Daily Newsmakers

  On November 11, viewers stand a chance to win ₱1 million in cash on Shopee Milyonaryo 

GCash, the undisputed leading and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, extended over P2  billion of microcredit facility during the first half of the year through its sister company Fuse  Lending, helping stretch the budget of Filipinos amid the national health situation.  The value of GCredit transactions is double versus a year ago, showing that Filipinos are now  more adapting to the digital lifestyle, as the government continues to put in necessary safeguards  to lessen human interaction due to the pandemic.

Brandon Vera, Angela Lee, Demetrious Johnson, Ritu Phogat, Sage Northcutt, and Xiong Jing Nan to Appear on the Show The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today announced the addition of an incredible line-up of ONE Championship athletes and World Champions who will join  ‘The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition’  as special guest stars on ONE’s unique version of the hit reality television series.

A new generation of workstation computing is here with Lenovo’s launch of the ThinkStation P620, adding a first-of-its kind workstation to the tower portfolio. As the first and only professional workstation powered by AMD’s brand-new Ryzen Threadripper PRO processor,the new workstation brings together unprecedented levels of power, performance and flexibility in a single socket CPU platform. 

While vaccine and effective medicine to combat Covid-19 is still being developed, we must continue to take care of our health and boost our immune system. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is really important, says the World Health Organization (WHO). Vitamin C and other nutrients plays a big role in keeping our body fit and away from illnesses that weaken our immune system.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, highlights significant changes in the food and grocery market as Filipinos become more “online-first” for food products. In particular, people are doing a larger share of food shopping online, with a 2.5-times increase in users who buy food items multiple times a month on Shopee. Sellers and brands adapt to this "new normal" by offering a wider variety of online food products and using live streaming to assure buyers of quality in real-time.

If you’re looking for ways to augment your income during these challenging times, you don’t need to look farther than your kitchen to start a business. As you may have observed, many Filipinos have already started putting up their own little ventures by offering something that we all love—food. From ube pandesal to baked sushi, to new twists to fries and cheesecakes, our enterprising kababayans have shown their resiliency and inventiveness through these food ventures.

PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), in partnership with the Kababaihan, Kamay ng Kalikasan (KKK), recently distributed over 36,000 protective face masks to frontliners from various organizations and communities to help augment the supply of face masks - necessities in the continuing fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Some 500 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) were also donated to the following facilities: Novaliches Hospital, Sta. Ana Hospital, National Center for Mental Health, San Lazaro Hospital, and Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

To better support its loyal customers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global technology leader Lenovo is adding another year to its popular 2-year Premium Care warranty solution for select devices in its consumer lineup from July 1 onwards. This means that all new IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, and IdeaCentre devices are now automatically covered for three years with Premium Care’s International Coverage and Local On-site Service, while those with existing warranties may be upgraded to the same.

From June 8 to August 1, tech enthusiasts can broaden their knowledge, upgrade their skills, and  increase exposure as they connect with like-minded people across the region

Every once in a while, we’ll be pushed to do things we don’t normally do. For some of us, going to do the groceries is something that’s way outside our comfort zones. It’s true—the reality is there will be people, who are totally clueless when it comes to buying groceries. But that’s okay, it’s nothing to be ashamed about, as everyone can always learn something new and get better at it. What’s most important when it comes to buying groceries, especially during this pandemic, is making the most out of your grocery trips. You’ll want to be in and out of the store as fast as you can like a real supermarket pro in order to avoid risks to yourself and your family. 

Father’s Day is coming up this weekend, and while the current public health situation means we can’t go out and celebrate as we used to, it won’t stop us from enjoying our family’s company. 

Racing against time, the Philippine government and some of the biggest construction companies that are also members of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) pulled out all the stops to convert big sports coliseums and convention centers into emergency quarantine facilities (EQF) for the treatment and monitoring of COVID-19 cases.

Since April 15, the number of people who have recovered from the coronavirus disease has surpassed the nationwide death toll. Today, there are a total of 693 recoveries and 446 deaths. Of those 446, 9 died just yesterday. So while the situation is improving, there is still much to do.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform of Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches the ₱ 200 million Seller Support Package to support up to 80,000 Filipino Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), whose businesses have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The ₱ 200 million Seller Support Package aims to help Filipino SMEs and sellers navigate the current economic climate, during the time of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and beyond.

Hanabishi joined individuals and other organizations in heeding the call of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and ABS-CBN for donations to help the country ’ s frontliners and families amidst the coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The appliance maker donated water dispensers, electric fans, and ovens to the PGH, one of the COVID-19 referral centers in the National Capital Region (NCR). Hanabishi also sent 10,000 cans of sardines for ABS-CBN ’ s Pantawid ng Pag-Ibig donation drive aimed at helping families whose livelihood were affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Just like everyone else, social media stars, vloggers, musicians, artists, and performers find ways to cope during these trying times. Most of them raise funds to help frontline heroes in the battle against the pandemic. For some, the digital wave becomes a platform to help boost productivity from home.

