ERC enables UP and Meralco’s pilot implementation of retail aggregation

(L-R) Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Business Group Engr. Ma. Cecilia M. Domingo, UP Vice President for Development Elvira A. Zamora, UP President Atty. Danilo L. Concepcion, ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, ERC Commissioner Atty. Alexis M. Lumbatan, and Meralco First Vice President and Head of Regulatory Management Office Atty. Jose Ronald V. Valles.

(Note: Public health standards were strictly followed during the event and face masks were only removed for the photo opportunity)

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has enabled the pilot implementation of retail aggregation with the timely promulgation of the rules governing the said mechanism.

Mastercard® Refreshes World and World Elite Card Programs with New Range of Benefits and Experiences

Mastercard® refreshes World and World Elite Card Programs, bringing new range of benefits and experiences for affluent consumers in the Philippines. As consumers increasingly turn to online channels for their everyday purchases, the value propositions on their World and World Elite cards are evolving to derive maximum value

Photo by Pixabay

5 Tips Para Manalo Sa TM Is The Key Raffle Promo!

Gusto mo ba ma-transform ang iyong buhay para sa ultimate good vibes? May two million pesos at iba pang nakaka-GV na prizes waving at you sa TM is the Key Raffle promo! No need for a golden ticket dahil basta ikaw ay ka-TM or ready to make the switch sa Samahang Pina-easy, kahit nasaan ka man sa Pilipinas, pwede kang sumali dahil FunBuong bansa ito.

Shopee expands presence in Mindanao, new Shopee Express hubs established

Shopee expands presence in Mindanao with a series of seller onboarding initiatives and the establishment of new hubs

Department of Trade and Industry Region XI Division Chief, Small and Medium Enterprise Division Marie Ann J. How, Shopee Philippines VisMin Seller Acquisition Head Dane Mangoba, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian, and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City

Epson Celebrates 80 Years in Business by Opening Epson Museum in Japan

Seiko Epson Corporation, parent company of Epson Philippines Corporation, is celebrating its 80th year in business by opening the Epson Museum Suwa at its corporate Head Office in Suwa, Nagano, in Japan. The two-part museum, which consists of the renovated Monozukuri Museum and new Memorial Hall will give visitors a chance to learn about Epson's history and products from the past. Memorial Hall is housed in what was the original administrative building, construction of which was completed in October 1945. This recently renovated historic building is now open to the public.

Epson Museum Suwa, Memorial Hall

Epson's predecessor, Daiwa Kogyo, Ltd., was founded in May 1942. Over the ensuing eight decades, the company evolved while passing on its DNA as an innovator and manufacturer. Refining the micromachining and precision processing technologies Epson developed for watches and deploying them in other areas are what fueled the company's growth.

Construction of the administrative office for Factory 1 of Daiwa Kogyo was completed in 1945. (The picture was taken in 1949)

Epson renovated the original administrative building from the founding era and will reopen it as Memorial Hall to allow visitors to step back in time to experience the history and stories of products from a bygone era.

Exhibits in Memorial Hall cover the period to the 1970s, the time during which the building was actually used. From the technology and skills that go into mechanical watches, to the world's first quartz watch, to the compact EP-101 digital printer from which the Epson brand name is derived, visitors will be given a retrospective look at the efficient, compact, and precision technologies that Epson has developed since its founding.

Exhibition of original mechanical watch and manufacturing equipment

Exhibition of quartz timepiece reduced to a compact, portable size

Visitors to Epson Museum Suwa can tour both the renovated Monozukuri Museum and Memorial Hall.

Epson has ticked off eight decades by ceaselessly pursuing creativity and challenge. The company is committed to solving societal issues by working to achieve sustainability and enrich communities.

PLDT, Smart recognize top five award-winning entries for Better Today The Time Capsule Project

With support from Canva Philippines, youth participants were encouraged to use art as a form of mental healthcare. PLDT and Smart’s “The Time Capsule Project” has more than tripled its entries this year to almost a hundred. The top five winners received ₱10,000 worth of connectivity from PLDT and Smart and a three-month premium subscription from Canva Philippines.

Ignite-backed Quicksilver Satcom Ventures aims to provide internet connectivity to underserved areas in the Philippines

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán

With around a quarter of the Philippine population still yet to experience internet connectivity, local tech startup Quicksilver Satcom Ventures (Quicksilver)—funded by social impact venture capital fund Ignite Impact Fund (Ignite)—seeks to increase internet penetration in far-flung and underserved areas in the country through the use of satellite technology.

Endorsed by the Philippine national government as a satellite provider, Quicksilver styles itself as a “boutique connectivity firm” that utilizes various connectivity solutions depending on what a certain geographical area requires.

