Riding the Web3 phenomenon that is seen to be the future of the Internet, Cocone Corporation (Cocone) has dropped the world of Avatar into Web3 through a mobile game called 'PKCL Twins.' The new game is officially being released in the Philippines today, November 29, 2022 and is now available at App Store and Google Play.
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| ONE FOR SIERRA MADRE: Laguna-Quezon Land Grant Field Supervisor Forester Reynaldo Lorida, UPLB Head of Land Grant Management Office, Dr. Pat Malabrigo, FEED Director of Partnerships, Ms. Anne-Marie Bakker, One Meralco Foundation Program Manager for One For Trees, Patrick Famisaran together with Meralco Business Center Heads. |
As super typhoon Karding lashed Central Luzon on September 25, 2022, “Sierra Madre” along with the hashtag #SaveSierraMadre were among the trending topics on social media. The mountain range has once again shown just how crucial it is in protecting the north-eastern part of the country against extreme weather disturbances. It was also in time for Save Sierra Madre Day (every September 26th by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 413) which commemorates the day in 2009 when Typhoon Ondoy dumped heavy rains and massive flooding in Metro Manila causing massive destruction of properties and casualties. The disaster was attributed to the continued deforestation, degradation, and destruction of the Sierra Madre mountains.
The Sierra Madre Mountains truly have incomparable importance. According to the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Sierra Madre mountain range also plays a particularly significant role in Metro Manila’s major water supply demands, along with the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan.
As its response to the need for continuously building awareness and to actively participate in the rehabilitation, reforestation, protection, and conservation of the Sierra Madre mountains, One Meralco Foundation implemented its One For Trees program in the Laguna-Quezon Land Grant area in partnership with Fostering Education and Environmental Development (FEED) and the University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB). The initiative also hopes to contribute to the land’s bid to achieve a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and develop the area as a sustainable forest and a major biodiversity hub.
One Meralco Foundation Program Manager for One For Trees, Patrick Famisaran, explained why activities like tree planting will eventually help the next generation, “Last month as Sierra Madre protected us from the wrath of Typhoon Karding we had a reality check on how our mountains and trees have become our allies for survival and that exactly is the point of One For Trees. Overtime, reforestation enriches the biodiversity of the area which will sustain ecosystems here including our own survival.”
FEED and UPLB have been working closely in the Laguna – Quezon Land Grant since 2011 through a community based social forestry approach. Based on their SEEDS4FEEDS program, FEED will implement OFT through working with the local community who will carry out efforts in site preparation, nursery establishment, and planting, nurturing, protecting, and monitoring of trees. OFT funded 100,000 trees which shall cover 40 hectares of reforestation involving 150 farmers from different people’s organizations (POs). This will result in additional economic gains for the local farmers and enhance agroforestry-based opportunities over the long term.
“FEED has been planting here since the 1980’s during the time when the Navy, Army, and Marines were the only ones allowed in the Sierra Madre. But overtime, when CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) became something in the 1990’s, instead of us looking for companies, they started coming to us. We realized that the demand was getting bigger and bigger, and we had to expand our programs," said FEED Director of Partnerships Anne Marie Bakker.
Indeed, one of the most important ingredients of a reforestation program is the people behind the trees who continue to manage them long after tree planting volunteers plant them. In turn, programs like One For Trees also provides economic sustainability for these tree farmers and forest rangers as they get employed and can earn out of the agroforestry component of the program.
The planting activity also highlighted the vital role tree farmers play in the sustainability of the program. “We often remind our participants that when we plant trees, the site has been prepared by the forest guards. But hopefully you can also experience a little bit of the hardships of a forester, our farmers, and our fishers. They are the poorest of the poor in this country, I would say they are frontliners of the Philippines. They protect our water and our food supply, and yet they are the most marginalized, so please remember to thank them,” Bakker reiterated.
OFT also advocates for social commitment by deepening the awareness of the public on the importance of reforestation, regeneration, and the preservation of our country’s forests. One concrete example is by engaging employee volunteers in community planting where they can appreciate more the significance of long-term reforestation undertakings to community welfare as well as nature’s impact to individuals.
Meralco employees from its South Business Area and South Sector volunteered during the kick-off where they learned proper seedling preparation for actual out planting. Employees planted native tree species like lanite, gakakan, kublii, malaruhat, malasantol, langka and malabayabas.
Away from the usual office routine, Meralco employee volunteers were able to be one with nature through this activity. Meralco Lucena Business Center Head Yvonne Jazzey D. Melo shared how this personal experience can affect forests and their biodiversity. “Our responsibility does not end inside the office, through One For Trees, we are able to contribute to long term solutions for reforestation.” She encourages other employees to join when given the opportunity as their combined individual efforts may bring significant impact to the environment and to the communities.
