveaway promo

 

From L-R Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head
of PLDT Home Customer Management,
Winner of PLDT Home Rewards 5M Grand Giveaway
and Jason Ignacio, AVP and Head of
PLDT Home Loyalty and Planning

A grand reward for selfless love

Years spent on taking care of his parents while keeping ties stronger through phone calls with family were rewarded when 57-year-old Rod from Manila won P5 million from the first-ever PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway promo.

A loyal subscriber of PLDT for 38 years, Rod received an SMS sent to customers, encouraging them to register to PLDT Home Rewards, which automatically qualifies them to join the raffle. “I decided to join just because, and I didn’t think I’d actually win,” he said. “So, imagine my surprise when I got that phone call from a PLDT Home representative. I didn’t believe it at all at first!” 

The youngest in a brood of six, Rod resigned from his office job in Makati to take care of his ailing parents full time. “I never considered it a sacrifice on my part. I’m glad that I was there for them in their final years.” 

Teleperformance recognized in the Philippines Best Workplaces™ 2022 by Great Place to Work® Philippines

Teleperformance has just been awarded as one of the Philippines Best Workplaces™ in 2022. This was announced during the virtual reveal that premiered live on Great Place to Work® Philippines via YouTube.

In total, 25 workplaces are ranked as “Philippines Best Workplaces” according to research and consulting firm, Great Place to Work® Philippines. 

The Philippines Best Workplaces™ List is highly competitive. Regarded as the global authority on workplace culture, seasoned consultants from Great Place to Work® curate the List using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies are only considered if they are first, a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization. In the qualifying year of 2021, nearly 100 companies in the Philippines were Great Place to Work-Certified™. (Only companies who attain at least 65% on Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Survey can attain the Certification.)

Great Place to Work® is the only company culture award in the world that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated and what their workplace experience is like. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

Channing Tatum Masters Physical Comedy in "The Lost City"

Channing Tatum takes on the role of Dash/Alan, the strikingly handsome model who graces the covers of Loretta Sage’s (Sandra Bullock) romance novels, in Paramount Pictures’ new romantic adventure The Lost City (in Philippine cinemas April 20).

Watch the featurette “Leeches Scene” at https://youtu.be/vs2BqKG_2no

Dash is machismo personified: handsome, debonaire, smart, and courageous. But his real-life alter ego, Alan, is, when we meet him, not Dash. But at his core Alan is honest, dependable, and loyal, and against all odds, becomes the hero he always envisioned Dash to be.

Smart Infinity rewards members with a luxurious escape at Shangri-La Boracay

Smart Communications, Inc.’s luxury postpaid brand, Smart Infinity, is about to send members to a piece of indulgent paradise as part of its commitment of providing limitless possibilities, rewarding experiences, and exclusive lifestyle privileges.

A complimentary 3 day and 2 night stay in a Deluxe Room for two (2) at Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay—one of the island paradise’s must-visit destinations—is available to Infinity members when they sign up for a Smart Infinity Limitless Plan 5000 or 8000 from April 8 to June 8, 2022.

Part of the perks of the stay at the Shangri-La include daily breakfast for two, plus roundtrip land and speedboat transfers from Caticlan, so that members get to fully enjoy their leisure experience on the beautiful and pristine island.

#CrocsIsHere at Ayala Glorietta Mall

Join Crocs this Summer at the biggest Central Business District Mall

Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX), a global leader in innovative casual footwear for women, men, and children finally welcomes the summer season with the opening of their re-energized store at Glorietta 2, Ayala Center Makati. 

The newly opened Glorietta concept store is built on an 85.30 square-meter floor area. Crocs is all high this Summer as they keep on changing the ball game of the in-store retail experience with their Crocs Claw Machine situated right inside their newest store located at Glorietta 2.

Fantastic Beasts and The Secrets of Dumbledore - Surprising Twists

The wizarding world expands its lore with another film under the Fantastic Beast series with The Secrets of Dumbledore. This new adventure for the renowned magizoologist Newt Scamander goes on global scale with the events after the crimes of Grindelwald, calls the attention of leaders of the magical world to decide on his atrocities that concerns the magical and muggle world.

As the title suggests, it will also dives into the involvement of Dumbledore and his shared past with Grindelwald.  There is also a deeper meaning of Dumbledore beyond Albus which also talks about his family and the pain they have been through.