Sunday, May 31, 2020




Tune in on June 6 and stand a chance to be one of the lucky winners 


Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is inviting everyone to tune in to Wowowin Primetime on June 6 to stand a chance to win a grand total of ₱1.3 million. From 7:00 PM to 7:40 PM, the audience can anticipate fun games, non-stop prizes and giveaways, 6-peso deals, and up to 50% off on leading brands. 

Wowowin’s main host Willie Revillame will be joined by Kapuso stars Rhian Ramos and Julie Anne San Jose to host the show. Viewers can also look forward to performances from famous celebrities like Julie Anne San Jose, Kris Lawrence, and Michael Pangilinan. 


Key highlights of Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale: 
On June 6, consumers can expect fun games, amazing promotions, and big cash prizes. Key highlights include: 
  • Watch & Win: Six lucky viewers will get the chance to win ₱50,000 each. All they have to do is pre-register and tune in to Wowowin on Shopee Live. 
  • Shopee Shake: Three Shopee Shake winners will win a total of  ₱1 million. Two will win ₱250,000 each, and one lucky winner will take home a grand prize of ₱500,000. Viewers should tune into Wowowin at 7:10 PM, 7:15 PM, and 7:25 PM for the Shopee Shake Segment. 
  • All-day sitewide free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on all flash deals 
  • 50% off on selected items: Get amazing deals across different categories. Users can get an Amazfit Stratos watch, a pair of Reebok Instalite Lux Women's Running Shoes, or a Fisher-Price Lion Walker at 50% off. 
  • Flash deals as low as ₱6: Consumers can look forward to amazing deals for as low as ₱6. 
  • Exclusive promos from leading brands: Users can enjoy exclusive discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off from leading brands such as Wyeth, Unilever Beauty, Shigetsu, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Home, and Nestle. 


Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines said, “As more Filipinos are turning to online platforms for entertainment, we are excited to team up with Wowowin Primetime to bring greater fun and entertainment to Filipinos across the country, just in time for Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale. Filipinos can look forward to our continuous efforts on improving the platform; making it even more fun, social, and engaging for everyone.”

To find out more about the Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale, head over to https://shopee.ph/m/double-double.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Friday, May 29, 2020



Get over 1 Million worth of cash prizes, free shipping with 0 minimum spend, deals as low as 6 and exclusive discounts with ShopeePay


MANILA, MAY 29, 2020 - Shopee-holics, rejoice! Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches 6.6 Super Flash Sale to provide users with greater convenience and cost savings for their everyday needs. Filipinos can look out for deals as low as ₱6, free shipping with 0 minimum spend, and prizes worth over 1.3 million. Running from May 18 to June 6, 2020, shoppers can look forward to a fun and entertaining shopping experience for the coming days before the big sale.

Here are six reasons why users should look forward to Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale:

  1. A total of ₱1.3 million prizes to be given away
    Shopee is taking it up a notch by giving away a total of ₱1.3 million in cash. On June 6, users can double their chances of winning big cash prizes when they pre-register on Shopee’s microsite, tune in to Wowowin via Shopee Live and join the Shopee Shake game.



  2. Flash deals as low as ₱6 and exclusive discounts on selected products
    Users can redeem flash deals every ten minutes and enjoy a variety of items at huge discounted prices, including up to 60% off selected home appliances, up to 50% off running shoes and up to 60% off personal care items.

Shoppers can purchase high-value items for only ₱6 such as the ACE SL-24" TV-3.5A Ultra Slim LED-220 Television, a Seagate 1TB Hard Drive, and The Platinum Junior Lite DVD Karaoke with Free Wireless Microphone.



  1. Free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend to ease delivery costs
    On June 6, users can shop more of their favorite products with free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on all flash deals as well as from selected stores.


  1. Up to ₱1000 off when paying with ShopeePay on D-Day
    On June 6, users can get up to ₱1000 off from their purchases when they use ShopeePay as their mode of payment. ShopeePay is Shopee’s integrated e-wallet and payment feature that allows users to store funds and pay for purchases with e-money on Shopee seamlessly, conveniently, and securely. Shoppers can check out for more details on special deals and promotions with ShopeePay here (https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay).
  2. Exclusive promotions from leading brands
    U
    sers can enjoy exclusive discounts ranging from 20% to 50% off from leading brands such as Wyeth, Unilever Beauty, Shigetsu, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Home, and Nestle.