Another Meralco employee who joined the activity seconded what his colleague said. “Tree planting activities like this is part and parcel of our sustainability roadmap in Meralco. We all know how important trees are for the environment, for our water supply and for the prevention of disasters. By participating here, we help secure a safer and brighter future” said Mr. Dante Longboen, Manager of San Pablo-Sta. Cruz Business Center.
OMF, through the One For Trees program, works closely with national and local government agencies as well as people’s organizations to encourage various sectors of society to contribute to the protection and conservation of the Sierra Madre mountains and many of the country’s forests and watersheds.
At the recent CSO2 Sustainability Fair hosted by USAID and Save the Children Foundation, pioneering impact investor Maoi Arroyo identified agriculture, mariculture, and the creative industries as prime sectors for funding.
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Pioneering impact investor Maoi Arroyo (standing, left) during her presentation at the CSO2 Sustainability Fair hosted by USAID and Save the Children Foundation |
Arroyo is the founder of Ignite Impact Fund, which invests money in businesses whose core product or service offers financial return and generates positive social and/or environmental impact. Sustainable .investing is a growing trend throughout the world with over 68% of investments making the expected financial return and 78% achieving their projected impact according to the 2020 Global Impact Investing Network annual survey.
“There’s a burgeoning opportunity for this type of investing in the Philippines, where 68% of the poor are farmers and fisherfolk. We’re looking to partner with foundations and civil society organizations to fund startups that help alleviate poverty while netting a financial return of 2 to 3 times the capital invested over 5 years.” Arroyo states.
One of Ignite Impact Fund’s banner investments was into Bioprime, which produces an organic biofertilizer that greatly increases crop yields. To date, it has been deployed across 20,000 hectares in the Philippines, and brought thousands of small-scale farmers out of poverty.
“We’re also looking into the possibility of coral farming: 70% of the corals can be used to revitalize our reefs while 30% can be sold to the $1.2 billion aquarium market, providing income for coastal communities.” Arroyo expounds. “Responsible investments in agriculture and mariculture are only possible when NGOs and funders work together to create a good business plan. This will unlock other opportunities like Agri-Agra funds from commercial banks. Banks have been unable to comply with the Agri-Agra law because of the lack of viable business plans from farmers and fisherfolk.”
Arroyo also sees a bright future for creative and cultural enterprises, pointing out that products can be sold at a premium in export markets providing investors fund quality improvements and marketing. “We should be charging high prices for bespoke or limited-edition crafts. This would enable our people to be paid like craftsmen instead of laborers.”
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Insurance firm BPI AIA (formerly BPI-Philam) has introduced “PamilyaProtect,” life insurance protection designed for everyone in mind. Available via Facebook Messenger, PamilyaProtect is a health, life, and accident insurance plan rolled into one to give the whole family the peace of mind they need right now.
“We have always pushed to offer protection products that were inclusive, allowing people from all walks of life to be able to get it quickly and affordably. More and more people need this protection daily. As our mission states, ‘we make sure that insurance is easy to get and easy to have for every Filipino, no matter what class they belong to.’ With PamilyaProtect, that has become reality. Now, insurance is for everyone,” said BPI AIA CEO Surendra Menon.
For less than Php 500 per month, a policyholder can already insure themselves for as much as Php 2 million, with a Hospital Income Benefit for the main insured at Php 1,000 per day of confinement due to sickness or accident and Accidental Death, Dismemberment, and Disablement Benefit. The coverage can also be extended to loved ones, including parents, a spouse or partner, children, or siblings, making it perfect for singles, couples, single parents, and even overseas Filipinos.
“You don’t need to spend a large amount to show your family that you love them. No matter who you are or where you are in life, there are myriad expressions of love and one of them is to secure your family’s future and provide them the most basic protection and medical needs, so that you are all prepared for whatever happens. At BPI AIA, we continuously evolve to empower our customers and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams and ambitions, all while enjoying the present with their loved ones,” said Menon.
PamilyaProtect is for all BPI credit and debit cardholders—they can be insured in less than 10 minutes by simply using their credit card or EMV-enabled debit card.
PamilyaProtect comes in two variants—Plan P1M and Plan P2M—that customers can choose from based on their budget and protection needs. To be eligible, the principal insured must be a BPI customer and is 18-64 years old. Meanwhile, eligible adult dependents are 18-64 years old and minor dependents are 14 days to 21 years old. The plan automatically renews annually.
