Tuesday, June 30, 2020




Social media brings people together in an easier way, but more importantly, it helps people get the information they want faster and simpler through a tap of a button. It also paved the way for business growth and for people to discover more of what the world has to offer. Because of its undeniably life-changing impact, people all over the world regard June 30 as the #SocialMediaDay since 2010.

According to We Are Social and Hootsuite’s Digital 2020 report, there’s a total of 73 million active social media users in the Philippines, and people aged 16 to 64 spend an average of 3 hours and 53 minutes on social media sites daily. Social media plays a pivotal role in their daily life, so it is best to make sure their time is well spent and can also positively contribute in real life.

As the go to platform for #WhatsHappening in the world, Twitter is also one in celebrating the positive impact of social media in connecting people from all walks of life. Twitter itself is a platform that allows people to spark conversations, interact with one another, and discover what’s being talked about for the day. This #SocialMediaDay, know more on how Twitter can be your go-to platform to help you in your everyday life.


1. Stay updated with the latest news daily

With our rather busy and digital lifestyle, not all people have the luxury to sit down and read newspapers or even a whole online news article. In addition, news also comes and even changes in a flash, so it is important to get the information in real-time.

Through Twitter, people can easily discover real-time information about a topic, and even discover which topics are trending among users. Verified journalists and news outfits are using the platform and are tweeting real-time to share news through threads for developing news. You can be easily informed about #WhatsHappening just by simply following their accounts or you can also create a List to organize your news sources. For example, this Twitter list features Tweets from agencies working towards crisis and disaster relief in the Philippines.



2. Find and join active communities

As we delve into #WhatsHappening daily, we are exposed to a variety of topics and conversations that can spark our interest and allow us to learn more about it. From sports, arts to cooking and gaming, you can find and interact with people sharing your same interests on Twitter.

Start a conversation or share your talent; you are never alone on Twitter. For example, people can use the #artph to see a community of talented Filipino artists. People are also Tweeting about their cooking recipes or newfound hobbies through #QuarantineCooking and #Quaranthings. If you are into entertainment, supporting your favorite artist is always fun when you do it with your fellow fans. There are a lot of fandoms on Twitter that you can follow that share hashtags or updates about their favorite artists.






3. Get help or extend a helping hand online

Twitter is not just a place for entertainment or leisure. With complex issues that surround our everyday lives, Twitter is also taking actions to make the platform a better space for its users. For example, there was a lot of misinformation during the early stages of the pandemic. To combat this, Twitter launched a dedicated search prompt so that users can easily find reliable and authoritative information on COVID-19. With this section of collated verified accounts and trusted sources, Filipinos are provided with real-time updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country.

There was also a recent surge in gender-based violence, and because people are stuck at home, it can be difficult to spot or report such cases. To help people in its fight against the shadow pandemic, Twitter also partnered with the Philippine Commission On Women (@PCWgovph) and Women’s Care Center to launch a dedicated gender-based violence, where people can find hotlines to report such incidents. There are also dedicated notification services on mental health and suicide prevention, vaccination, and child sexual exploitation.



Social media makes it possible for people to help each other out despite the distance, so If you need or know someone who might need help, Twitter can provide easier access to helpful resources that you can share to your friends, family, or communities.


4. Explore and save something new everyday

Aside from being the place for fresh updates, people can also easily discover, follow, and even save Tweets or topics on Twitter. Whether you need tips for your work, online classes, and other Tweets that you find useful, the Explore tab conveniently houses trends on various topics. All you have to do is to visit the tab and scroll away to see the latest news and information.

Do you encounter a Tweet, but do not have time to read or react as of the moment? You can easily save and revisit that Tweet using the Bookmark feature. For example, you can save videos to watch, Threads to read later, or just simply bookmark an insightful Tweet that might come in handy next time! Here’s a user who used the Bookmark feature to save her favorite KathNiel Twitterseryes.