  1. Newly-launched in-app games: Shopee Poly and Shopee Claw
    Users can have a great time with in-app games such as Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly where they can redeem prizes and earn Shopee coins.
    Shopee Claw is inspired by the favorite arcade claw machine whereby Shopee users can use a claw to pick up prizes. These include Shopee coins, ShopeePay discount vouchers, a pair of Airpods, and an iPhone 11.

    Shopee Poly lets users throw a dice to determine the number of steps they will take. They either lose or earn points depending on the spot they land on. Players have a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, ShopeePay discount vouchers, as well as special prizes including a Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and a Realme C2 Smartphone.


For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/double-double
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.





Thursday, May 28, 2020






Shopee is looking for a content creator for their TikTok Channel







Are you obsessed with TikTok? Have you been following all the viral hashtags and trends on social media? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you may be just what Shopee is looking for!




In this role, you get the chance to create and produce engaging social media content from beginning to end. The best part? Not only will you get paid to do something you really enjoy doing, but you’ll also proudly represent the brand as one of the Faces of Shopee on TikTok!




Shopee wants bold and imaginative people to join their creative think tank. If you love being on camera and have the confidence to back it up, then this job is for you!




Interested candidates can paste a link of their most creative 30-second TikTok video on the comments section of the Shopee Career page. The clip should include why the candidates are the best person for this exciting role. Head over to Shopee Careers (https://careers.shopee.ph/job-detail/2952/) for more details.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020



Stock videos, photography, icons, elements, animated stickers, audio tracks, illustrations, and more are all available for access to all Canva Pro Users. Photo credit: Canva 








Global online design platform, Canva, has launched the biggest update to Canva Pro in history, with 15 times more content now available at no extra cost.

The major upgrade is taking on traditionally expensive stock subscriptions by including more than 60 million premium images, over 20 thousand videos along with a huge collection of audio tracks, and more than 3.5 million graphic elements as part of its subscription-based product Canva Pro, saving its design community up to 10 times the cost of comparable platforms and stock subscriptions in the market today.

At no extra cost, Canva Pro subscribers will now have access to everything from stock videos to photography, icons, elements, animated stickers, audio tracks, illustrations, and more as part of the monthly subscription priced at $9.95 USD (based on a 1-year plan).

“We’re thrilled to be bringing even more value to Canva Pro as part of this improvement which has been designed to help small-medium business owners, marketers, and others save time and money while creating more amazing content without having to pay for multiple subscriptions or individual assets. This upgrade will also extend to more than 50,000 organizations around the globe who are using Canva Pro as part of our Nonprofits program,” said Head of Canva Pro, David Burson.












With 80% of Canva Pro users using the platform in a marketing capacity, Canva Pro also includes access to an additional 25,000 premium templates and tools such as Canva’s Background Remover, Brand Kit, Transparent Backgrounds and ‘Magic Resize’ which can instantly resize designs to be used as flyers, social media posts, posters, invitations, and many more design formats, with a single click.

“We’re really excited to be providing our design community with even more amazing content at no extra cost. This upgrade was designed to be especially useful for the many small and medium Filipino businesses using Canva who will now have access to even more premium content and powerful tools designed to help them unlock their creativity and productivity,” said Yani Hornilla-Donato, Canva Philippines, Country Manager

Canva Pro is available from $9.95 USD per month, with a free 30-day trial for new subscribers.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.