The launch of PamilyaProtect allows BPI AIA to provide customers an opportunity to secure themselves and their families in a manner and channel that is familiar to Filipinos from all walks of life. This enables them to start their financial wellness journey at an affordable price and live worry-free towards healthier, longer, and better lives.
BPI AIA has always been recognized by the Insurance Commission as a top insurer in the Philippines. It carries over 70 years of local experience and the global strength of AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), as well as the 170 years of solid trust and heritage of BPI.
Start securing your future with BPI AIA by visiting the PamilyaProtect Official Facebook Page.
MSI has increased its presence in the Philippines by building its sixth concept shop. The new concept shop, located on Level 2, Cyberzone, Annex, SM Davao, assists the brand in reaching out to its followers and consumers in Mindanao.
"MSI is excited to deliver fresh and engaging experiences to Davao’s gamers and professionals. This is a huge step for us since we noticed a need in the area and decided it was the right moment to extend our local presence. We aim to bring innovation closer to people because we acknowledge the value of accessibility in creating a more inclusive society," says Rhyan Sy, Product Manager at MSI Philippines.
The opening of shops coincides with the launch of the brand's new makeover, which provides a more modern appearance and feels in keeping with MSI's "Tech Meets Aesthetic" credo. The new design has a brighter and more engaging, yet simple ambiance, putting the brand's view for the remainder of the year into focus. The store is separated into two sections: Tech Meets Aesthetic, which sells business and productivity items, and True Gaming, which sells gaming equipment.
MSI also has a Holiday promotion running until December 31, 2022. This promo highlights MSI's Vector GP Series, GF Thin Series, Katana GF Series, Modern Series, and Stealth 15M, all of which are ideal for the rigors of work and play. Purchase any of these laptops during the promotional time to receive savings of up to PHP 22,000 and freebies of up to PHP 6,500. MSI gaming headphones, gaming mice, thermos bottles, and much more are among the gifts!
In addition, the first “10” customers who purchase any MSI laptop in the concept shop will receive a free 1TB Seagate External HDD valued at PHP 3,690 and a FREE 8GB RAM upgrade applicable for all gaming and modern laptop series for the first “30” buyers, while supplies last.
If you want even more freebies, post your MSI laptop story on social media for a chance to win a PHP 1,000 Steam Wallet Code or Food Vouchers as part of our Your Opinion Matters campaign.
Nevertheless, the MSI Davao Grand Launch wouldn’t be complete without any in-store activities and freebies giveaways. So make sure to visit us on November 26, Saturday at 2L Cyberzone, Annex, SM Davao Ecoland.
So, what are you holding out for? Grab these incredible computers with numerous goodies while you can!
27-year-old Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena shares his story of strength and resilience on the road to become Asia's best -- from overcoming stigma in the sport, to balancing his heart and mind as he dreams of bringing the Philippines glory in the sport that he loves.
In the middle of back-to-back schedules during his short break in the Philippines before returning to Italy for another round of intense training, Filipino Olympian EJ Obiena sat down for the last episode of #BetterToday conversations in this year’s Power Move Project, an initiative of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to promote mental resilience through sports.
“To maintain a strong mental headspace, I think it’s a matter of knowing how hard I’ve worked and that I’ve done everything in my capacity going to that day – all the training that I did throughout the year, all those days that I threw up on the side of the track. I deserve to be there, I deserve to compete with the best, and to be one of the best in the sport,” the Olympian shared.
His conviction and commitment to the sport have been validated multiple times, with his record-breaking performances in his latest tournaments, beating other veteran pole vaulters.
“There are a lot of challenges in the sport. Being Asian is one thing, because Asians are not known to excel in pole vault. These kinds of stigma did affect me, but I learned to embrace that challenge. I make sure that I win the competition and prove that stereotype is not true,” Obiena shared.
Obiena started in the sport through his father, who brought him to Rizal Memorial Stadium when he was just a kid. Now, with years of experience under his belt, the pole vaulter also said that his approach to the game is simply winning.
“The best EJ as an athlete is going to be the best person that he is. Therefore, before becoming the best athlete, I need to be a better person,” he said. “From getting knocked down to getting back up to knowing the best approach and mindset -- there are a lot of things I can improve on.”
As the number 3 pole vaulter in the world, Obiena shared that his biggest dream is to hopefully bring the country glory, especially in the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. The young pole vaulter also told the youth to find something that they truly enjoy, but to also endure the hardship that they are bound to face. “Achieving something historic would not come overnight. You need time and a lot of effort. There’s going to be a lot of pain, but stay with it. Focus and keep striving. Next thing you know, you’re closer to your goal than you ever were today.”