“One of the key essential infrastructure components or any sort of economic development or investment management outside urban areas has to do with connectivity, which is why we started Quicksilver years ago,” said Vinci Roxas, director at Quicksilver.

Quicksilver believes that establishing basic connectivity in far-flung rural areas, which is especially challenging due to the Philippines’ archipelagic nature, is a major step in providing underserved communities more advanced necessities, which can make their lives easier. Their mission is to work with local governments as well as private clients to set up service areas, and then help leverage internet connectivity into greater economic development.

“Once you set up connectivity, you can do online banking, microfinance, and ecommerce,” said Roxas. “The local businesses can connect to the local economy, and then you can do things like imports and exports. It’s connectivity as an enabler for economic development.”

One such example of an early Quicksilver installation is the establishment of internet services in a leading microfinance company’s school in San Pablo, Laguna. With the company’s help, the school managed to enjoy consistent internet that helped them digitize their operations, power remote online learning sessions, and remote consultations for clinics that benefited many people in the city.

It’s Quicksilver’s potential economic benefit that attracted Ignite to it, as its goals were in line with the venture capital fund’s own social impact targets of eliminating extreme poverty in the Philippines.

“Well into the 21st century, the world has recognized a good internet connection as a basic human right. Quicksilver’s goals of providing not only free and accessible, but also consistent and reliable internet connectivity goes a long way toward alleviating poverty among the poorest of Filipinos,” said Maoi Arroyo, Ignite co-founder.

Ignite has currently invested in a wide variety of startups and business ideas that make meaningful social and environmental impacts in the Philippines. For more information on Ignite Impact Fund and their ventures, follow their official Facebook page at facebook.com/IgniteImpactPH and visit their website at https://igniteimpact.fund.

5 company culture must-haves in the new age of work

With the impact of the pandemic shifting the global workforce towards a digitally connected one, HP Inc. in the Philippines shares insights in finding new ways to work, create, collaborate, and train while keeping employees physically and digitally safe. 

Here’s a Quick Guide on 11 of the Trending Gadgets & Accessories available on Shopee’s Gadget Zone

Keeping up with all the trends and innovations in tech can be a challenge. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you stay in the loop. Discover all the nifty gadgets and tech essentials, available on exclusive deals on Shopee’s Gadget Zone!

Shanti Dope x Maya Cash Code Hunt is now extended until July 9!

Find P1M worth of cash prizes up for grabs hidden in Shanti Dope's Maya Official Music Video.

NBA to Host First Iconic Shots Challenge in the Philippines

Are you in for this hoops challenge? This weekend, get ready for an immersive NBA Experience will see fans Attempt Select Signature Shots from the 2021-22 Season!

PLDT, Smart push for recycling, responsible waste management

Photo from Pexels

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. further embed recycling and responsible waste management into the companies’ culture. For the second straight year, PLDT and Smart have joined the X-Trash challenge organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) that runs until September 16, 2022.

PLDT Enterprise calls for cybersecurity readiness among PH companies

PLDT Enterprise AVP and Head of Cybersecurity Business Consulting Alexis Bernardino [second to the right] joined the customer panel discussion of the Philippine leg of the 2022 Fortinet Accelerate Asia Tour. He highlighted some key important notes on cybersecurity to help businesses secure their organizations against cyberattacks.

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider PLDT, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity readiness amid the dramatic rise of cyberattacks to businesses over the past year.

Epson leads the Philippine home and office printer market with 50.7% market share

The global technology company holds its place as the market leader for Q1 2022

Torre del Oro Cuts Costs while Saving the Environment with Meralco Biz Partners

“I was convinced to go solar because of the company that was behind it: Meralco. I knew that we were dealing with a serious player in the industry,” said Edmund Chiongson, President of Torre del Oro, a company that leases out buildings and warehouses to manufacturing companies engaged in export.

“On top of our responsibility of being environmentally-friendly, I wanted our tenant partners to have a more competitive electrical cost than others,” he said. “We wanted to explore the use of solar energy, which is why we consulted Meralco Biz Partners.”

Meralco Biz Partners group is a segment dedicated to helping small and medium enterprises turn their vision into reality by providing various energy solutions that allow them to sustain and improve their operations.

Prior to the pandemic, Chiongson was already in talks with a Meralco Biz Partner Manager for their solar energy requirements. When the pandemic struck, however, everything ground to a halt. But Chiongson was adamant to move things forward with Meralco, no matter how difficult it takes.