Frontline workers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are now able to avail of the special offers of PLDT-Smart products and services through the recently launched PLDT and Smart rolling store stationed in Camp Aguinaldo.
Some of these offers include discounts on PLDTSmart and TNT products and services. This includes a PLDT Home WiFi for only P995, the unli Fibr Plan 2899 with speed up to 100 mbps and a switch offer of 50% off for six months which is inclusive of free installation and activation fees.
Meanwhile, PLDT mobile subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) and TNT will offer sims, discounted prepaid load top-up and Sim Upgrade to LTE. Both also include a retailer recruitment with a free Giga 99 for every new retailer with a purchase of P2,000 load wallet.
Moreover, Smart also offers a discounted Smart Bro Pocket WiFi for only P999 that comes with a free P250 Surfmax Load Card. For those wanting to upgrade to affordable LTE handsets, you can get discounts and exciting freebies for every purchase and best paired with our Postpaid plans from Smart and Sun.
PLDT and Smart continue to support the AFP through the latter’s long-term partnership with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF).
We are committed in helping our frontline military and checkpoint officers in fighting this disease. We are utilizing our resources to ensure that they are better equipped when it comes to serving our country amid this pandemic,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.
Protecting our frontliners
The PSF also turned over to AFP 20 packages of thermal scanners with a complete protection set. The package includes a high quality non-contact thermal scanner, one-gallon of 70% isopropyl alcohol, 10-pieces of face shields, 20-pieces of surgical gloves, 20-pieces of head cap/shoe cover and 25-pieces of 3 ply reusable face masks.
Together with One Meralco Foundation, PSF is also donating 6,000 liters of ethyl alcohol for use in the Camp’s Hospital and other facilities.
Earlier, the PSF also supported over 4,000 individuals in Quezon City through the AFP’s mobile kitchen initiative “Kapwa Ko Sagot Ko”.
Continuing its efforts in serving the underprivileged communities in the metro, the PSF recently turned over 1,000-pieces of whole chicken and 500-kg of vegetables for the AFP mobile kitchen. Moreover, the foundation is also donating vegetable seeds from its partner nursery in Pampanga for the Community Garden in Camp Aguinaldo.
The foundation also turned over 3,000 CDO canned goods, 1,000 Sari-Roti Wheat Breads and 300 meal packs for AFP frontline personnel.
We value our partnership with the AFP. In these critical times, the AFP has been an indispensable ally in bringing our help to the people who need it most. As frontliners, they also face risks to their health, so we would like to support them even more,” said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos.
Aside from its recent efforts through the AFP mobile kitchen initiative, the PSF has been constantly supporting the AFP by providing grocery packs to the frontline personnel and their families and turning over PPE donations such reusable masks. The foundation also sponsored decontamination services in public hospitals and AFP offices as well as donations of ascorbic acid and ready-to-eat meals to frontline checkpoint officers.

Monday, May 25, 2020


ACE Hardware’s Call and Collect services is now available in in ACE Hardware branches located in SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan. Just call or text your favorite ACE hardware branch, wait for order confirmation then arrange preferred delivery service.








Truly the helpful place, ACE Hardware continues to provide solutions to everything you need for your home repair projects with its Call & Collect service.

Your home improvement work will be a lot easier with high performance cordless drills / drivers in compact and lightweight designs; while ACE Exclusive hand tools are great for minor repairs like fixing a leaking tap, or repairing broken electrical sockets.

Give your home a fresh new look with lead-free and odorless ACE Paints and painting supplies. Prevent your home from rust and corrosion by spraying ACE Rust Stop paints direct to metal surfaces.

Replacing your lights with LED bulbs is also another way to update your home. Choose from ACE Hardware’s wide array of energy saving light bulbs and fixtures as well as durable and high quality extension cords.

How to shop with ACE Hardware’s Call & Collect service? Just call or text participating ACE stores, wait for order confirmation and arrange preferred delivery service. Then your items will be delivered it to you immediately.
PETBERO at SM City Marilao is now open to serve you daily. The premium one-stop-shop pet store has implemented precautionary measures to provide a secure and pleasant experience.



This service is now currently available in ACE Hardware branches located in SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan.

You can also shop online for ACE products at www.acehardware.ph, ShopSM, Lazada or Shopee. For more details, you may also want to like our official Facebook page at facebook.com/acehardwarephilippines or follow our official Instagram account, @acehardware_ph.

Also, for your pet needs, PETBERO at SM City Marilao is now open to serve you daily. The premium one-stop-shop pet store has everything your pet needs from food supplies to grooming services. With owner’s safety in mind, PETBERO also implemented precautionary measures to provide a secure and pleasant experience.

Starting today, SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan will be implementing adjusted mall hours from 10 am to 6pm. For more information follow SM Bulacan Malls on Facebook and Instagram.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Sanitation personnel saturate the foot mat with disinfecting solution at SM City Marilao to encourage safe malling before entering mall premises. Bright colored physical distancing markers are placed on floors to remind shoppers to observe a safe distance, especially when queuing.


SM Bulacan Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan strictly implement safety and sanitation measures as it gradually resume operations with essential and non-leisure services.
These measures are carry out  to assure shoppers that all malls are safe and clean; complying with safety and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations and as part of the malls’ campaign to promote #SafeMallingAtSM.