Watch EJ Obiena’s episode on #BetterToday Conversations here. The #BetterToday Power Move Project is part of the PLDT group’s broader program to help ensure the digital wellness of Filipinos particularly the youth. -
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) committed anew its support for the government’s transportation infrastructure development efforts crucial to the country’s pandemic recovery and economic growth.
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| DOTr Sec. Jaime J. Bautista (5th from left) and Meralco President and CEO Atty Ray C. Espinosa (5th from right) led officials DOTr and Meralco officials in a strategic meeting to advance the government’s infrastructure development efforts. |
Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today.
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As the Philippine National Women’s Football team continue to prepare for their stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, team captain Tahnai Annis joined the #BetterToday “Power Move Project” conversations on mental resilience and her love for football.
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| Photo Nike.com |
Jordan 1 High returns with a classic Chicago colorway with a twist. Dubbed as Lost and Found, it's one of the most awaited Jordan 1 High release this 2022 as it pay homage to the sneakers that Michael Jordan wore back in '85. In case you miss the raffle from the Nike app and Nike Park Access, here's your last chance to cop one in retail.
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| [L-R] Jen Bilango, Guild Hub General Manager, LLGMobius Founder Lucas Low, MVP CEO Gerb Inajada, and BlockchainSpace (BSPC) CEO and Founder Peter Ing discussed the role of guilds in the metaverse, opportunities and challenges of guilds and BSPC’s commitment to guild empowerment during the launch of Guild Hub. |
The emergence of online communities in Web3 such as gaming guilds have been instrumental in driving Web3 adoption among Filipinos, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial stability. However, guild owners have yet to formally legitimize their businesses, which BlockchainSpace (BSPC), the leading data aggregator and infrastructure provider for guilds and Web3 projects, seeks to achieve through the launch of its new project, Guild Hub.
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| BlockchainSpace (BSPC) CEO and Founder Peter Ing shared that the company is dedicated to fostering guild growth by addressing the issue of business legitimacy. |
“Cryptocurrency adoption wouldn’t have reached the level it has today if not for the guild owners and managers who took the initiative to help aspiring Web3 users to enter and thrive in the space,” said BSPC CEO and Founder Peter Ing, whose company strongly advocates guild growth through tooling, financing, networking, and now, with Guild Hub.
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| [L-R] LLGMobius Founder Lucas Low and MVP CEO Gerb Inajada talked about the potential of guilds as well as the issues they face and opportunities to take advantage of for guilds such as theirs. |
Despite the crucial role of guilds in cryptocurrency adoption, representatives from Metaverse Ventures Platform, Inc. (MVP) and LimitLess Guild (LLG) Mobius still experience various challenges in recognition as legitimate businesses outside the space, hindering them from more opportunities and further growth.
“Web3 gaming being recognized and accepted as a profession by other institutions has been a major challenge for us in unlocking more opportunities for our members. As long as guilds have this problem, we won’t be able to reach our fullest potential and ensure long-term sustainability for our businesses,” shared MVP CEO Gerb Inajada.
“We believe that the GameFi community is one of the key drivers of web3 development. As part of the ecosystem, we work together to become good actors and foster growth together. We assist each other to unlock our full potential, improve our overall perception, and augment our impact in the community,” LLGMobius Founder Lucas Low added.
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| Guild Hub General Manager Jen Bilango shared that identity will be the key to effective and efficient product & services discovery and scalable community engagement, which Guild Hub will capitalize on. |
Guild Hub General Manager Jen Bilango shared that identity will be the key to effective and efficient product & services discovery and scalable community engagement, which Guild Hub will capitalize on.
BSPC’s Guild Hub aims to solve the issue of business legitimacy, guaranteeing a more effective way of policing the community and ensuring that all guilds are accounted for and safe to partner with. With Guild Hub, guilds are provided a ‘Guild Profile’, a BSPC-issued identity that allows them to access several projects and platforms and view services, platforms, products, crypto on-ramps and off-ramps, news, and analytics.
Games will also be able to determine which guilds to partner with through Guild Hub, while players can find out which communities to connect with, resulting in effective and efficient product & services discovery and scalable community engagement.
“The launch of Guild Hub marks the beginning of a new era for guilds. As we at BSPC work to help Web3 businesses gain legitimacy, they’ll be able to enjoy business opportunities to impact not only their members but also communities outside the metaverse,” said Guild Hub General manager Jen Bilango.
