DSWD taps GCash for digital distribution of SAP

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, has been tapped by the Department of Social Works and Development (DSWD) for the disbursement of its digital financial aid in a bid to hasten the distribution of the cash assistance to its beneficiaries. 

Now, beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) may choose to receive their cash aid safely, securely, and conveniently via GCash. By simply registering in the newly-launched online platform called ReliefAgad, beneficiaries may apply for the cash aid without the need to line up at government centers, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

Ben&Ben to release a song inspired by a fan’s heartbreaking story

Award-winning Filipino band, Ben&Ben will drop their new single, “Lifetime” on June 4 (Thursday) via Sony Music. 

The intricately produced, folk-pop ballad was written as a response to a fan’s YouTube comment on their hit song “Pagtingin,” which to date, has amassed more than a hundred million streams on YouTube and Spotify combined. 

The fan, who goes by the alias of “Anne Jou,” shared her story of regretting not being able to express her feelings because she was afraid to lose the friendship.

GCash Send Money safer vs traditional remittance

Facing a pandemic forced the whole world to reconsider the ways of human interaction to avoid the risk of virus transmission. 

Social distancing protocols should strictly be followed for those who need to go outside for essential tasks. Face masks are now indispensable when going outdoors. While most of these are common knowledge and are deemed as the norm in the current situation, there is also a need to avoid physical exchange of money bills and coins as this can also be a way for COVID-19 to spread.

Gentle Bones & Joie Tan Captures Hearts With Dreamy Duet, 'Shouldn't Have To Run'

Riding the wave of two notable collaborations this year, Gentle Bones is back with another captivating duet, Shouldn’t Have To Run, sung alongside Singapore’s melodic sweetheart, Joie Tan. Written by Gentle Bones and Fulses, one-third of R&B band, brb., Shouldn’t Have To Run explores the wistful relationship of two lovers whose stars are struggling to align.

“When Joie came on board to finish the song up with us, it became this beautiful duet that we knew we had to get out to the world.,” says Gentle Bones. “Joel and Fulses are both amazing artists I was thrilled to work with and I'm so happy with how the song turned out,” Joie adds.

Having discovered each other in the YouTube stratosphere almost a decade ago, this collaboration makes perfect sense when listening to the track. Gentle Bones and Joie Tan’s dulcet tones combined with the beat’s futuristic vibes transports listeners into a fantastic and curious dimension; whilst detailing the efforts of someone trying to reach out to his lover, but to no avail.

PLDT Home extends Speedboost and Double Data offers until June 30

As the general community quarantine takes effect in many parts of the country, PLDT Home responds to the increased demand for strong home internet as it extends its best value offers for the benefit of families working and studying at home. The leading telco and digital services provider extends the FREE Speedboost for Fibr subscribers, while its prepaid customers can continue to enjoy P995 and 2x data for all sites and apps until June 30, 2020.

The nationwide FREE Speedboost provides Fibr customers a minimum speed of 25 Mbps, which is beneficial for homes that have multiple Internet users at home. This is the ideal speed for families who simultaneously access sites for online meetings, browsing, downloading files, and video streaming. 

Shopee partners with CJ ENM to bring KCON online, featuring Kpop icons GFRIEND, (G)I-DLE, ITZY, MONSTA X, Stray Kids, and more

Shopee Live Kpop Fest kicks off on June 10, with an exclusive free screening of KCON:TACT 2020 Summer from June 20-26

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners Asia’s leading entertainment and lifestyle company CJ ENM to bring KCON, the world’s largest Korean culture festival, online for the first time. KCON is a highly-anticipated annual event for Kpop fans across the globe, entering its ninth year of bringing the ultimate Korean culture fan experience worldwide including the US, Japan, and Thailand. It will go online for the first time in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, with Shopee as the official live stream partner for the KCON:TACT 2020 Summer concert. This partnership will see Shopee air live performances, concerts, and more from KCON:TACT 2020 Summer for free to users on Shopee Live.

OYO launches Sanitized Stays in the Philippines

OYO Hotels & Homes is rolling out its Sanitized Stays in the Philippines from 1 June 2020. Under the initiative, OYO will implement comprehensive hygiene protocols and step up vigilance measures pre and post-check-in and throughout its customer journey, to curb any potential spread of Covid-19.

Check-in & check-out: To ensure social distancing, OYO will revamp its guest check-in & check-out process to a minimal touch process. The hotel chain is in the process of acquiring the required approvals for guests to upload their IDs and complete their formalities at the hotel with minimal staff interaction. Similarly, check-out and payment processes are being restructured to ensure minimal staff interaction.

Minimal contact service: To ensure social distancing at all customer-facing touchpoints, OYO will introduce minimal contact room service and will train the housekeeping staff on the same