With shoppers safety in mind, all malls are continuously and thoroughly cleaned as well as disinfected prior to opening and throughout mall hours, especially in areas with heavy customer contact. Entrances are equipped with temperature checks and disinfecting foot mats. Alcohol dispensers are likewise provided at the mall entrance and restrooms.  Restrooms, on the other hand, are sanitized every 30 minutes. 
Fumigation measures at SM City Baliwag.



Shoppers, employees, and tenants will be required to wear face masks and to practice physical distancing at all times. People are also encouraged to be two steps apart when riding an escalator.

In compliance with government’s rule of strictly no loitering, customers are also requested to limit malling activities to buying essentials only, such as food and medicine, and accessing non- leisure services. 

One-way customer traffic will be observed as hallways and common areas will have floor directional arrows to encourage and to help people avoid coming into close contact with others.

Safety Protocol Officers are also deployed in all malls to decongest queues while reinforcing Safe Malling measures. 

Taking safety measures up a notch, SM will run COVID-19 antibody rapid testing for all its employees and agency frontliners, including janitors and security guards. Masks and face shields as well as other protective equipment will also be provided for added protection.
Sanitation squad in SM City San Jose Del Monte is deployed at all times to deep clean door handles, handrails, comfort room and common areas.


SM, together with its employees and partners, will continue to serve and support communities in providing safe and efficient solutions for the benefit of its shoppers.
Guided by the community quarantine rules set by IATF and LGUs, air-conditioning is regulated to 26 degrees centigrade and free mall Wi-Fi is disabled for the time being. Adjusted mall hours from 11 am to 7pm are also implemented until further notice. 








From May 18 to June 6, users can grab exclusive deals as low as ₱6 and new games that let you earn more coins! 







MANILA, MAY 22, 2020 -- Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches two new in-app games just in time for the Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale. Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly join the roster of Shopee’s in-app games where users can play, redeem prizes and earn as many points which they can use for the big sale.




Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines said, “We want our users to enjoy and have fun while they are at home with their friends and family. Shopee has recently introduced two new in-app games, Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly, just in time for Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale. Shoppers can enjoy more deals and promotions as they shop and play on their mobile phones. We are committed to improving our platform and introducing new features to connect with our users in a way that is fun, positive and engaging. ”





Introducing Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly








Shopee Claw 




Shopee Claw is inspired by the favorite arcade claw machine whereby Shopee users can use a claw to pick up prizes. The game mechanics are simple, users just have to toggle their phones from left to right to control the claw. Press the ‘START’ button and the claw will move downwards to pick up the prize. Once the claw successfully picks up the prize, a prize pop-up will appear on screen to show what the user has won. Users can stand a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, ShopeePay discount vouchers, and exciting prizes including a pair of Airpods and an iPhone 11.











Shopee Poly 




Shopee Poly starts off with the user rolling a dice to determine the number of steps they will take. They either lose or earn points depending on the spot they land on. Each user is given 3 free chances to play daily and can earn more chances by using their Shopee coins, making an order, or by sharing the game. Users can stand a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, ShopeePay discount vouchers, as well as special prizes including a Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and a Realme C2 Smartphone.




Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale



From May 18 to June 6, Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale is offering daily flash deals as low as ₱6, free shipping with no minimum spend, and up to 50% discounts. Look out for exclusive offers from leading brands such as Wyeth, Unilever Beauty, Shigetsu, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Home, and Nestle.




Download Shopee for free through the App Store or Google Play.





Hanabishi Philippines’ new celebrity endorser Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli encourages families to find ways to make their home life better during quarantine. The Popstar advices people to stay at home and learn a new skill like cooking or baking as they have more time at their disposal. Get the kids to make their own merienda or midnight snacks, catch up on the series you’ve been wanting to see, or finally finish that book you’ve been putting off reading for months.

Tulungan po natin ang ating mga frontliners at ating gobyerno ngayong mga panahong ito na tayo ay nahaharap sa pagsubok. Sa halip na nakatuon tayo sa mga negatibong bagay, gumawa po tayo ng paraan upang lalong mas mapaganda ang ating buhay sa loob ng ating mga tahanan. (Let us help our front-liners and the government during these challenging times. Instead of focusing on the negative, let’s find ways to do to make our home life better),” Geronimo-Guidicelli says.

If you’re looking for kitchen appliances to help you make your first dish, you can now easily place an order for one through the Hanabishi website, www.myhanabishi.com.

They have broilers, grillers, fryers, electric cookers, and juice blenders. You can also buy mixers, food processors, steamers, pressure cookers, and stoves from the site.

Apart from the kitchen appliances mentioned above, you may also order Hanabishi’s electric fans and coolers; air-conditioning units; refrigerators; rice cookers; water dispensers; garment care appliances; and vacuums and sterilizers through their website.

Nagpapasalamat ako sa bago ‘kong kapamilya, ang Hanabishi. Alam naman ng pamilyang Pilipino na ang Hanabishi ay isa sa pinagkakatiwalaang brand of appliances dito sa atin. Ang mga kailangan natin upang mapasaya ang ating buhay pamilya habang tayo ay naka-quarantine ay mabibili na online mula sa Hanabishi. (I am grateful to my new family, Hanabishi. Filipino families have known Hanabishi as one of the most trusted brands in the country. The things we need to make our family life happy while on quarantine can now be bought online from Hanabishi,” Sarah further adds.

Hanabishi currently offers free shipping for small items. You can have your order picked up at their warehouse at Meycauayan, Bulacan or choose to have it delivered to your preferred address.


Placing an order is easy. Visit the Hanabishi website and add to cart the appliance you want to order. Make a payment through Metrobank, BDO, Dragonpay, or PayPal. Choose between the pickup and delivery options. Deliveries will be made through either Transportify or Lalamove. Wait for the confirmation, and then you’re through.

For inquiries about the free shipping on small items, you may call Nikki at 0966-8137150; Lot at 0927-3084741; Je at 0932-5657796; or Pearl at 0997-6024956.


Wednesday, May 20, 2020



Online design platform Canva was named among the Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work Philippines, the only startup to make it to the list. Placing on top three, Canva Philippines runs shortly after Synchrony Global Services Philippines, DHL Express. Others in the top five were Icon Hilton and Ingram Micro.

Great Place to Work ranks companies according to their high-performing culture, trust in their managers, and how employees take pride and joy in the work that they do. Guided by its values — be a force for good, empower others, pursue excellence, be a good human, make complex things simple, and set crazy big goals — Canva has put its employees’ wellbeing as a top priority to encourage them to deliver work that creates meaningful impact in the lives of their partners and communities.

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla Donato said, “This recognition gives us a sense of fulfillment that we are on the right track of providing a healthy and sustainable workplace.

In 2019, Canva announced its valuation of US$3.2 billion, making it one of the fastest growing startups in the world. Donato added, “At a time when startups continue to be on the rise, this only goes to show that we can provide a fulfilling workplace to our employees and that we are here to stay”

The onset of COVID-19 also motivated Canva Philippines to show that workplace culture goes far beyond the physical workplace. As a high-growth start-up, it leveraged its adaptable and agile teams to get the job done. In return, Canva remains committed to safeguard not only its employees’ livelihood but also their health and wellness.

Working from home means they have doubled down on communicating through video conferences and Slack channels. The clubs they have at work have been uploaded into virtual communities they can tune in to such as a make-up tutorial group, and deskcersise group. They have also retained the jobs of their in-house chef and baristas and have provided a channel where they show simple recipes with basic ingredients and brewing coffee from home.

In addition to this, each employee has been provided with food and internet allowance; pocket wifi units were also given out to aid remote work. Those who were recently from overseas were also provided with hotel accommodation to delay physical contact with their families.

Prior to the quarantine, Canva Philippines was already proactive in going the extra mile for its Canvanauts by encouraging their passions with activities such as movement corner, chair yoga, and even table tennis. Canva’s latest recognition only goes to show that it pays for companies to invest in its people.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020


Online concert to raise funds for the fight against COVID-19 continues with even bigger stars this May

Smart Communications stages Season 2 of Bayanihan Musikahan to continue to rally support for those affected by COVID-19 while uplifting the spirits of Filipinos staying safe at home. In partnership with Smart Music Live (SML) Online Sessions, the online concert series increases its vigor as the most visible Filipino citizen action platform at this time

Season 2 brings revved-up musical specials bannered by stars. The SML Online Sessions widens the reach of what promises to be a memorable night with . Asia’s Songbird herself, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. She performs with her husband, the popular singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid on Bayanihan Musikahan’s Facebook on Friday, May 15, to be streamed over Smart’s official Facebook page.

Following the call from project lead and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, the husband-and-wife tandem of Ogie and Regine immediately devoted time, effort, and talent to prepare for this livestream concert. Like the other 100+ musical artists who have participated, they do so gratis, and with the same big heart for their fellow Filipinos.  .

The singer and the songwriter —who helped raise Php 5 Million for this particular show—are offering talent to assist urban poor communities find and sustain their own talent for survival.

Exceptional team story

“Mr. C,” as Cayabyab is fondly called, emphasizes that Ogie and Regine now becomes part of an exceptional story. “The most exceptional story for me is that of working with this team in Bayanihan Musikahan.”

“I haven’t met a team of people as highly motivated, intelligent and industrious as this team who have brought their respective expertise to the table and raised more than 70M pesos to help alleviate the plight of the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters living in Metro-Manila and outlying provinces.”

Mr. C refers to the more than 300 Filipinos working invisibly to produce Bayanihan Musikahan and to also take care that the donated funds are immediately translated into food packs are delivered to the urban poor. These hundreds of volunteers include community organizers who are themselves urban poor, who belong to the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) and its allied people’s organizations.

A substantial number of enablers of the “end-to-end” project are those with Philippine Business for Social Progess (PBSP), which has taken up more than the work of fund management for which it is well known in social development circles. PBSP has taken up the multiple challenges of transportation, linking up with vegetable and rice farmers, and organizing logistics.

The worst and best times for musicians

For the music industry, the chance to virtually hold hands with civil society and with the most vulnerable Filipinos takes place at a time of vulnerability for the artists as well. Cayabyab who will also be seen in a Huntahan Musikahan program on the same day as the Ogie-Regine concert, describes the unusual situation:

“It is the worst time, and the best time for musicians, creative artists and composers. The worst time, because there are no jobs available, no live performances, no gigs, no regular work that are needed for recordings, for live TV or taped TV shows, etc.” But he also says that :  “it is the best time – because then, we can practice more, have more time perfecting our craft because there are not many distractions, and no traffic that eats up a person’s work hours”.

“It is also the time when much creativity is happening, to address the various situations we are faced with. We are circumventing or re-thinking how to use our talents to entertain. When at first it was only to express ourselves, we are now thinking of ways to monetize our performances online. We will get through this, and we will be better musicians, performers and creative thinkers and artists,” he explained,” he explains.

There’s also a certain kind of intimacy that online concerts provide,  Mr. C continues “We are actually closer to our audience. Anyone can interact with us when we are online. Re online concerts – we have discovered that there is still no app that can approximate real time jam. So until this is realized, we can only produce live music videos from home using the technology available. But so far – ANYONE can do online concerts with just their device (phone, tablet, laptop) plus an array of acoustic or electronic instruments or solo voice.”

Mr. C says that adjustments had to be done by both performer and audience. “We prepare much the same way as we have always done prior to any performance. Being professionals, we know how to rev up for a performance.”

“The only distinct difference between live and virtual performance is the hollow feeling one gets after performing a piece. Performers feed off the energy given by spontaneous reactions from the audience, like applause and standing ovations, or catcalls and jeers. Without these reactions, a performer would have to make TREMENDOUS adjustments to his/her psyche – I know we will get through this, but we will have to grapple with that strange phase first. Hearts, likes and wows emoticons can help but the performers see these only when they stop to read interactive windows. Both performers and audience will have to adjust.”

In this sense, the adjustments that had to be made on the ground by the relief distribution volunteers during a time of great personal danger, have been enormous—and yet, from all indications, successful. PBSP and SNPP have used the new technology to be efficient and highly-energetic.

Grateful for connectivity

The National Artist for Music hence emphasizes the pivotal role of connectivity during these uncertain times. “Connectivity is the big star now. Online connectivity is our fastest way to communicate and to learn what we need to do in a pandemic such as this. Online connectivity is also our center of entertainment in this period of extended quarantine. Everything is there. As in everything – from varied shows, all the way to food delivery. Chat groups and community billboards and marketplaces have sprung to address our needs as an individual, family or community. There is no other medium now that can equal what online connectivity can do.”