 

Back on track

When restrictions were loosened, Chiongson resumed talks with Meralco and their subsidiary, Spectrum, so they can proceed with the solar panel installation. After consulting Spectrum—a solar power company built with Meralco's energy expertise and service standards—he decided to implement the project in phases.

They began with the installation of solar panels in their facilities located at the Light Industry & Science Park III in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. After seeing the promising results, they began to explore the installation of solar panels in their other buildings. According to Chiongson, adding solar power to their facilities allows them to offer more competitive lease rates for their tenants, while contributing to their corporate responsibility of becoming more environmentally friendly.

“As we understand more the benefits of solar power, we’re quickly convinced that it can be a standard feature in our facilities,” he explained.

Chiongson added: “The solar project offers a product warranty ranging from 10 to 25 years, and I have to make sure that the people we are dealing with will still be in the industry by that time—and with Meralco and Spectrum, I am sure of it.”

 

The future looks bright with solar

With the current business environment, Chiongon realized it was a good time to review the steps that can be taken to reduce costs.

“The idea was to implement several solar panel installation projects even with three to five percent savings per project. If we will be successful with these projects, then we will already have around 20 percent cost savings. That is definitely a lot,” Chiongson pointed out.

Aside from being a way to cut costs, going solar, Chiongson said, “encompasses our social responsibility.” He noted that due to climate change, it is our responsibility as individuals to promote green energy as an alternative energy source to reduce our carbon waste.

Beyond the prospect of savings and social responsibility, Chiongson is convinced that he made the right decision to bank on renewable energy by virtue of his partnership with a highly-trusted energy solutions partner.

“I never questioned the numbers that were presented to me before I made my decision. In fact, I have already introduced the Meralco team to several friends of mine.”

Sterling Bank of Asia signs agreement with Anti-Money Laundering Council

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) signs an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) Agreement with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to support government measures to combat financial crimes in the country.

PLDT Global, OneQode partner to support excellent gaming experience for PH eSports community

PLDT Global and OneQode have signed a memorandum of understanding that targets to deliver the best gaming experience for the eSports industry in the Philippines.

Smart powers Southeast Asia’s biggest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang championship with MSC 2022

For the 5th year, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is powering the region’s biggest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament with MSC or MLBB Southeast Asia Cup at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from June 11 to 19.

Strong finish in Q1: McDonald's Philippines poised for full recovery in 2022

McDonald’s new store in Hermosa, Bataan

With the Philippine economy in an upward trend, quick service restaurant giant Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines), majority owned, and operated by McDonald’s Master Franchise Holder, Dr. George T. Yang (Chairman & Founder) and Kenneth Yang (President & CEO), is poised for sustained growth and recovery in 2022.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Series does not just have epic features, it’s also environment-friendly

Year after year, Samsung elevates the mobile flagship experience with innovations to its lines of smartphones. Its latest device, the Galaxy S22 Series, broke the rules of mobile photography with its most intelligent camera yet, headlined by Nightography. Samsung not only changes the game with its epic features, but also practices purposeful innovation through sustainable practices.

Samsung's Mobile Communications business has implemented Galaxy for the Planet as its sustainability platform.  The campaign aims to reduce its environmental footprint and lessen resource depletion from production to disposal of its Galaxy products.

Its initial set of goals, targeted to be reached by 2025, include: incorporating recycled material in all new mobile products, eliminating all plastics in packaging, reducing standby power consumption of all smartphone chargers to below 0.005W, and achieving zero waste to landfill.

 

Repurposing ocean-bound plastics

One of its key innovations is a new material that can be incorporated into Galaxy devices. This material is made from ocean-bound plastics like fishing nets, 640,000 tons of which are abandoned and discarded every year. It is one of the world’s main sources of plastic waste, lingering in the oceans for centuries. It traps marine life, damages coral reefs and other habitats, and even ends up in people’s food and water sources.

Samsung transformed this discarded item into a high-performance new material called polyamide resins, which are made with a minimum of 20% repurposed fishing nets. This new material matches Samsung’s high-quality standards for smartphone technology while preserving the world’s oceans.

South Korean boyband and #TeamGalaxy ambassadors, BTS, advocated for the campaign, even appearing in a video calling for everyone to work together for a better future. Know more about the video here.

The most eco-conscious device in Galaxy

Samsung’s products have now been redesigned to minimize its impact on the environment during their entire lifecycle. To date, the Galaxy S22 Series is the most eco-conscious line of devices in Samsung’s lineup of smartphones.

The key bracket contains polyamide resins, while its speaker module and inner parts of the power and volume keys are made with post-consumer recycled materials. For the Galaxy S22 Ultra, its S Pen also features upcycled polyamide resins.

