Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Fifth Top Taxpayer of Pasig City. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left) and Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr. (fifth from left) lead the recognition of the city’s top taxpayers. Receiving the award on behalf of the Jollibee Group were Clarisa Guerra, Jollibee Worldwide Services Director of Tax Services (fourth from left); and Atty. Anna Marie Curan, Jollibee Group Corporate Tax Manager (second from left).
MANILA, Philippines. – The Jollibee Group was named the top fifth business taxpayer in Pasig City for 2023, further reinforcing its commitment to contribute to nation-building.
The awarding ceremony, themed “One of the Pillars of Progress: Honoring our Tax Contributors,” was held at The Grove by Rockwell. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr., and the Pasig City Council recognized the city’s top taxpayers who contributed to the city’s programs and services through fast and efficient payment of due taxes.
“As a company proudly founded in the Philippines, we share in the role of nation-building. We do this not only by growing our business and serving food that brings joy to Filipinos but also by being a responsible taxpayer and corporate citizen,” shared Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business. We remain committed to supporting the government’s programs that help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”
The Jollibee Group’s Philippine portfolio includes well-loved brands such as Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Red Ribbon. As of December 2023, the Company has over 3,300 stores in the country.
With the summer season now in full swing, many are gearing up to have some fun under the sun. From preparing your summer fits, to finalizing plans on which beach to visit or which country to go to next, this season is all about creating new, standout experiences.
And what better way to remember them than by documenting them all with a smartphone that’s designed to elevate your summer photography game.
The new OPPO Reno11 F 5G is this season’s perfect companion, packed with a powerful camera system and the innovative Portrait Expert Engine that allows you to capture summer at your fingertips. Here are ways to become a Portrait Expert with the new OPPO Reno11 F 5G.
Explore Limitless Perspectives
The Philippines is blessed with many amazing and exciting destinations that are a stone’s throw away from Manila. You can climb Mt. Batulao in Batangas, dive and discover the rich marine life in Anilao, explore the old town of Taal and see the Taal Basilica, the largest church in the country, or stop and admire the colorful floral landscape at Perlas ng Silang, at the heart of Cavite.
Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery with the OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera that has a 112-degree field of view. Whether you’re wandering through a stunning landscape or in a sea of clouds on top of a mountain, the wide-angle lens of the OPPO Reno11 F 5G lets you unleash your creativity and capture nature’s true beauty and its entirety. With every click, immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities and breathtaking views.
Embrace the Beauty Natural Lighting Brings
There’s no better season to chase the sun’s golden hour than during summer. With the natural light it offers, there’s no doubt that all your photos will capture the best of shots.
Whether you basking on the majestic beach of Boracay or just enjoying a fun activity in the city under the sun, the OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s 64MP Main Camera has an OmniVision OV64B sensor with a f/1.7 aperture lens that can help you capture the nuances of natural light – whether its too harsh or not – so you are sure your snaps are more flattering and dramatic.
Capture Authentic Moments in Portraits
The OPPO Reno11 F 5G allows you to capture core summer memories or even your sunkissed aesthetic with its Portrait Expert Engine. OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s powerful Portrait Expert Engine allows you to dive into the art of mobile photography with exceptional portraits that capture the true essence of your subjects. With the Subject/Scene Separation and Facial Enhancement, you are sure to take 100% IG-worthy photos for your summer posts.
Take Selfies Worth Sharing
Your summer escapades aren’t complete without you taking your summer OOTDs and fits. Whether basking under the heat of the sun or just hanging out with your friends, you can elevate your selfie or wefie game with the OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s high-resolution 32MP Selfie Camera. OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s front camera can take solo shots or group selfies, not to mention its Portrait Mode that adds a soft background touch to your selfies.
Create your Summer Vlogs in 4K
Why limit your capturing of your summer moment to photos only? The OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s enhanced video capabilities for both the front and rear cameras will let you unleash your inner vlogger and capture your summer adventures in stunning 4K resolution. Whether you’re documenting your surfing in La Union or memorable summer parties in Siargao, every video will be a masterpiece, preserving your memories in breathtaking detail.
Beyond its exceptional camera prowess, the OPPO Reno11 F 5G also captures the beauty of nature, making it the perfect summer accessory. The OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s three dazzling colorways, Coral Purple, Palm Green, and Ocean Blue, are all made possible by a distinct Magnetic Particle Design, OPPO’s newest innovation that illuminates a dazzling visual impact.