Filipinos are now scrambling to keep their home supplies at bay, as the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread in various parts of the country, and a community quarantine has been ordered in certain areas of the archipelago. 

Brother Philippines continues to help Filipinos save more on their printing solutions for the home and the office with the return of their popular Switch to Tank promo, running this time from March to April 3. As with previous runs of the promo, Brother customers can trade in their old printers, regardless of brand and working condition, for up to 50% discount on a brand-new a DCP-T310 Brother Refill Tank System Printer (and up to 30% on other Brother printer models). 

Going cashless makes everyday tasks easier - from purchasing airline tickets at home, getting awesome rebates while you shop, and even avoiding long lines when you pay your bills. You can transact business with just a tap, swipe, or scan these days, thanks to the first of its kind online payment app, PayMaya.

Having recently celebrated a decade of success, top bancassurance firm BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corp. refreshes its brand and further advances its digital transformation journey in its redesigned and newly renovated Makati office. Alongside the new campaign “Bring Dreams to Life” that aims to help people live their dreams without limitations in all stages of life, the rebranding ushers in a more uplifting and vibrant approach to living life.  “Our new headquarters offers a full range of facilities firmly focused on the growth and the adoption of technology in our business. Its overall design was hinged on teamwork, thus the abundance of shared spaces across the entire office. It was also installed with advanced tech systems that improve security and encourage a better and more convenient collaboration,” said BPI-Philam CEO Surendra Menon.  Truly modern without compromising its ecological footprint, the headquarters was constructed with sustainable materials. 

Continuing in its mission to develop the gaming communities located across the Philippines, Lenovo’s gaming brand Legion recently reached out to gamers based in North of Manila as it inaugurated the first Legion Store in the Northern and Central Luzon region . Named Legion Store SM City Clark , the store is located at the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga.

Like the “Todo Toppings, Todo Sarap” Jolly Hotdog, this video is over-the-top! The “todo” energy continues as Jollibee releases yet another hilarious commercial to show the over-the-top deliciousness that comes with every bite of Jolly Hotdog.

ONE Championship recently announced that the company has made the decision to convert one of its live events into a closed-door event. ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE, which is scheduled for Friday, 28 February in Singapore is to proceed as planned, but the Singapore Indoor Stadium will be closed off to fans and media.

For many of us, the New Year often rings in a long list of resolutions—to lead better lives, spend more time with people who matter, make the coming year happier than the previous one, among many other intentions. The reality, however, is that not many individuals take the actual steps to make good on these resolutions.  Quality appliance brand XTREME has made it easier to attain New Year resolutions. Here are a few ways on how you can start the new year the XTREME way: If you want to cook up a storm in the kitchen— XTREME Home has a line-up of products that will help you whip up meals in no time. Transform your bare-essentials kitchen to an amateur chef’s paradise with XTREME Home’s selection of gas ranges, microwave ovens, rice cookers, and blenders. All these can help you minimize take-out or delivery meals and get you to jumpstart on that healthier, home-cooked eating habit. 

FPG Insurance, the major player in the general insurance industry, recognized its top brokers for 2019 at the annual Brokers’ Night held recently at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. AON Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers Philippines, Inc., one of the leading risk insurance advisors in the world and in the Philippines, aced the list as the Top Broker for gross premiums written for 2019.

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center just launched its Project Bayani campaign designed to  highlight everyday unsung heroes using the power of narrative photography. Through an online  photo contest and iPhone photography workshop and photo walk, Power Mac Center encourages  Filipinos to share truthful and influential stories about ordinary people who live extraordinary lives.

With technology becoming an integral part of today’s society, key leaders and decision makers gathered at the Government-Academe-Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN) 2020 National Convention on February 7, 2020 at the Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City, to address how this will impact the Philippines’ global competitiveness and human capital development. Since GAIN, Inc. held its first National Convention in 2018, it has been successful in sparking conversations both in the public and private sectors when it comes to human capital development in the areas of English proficiency digital literacy to boost the country’s global competitiveness. But as the integration of technology becomes more prevalent in today’s business environment, it has raised concerns on how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact labor and ultimately, the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, celebrates the season of love with Shopee Valentine’s Day Sale from February 13 to 15. Take this opportunity to shower  loved ones with gifts with discounts up to 90%, such as the Apple Airpods 2, GoPro Hero 8, and  Xiaomi Redmi Note 8. Shopee offers a sweeter deal for one special couple to win a staycation at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati through Shopee’s Feb-Ibig Forecast.

One minute to get as much groceries as you want, all for free. Who could say no to that? That’s exactly what two lucky PayMaya users experienced when they won their very own grab-all-you-can grocery shopping spree from the promo held in partnership with Robinsons Supermarket, a PayMaya Preferred merchant. 

It's a new decade, and there’s no better time like the present to bring more courage and confidence in whatever you do. Being brave can be as simple as having lunch out with your friends despite having a tight budget—especially when there are delicious, convenient, and affordable options found in Jollibee’s JolliSavers! To showcase these ‘brave lunch moves’, Jollibee introduces a new officemate in the newest JolliSavers commercial: television actor Joshua Garcia. The star comes to save the day for the work mates of Happy Calendar House, the fictional publishing company in which Jollibee’s comedic, relatable web series “14/29 Petsa de Peligro JolliSerye” is centered. With delicious options such as the langhap-sarap Yumburger for only PHP 35.00; the meatiest, cheesiest, sweet- sarap Jolly Spaghetti for only PHP 50.00; the beefy-saucy linamnam-ulam Burger Steak for only PHP 50.00; and todo toppings, todo sarap Jolly Hotdog for only PHP 50.00, Garcia shows that anyone can sport

To connect more Filipino homes to high-speed and affordable Internet, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi devices are now at much lower prices.  Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi gets a whole new price cut from P1,999 to just P999 . Customers can now  get their hands on the reloadable device that  is 2x faster, with 2x stronger signal and 2x wider coverage than your usual pocket WiFi for the whole family. Now, everyone in the family can enjoy high speed home internet for their school research, online negosyo, messaging and video calls abroad, and video streaming.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, sums up an exceptional 2019 and outlines three defining characteristics for online shopping in 2020: Personalized, Engaging, Social . Shopee enjoyed a landmark 2019 as it pioneered industry-leading initiatives that transformed online shopping in the region. In 2020, Shopee will take its efforts to the next level by making online shopping more fun, customized, and interactive.

With the recent eruption of the Taal Volcano, the spirit of Bayanihan became stronger and much more visible with the outpouring of donations and volunteers from the different sectors of the society to help those in need.  Various groups and individuals launched their own donation drives to collect humanitarian aid and bring them to the people who are currently affected by the volcanic eruption in Batangas. 

As millions of Filipinos gather in Cebu in time to celebrate the annual lively and colorful Sinulog Festival to honor Señor Santo Niño, they can look forward to an exciting, hassle-free, and rewarding experience with the help of PayMaya.

Beefy na, saucy pa ! Jollibee’s Burger Steak commercials have always been catchy, and the latest ad for the beefy-saucy linamnam ulam rice meal is no different! Popular Filipina actress, host, and singer Anne Curtis returns in this new video to promote Jollibee Burger Steak—but this time, she is joined by none other than the Popstar Royalty herself, Sarah Geronimo, to sing the new jingle, based on the latter’s 2014 hit “Kilometro”!  The LSS-worthy jingle, as always, perfectly captures and illustrates the beefy and saucy goodness of Jollibee Burger Steak made with 100% pure beef patty and flavorful mushroom sauce. “After previous Burger Steak commercials with catchy jingles succeeded in making their mark in local pop culture and making Filipinos crave for its beefy-saucy linamnam-ulam goodness, we knew we had to do it again, but bigger this time,” said Mari Aldecoa, Jollibee Marketing Director for Core Products. “We know this new jingle will definitely keep Jollibee fans comin

Multinational business process outsourcer and industry pioneer SYKES cemented its position as the best BPO and contact center employer in the Philippines by ending 2019 with a total of nine awards from both local and international award-giving bodies., 

GCash, the Philippines’ leading mobile wallet, has partnered with PayMongo, a Silicon Valley-backed payments facilitator, to provide an expanded mobile payments platform for micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country. GCash is now live on the PayMongo site as a payment method for thousands of online sellers. PayMongo has 3,500 merchant accounts on its platform. “PayMongo provides the easiest way for Filipino merchants to accept credit card, e-wallet and over-the-counter payments. PayMongo is backed by Silicon Valley’s Y Combinator, Peter Thiel and Stripe,” PayMongo Chief Executive Officer Francis Plaza said.

MERALCO RATES DOWN TO START OFF 2020. The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced a Php 0.41 per kilowatt hour (kWh) reduction in power rates to welcome the new year. The downward adjustment this month equates to PhP 82 in total savings for a typical household consuming 200 kWh. Notably, this month’s overall rate is significantly lower than that of January 2019. Meralco Public Information Office Head Joe Zaldarriaga (in photo) explained that the overall rate reduction is primarily due to the cost reduction of power from Meralco’s Power Supply Agreements (PSAs). For more information, customers may visit Meralco’s website at www.meralco.com.ph or its social media accounts on Twitter (@meralco) and Facebook ( www.facebook.com/meralco ).