Here are the steps to use Bookmark feature using mobile:
From a Tweet, tap the share icon and select Add Tweet to Bookmarks.
To view your saved Tweets, tap Bookmarks from your profile icon menu.
To remove a saved bookmark, tap the share icon from the Tweet within your bookmark timeline and select Remove Tweet from bookmarks.
Additionally, you can tap the more icon at the top of your bookmark timeline to remove all of your bookmarks at once.

Being on social media can also bring productivity in our daily lives. There are plenty of ways where people can find entertaining, educational, or even-life changing information online. Most importantly, social media helps us express ourselves, so do not be afraid to spark a conversation on Twitter today!







Logistics and delivery services have become the lifeline for many households and businesses especially with the stringent lockdown and those who have limited access to physical shopping spaces. The growing reliance of the general population on online delivery and services inspired LBC Express, Inc. to continue to fuel Filipino businesses by providing digital solutions to online sellers as a way to move their passions and dreams.

With the steady rise of online businesses over the last few months, LBC has launched a platform dedicated to sellers in the social sphere, LBC Online. The platform fast-tracks the business transactions by giving social sellers a tracking service for their packages and flexible collection options. LBC enables sellers through its services and with this new platform, aims to help them succeed as they continue to move their businesses forward.

Miguel Angel A. Camahort, president of LBC, said, “LBC has always been the stronghold of generations of Filipinos when it comes to cargo and courier services and we are always ready to gear up for their changing needs. As we recover our normalcy and recuperate completely from the challenges that have forced us to rethink our normal, LBC will reinvent its way of moving, its service to bridge the distance between Filipino to Filipino. We start by introducing a safe, convenient way for Filipino online sellers to manage their business.”

By signing up for an LBC Online account, sellers get to pre-process transactions online and enjoy a number of benefits including their own dashboard that allows them to track and trace their deliveries, faster transaction for a smoother branch experience, and more flexibility in payment options that lets you collect your funds at your own convenience.

Shipments can also be processed online to make your branch drop-off transactions easier and more convenient. Those who need transaction reports can rely on the platform’s dashboard — simply filter your transactions by date and download your reports to save time for more important matters.

“We hope that through LBC Online, we are in a way, lifting up Filipino online sellers with a platform that helps them manage their business at the comforts of their own homes,” adds Camahort.

To sign up for LBC Online, just visit https://lbconline.lbcexpress.com/signup.



LBC introduces more digital services
As the demand for door-to-door delivery increases, the country’s leading courier is also cutting the steps of sending parcels to any point in the country with LBC Pickup, an online booking system that allows LBC staff to get the packages directly at the home of the sender.

To also minimize the need to go to-and-fro in their local branches, LBC is enabling sending remittances from home through Instant Peso Padala (IPP) Online. With IPP Online, anyone can send money through their phones and computers, and have it claimed through thousands of LBC’s physical stores or remittance partners: Cebuana Lhuillier, MLhuillier, and Palawan Pawnshop. This service is free of transaction charges until July 5, 2020.

In view of the current situation, LBC is firm in strengthening country’s collective effort to bring the local economy off the ground. Needless to say, LBC is pioneering the next wave of services needed by the modern Filipino retailer and consumer.

For more information on LBC’s newest services, visit www.lbcexpress.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/LBCExpress/.


In photo are, from left: DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Jam Karess Bazon, Yakan Tribe President Bidal Addang and PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos.






MANILA, Philippines, June 29, 2020 – PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently turned over food pack donations to 300 families from the Yakan Tribe, a Muslim community located in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The foundation also provided relief assistance to 600 displaced construction workers located in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The donations were from PLDT and Smart’s Kapit Kapatid which is an employee-initiated fundraising campaign for frontliners as well as communities severely impacted by the pandemic.


In photo are the Yakan Tribe during the turn over of food pack donations.




This was done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), University of the Philippines Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Your 200 Pesos which is a project that aims to feed families affected by the pandemic. The Your 200 Pesos is led by TV personality and beauty queen Michele Gumabao who also joined the recent relief efforts.




“During these uncertain times, the PLDT-Smart Foundation aims to provide assurance that help and support are given to underprivileged families and communities affected by the pandemic. We hope that these simple donations will sustain them, especially during this difficult time,” said PSF President Esther Santos.