The past couple of years have shown us the convenience of digital payments. With #revengetravel peaking and more people on the go, we all want hassle-free, fast, safe, and easy transactions.
Fortunately, people traveling along the NLEX Southbound tollway can now enjoy the benefits of cashless transactions when they stop by the NLEX Drive&Dine, the leading Toll Service Facility (TSF) and rest stop along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), powered by the all-in-one growth partner, Maya Business!
As an operating unit of MPT Mobility, NLEX Drive&Dine strives to provide the best expressway rest-stop comfort-from physical to digital facilities. Being the country's first ever TSF that's fully cashless-capable, you can relax and enjoy your pitstop at NLEX Drive&Dine - no need to worry about having enough cash.
The Maya Business all-in-one platform powers the broadest range of payment acceptance, so you can have less worries when relaxing and getting your fill at NLEX Drive&Dine! With NLEX Drive and Dine restaurants and stores now powered by the Maya terminal, you can pay using Maya QR or other cashless modes of payment, including any debit, prepaid, and credit card or e-wallets! You can also use any bank app already enabled with QR Ph when scanning to pay a Maya QR code.
You can go cashless at NLEX Drive and Dine’s fast-food outlets like McDonald's, KFC, Chowking, and Yellow Cab; restaurants such as Banapple, Army Navy, Hap Chan, Pancake House, and Max's; convenience stores such as 7-Eleven; and premium retail stores such as the world's biggest Nike Factory Store, Levi's, Casio, Oregon Premium Outlet Store, A+ Premium Tech, and Fashion Rack; as well as its Phoenix fuel station.
Paying via Maya QR or your Maya card is also rewarding because of its guaranteed cashback for every transaction.
So the next time you're coming home from your road trip or just cruising along, drop by NLEX Drive&Dine, the best pitstop destination with cashless options powered by Maya Business. Located between Valenzuela and Meycauayan exits on the Southbound NLEX lane, most establishments are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Do check out also some of the stores that are open 24/7.
Maya Business enables all types of businesses to grow in bolder directions through effortless B2B payments, payment acceptance, and money management solutions. To know more about its products, visit https://www.maya.ph/business
NLEX Drive&Dine is one of the eight operating units of MPT Mobility, the innovations arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, whose aim is to improve the overall Pinoy traveling experience through its products and services.
The PLDT Group bolsters its mission to help make the Philippines Southeast Asia’s next hyperscale hub. At the recent Telecoms World Asia conference held in Bangkok, Thailand, PLDT Enterprise’s Asia-Pacific Regional Head, Jeff Mendoza, emphasized the critical role played by PLDT in creating the digital infrastructure required by the country’s transformation into a regional hyperscale powerhouse.
At the conference, the premiere event on digital solutions and services for Asian Telcos, Mendoza discussed the emergence of holistic digital ecosystems in support of the Philippines’ fast-paced digitalization–particularly, the steps that the PLDT Group has taken in the last two years, cementing its lead in the industry and reinforcing its commitment to drive the country’s digital capabilities forward.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed unprecedented digital adoption in the region, especially in the Philippines,” says Mendoza. “Google’s latest e-Conomy SEA report shows the Philippines as the frontrunner in Southeast Asia with its digital economy expected to be sustained at a CAGR of 20% through 2025.”
VITRO Sta. Rosa, the largest and most advanced hyperscale data center in the Philippines, is among PLDT’s notable investments in digital infrastructure, and adds to its current network of 10 data centers that host the country’s richest IP ecosystem.
The recently launched Jupiter Subsea Cable System, together with upcoming international cable systems ADC and Apricot, further deepen PLDT’s digital infrastructure investments.
Together, these form PLDT’s response to the rapidly growing requirements of the country’s thriving digital economy—driven by a young digital-savvy population and the strong propensity to use cloud across business sectors.
As PLDT continues to build world-class digital infrastructure to strengthen the Philippines’ position as the next hyperscale destination in Southeast Asia, it also continues its close collaboration with key government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, the Board of Investments, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, to enable the country’s digital ecosystem.
These government entities continue to support the digital thrust by enabling policies that promote cloud computing as the preferred technology for administration and delivery of government services, and laws that grant fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for high-value strategic investments such as digital infrastructure.
PLDT’s efforts to help drive the Philippines as the next hyperscale hub is guided by an even bigger mission to help build a sustainable future for Filipinos. PLDT remains dedicated to its efforts and initiatives that strongly support UNSDG No. 9: ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation’.
For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/.