Each smartphone case is designed with UL-certified, eco-conscious materials like recycled post-consumer plastics or bio-based substances. The protective film is also made from recycled plastic. Moreover, the packaging for the series uses 100% recycled paper.

Repurposing ocean-bound plastics is just the first step in Samsung’s mission to address the climate crisis. Through this process, Samsung can prevent more than 50 tons of discarded fishing nets from entering the world’s oceans by the end of 2022.

The Galaxy S22 Series is available on Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and Authorized Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com, MemoXpress Online, and telco partners. 

Customers can choose between the following variants: PHP 68,990 SRP (128GB), PHP 72,990 SRP (256GB), or the PHP 80,990 SRP (512GB). They may also choose between Burgundy, Phantom Black, Phantom White, and Green.

Customers can also purchase the Galaxy S22 Series for as low as PHP 1,916.25/mo at 0% interest for up to 24 months via Samsung Authorized Stores Nationwide. Citibank card holders can get up to 36 months installment at 0% interest for as low as PHP 1,277.50/mo.  On the other hand, PNB card holders can get their first installment month for FREE and pay 0% interest for up to 24 months in select Samsung Experience stores and Abenson Stores.  

For more information about the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series, visit samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also have unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced. 

To find the nearest Samsung Experience store, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations/

LRMC new 2022 beep card promo, free LRT-1 rides on Independence Day

In celebration of 124th Philippine Independence Day, LRMC launches its latest beep™ card promo and free LRT-1 rides on June 12.

Kroll Expands into the Philippines with New Office in Manila

Kroll, the leading provider of data, technology and insights related to risk, governance, and growth, announced today its expansion into the Philippines with the opening of a new office in Manila.

TM is the key para manalo ng nakaka-GV na premyo!

Parami na ng parami ang nata-transform ang buhay dahil sa TM is the Key Raffle hatid ng TM na ultimate GV partner ng mga Pinoy! Patuloy pa itong madadagdagan sa mga susunod na linggo hanggang sa grand draw sa June dahil limpak na limpak pang papremyo ang naghihintay sa mga Ka-TMs.

“Gusto namin makatulong na makabawi sa life ang ating mga Ka-TMs at isang paraan para gawin ito ay bigyan sila ng equal chance, kahit nasaan man sila sa Pilipinas, na manalo ng mga prizes na talaga namang nakaka-GV,” sabi ni Beatriz Lacson Limon, TM Brand Head.

Isa nga sa mga sinwerteng manalo ng 1 Million pesos redeemable via GCash ang estudyanteng si Marlon Agdon Labor tubong Calbayog City, Samar. Bigla na lang daw nag-message sa kanya ang mga kaklase niya sa kanilang group chat at masayang ibinalitang milyonaryo na siya matapos i-send ang screenshot ng announcement sa TM Tambayan page.

“Bago pa ako nanalo, pangarap ko talagang makapagtapos sa aking pag-aaral para makatulong sa aking family. Naawa na kasi ako sa tatay ko araw-gabi pumapalaot para may kita, pero kahit anong gawin, kulang pa rin. Kaya nagpursigi ako na mag-aral nang mabuti para makapagtapos at matulungan pamilya ko,” kwento ni Marlon.

Nagustuhan naman ng delivery rider na si Anthony Relova mula Caloocan City ang pagka-affordable ng mga TM promos at ang malakas na signal nito, kaya naisipan din niyang sumali sa TM is the Key Raffle. Siya naman ay sinwerteng nagwagi ng 100,000 pesos redeemable via GCash.

Ikinwento ni Anthony na gagamitin niya ang premyo bilang pampuhunan sa maliit na sari-sari store para dagdag kita at makabawi sa mga pagsubok ng pandemya. Plano rin niyang ipaayos ang requirements sa Meralco para magkaroon na sila ng sariling linya ng kuryente. 

Wagi rin si Roselyn Cervantes Lagata mula Koronadal City, South Cotabato ng 5G phone na sure na sure niyang magagamit bilang online seller. Napatalon nga raw siya sa tuwa nang malaman at agad-agad na ibinahagi ang good news sa kanyang partner.

“Register lang po kayo always sa TM promos and sali po kayo sa raffle. The more entries, the more chances of winning. Malay niyo, kayo na ang susunod na winner,” advice ni Roselyn sa mga Ka-TMs.

Tatlo lang sina Marlon, Anthony at Roselyn sa mga nanalo at mananalo pa ng 1 million, Php 100,000, 5G phones at mga Lazada at Shopee vouchers. Kahit nasaan mang rehiyon sa Pilipinas, may pantay na pagkakataong manalo ng mga exciting na papremyo mula sa TM.