“Through this joint effort of DSWD, the PLDT-Smart Foundation, the Office of the UP Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Your 200 Pesos project by Ms. Michele Gumabao, we were able to reach out to those who are affected by this pandemic. DSWD is fervent in engaging public-private sector partnerships to ensure that relief goods are delivered to the affected people during this health crisis,” said Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Jam Karess Banzon.


600 displaced construction workers are given food packs by the PLDT-Smart Foundation in partnership with DSWD and UP Diliman.









The PSF has been a certified agency of the DSWD for the foundation’s regular programs, especially for disaster response and has been a registered Social Welfare Development Agency since 2014.

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit http://beta.pldt.com/covid19/.

Monday, June 29, 2020




One of the Finest Hotels in the Metro to Reopen Its Doors for Dine-in

The COVID-19 pandemic has put everything at a standstill, including being restricted to dining options such as cooking and eating at home, takeout or delivery.   With the government’s recent approval for restaurants to open for dine-in, the long wait for all Century Park Hotel patrons and diners will be over on July 1, 2020.

The food adventure continues with the reopening of the Atrium Lounge. Families and friends can share delightful moments once again in this award-winning dining outlet over their culinary favorites from the hotel’s Café in the Park and Tsukiji Restaurant.

Explore a wide selection of Filipino dishes and international cuisines. For your seafood cravings, try our Grilled Prawns, Pan-fried Salmon Fillet and Blue Marlin Supreme which will definitely reintroduce your palate to the sumptuous and luscious taste – the true mark of Century Park dining experience. Reuniting with your loved ones after several months of staying home will be more heartwarming and filling when spent with our savory platters of meat such as Grilled Lamb Chops, Sirloin Steak Café de Paris and Country Crispy Chicken, among others.
Have an oishi good time with our Japanese gustatory classics from the Century Tsukiji Restaurant. Make your own bento from our scrumptious menu of appetizers, rice meals, grilled and fried dishes. Our yummy special maki and other sushi selections will also satisfy your cravings.

Food gets all the better with the hotel’s elegant setup and homey atmosphere. While reveling in our culinary pleasures, behold the magnificent view of the Grand Staircase and fountain where you can also take some selfies or ‘groufies’.

The Atrium Lounge will be open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.

Prior to reopening, Century Park Hotel ensured that all diners will get to enjoy dining-in again while maintaining peace of mind.  During the months of lockdown, every corner of the property was thoroughly disinfected, adhering to our commitment to keep our guests safe based on the World Health Organization’s standards.  The hotel is more than prepared to give you a gustatory treat that is both fancy and sanitary.  Health and safety protocols such as contact tracing, social distancing and wearing of masks will also be enforced.


The tables are all set for this much-awaited day. We cannot wait to serve your orders again and witness delightful moments take shape. Come and dine at Century Park Hotel!

Sunday, June 28, 2020




Tanauan, Batangas—June 27, 2020 - Looking at the brighter side, we are all yearning for this pandemic to end so we can go out and experience fun with friends and family. 

Travelling has truly changed beyond recognition since the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of the implementation of quarantine. And as many experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) predict, this virus will be with us for a long time. 

While the quarantine period suggests that mobility will remain limited until a later time, it does not mean that travel is banned. And when travel restrictions loosen up, road trips would become the norm, since flights, ferries, and other public transportation would not be as safe and convenient as it used to.

Even though the pandemic may have put a dent on foreign travel, domestic tourism may perhaps be the new normal for people who still want to see the bigger world.

So, if you plan a road trip, why not travel on light vehicle without too much to spend to.  Riding a motorcycle solo conveniently meets the need for physical distancing, something that is going to be the new normal for all.