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| Jose P. Rizal National High School students, teachers, and community leaders from Barangay Punta Baja in Rizal, Palawan celebrate being the first ever Barangay Shopee winner |
As face-to-face classes resume, schools all around the Philippines struggle with a shortage of resources due to the influx of enrollees. In Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan, students faced the problem of not having enough chairs, as a lot of them had no choice but to sit on the floor during classes. Sitti Halima Adges, a school teacher at the Jose P. Rizal National High School, dreamt of providing her students with a complete set of school arm chairs to create spaces conducive for learning.
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| Sitti Adges submitted the winning video for the Barangay Shopee contest, and her wish was to provide all students of Jose P. Rizal National High School with new school chairs |
One day, Sitti chanced upon a post on Shopee’s Barangay Shopee initiative– where a barangay could win a community project of their choice. She and her fellow teachers took their chances and joined and thanks to their heartwarming video entry, Sitti’s dream became a reality. Out of 200 entries nationwide, Barangay Punta Baja was chosen as one of Barangay Shopee’s two winners.
On November 11, Shopee went to Rizal, Palawan to visit Sitti and her barangay, and donated more than 1,000 school chairs to the Jose P. Rizal National High School.
Sitti Adges submitted the winning video for the Barangay Shopee contest, and her wish was to provide all students of Jose P. Rizal National High School with new school chairs
“Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong at suporta ni Shopee sa Barangay Punta-Baja at Jose P. Rizal National High School. Bilang isang ina at guro, napakasaya ko na may mga mabubuting loob tulad ng Shopee na tumutulong sa pag-aaral ng aming mga estudyante sa barangay namin,” shared Sitti.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “At Shopee, we are committed to serving the underserved and making a difference in communities all over the Philippines. When we launched Barangay Shopee, our goal was to address the direct needs of communities. Sitti’s video entry was one of the many we received, and it reminded us of our commitment to nurture young talent, and the importance of creating environments conducive for learning and growth. We are humbled that we were able to bring smiles to Barangay Punta Baja, and we hope to do the same for many more communities.”
Through Barangay Shopee and all initiatives under Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to bettering the lives of the underserved by helping communities benefit from the power of technology wherever they are in the Philippines. Learn more about Barangay Shopee here.
vivo has recorded an 88% percent increase in annual sales this year and is now on 2nd Top Smartphone Vendor in the Philippines. It's still number 1 in terms of annual growth as of Q3
Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) believes in the potential of young Filipinos and their skills to make a significant impact on society. With the Philippines’ youthful and dynamic population, Samsung is keen on tapping the Filipino youth and exploring their talents in developing world-class and cutting-edge technologies.
PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently partnered with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Butuan City, supporting their Mental Health Awareness Seminar. Through PLDT and Smart’s Better Today program, the companies invited longtime mental health co-champion Riyan Portuguez, more popularly known as “Your Millennial Psychologist”, to engage the youth in discussing "The Science of Self-care”.
Cynth Zephanee Nietes, SK Federation President, said, "We are extremely happy and grateful to PLDT and Smart for partnering with us in our mental health advocacy. This is a great help given the increase in mental health concerns among the youth. I hope we can sustain this initiative."
“The mental health campaign has been part of the local development plan because a lot of people are affected. There are stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental health, so we need to conduct more dialogues about it. It is important for young people to also take care of our mental wellness to be ready for tomorrow,” she added.
Portuguez touched on components of mental health and shared tips on caring for oneself, emphasizing the importance of the students and youth leaders' role in normalizing conversations on Mental Health. Some students shared about their struggles in juggling studies and personal life, while others expressed interest in psychology and mental health issues.
“I joined this seminar because it is an opportunity for us to know more about mental health. Not only is this related to my course, but I also hope to educate fellow youth and help those with mental health concerns. To lessen this problem, we must keep learning and helping each other,” shared André Franz Sibayan, college student from Fr. Saturnino Urios University.
Better Today’s emphasis on mental health is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly UNSDG #3 that stands for good health and well-being.
Seiko Epson Corporation has defined the Corporate Purpose of the Epson Group (“Epson”).
The Corporate Purpose statement articulates the type of value Epson offers the world, the company’s unique reason for being, and its aspirations.
The efficient, compact, and precise innovation that Epson has pursued goes beyond technology. It encompasses a philosophy for eliminating waste, reducing dimensions, and increasing precision, an approach that can create even greater social value.
The corporate purpose cannot be realized by Epson employees alone. Our customers, partners, and society must empathize with and share our purpose. Epson seeks to contribute to environmental conservation and cultural development and to enrich lives and create a better world.
Epson global president Yasunori Ogawa said, “We at Epson marked our 80th year in business in May of this year. We have always exercised creativity and challenged ourselves to deliver products and services that exceed the expectations of our customers by drawing on the efficient, compact, and precise technologies we have developed since the company was founded. We will continue to adhere to Epson’s unique philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation, take advantage of the tremendous value that those innovations yield to overcome global environmental problems and other societal issues, and work together to create a better planet and enrich people’s lives.”
Epson intends to continue to collaborate with its customers and partners to solve societal issues and to enrich lives and create a better world.
Tic Tac Philippines, in collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), kicked off its new promotion called “Get Refreshed and Win with Tic Tac,” Tic Tac is known for its iconic “gentle freshness” that allows for pockets of “mini escapes” throughout the day. With this collaboration, Tic Tac hopes to help casual gamers maintain a positive mood, celebrate little wins and fuel fun connections with friends.
Top Officers Rick Pusag and Joey Regala guard the doors of EastWest against cybersecurity and IT threats. Sharing decades of experience combined between the two, they lead the Bank’s Cybersecurity and Information Departments with EVP Rick Pusag as the Technology and Productivity Head and FVP Joey Regala as the Chief Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer. With Rick Pusag at the helm -of systems and infrastructure and Joey Regala manning the gates of cybersecurity, customers can feel at ease knowing that these industry experts are on their side, at all times.
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As cases of bank fraud climb in this challenging climate, EastWest remains vigilant in its efforts to keep the Bank and its customers secure against future attacks. Joey’s group is chiefly concerned with data protection and cybersecurity, while Rick’s group handles the IT infrastructure that both customers and employees interact with—the two collaborate closely together to keep EastWest’s cybersecurity up to date.
“EastWest is constantly adjusting to the cyber terrain, looking for vulnerabilities and mitigating them accordingly,” says Regala. “Our office, the Information Security and Data Protection Office, consistently coordinates with the IT Group to further strengthen cybersecurity.”
EastWest Chief Information Security Officer Joey Regala stands in the way of cybersecurity threats to protect the Bank and its customers. Joey transitioned from Auditing to Accounting to IT Auditing and now Cybersecurity working for nearly 30 years of wide information technology experience. He has worked with different companies and banks along with being a trailblazer in the Information Safety Officers Group (ISOG) where he was the former President. A member of the PNP - Anti CyberCrime Advisory Council and the BAP Cybersecurity Working Committee.
What Joey deems vital in his line of work is a learning mindset. “You have to learn the behavior of people, of people on the other side, in order to prevent potential attacks. The Cybersecurity Officer continues to stress the importance of knowing how threats are formed and how they will attack. “You have to learn from the hacker, learn to think like the hacker.”
According to Joey, cybersecurity defense is like a castle with many layers of protection, he uses the term ‘Defense in Depth’, a security strategy that enacts multiple security measures to protect against threats. He also stresses the significance of the use of AI and Machine Learning when it comes to identifying and solving IT threats. “The power of AI is a big help in detecting threats and identifying errant behavior to prevent attacks. Machine learning assists in identifying fraud management and there are analytical tools using geolocation, or other means to identify abnormal behavior in account movements.”
An avid cyclist, Joey Regala draws parallels from safety in the road while on a bike to his line of work. “Biking is like Cybersecurity. You have to keep on pedaling or you will fall, just like in Cybersecurity you need to keep on looking new ways to defend the cyberspace. You have to stop, look, and listen. Always find time to identify possible threats and navigate the terrain to find the best course of action”. He adds that one should always work towards new and evolved ways to shore up the Bank’s defense. You constantly have to do risk assessment and take time to patiently determine the best course of action. Each problem, each attack can be different. So, the solutions must evolve along the way
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| Joey posing with his bike |
“Never rest - you either sink or swim - that’s my cyber security slogan. Never be satisfied with what you have done, always look at new ways to protect the bank.” says Joey.
Hailing from a military background from the US along with extensive international professional experience, Rick Pusag seeks to give meaningful service to the Bank’s employees and customers. “The military was about identifying what people require to be successful. Individuals are very important, and you need to understand what they need to succeed.” He also stresses that “leadership is through motivation and pointing others in the right direction to succeed. The world of tech and banking can hold multiple challenges, but these can always be overcome with the right people and the right mindset.”
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| Rick Pusag in the military |
Sharing that a good day at work means finding solutions to problems and solving them with your team, Rick remains confident of the Bank’s ability to handle both current and future threats. “In the recent months, EastWest has made significant investments to upgrade and futureproof its technology infrastructure.”
Being resilient and having a positive mindset is crucial not only in work, but in life as well. Rick shares, “In a job where there is always a challenge, it is best to remind yourself that nothing is insurmountable, and you can overcome that hurdle and resolve them. You need people to bounce those situations with.”
Rick states that the Bank is always ready to handle the threats that will come their way. “We aim to fully implement and exploit EastWest's investment in the digital experience platform.” He remarks that this platform will improve how customers interact with the Bank. And he assures that it will also provide enhanced capabilities to its employees as the platform can also create improved tools they can utilize when servicing customers. Users of the Bank’s systems will continue to experience advanced upgrades that will give them easier and more secure access.
The customers of EastWest can rest assured knowing that experts such as Joey Regala and Rick Pusag are on the job. They maintain the stance that there is a love to protect their clients and to put them first in terms of safety and security.
As the much awaited holiday season is quickly approaching, Filipinos turned to Shopee for irresistible deals and exciting rewards during this year’s 11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale. Local sellers and brands were eager to give shoppers much to look forward to as they offered over 150 million deals on the platform.
.jpg "Halo Infinite - Winter Update Screenshot")
The Winter Update for Halo Infinite is here, bringing the largest feature update to both the game’s campaign and free-to-play multiplayer since launch. Starting today, players can jump into hotly anticipated experiences such as the Forge Beta, Campaign Network Co-Op, and Mission Replay, unlock rewards from the free, 30-tier Battle Pass, and more.
Ever wonder how you can shoot like a pro just by using your mobile phone? Lighting, photo composition, creativity, hours of practice and bit of luck should the trick.
However, vivo makes it look easy by sharing its own tips and tricks that can help users seize those picture-perfect moments with this newest Y series vivo smartphone.
HONOR has recently announced that starting November 15, HONOR fans can already experience its latest products up close as it officially opens its new kiosks in select SM malls in the country.
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| Photo of Jessey De Leon & Mika Reyes: https://www.facebook.com/bettertodayph |
PLDT High Speed Hitters middle blockers Mika Reyes and Jessey De Leon arrived at the gym in their practice uniform, smiling and energetic despite the midday heat to sit down for a conversation on mental health and sports for #BetterToday’s Power Move Project.
To help advance PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart)’s advocacy to uplift and improve the overall digital wellness of Filipinos, the two middle blockers candidly revealed how they deal with the effects of social media in their lives.
“Social media comes with both positivity and negativity. I just keep in mind that I can’t control what others think. I can’t please everybody. It’s essential to remind yourself that the people who are actually important to you are the ones whose opinions matter,” De Leon said.
Reyes agreed. “Ignore the noise, do not engage with bashers, and conserve your energy.”
These volleyball stars each have a huge following on almost all social media platforms, which they use to bond with teammates and keep in touch with fans all year round.
“As public figures, we try to maximize our influence especially through social media, hoping that maybe we can uplift others in one way or another,” said Reyes.
De Leon also shared how she uses her experiences to inspire people, especially those who are going through mental issues. “We’re vocal about mental health because I’ve also gone through a dark phase before. I use those challenges to remind other people that they are not alone.”
For those going through hard times, the two young athletes underscored the importance of not giving up.
“I am better today because of everything that I’ve been through. Nothing is ever easy, and it’s important that no matter what trial you face, you won’t give up, you just keep working hard on doing what you love and loving what you do,” said De Leon.
“I’m better today because I have not succumbed to the problems that life has thrown at me,” Reyes added. “It’s okay to feel tired and to take a break. Just make sure that you will bounce back stronger.”
The volleyball pros also emphasized the importance of being kind to oneself. “We have a mindset that we should not stop, but sometimes, we really need to pause, to recharge, or recalibrate. Make sure that you are whole before you give yourself to others,” De Leon said, to which Reyes quipped, “Nakaka-relate?” ending the conversation with a high five between the two.
Catch more of their conversation on the Better Today Facebook Page here.
Another bunch of discounts and promos for our fans who love to shop for their grocery items! MetroMart brings you another PISO SALE but bigger. Checkout the exclusive promo codes you can use to get FREE DELIVERY and more
Treat that sensitive skin with Aveeno products which are now on sale. The weather is now transitioning welcoming the cooler ber months. With the cold breeze, it draws moisture away from the skin resulting in very dry, itchy skin. Thanks to the new improved formula of Aveeno Skin Relief with Triple Oat Complex, it soothes and protects skin in as fast as sixty seconds.
Don’t let very dry, itchy skin stop you as Aveeno has special promo deals this 11.11 – get as much as 50% OFF with your favorite Aveeno products! What are you waiting for? Check them out in Lazada and Shopee on November 11, 2022!
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