He added, “We even attend mass online – and we can choose to attend our parish priest’s mass, or choose to attend the Pope’s! Now, more than ever, we get to see national leaders and medical practitioners of various countries doing what they can to alleviate their people’s plight with unique solutions that other countries can adopt. Caution must be observed though – because there is also so much trash and fake news that abound. But that is for the individual to discern.”

Continuing what SML Online Sessions began last April, this new round of live online sessions remains a way to bring together the generous spirit of the Filipino and give everyone hope as the nation presses on in its endeavors to eradicate COVID-19 and heal as one.

Easily make a donation by clicking on https://donate.paymaya.com/products/philippine-business-forsocial-progress. To watch some of your favorite artists live from your home on May 15, watch the Bayanihan Musikahan on Smart’s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications/.


The PLDT-Smart Foundation turns over 1,250-kg of rice for the AFP mobile kitchen

MANILA, Philippines, May 18, 2020 – To support over 4,000 families in communities under lockdown in Metro Manila, the PLDT-Smart Foundation recently turned over 1,250-kg of rice and 500-kg of vegetables to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mobile kitchen.
The initiative aims to provide hot meals to families in underprivileged communities. 
The fresh vegetables were purchased directly from farmers’ cooperatives including the Batangas Organic and Natural Farming Agriculture Cooperative. This includes potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, squash, green beans and bell pepper.
The AFP mobile kitchen is an initiative provides hot meals to underprivileged individuals and families around Metro Manila.
“The AFP has been one of our partners when it comes to conducting MVP Group relief efforts. With our recent donations, we hope that more families will benefit from this mobile kitchen initiative as the country continues to face the lethal impact of the pandemic,” said PSF President Esther Santos.
“We intend to continue supporting this initiative of the AFP as this really benefits a lot of families during these critical times,” Santos added. 
The PLDT-Smart Foundation turns over 1,250-kg of rice for the AFP mobile kitchen.
The PSF also gave reusable masks for the soldiers who are manning the mobile kitchen. The foundation also served 150 lunch meals to the National Task Force officers and staff in Camp Aguinaldo.

Monday, May 18, 2020


Aspiring little chefs will surely love this Kid’s Dough Cooking playset from Toy Kingdom. Available at Lazada.

With more kids staying home this summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break, rest and spend some quality time with the whole family. Stay at home and let Toy Kingdom bring the fun into your doorstep with their wide variety of amazing toy finds now available for purchase at Lazada.

Little chefs will love the Kid’s Dough Cooking Set, Ice Cream Set and Motion Air Sand Deluxe Cookie Maker. Ryan’s World Treasure Chest, on the other hand, will surely thrill the little pirates.
Groom your own little pet with Crayola’s Scribble Scrubbie Salon Set from Toy Kingdom.  

Keep your kids’ minds creative and inspired with games from Cogo in city and farm themes. Board games like Uno, Monopoly, and Pictionary Air are great for family bonding and fun; while table games like Air Spring’s pinball shoot and air soccer will keep kids active and sporty.
Tech-savyy kids, on the other hand, can also enjoy an ultimate home entertainment experience with Toy Kingdom’s PS4 mega pack and various home video games.

Enjoy your PS4 with this various home video games available now at Lazada.

Experience an enjoyable summer fun at home with these toys from Toy Kingdom. Check out these amazing finds and more available at https://www.lazada.com.ph/ and wait for your items to be delivered right into your doorsteps. Also, don’t forget to stay home to help in the fight against COVID-19.

For more updates visit www.toykingdom.ph and follow ToyKingdomPH at Facebook and Instagram.










NOVUHAIR®, the leading natural hair loss treatment in the Philippines, partnered with The Fit Filipino (FITFIL) Movement lead by Jim & Toni Saret, the brand’s VIP Fitness Coaches, to a FREE 20-day Facebook Live workout aimed at improving your wellness quotient goals through a “Bulletproof Immune System Activity Booster”.

This workout program is designed to help beginners and complement the workout of those with active exercise routines.

You can still join the program from May 18 until May 29, 2020. Happening everyday from Monday to Friday at 4pm live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fitfilmovement

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3fT3zEm














Optimism Adds Resilience
Optimism is a crucial factor on how we choose to navigate our journey to success. Businesses, institutions and various groups have a significant role to play in fostering this especially in times of crisis.

From the start of this pandemic, profuse optimism, coupled with genuine concern among key stakeholders in weathering the storm, is evident in the support and proactive measures of Pascual Total Health Incorporated, the holding company of Bionutra Innovations Inc., the company subsidiary marketing the leading natural hair loss treatment in the Philippines, NOVUHAIR® – nature’s answer to hair loss.




Discover more at https://bit.ly/3bCtLzS

#NovuhairCares #NothingToLoseNovuhair #ChooseNatural #BelieveInYourselfNovuhair









The saying “so much to do, so little time” was once a cliché we could all relate to. But these days, such seems to be inapplicable, for most of us are at home due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). With more time on our hands now, we ask, what more can we do to stay productive? If there’s anything we are learning from our current reality during this time, it is that we can now do what we’ve always wanted to accomplish in the comforts of our home—be it baking, cooking, gardening, and other hobbies we had no time to learn before. Interested? Here are some activities you may want to try to make the most out of the ECQ period.

Cooking

Why don’t you try whipping up something in the kitchen using ingredients you never thought would work before—like the famous, easy 7-up chicken marinade or challenge yourself to cook a perfectly seared steak or experimenting on preparing the Dalgona in various versions—from coffee to fruity flavors—that are making the rounds on the internet? Now is the best time to sharpen your culinary skills; then by the time the quarantine is over, you may gather your friends for a dinner at home and serve them your best recipe discoveries yet.
Baking

While you’re at it, why don’t you try baking sweet treats to brighten someone’s day, too? You can start with the basic ones—from baking cookies, then banana bread, to probably advancing to cakes; that is when you’re confident enough with your weighing and measuring skills. Yes, bake it ’til you make it. Arts & Crafts

While garbage collection may be a problem these days, recycling and upcycling wastes at home are highly recommended. Turn them into something useful.such as the tissue roll carton as a cable wire organizer, PET bottles as a case for your pencil or art tools, cans as flower vases, etc. You can make pencil cases for your kids, new jars for your room, and even toys for your kids, among other creative ways to reuse them. There are even free online classes that you may join to unleash your artistic side, as well as free music lessons, to boot.
Reading

Want an escape but can’t go out because of the virus? Let must-read fiction and non-fiction—be it hard copies or eBooks—take you to places and settings you’ve never seen before. Books help your brain withdraw from anxiety-inducing news on your social media feeds. You can do light reading with food books or to feel some love while on quarantine, there’s romance novels. Do read up on travel and create that itinerary of your biggest adventure yet once this quarantine is over.
Work it out

In these uncertain times, it is best to sweat the stress out, not only to stay healthy but to also keep the happy hormones going. No gym equipment? No problem. There are still a lot of exercises you may do using ordinary items or fixtures at home. Need weights? Use PET bottles as DIY dumbbell; need elevation for your cardio exercise, use the stairs; or if you need to run but has no space, do high-knee, stationary run or jog. For Zumba or Yoga classes, there’s always YouTube.

Gardening

We’ve also seen more people trying to grow their own urban garden at home in their effort to be more sustainable these days. You might have come across Facebook and Instagram posts by your friends showing off the progress of their mini farm and hydrophonic techniques using recyclable bottles. A lot of beverage companies are receiving requests from non-government organizations for donations of PET and other plastic bottles, too, as they will use them as pots for their plants to create sustainable farms for the communities they are serving.

“We have received several requests for plastic bottle donations from various groups for urban farming projects. And as a company that champions sustainable practices, we are more than willing to help them create a greener world,” said Frederick Ong, President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.
“Other than our frontliners, our environmental advocates are to be considered heroes also, because what they are doing is for the long-term. And we are here to support their causes,” he added.
And if there’s something we are realizing during the quarantine period, it is that the earth seems to be healing, because of less human activities outside our homes. Most of us are realizing the grim effects of not taking care of the environment. And this pandemic is teaching us to nourish Mother Nature more for us to enjoy healthier years. More than ever, it is high time to learn how to remain productive, while taking care of the environment. It is clear that we are breathing cleaner air and seeing clearer skies these days. And let’s all do our job to keep it this way to save more lives and for the benefit of generations to come. But if you opt to do nothing during this quarantine period, there’s no problem about that, too. Remember: The most productive people also make time doing nothing for self-care and a balanced life.

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