Ready to Own the Summer with the latest Portrait Expert?
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your summer experience with the OPPO Reno11 F 5G. The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is now widely available for Php 18,999 in all authorized OPPO retail stores nationwide and on OPPO’s official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop channels.
The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is also available in installment plans via Home Credit and Credit Card payment options. Home Credit offers installment plans of 6/9/12/15/18 months at 0% interest in all partnered OPPO stores nationwide. Purchases via credit cards are also available in 6- or 12-month installments at 0% interest for all credit cards.
My OPPO App User Benefits
New OPPO Reno11 F 5G users will enjoy standout benefits when they download the MyOPPO App and bind their new devices. Some of the amazing perks include the following:
4,500 Mabuhay Miles from Philippine Airlines
100 PICKUP Points from PICKUP COFFEE
Billow Minis from BASH
Php 200 voucher from Bistro Group
Php 100 gift code from Zalora
Php 100 gift code from Sodexo
For more information on the OPPO Reno11 F 5G and its specs, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ and Facebook page.
Get ready for a crackin’ good time this Easter Sunday, March 31, with the much-awaited Easter Artventures! From egg decorating and face painting to plushie-making workshops, there’s something for kids of all ages to unleash their inner artist and have a blast.
Hop over to SM Supermalls’ Easter Costume Contest and Parade for a chance to win amazing prizes! Strut your fun and festive Easter-inspired costume while capturing memorable photos at the mall’s IG-worthy spaces and TikTok spots.
Families can relive cherished childhood memories by joining the Easter Egg Hunt. Witness the joy on children’s faces as they eagerly search for hidden Easter Eggs. And that’s not all – families can also delight in the Easter Bunny Bunch Meet & Greet, promising heaps of laughter and entertainment.
But the fun doesn’t end there! Make sure to swing by The SM Store’s Kids’ Accessories and Snack Exchange section, where a world of delights awaits. Discover the playful and practical Plush Bolster Bunnies and charming bunny headbands in the Kids’ Accessories section.
Meanwhile, the SM Snack Exchange boasts a wide array of chocolates, candies, and other delectable treats perfect for the Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will be thrilled with the egg-citing surprises tucked inside Kinder Joy eggs. Colorful baskets and lollipops in vibrant hues are also available, promising a festive touch to the Easter celebrations.
Have an easter-rific adventure! Head over to SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela for a hopping good time!
The life insurance company’s NBAPE amounted to a total of Php 10.54 billion for 2023
Taguig City, 27 March 2024 – Pru Life UK ranks number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reflected in the recently released Insurance Commission (IC) report as of 31 December 2023.
The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.
Owing to the company’s innovative offerings, Pru Life UK also leads in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 45.7 billion as of 31 December 2023.
With over 42,000 digitally empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, Pru Life UK strengthens its market leadership reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of many Filipino families.
More than numbers, Pru Life UK also attributes its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity. A Golden Arrows awardee for five (5) consecutive years since 2018, Pru Life UK has cemented itself as a beacon of responsible business practices in the Philippines.
“It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023, ” said Francis Ortega, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pru Life UK. “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, employees, and agency force for their collective efforts that have driven us to achieve this significant milestone. Our purpose, “For Every Life, For Every Future,” guides us in providing innovative and accessible solutions to every Filipino. We aim to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.”
The consistent growth of Pru Life UK is aligned with that of its parent company, Prudential plc, which recorded a 45% increase in new business profit to USD 3.1 billion as of 31 December 2023.
As it further strengthens its commitment to providing financial solutions addressing the evolving needs of Filipinos, the company recently launched PRULove Wealth, a single premium product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from high-yielding time deposits. The plan uniquely offers 4% guaranteed annual cash payout, 100% cashback, and up to 125% insurance coverage.*
*Product terms & conditions including on cash back apply. Limited time offer and subject to availability.
Monday, March 25, 2024
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| The World TB Day 2024 Celebration at the Quirino Grandstand breaking the world record for the “largest human lung formation”. |
Breaking Human Lung Formation Activity
on World TB Day 2024
MANILA, Philippines — World TB Day 2024 took place at the Quirino Grandstand. Over 5,500 enthusiastic participants worked in unison to break India’s world record for the largest human lung formation in history during the celebration. The feat was achieved through community solidarity, commitment, and dedication, as everyone with one accord stated: “Tuloy ang bayanihan, TB ay tuldukan! Para Healthy Lungs, Pa-check ka Lungs!”
The event was celebrated by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with and thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Family Health International 360, the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Stop TB Partnerships, and other partners.
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The aim of the celebration was to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and ignite the flame of solidarity among partners and participants, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to combat TB. Mr. Joegene Mangilaya, a participant who survived multidrug-resistant TB (MDRTB), declared, “As a survivor, it’s time for us to speak and to support… I am an advocate for TB survivors in the Philippines and I’ve now gone from surviving to striving.”
The city government of Manila (where the event was held) expressed their solidarity in combating TB, a global health challenge affecting millions. Together with other partners, representatives pledged to help increase awareness, advocate for better healthcare access, and support research for improved treatment and prevention methods.
DOH Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, said in his speech, “Nakita niyo hindi madali mag-attempt ng world record. Napaka-strikto ng rules at hindi natin ito magagawa kung hindi tayo magtutulong-tulong at magbayanihan. Ganun din sana ang mangyari para matuldukan natin ang TB.” He added, “Ang TB ay isang sakit na matagal nang nandirito sa ating bayan at kaya naman gamutin sa proseso ng pag-test ng x-ray, ng molecular test at mga gamot. Available po yan at binibili ng Department of Health at ng Pamahalaan ng Pilipinas. Isa ito sa mga inutos ng ating presidente na ayusin natin: ang problema ng TB sa Pilipinas.”
World TB Day, observed on March 24, serves as an opportunity to mobilize efforts from different sectors in addressing the disease and supporting TB survivors as well as at-risk populations. With the running theme of “Urgent, Collective Action to Save Lives” this year’s event in Manila also carried the reminder “Ituloy ang Bayanihan! TB ay Tuldukan!” to build on the milestones gained post-COVID-19 pandemic.
“For the past two weeks, people from almost 100 countries were here in Manila engaged by Stop TB Partnership to show the great work done by the world, people in the Department of Health, PhilCAT and all the TB-related organizations here,” shared Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership.
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She added, “I want to thank everyone that came at 4 a.m. today and stayed here with us. You did it for the country. You did it for your people. You did it for the people with TB to show that TB exists and TB kills people, but there is no shame, no stigma in having TB. From the Stop TB Partnership in Geneva, thank you.”
The human lung formation was made up of 5,596 people in total. This surpassed the previous 2017 record of 5,003 people in India. The activity served as a powerful visual representation of the importance of lung health and the urgent need to eradicate TB not just in the Philippines, but in the world.
USAID Office of Health Director, Andrea Halverson, said, “Thank you for being a part of history today. USAID is proud to stand together with you, with our friends in the Department of Health, with our partners, friends, and allies on stage with us today to say together, yes, we can end TB! Tuloy ang bayanihan, TB ay tuldukan!”
Representatives from various groups were in attendance to show support for the campaign. These included: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Fund Portfolio Manager Mr. Mark Saalfeld; FHI360 Chief of Party Dr. Soliman Guirgis; Metro Manila Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay; Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan; WHO Representatives Dr. Rui De Jesus and Dr. Graham Perry Harrison; Stop TB Partnership Executive Director Dr. Lucica Ditiu; PhilCAT Chair, Dr. Janice Caoili; Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Executive Director, Mr. Elvin Uy; USAID Office for Health Director, Ms. Andrea Halverson; DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa; and DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Ms. Lilian De Leon.
The spirit of solidarity demonstrated at this year’s national celebration of World TB Day serves to inspire communities not just in the Philippines but worldwide to unite in the fight against TB to ensure a healthier, TB-free future for all.
Bradley Simpson has released his highly anticipated debut single “Cry At The Moon”- available everywhere today via Insanity UK and Sony Music Entertainment.
“Cry At The Moon” was cowritten by Bradley, Andrew Wells, Anthony Rossomando, and Jordan Asher Cruz aka “BOOTS”.
“Cry At The Moon started in LA early on in the writing process for the album with Anthony and Andrew. I knew I wanted to draw on influences I grew up on, we spent the first 2 hours of the session listening through bands we loved, lots of Queens of the Stone Age and Raconteurs. As the melody for the chorus came together, we built around that. It was exactly how I wanted to move forward with the sound of the album, and it opened the writing process for me. CATM became the catalyst for that sound as it went on a bit of a journey. I met Boots a few months after, and we decided to do the entire album together. We went back in on CATM, made some tweaks to really pull it in line with the rest of the album as CATM always felt like the song to introduce everyone into the world with, I genuinely can’t wait to play it live!”
Watch the Wiz directed music video for “Cry At The Moon” HERE.
Bradley, best known for his role as singer, songwriter, and front man of British band The Vamps, commands a massive fanbase, already with multiple chart-topping albums in the UK. At just 28, Bradley’s transition from band front man to solo artist is driven by his personal song collection, signaling an exciting new chapter in his career.
Bradley will preview songs from the upcoming album and make his solo performance debut of “Cry At The Moon” on a sold-out run of headline shows this Spring in the UK, Europe, New York and Los Angeles.
Bradley is currently working his debut album to be released soon.
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Bradley Simpson’s “Cry At The Moon” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Insanity UK.
MANILA, Philippines – Garmin has announced the Lily® 2 series – its next generation of petite and fashionable smartwatches that offer new health, wellness and connected features. Available in two models, Lily 2 and Lily 2 Classic, both feature an elegant, refreshed design with metal watch cases, plus hidden displays with unique patterned lenses and new, fashion-forward color options. And with up to five days of battery life in smartwatch mode, users have plenty of time to enjoy new features like sleep score and dance fitness activities.
“The Lily series is known for its petite and elegant design elements, and we’re pleased to introduce even more health and connected features to this fashionable lineup. Not only is Lily 2 stylish enough for anything from a day at work to a night out, but it can keep you connected and track your wellbeing with popular features designed for any lifestyle,” shares Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing.
Small, stylish design
Blending a classic look with modern technology, the Lily 2 series features a metal watch case and unique patterned lenses that, with a quick tap or turn of the wrist, reveal a bright touchscreen display. It also features beautiful colorways – like Cream Gold and Coconut or Dark Bronze and Mulberry – plus Italian leather, nylon or silicone bands that can easily be swapped out to complement any look. Customers can purchase additional straps separately starting 15th March 2024, allowing them to easily change the look of their Lily 2 smartwatch.
Reasons to love the Lily 2 series
Body Battery™ energy monitoring: Monitor energy levels throughout the day to help find the best times for activity and rest.
Sleep score: Receive a score for last night’s sleep quality, plus insights on how to do better. Also keep track of different sleep stages, heart rate1, stress, Pulse Ox2 and respiration.
Fitness tracking: Keep track of steps, calories burned, intensity minutes and more.
Sports apps: Switch up a workout with built-in sports apps for cardio, yoga, strength training and more. And use the new dance fitness activity to track various dance styles, including Zumba®, Afrobeat, Bollywood, EDM and hip-hop.
Connected GPS: When walking, biking or running outdoors, connect to a compatible smartphone’s GPS to get accurate activity tracking stats.
Move alert suggestions: Receive reminders to move after being sedentary for a while and get a variety of suggested movements to try, like neck rolls, side bends, squats and more with options for seated motions.
Trendy, but unexpected: Learn more about the Lily 2 series here.
Health essentials
Designed for any lifestyle, the Lily 2 series is ready to keep up with essential health and fitness stats. Day and night, keep track of heart rate, respiration, Pulse Ox and stress. Upon waking up, the morning report provides users with an overview of their sleep, daily calendar, weather and more. In times of stress, the meditation activity guides users through meditation practices, while the breathwork activity provides different breathing techniques to follow right from the watch. Lily 2 also includes women’s health tracking features, letting users track their menstrual cycle and pregnancy while also getting exercise and nutrition education.
Stay connected
For life on the go, the Lily 2 series is compatible with Apple® or Android™ smartphones so users can receive emails, text messages and alerts right on their watch. Safety and tracking features can help provide peace of mind; for example, when Lily 2 is paired to the Garmin Connect smartphone app, a message with the user’s name and location (if available) can be sent to pre-selected emergency contacts if an incident is detected3. When paired with the Garmin Connect™ app, users can also see their health and fitness data, connect with friends and participate in challenges—all for free.
The Garmin Lily 2 series is available now in all official Garmin Brand Stores, Nifty Megamall, Nifty Ermita, and online through Kinetic and the Official Garmin Stores on Lazada and Shopee. The Garmin Lily 2 series starts at Php 15,490 which comes with a silicone strap watch. Meanwhile, the Lily 2 Classic is available at Php 16,990 for the nylon strap, and Php 18,490 with the leather strap.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Philippines’ website or Facebook page for more information.
2This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.
3 When paired with a compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking features requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety
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