Tuluy-tuloy lang ang pag-draw ng mga winners at tumataginting na 2 Million pesos ang mapapanalunan ng isang maswerteng Ka-TM kada buwan. At bilang bonus, may chance pa silang ma-meet and greet ang mga TM ambassadors na sina Alden Richards, Andrea Brillantes at SB19 sa grand draw sa June. Aasahan din ng mga Ka-TMs ang pagbugso ng mga prizes sa mga weekly draws dahil may sure winner kada region!

Para makasali, mag-register lang sa TM promos gamit ang New GlobeOne app para x100 ang entries for more chances of winning.

“Lakas maka-GV kapag nakakabawi sa life ang mga Ka-TMs dahil bawat region, sinisigurado naming TM is the Key sa kanilang GV everyday. Kaya naman asahan nilang huhusayan pa namin ang mga offers namin na talaga namang affordable at magagamit sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na work, study at entertainment para tuluy-tuloy ang pag-transform ng kanilang everyday,” dagdag ni Beatriz. 

Majestic Dinosaurs Join The Fun In Chimeraland’s Jurassic Era - Dinosaur Attack Update

Level Infinite announced today that the Chimeraland Jurassic Era - Dinosaur Attack update is now available for the free-to-play open-world sandbox adventure game.

Bayad and Glyph partnership on powering Philippine e-commerce thru real-time bills payment solutions

Bayad, a full service fintech company and the country’s authority in bills payment has established partnership with Glyph, one of the largest mobile and web service providers in the Philippines that enables loading, data analytics and delivery applications for various businesses.

Be unbeatable in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with the new Samsung Galaxy A Series

Samsung powers the Philippine gaming community as the official tech partner of the ninth season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League - Philippines (MPL-PH), which culminated with the Grand Finals last May 1, 2022.

ESET Threat Report details targeted attacks connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

ESET Threat Report details targeted attacks connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how the war changed the threat landscape

Shopee expands hubs in Visayas to deliver a better shopping experience to Filipinos

Cebuano shoppers can now enjoy faster delivery and better deals. Hear about the highlights of their e-commerce journey with Shopee.

PLDT firms up IoT venture with Packetworx deal

The Philippines’ largest, fully integrated telco provider PLDT is advancing its plans in the deployment and adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) as it signs with leading IoT enabler and developer Packetworx for a strategic venture. This partnership will help accelerate the roll out of IoT which would benefit the digital roadmap of businesses, industries, and the local technology landscape.

Maya makes Lalamove deliveries more convenient and rewarding

Lalamove users can now top up their wallet with Maya and get a Lalamove discount coupon and Maya cashback

French Smartphone Brand, WIKO, is ready to power it up as it lands in Philippines

Frech smartphone brand enter the Philippines, with its cool 64MP Triple AI Cameras, 40W Fast Charge and Immersive 6.6 Edgeless Display in an All-Screen Design, you definitely don't want to miss anything with WIKO T50

What it’s like being a Shopee intern, according to Shopee interns

As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, so does the need for tech talent that can help support the industry’s growth. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes this need and aims to help develop young professionals to produce future industry leaders through its internship program.

5 Reasons Why Bisaya Shoppers Should Check Out this Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale

Shopee offers Visayas-exclusive deals such as ₱6 Deals, up to ₱75 off on shipping, and 10% off discount vouchers for the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale!

Hungrier’ for the win, Smart Omega guns for gold at Mobile Legends: Bang Bang SEA Cup 2022

Esports fans can expect heartstopping matches from Smart Omega, the professional esports team of Smart Communications, Inc. in the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2022.

BPI AIA raffles off 2 brand-new cars to lucky policyholders

Two lucky policyholders of top-ranking insurance firm BPI AIA (formerly BPI-Philam) each get rewarded with a brand-new car for simply sustaining their policies. Eleazar Jugarap won a new Honda HR-V for consistently paying his policy premiums on time, while Arnaldo Andrade was the raffle winner under the reinstated auto-surrender/lapsed policies category.

In-game top ups for gamers made more convenient and accessible through Globe partnerships

Part of the fun in gaming is purchasing in-game items to enhance your experience.  Globe now offers an alternative payment method that is both more convenient and safe to purchase in-game items for an elevated gaming experience.

Elevate your photos and videos: Fly high with the Hottest Deals on DJI products this Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale

Photo by Tom Verdoot

Elevate your photography and videography journey this Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale and fly high with the hottest deals on DJI products

Shopee kicks off the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with “Mas Mura Sa Shopee” deals for Filipino shoppers

Get ready to check out discounted items and avail thrilling ₱66 and ₱77 deals, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale!