Travereel your new travel and social media app where you can Book, Travel, Connect, and Earn

There's a new travel app that not only lets you book and get the best rates on hotels and travel destinations, but also works as a social media tool to help you interact with other travelers, staycationers who share the same interest as you. 

It's like Tiktok and Facebook in one, the Travereel app revolutionizes travel experiences worldwide that lets you book, travel, connect socially, and earn commission by being a content creator slash traveler! Now available for both android and iPhone/iOS users.

BingoPlus newest endorser stars in “An Ultimate Night with Piolo Pascual”

When showbiz heartthrob Piolo Pascual celebrated his 25 years in the entertainment industry, BingoPlus – the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines and the leading entertainment gateway for Filipinos – made sure he would have a spectacular celebration.

“An Ultimate Night with Piolo” – a concert that showcased the sparkling personality and talent of BingoPlus’ newest endorser – looked back and honored the hard work and success of the Filipino film and TV actor who is also a recording artist, host, commercial model, film producer and multi-awarded performer.

The sold-out concert featured Jericho Rosales, Arnel Pineda and Iñigo Pascual as special guest performers. Dedicated to Piolo’s fans who have given him their unending love and support throughout his career, the audience at the concert was treated to a special song number that Piolo performed with Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The audience broke out in applause and a swoon over the exquisite number.

“BingoPlus’ sponsorship of this grand event is an expression of our brand’s all-out support for our newest official celebrity endorser. It is a testament to how much we value the partnership we have with the country’s most sought-after actor who continues to deliver excellent quality entertainment to the Filipino people,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc., the company that introduced the BingoPlus brand.

BingoPlus is the proud flagship brand of Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Digiplus Interactive Corp continues to enrich the gaming experience for Filipino players across the nation.

To know more, download the BingoPlus app now via the App Store and Google Play or visit http://www.bingoplus.com. Sa BingoPlus, Bingo sa Saya, Plus sa Panalo!

New PIE Game Show “Watchawin” Gives KaTroPIES a Chance to Earn Up to P60,000 Weekly

• The show premiered in September as part of PIE’s Pindot PIEnalo Block.

• KaTroPIES can win up to P60,000 weekly when they watch with laser focus and play using their devices. 

• Watchawin is Robi Domingo’s first-ever game show assignment.

PIE’s primetime lineup gets even more exciting with the recently launched Pindot PIEnalo Block. Airing daily from 5:00 PM, the block’s roster of interactive, gamified, and entertaining shows gives KaTroPIEs more chances to win cash and prizes.

The newest show on the block is “Watchawin,” which airs every day at 6:00 PM beginning October 23, offering an all-new concept with its all-new host.

 

Watch with galing para pindot PIEnalo ka sa WATCHAWIN!

“This is my first time hosting a game show, and as someone na laking game show, I'm incredibly excited magbigay ng saya sa ating mga viewers at premyo sa ating mga contestants! I'm so thankful to PIE for giving me this opportunity,” shares Watchawin host Robi Domingo, who has worked on popular reality shows and long-running musical variety formats. As Watchawin host, Domingo joins stars like Luis Manzano, Jolina Magdangal, and Bayani Agbayani as a PIE Game Master, giving KaTroPIEs enjoyable ways to win every night of the week.

“I really like the concept of Watchawin kasi sobrang unique! Pwedeng mag-chill habang nanonood, o kay naman sumali para magka chance ipakita ang iyong galing sa pag-watch!,” Domingo enthusiastically adds.

In Watchawin, KaTroPIEs need sharp eyes to watch a series of 'Watchables,' or short videos shown to both in-studio participants and online KaTroPIES. Later, Robi challenges both in-studio and online viewers to remember specific details from the videos they just watched. Simply put, they’ve got to “Watch with galing sa Watchawin.”

 

Ang magaling manood may PA-PREMYO? Watch with Galing sa WATCHAWIN! 

KaTroPIEs who watch with laser focus have the chance to earn up to P60,000 weekly when they answer correctly using their electronic devices. Exciting, right? Well, earning has always been this easy with PIE!

Tune in and join PIE every night at www.pie.com.ph! You can also watch on free TV by rescanning your digital box, through cable TV with Sky Cable, CableLink, and more, on PIE's official YouTube channel, and in the GLife section of the GCash app.

Alibaba Cloud Unveils New Services to Solve Generative AI Development Issues for Global Customer

Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today announced a series of innovative AI products and services at the 2023 Alibaba Cloud Global Summit. The comprehensive set of new products are designed to meet the burgeoning demand for Generative AI development from customers worldwide.

Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, speaks at the Alibaba Cloud Global Summit

The extensive AI solutions from Alibaba Cloud, spanning from AI computing platforms to AI acceleration services and AI-centric applications, are designed to assist customers in creating their own Generative AI applications in a more efficient, security-focused, and cost-effective manner.

Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, said: "To cater for the thriving demand for generative AI, we are constantly introducing innovative products and services to tackle different pain points of our global customers. Our comprehensive AI services are designed to help customers seize the unparalleled opportunities offered by this unstoppable technology trend.”

"As part of our commitment to foster more inclusive and innovative application development for generative AI, we have been joining forces with industry leaders to further extend our capabilities for different scenarios, ” added Yuan.

Comprehensive AI Services for Generative AI Development

• To reduce AI process complexity, Alibaba Cloud introduced PAI-Lingjun Intelligent Computing Service, a comprehensive AI computing platform for high-performance computing tasks, such as foundation model training and inference. It offers large-scale deep learning and intelligent computing capabilities on Alibaba Cloud. The service also provides full-process AI engineering capabilities, including AI development, AI training, AI role management, and computing resource management. The platform, already in use in Mainland China, will be available in Singapore from early 2024, followed by more general availability across Asia throughout the year.
• To accelerate AI model training and inference, Alibaba Cloud launched Alibaba Cloud AI Acceleration Solution, which uses leading datasets and hardware accelerators to manage data-intensive applications, optimizing the utilization of computing instances to expedite AI model training and inference tasks. According to the Stanford DAWN Deep Learning Benchmark, it can speed up AI model training by 70% and inference by up to three times. The solution includes layers for cloud-native AI suite, AI job scheduling, AI data acceleration, AI computing acceleration engine, resource scheduling, and computing resources, with each layer offering specific acceleration solutions for different scenarios.
• To simplify building AI-based search service, Alibaba Cloud unveiled OpenSearch LLM-Based Conversational Search, its proprietary large-scale distributed search engine that enables intelligent search services in e-commerce, multimedia, social media, and big data queries in enterprises. Empowered by large language models, the service allows enterprises to rapidly build a dedicated conversational search system, ensuring security, accuracy, and reliability in search results. It also supports multimodal search results such as answers, URLs, and images to cater to specific business search requirements.

 

Technology Partnership to Foster Innovative Application Development

Alibaba Cloud announced a series of partnerships with global technology leaders to offer customers more advanced and security-focused cloud services, accelerating their digital transformation journey:

To promote innovative application development for enterprises, Alibaba Cloud collaborates with Red Hat to make Red Hat OpenShift, a platform for building, deploying and managing applications at scale, deployable on Alibaba Cloud. Red Hat OpenShift on Alibaba Cloud combines the industry’s leading hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes with Alibaba Cloud's robust hybrid infrastructure. Optimized with full-stack automated operations, it offers a more consistent experience across environments to help customers boost productivity more effectively.

Accelerate Digital Transformation for Global Customers

Alibaba Cloud also announced collaborations with enterprise customers in markets including Malaysia, South Korea, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates, underscoring its unwavering commitment to its over 4 million global customers in exploring new opportunities presented by digital transformation and new AI trends.

Grab reintroduces GrabPet, delights Filipino pet parents

Pet lovers, fur-moms and fur-dads, rejoice! GrabPet is back, and here's all you need to know to have the most pleasant journey with your pets across town.

Bayad And Ventaja, Elevating Digital Financial Solutions for Filipinos Overseas

In an effort to make greater strides in the country’s digital payment transformation, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad)– the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system and a full-service fintech subsidiary of Meralco – has officially renewed its partnership with Ventaja International Corp., a fintech institution, initially developed as a telecom prepaid card provider for Filipino migrant workers based overseas, and is now offering a variety of financial services such as remittance, loading and bills payment services for both government and household utilities, all of which, are powered and supported by Bayad’s robust biller aggregator system.

Bayad brings in Meralco, Autosweep, Easytrip, SSS, and many others biller brands in Ventaja’s mobile application called Payremit and through Ventaja’s domestic and international payment centers. With this, even Filipinos overseas can be able to help settle their families’ bills in the Philippines and regularly pay for their government contributions at the same time.

CHAMPIONING DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: Executives of Bayad and Ventaja on their partnership signing. Seen in the photo (from L-R) are Ventaja Chief Operations Officer Zaida G. Batallones, Ventaja Chief Executive Officer Vincent Paul D. Grey, Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer, and Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer Dennis S. Gatuslao.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to expand our payment footprint globally, as we aim to elevate the payment experience of our kababayans. Our goal is centered on boosting their financial wellbeing, as we help them seamlessly settle their families’ bills in the Philippines, and at the same time, invest for their future through government contributions.

“We are with Ventaja in helping OFWs strengthen their ties to home, and we highly value every story of hard work that our kababayans experience before they are able to provide for their families’ needs back home”, added Ferrer.

Ventaja President and CEO Vincent D. Grey also shared “We are thrilled and grateful for our renewed partnership with Bayad as we both maximize the opportunity to offer enhanced payment services to Filipinos overseas. This way we can further financial inclusion and help boost the country’s economic growth.”

For fintech institutions like Ventaja that are interested in being part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain a nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

HONOR PH's 'Buy One, Get One’ Promo Extended, now also on Lazada Shopee

Here is another chance for you to get HONOR’s exciting Buy One Get One Free promo starting October 26 on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok! 

P-Pop On The Rise: Spotify and PPOPCON driving global appetite for the genre all year long

In the past five years, the P-Pop genre has experienced remarkable growth, captivating audiences with its impressive visual cues, coupled with infectious beats and compelling narratives. From PPOPCON captivating audiences two years in a row, to Spotify driving more than 800% increase in daily P-Pop streams since 2018, the genre is fast becoming a global genre to watch.

"We've witnessed substantial growth for the P-Pop industry on the platform over the years. We're thrilled to be part of this remarkable movement, supporting them by providing a platform to share the unique flair of Filipino Pop and showcase Filipino talent to the world." - Kossy Ng, Spotify Asia's Head of Music

 

Blackstar Entertainment, producer of PPOPCON Manila 2023 and PPOPCON Executive Director, Jon Pinto shared, "The success of PPOPCON 2023 and growth of the P-Pop community has been overwhelming, and together with Spotify, the future holds endless possibilities for P-Pop music for the rest of the year."

 

Powering the most celebrated P-Pop fan convention in Manila

With more than 9000 attendees at PPOPCON 2023, Spotify continues to see the appetite for more all year round, the specially curated P-Pop On The Rise playlist which witnessed a 36% surge in streams, connecting artists with fans and enabling music discovery. Attendees of the event were also treated to exclusive Spotify online content and exciting on-ground activities that make them feel closer to their P-Pop idols- including Isang STANong, Isang Sagot, P-POP Off Challenge, and the debut of the Spotify P-Pop Off! Dance Cam during the concert.

Spotify's playlisting prowess takes center stage as it partners with PPOPCON Manila 2023, dedicated to energizing the P-Pop year-round. 

 

P-Pop artists transcend borders

The phenomenal growth of P-Pop is a testament to the talent and dedication of Filipino artists. From heartwarming ballads to high-energy dance anthems, P-Pop offers a diverse musical experience.

Leading the pack is SB19, whose powerful vocals and show-stopping performances have earned them over 2.7 monthly streams on Spotify. Joining the ranks of top talents for 2023 are RADAR artists ALAMAT, BINI, and RADAR alumni BGYO. Solo acts like FELIP, Josh Cullen, and PABLO are also making waves. Emerging P-Pop artists KAIA, VXON, and G22 add to the list of promising talents, which has seen an impressive 250% increase in streams on Spotify since its launch early this year.

SB19's track "GENTO" has now surpassed 46 million streams on Spotify. Other notable tracks gaining traction on the platform include G22’s BANG and “Maharani” by Alamat, and "WILD TONIGHT" by Josh Cullen.

MOONTON Games forges partnership with DOT to co-host M5 World Championship

MOONTON Games forges partnership with DOT to co-host M5 World Championship, Wild Card, Group Stage and Knockout venues revealed

Sprout Solutions unveils upgraded ecosystem, reveals all-in-one HR platform

Sprout Solutions, the country’s leading homegrown B2B SaaS company and tech leader, introduces a new ecosystem aimed to improve the overall employee lifecycle management and business enablement of companies through artificial intelligence. In an effort to strengthen and optimize business processes for companies nationwide, Sprout Solutions has improved and diversified their product suite, alleviating common HR and Payroll pain points, and accelerating digital transformation in the country. 

Sprout Solutions’ CEO and Co-founder Patrick Gentry giving his opening speech on the innovations and growth of the Sprout ecosystem

“From recruitment to retirement, Sprout Solutions plays a pivotal role at each stage of the employee lifecycle. The progress we have achieved is to serve our clients better, and in turn, allow our clients to serve their employees better as well,” says Patrick Gentry, the CEO and Co-founder of Sprout Solutions. “From our initial target of addressing timekeeping and payroll nuances in the Philippines, our goal now is to multiply our effect and cultivate an ecosystem of partners that are aligned with our vision in uplifting employee management systems and business operations nationwide,” he added.

Launch of Sprout AI Labs (S.A.I.L.) 

Following its recent acquisition of Aiah A.I., Sprout Solutions introduced S.A.I.L (Sprout A.I. Labs) as a significant step in advancing the company through the utilization of artificial intelligence. This innovative product leverages cutting-edge technology to deploy chatbots tailored to enhance HR and business operations by aligning them with each employee's unique profile. The aim of this initiative is to simplify internal and legal transactions for all individuals within the organization and is anticipated to be released by December 2023.  

Additionally, S.A.I.L. will unveil a collection of bots in the upcoming year to expedite responses for both employees and employers. For instance, with the ongoing development of this new feature, bots will have the ability to comprehend the company's manual within a mere 20 seconds and can promptly address inquiries regarding the organization's policies. By uploading all requirements and documentation, HR professionals will no longer be required to handle repetitive queries from the team. Instead, individuals will be redirected to a bot allowing HR professionals to concentrate on more crucial tasks aimed at enhancing overall operational efficiency.

"We are constructing these solutions with the primary goal of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in our day-to-day business operations while prioritizing security and the privacy of the company and its employees. Above all, we are ensuring to develop these technologies in an ethical and responsible manner," emphasizes Gian Dela Rama, the Head of Sprout A.I. Labs. “We want to assure Filipino workers that A.I. will not replace jobs, instead it’ll augment employees, making them more productive and engaged. This is in line with our dream to build the future of work - a future where bots and brains work hand-in-hand,” he added.

Head of Sprout A.I. Labs (S.A.I.L) Gian Dela Rama discussing A.I. integration in the New Sprout Solutions Ecosystem

Developing tech partners within the ecosystem

Another automation upgrade allows Sprout Solutions payroll to integrate with its clients’ accounting platforms, helping improve companies’ accounting management systems. By partnering with Netsuite, Sprout Solutions goes beyond just being an HR system and is able to provide a comprehensive and streamlined accounting solution that offers real-time financial insights needed by businesses to scale up. 

In taking part in the company’s growing suite, Sprout Solutions has also partnered with companies such as Hive Health, an award-winning digital health platform for comprehensive, hassle-free health plans, and Olivia, to assist with activating reimbursement processes and expense management lifecycles of its clients. Such partnerships are able to streamline numerous HR processes allowing clients access to automated transactions, as well as promoting cost-effective systems that free up time for more essential HR functions.

Sprout Solutions’ Chief Product Officer Kislay Chandra giving introducing the New Sprout Ecosystem

“Our main priority now is to ensure that our upgrades and solutions are effectively integrated into the platform. This provides a more seamless experience, allowing our clients to address all their needs in one dashboard. Together with our partners, and by incorporating their expertise into our platform, we are able to design a holistic suite of services, giving our clients the best breed of solutions across all categories that enable them to make their work more manageable and convenient,” concludes Kislay Chandra, the Chief Product Officer of Sprout Solutions.

To know more about Sprout Solutions’ products, services, and growing ecosystem, visit sprout.ph.

Bounty Fresh Chicken’s Chicky advocates for good nutrition at BGC’s 3D Billboard

 Look! Up in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

It’s Chicky, the Bounty Fresh Chicken icon -- star of the famous 3D Billboard at One Bonifacio High Street and 5th Avenue at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. She’s making people stop and stare to see what she’s up to in visually exciting 3D.

Chicky’s new roost up in the famous 3D billboard on Bonifacio High Street and 5th Avenue in Taguig City lets her share good cheer and deliver important messages. Wearing a cape and wielding a shield, she’s telling the public to protect themselves with good nutrition. 

Take care of your health, Chicky says. Always choose clean, nutritious food. Bounty Fresh Chicken makes an effort to safeguard everyone’s health because its newly-improved fresh dressed chickens are NAE – meaning they are chickens raised in clean and healthy living conditions, fed with a vegetarian diet, and have had No Antibiotics Ever at any point in the production process!

Chicky and Bounty Fresh are really serious about promoting good health. Chicky quickly became a popular brand icon when she was launched in 2016. In 2020 a giant inflatable Chicky caught a lot of attention when she was perched on a billboard along EDSA Magallanes and C5. During those challenging times, she wore a facemask to remind people that everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 virus. Silently and subtly, Chicky set a good example to show people how to stay safe.

In 2023 Chicky says stay healthy. Bounty Fresh Chicken’s NAE status makes it a truly safe and nutritious food for everyone.

Go check out Chicky’s new nest at the 3D Billboard at BGC. 

PLDT and Smart equip startups with cybersecurity, data management

PLDT and Smart technical field experts shared cybersecurity and data management best practices with the finalists of the PLDT and Smart Startup Innovation Challenge. Organized by PLDT Innolab, the learning sessions aimed to further arm the participating startups with the importance of compliance to data management and preparedness to handle potential cyber threats.

Here’s a rundown of HONOR’s hot-selling phones this 2023

Philippines’ leading smart devices provider, HONOR, has had a very busy year with its back-to-back launches of their powerful devices in the country! From entry-level to flagship smartphones, HONOR certainly fulfilled its vision to GO BEYOND this 2023.

“We are still overwhelmed with the tremendous support HONOR has gotten over the past year, and it’s reflected through our sales and overall improved visibility over the country – from the continuous virality of HONOR X9a 5G by the month, to the skyrocketing sales of HONOR 90 5G which sold out in record time upon its release. This makes us even more excited for what’s to come next year for HONOR Philippines,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

With the brand’s back-to-back product launches in 2023, here’s a brief rundown of some of the powerful devices from HONOR Philippines this year.

HONOR X9A 5G: A SMASH HIT 

HONOR started this year with a bang with the release of HONOR X9a 5G last January. This catapulted the brand into virality, with its industry-leading ultra-tough OLED curved display that was put to test through various means, including smash and drop challenges. It also packs a Matrix Star Ring Camera System housing a triple rear camera setup and a 5100 mAh powerhouse battery while maintaining its premium-looking sleek design – all for an affordable price of Php 16,990! You may get yours either in Titanium Silver or Emerald Green. Php 24,990. Score the HONOR X9A 5G now on Shopee | Lazada

 

HONOR 90 5G: FLAGSHIP-LEVEL SPECS, MIDRANGE PRICE

Impressive cannot begin to describe this phone, with its wide array of specs from its camera to its screen, as well as overall performance. To start, not all smartphones in the midrange category can carry a 200 Megapixel rear camera and 50 Megapixel front camera system without compromising its other features, but HONOR 90 5G managed to deliver. Beyond its camera performance, HONOR 90 5G also has one of the most advanced high-frequency Pulse Width Modulation dimming technology at 3840 Hz, which greatly helps with lessening eye strains with long periods of phone usage. Available in three colors – Diamond Silver, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black, HONOR 90 5G is priced at Php 24,990. Get the HONOR 90 5G now on Shopee | Lazada

 

HONOR 90 LITE 5G: LITE PRICE, HIGH-LEVEL PERFORMANCE 

The great reception of the Philippine tech market to HONOR 90 5G prompted the brand to release its budget-friendlier sibling, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G. While it’s noticeably on the slimmer and lighter side of HONOR’s lineup of smartphones, this newest iteration still packs a wide array of specs that other competitors unusually carry within the same price range. Apart from its 100 MP Camera system, which allows for ultra clear photography, this phone packs 8GB + 256GB Super Storage, an eye-protection technology, and a 4500 mAh battery that can last for up to two days. HONOR 90 Lite 5G is priced at Php 12,990 and available in Cyan Lake and Midnight Black. Here's where to get the HONOR 90 Lite 5G now on Shopee | Lazada

These and more are all available via all HONOR Experience Stores and partner dealers nationwide (bit.ly/HONORPhysicalStores) or online via Lazada (bit.ly/HONORPHLaz), Shopee (bit.ly/HONORPHShpe), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONORPHTikTok).  

For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

Inspiring Voices: Spotify Spotlights Stories of Creativity and Passion from Filipino Creators

Wanna start doing your own podcast? Learn from our Filipino podcasters and begin producing your own stuff. Creators Lyqa Maravilla, Victor Anastacio, Stanley Chi, Gift Boiser, and Jeng Taugan share their personal stories as audio creatives and the joys of podcasting.

Snap for Style and Tap for More with the new OPPO Find N3 Flip

Get ready for the much-anticipated launch of OPPO Find N3 Flip, coming soon here in the Philippines

Epson launches app to combat fake inks in the Philippines

Wanna know how to combat fake inks in the Philippines? By using an Epson app now it's all passible. Now you're more confident that you're using genuine Epson inks,  since its critical to ensure high-quality prints, reliable performance, and protection under Epson's warranty

Champion obstacle course para athletes on what made them #BetterToday

For Adaptive National Athlete of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Kent Tumangan, representing the country in this sport brought back his self-confidence and discipline. The 27-year-old obstacle course racer and dragon boat paddler found his passion in sports after losing a leg to cancer.

“After my amputation, I went through depression because I was just a teenager when I lost my leg to bone cancer. I kept praying for the Lord to give me a sign so that I could continue my life with one leg. I joined sports for people with disabilities like Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, so that I could divert my thoughts and not feel hopeless,” the para athlete from Mandaue City, Cebu said.

Soon after, he joined the PADS Adaptive Dragonboat Racing team when he saw their post on social media. “That’s what I like about [dragon boat] because our opponents are people without disabilities. Our team is composed of people with disabilities, and our team is competitive. We compete and win overseas,” he shared.

Aside from dragon boat racing, Kent also found a new passion in obstacle course racing. In fact, he, and another teammate, Renson Embradura took home the silver and gold medals, respectively, in the recent OCR World Championships held in Belgium in September 2023.

Famous as a one-legged runner in his community, 32-year-old Renson joined the OCR team upon the invitation of his friend. The para athlete from Sariaya, Quezon was apprehensive at first, but he soon learned to appreciate OCR. He went against the warning of his family, who feared for him when he first joined the team. “They were afraid that I might run into an accident, but I wanted to prove something. I wanted to show my peers that disabilities do not hinder a person, as long as they have the determination to pursue their goals and reach the finish line,” he said.

“Sports does not discriminate, whether you are a person with or without disabilities. This is an opportunity for us to play this sport and represent our country. For those who want to become professional athletes, they should simply do their best and stay consistent,” Kent advised.

Kent and Renson are part of this year’s Better Today: Power Move Project to celebrate World Mental Health month. An advocacy supported by PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with partners MVP Sports Foundation and Football for Humanity, this video series aims to champion mental health and wellness through sports and inspiring stories of Filipino para-athletes and coaches who embody the true meaning of persistence, bravery, and mental resilience.

This initiative is also aligned with the Group’s commitment to help the country achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals #10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities, and uplift and improve the overall digital wellness of Filipinos, underscoring the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being. The promotion of diversity and equality also highlights Concern, one of the four pillars that make up the PLDT Group’s sustainability framework.

Watch Kent’s and Renson’s full interviews on the Better Today Facebook Page and YouTube channel.

Signify(formerly Philips Lighting) Illuminates the Filipino household with the latest range of WiZ Smart Connected Lighting

Signify, formerly Philips Lighting, the world leader in lighting, unveils its new range of WiZ Smart Connected Lighting and strengthens its commitment to elevate the modern lifestyle of Filipinos. The newly-launched line is an extension of the Philips Smart LED with WiZ connected portfolio, boasting an incredible and easily customizable 16 million color range fit for any mood or occasion; and groundbreaking features that make them seamlessly work with any lifestyle.

“As a world leader in lighting, we aim to pave the way for the modern Filipino to achieve endless possibilities with our lighting product. With this launch of WiZ Smart Connected Lighting range of products, we believe this will usher in a new era of connected lighting in Filipino households,” said Yvonne Pan, General Manager, Signify Philippines

WiZ also named Beauty Queen, Actress, Model, and Entrepreneur Pia Wurtzbach as a Friend of WiZ. A smart home and tech enthusiast, Wurtzbach has been a long-time Philips user and believes in its reliability and innovation.

“In such a highly advanced and progressive world, there are so many possibilities for us now, and we need to choose the right tools for work and home to support us in our day-to-day,” Wurtzbach shared as she discussed her first-hand experience using the products. “WiZ Smart Lighting products allow me to have fun customizing my home to fit to my daily routines and take control of my own space effortlessly,” Wurtzbach also shared her plans to design her new home using WiZ lighting products.

Elevated Smart Home Experience

The exciting new line covers a wide range of products for every space– from bulbs to portable light with support of accessories– ensuring maximum customization for the consumer’s own home.

For optimal ease of use, WiZ connected lighting is Matter-certified, supporting the universal open standard and enabling compatible devices and systems to connect and interact securely. This makes WiZ smart lighting products compatible with all major smart home platforms such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, giving Filipinos more flexibility to control lighting via home automation.

 

“The compatibility with Matter is crucial as it creates a smart home ecosystem across platforms that allows consumers to enjoy enhanced personalized experiences by exploring the beautiful preset lightmodes or creating their own presets,” said Paolo Royol, Signify Philippines Commercial Leader, Consumer Channel. Users can create experiences that fit their preferences or adapt to their schedules through dynamic light modes and dual-zone control; customized roles and access for multi-users; a user-friendly full-access voice control experience; and a high standard of security for added privacy. 

The products are easily controlled through several easy methods, including various WiZ smart accessories, voice control, and the WiZ mobile app, which Signify also boosted with WiZ SpaceSense™ – an innovation that lets you set smart lights to be triggered by motion without additional sensors, but Wi-Fi signal sensing technology instead. The app is available for download in both Apple Apps Store and Google Play. 

MassKara Festival gets louder as Globe brings G Music Fest to Bacolod

 Get ready to turn up the volume because Globe is taking over the City of Smiles with the most epic music festival of the year. They are bringing the G Music Fest vibe to the 44th MassKara Festival.

Globe has consistently been the preferred choice for Filipinos, offering a reliable network that brings epic moments and the best life experiences for customers to enjoy. With a commitment to delivering seamless connectivity, Globe through the GlobeOne app ensures that every moment becomes unforgettable, connecting people and enhancing their lives through extraordinary experiences. By claiming their Globe Rewards points using the app, attendees can partake in PS5 gaming, try their luck at claw machines, and unleash their creativity through mural painting and drip studio sessions in partnership with Drip Eastwalk, a local small business in Bacolod.

This time too, they are taking the party to the streets of Bacolod with one of the grandest musical adventures. The festival will celebrate the hottest acts from both Manila and the province's own vibrant local music scene.

Partygoers can expect an amazing lineup of artists, including the "Nation's Girl Group" BINI, OPM sensation Lola Amour, prolific DJs Ace Ramos and Kat DJ, and emerging electro-pop artist Paul Pablo. Kreonz band and The Dukes, plus other surprise guests and performers, will also set the stage on fire to spread some VisPop love and take participants' G Music Fest experience to the next level.

The best part is that admission is free because Globe believes that great music should be easily enjoyed by all. It is also a way of saying thank you to its loyal Globe customers and the whole Bacolod community for their incredible support over the years.

Prepare for an electrifying adventure at G Music Fest, where the excitement goes beyond music—it transforms into an unforgettable experience! Globe is unleashing its Passion City onto the festival grounds, where both locals and tourists can dive headfirst into a world of exhilarating activities—all absolutely FREE! 

There are also art/co-creation activities, deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant cultural heritage, that promise to enrich your soul. And here's the best part: every activity is accessible with just your Globe Rewards points, which, when used, will be donated to the noble Hapag movement. Get ready to experience the thrill, indulge your passions, and contribute to a meaningful cause—all in one epic festival!

Get ready to groove, dance, and celebrate with Globe at the MassKara Festival. It is surely an unforgettable day of music, fun, and epic moments that you will not want to miss with your friends. For all the latest updates, follow us on @enjoyglobe and stay tuned for more thrilling announcements that will make this year’s MassKara Festival legendary. 

Battling a silent health crisis in the Philippines

Over the years, a silent health crisis continues to affect the lives of millions of Filipino children, going undetected by parents and teachers due to a lack of awareness and information. Dental cavities, unseen yet harmful, have led to “missing smiles” and have also greatly affected the well-being of these children, leading to absenteeism and hindering them from performing their daily activities. 

The recent National Survey on Oral Health of the Department of Health showed that poor oral health has negatively affected children’s social interactions and academic performances. A staggering 83% of children aged 5-12 years old are struggling because of this.

Cavities can cause a physical and psychosocial impact on the lives of children in the Philippines.

Dental issues caused by cavities lead to sleep interruptions, physical inconveniences such as dry mouth and difficulty eating, and a psychosocial impact among children. The Department of Health emphasized the role of parents, teachers, and communities in preventing and addressing this massive health issue.

Recognizing the impact of the dental health crisis on children and their families, Colgate, the Philippines’ partner and ally in superior oral health, is working closely with the Department of Education and Local Government Units to address the silent health crisis. The company is optimistic that while millions of children globally are impacted by the silent health crisis, there are various ways to prevent it and reduce the number of those affected. Believing that “Everyone Deserves a Future They Can Smile About”, Colgate continues to work for a brighter, smiling Philippines through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program, and with best-in-class oral health solutions.

Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has touched the lives of more than a billion children in over 80 countries around the world. In the Philippines, BSBF  has reached 40 million school children in the past 25 years. Since 1997, the program has reached 37,000 public schools and 700 daycare centers across 319 cities and municipalities. 

With the help of the government, BSBF pledges to improve the oral health of Filipinos and work towards eliminating cavities. By instilling them with effective habits, such as brushing their teeth at least 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, proper and regular application of fluoride, and regular dental check-ups, Colgate aspires a future wherein majority of the Filipino children are cavity-free by the age of 10.

“As a global brand with deeply rooted partnerships and connections with Filipino families, we are maximizing our platform and resources to shift the country’s focus on the ongoing health crisis while encouraging a collective movement to address the problem of cavities, especially among children. Through our BSBF program and Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, we are given the opportunity to reach the entire Philippines and give each child a chance for a brighter future to smile about. Colgate is more than just an oral health brand—we are the country’s partner in working towards our goal of achieving a cavity-free Philippines,” says Anish Agarwal, Senior Marketing Director, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc.

Throughout the nation, BSBF has orchestrated toothbrushing drills led by dental professionals for school children. During these sessions, the children receive Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes while learning the correct brushing techniques. 

Additionally, BSBF conducts interactive and enjoyable educational sessions on oral health, utilizing creative storytelling tools and demonstrations like puppet shows that leave a lasting impression on the children. Complementing these are activities such as fluoride application and other fun educational activities that engage the children, their teachers, and families. 

To better understand this silent health crisis and how to prevent it, watch Colgate's Missing Smiles video through this link, a short but moving story capturing how cavities can deeply affect children’s lives if they do not get the immediate help they need.

Buy One Take One Promo on Honor Devices and Phones this TikTok Friday Madness Sale!

Hurry! This TikTok Friday Madness Sale, buy one HONOR smartphone and get one free phone! Now is your only chance to Get FREE HONOR phone when you buy an HONOR device only this Friday, October 20 

HONOR PH wins Silver and Gold Awards at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2023

HONOR Philippines wins a total of five awards at the #MarketingExcellenceAwards 2023!

Bayad and RCBC, renews partnership, enabling seamless digital financial solutions

The pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system in the Philippines, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad) has renewed its partnership with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), enabling inclusive financial services through RCBC Diskartech and RCBC ATM Go.

The Bellevue Manila Pioneers Hospitality Urban Farming in Muntinlupa for Sustainable Future

The Bellevue Manila has officially solidified a groundbreaking partnership with the City Government of Muntinlupa and the esteemed Department of Agriculture Extension Services Office (DA-ESO) to spearhead sustainability initiatives. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing took place at the Tower Wing Ballroom of The Bellevue Manila on September 20, 2023.

In photo from left to right: Mr. Mark Castillo, The Bellevue Manila Green Committee Chairperson; Ms. Mavic Recio, The Bellevue Manila General Manager; Honorable Ruffy Biazon, City Mayor of Muntinlupa; and Ms. Marilou Lobo, Head of DA-ESO Muntinlupa

The significant event saw the presence of key stakeholders, including Honorable Ruffy Biazon, City Mayor of Muntinlupa; Ms. Marilou Lobo, Head of DA-ESO Muntinlupa; Mr. Mark Castillo, The Bellevue Manila Green Committee Chairperson; and Ms. Mavic Recio, The Bellevue Manila General Manager.

This pioneering partnership underscores a collective dedication to a greener, more sustainable future. The collaboration aims to champion urban farming, environmental stewardship, and responsible practices within Muntinlupa. "It signifies our collective commitment to a greener, more sustainable future," stated Mr. Mark Castillo, The Bellevue Manila Green Committee Chairperson. "Together, we'll cultivate positive change, one seed at a time."

One of the key objectives of this partnership is to amplify environmental consciousness, effectively reduce carbon footprints, and advocate for sustainable living in the heart of Muntinlupa. The rooftop garden initiative at The Bellevue Manila is a testament to this commitment. "We believe in the power of collective action and envision a future where sustainable practices are an integral part of our daily lives," added Ms. Mavic Recio, The Bellevue Manila General Manager.

In line with its sustainable initiatives, The Bellevue Manila’s rooftop garden is an embodiment of a farm-to-table concept aimed at redefining sustainable dining. Situated above the bustling city, this thriving garden not only adds to the hotel's scenic charm but plays a pivotal role in supplying fresh, organic produce directly to its restaurants. The carefully nurtured crops make a swift and direct transition from garden to kitchen, allowing guests to relish dishes crafted from the day's harvest. This culinary innovation underscores The Bellevue Manila's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint, supporting local agriculture, and offering a delectable, eco-conscious dining experience. 

Embrace this journey towards eco-conscious dining and responsible urban farming. Visit The Bellevue Manila and experience the freshness on your plate, and be a part of a greener, more sustainable Muntinlupa. For inquiries, call +632 8771 8181.