So, if you think the pandemic has scrapped any travel plans you made, perhaps you may want to consider these destinations instead. And to see these places, all you will need is a trustworthy motorcycle to experience a different kind of adventure. Here are some suggestions:

  1. La Union and Baler — If you love beaches and surfing, it only takes about a 4-5 hour motorcycle ride from Manila to these two places. You can get to enjoy the beach sunset, live the surfer life, and have amazing food trips.
  2. Baguio — “The City of Pines” is always a popular destination for vacations and weekend trips because of its proximity to Manila and cooler climate, great food options, and all the interesting tourist destinations you can visit.
  3. Bicol — The Bicol Region is composed of six provinces, four of which are on the mainland on the southeastern end of Luzon: Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon. Here you can enjoy amazing sceneries like Mayon Volcano and Bulusan Lake, and enjoy activities in CamSur Watersports.
  4. Ilocos Norte and Sur — Ilocos is also a large province you can visit and needs about 10-12 hours ride. It may be a grind but the culture of Vigan, the sceneries of the tourist spots, and the amazing sights of the wind turbines will make it all worth it.
  5. Samar — Samar is the third largest island in the country, where you can already visit all three of its provinces and even Leyte through the scenic San Juanico Bridge. A beautiful uncommercialized island with gems like Calbiga Cave, Lulugayan Falls, Mapanas Rock Formations, Borongan, Guian, Calicoan, and Marabut.
  6. Bohol — Enjoy all of the eco-friendly activities that this island is famous for like the fantastic diving spots in Tagbilaran or enjoy the company of Tarsiers and butterflies in its reservations. The scenic view of Chocolate Hills will also make the motorcycle ride worth the take.
  7. Cebu — The province consists of Cebu Island, as well as 167 smaller islands, including Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands, are known for their beaches and dive sites. Enjoy areas like Osmena Peak, Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, and other historical locations on the island.
  8. Palawan — Palawan consistently ranks in travel articles as one of the world’s best islands. It’s home to the famed Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palawan has lots of laid-back beach towns as well as top tourist hubs with nightlife and dining options. There’s no traffic whatsoever in the main highway making it safe to ride around.
  9. Siargao — Another great beach and surfing location. The island’s coastline is marked by a succession of reefs and white sandy beaches. The neighboring islands and islets have similar landforms and contain the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao at Del Carmen. The island has also established the use of motorcycles for the full travel experience.

There’s no better way to take motorcycle road trips but to use the best motorcycles around. Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, provides riders the best and safe riding experience through their cutting-edge motorcycles.


Joniel Onting, a Honda Click Rider and proud member of the Click Squad Cebu Inc., shares his ride with his Honda Click to travel to different places in Cebu and beats the everyday traffic to work. The farthest he has ridden using the Honda Click is 91.5km from Cebu City to San Remigio which is almost a 2 and a half-hour ride.

“My favorite part when going for long travels is that I get to see all the beautiful and historical places here in Cebu. Mas enjoy namin ng girlfriend ko ang oras at lugar. We are creating good memories.Thanks to my Honda Click,” he said.




HPI’s wide array of cutting edge motorcycles from Automatic, Cub, Sports, and Big Bikes are perfect for the great long road trip adventure anyone can ask for.

This signifies how the company remains true to its “ONE DREAM” campaign, which is helping fulfill people’s dreams by allowing Filipino riders experience the joy of mobility. And in today’s reality, provide them with a memorable travel experience while keeping them safe.

But still, it is important for everyone’s cooperation so we can flatten the curve and make things normal again and finally go out to discover the world around us.

There is a lot more to explore from Honda’s wide array of motorcycles. For more details about Honda products and promos, visit our website www.hondaph.com and follow our Facebook page, Honda Philippines, Inc. and Instagram, @hondaph_mc.

Curious about what to consider as your solo ride? Watch out for our next article about what makes a perfect and practical ride during this pandemic.



SM Center Pulilan in partnership with the Municipal Government launched Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go delivery service aiming to help at least 1,000 authorized  jeep and tricycle drivers in the community. In the future, 50% of Pulilan’s 4000 drivers are targeted to join the program. Recently, SM City Baliwag and its LGU provided alternative livelihood to at least 80 tricycle drivers mostly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Under Bulacan 3 Wheels On-the-Go program, tricycle drivers benefitted from the bulk orders generated from SM City Baliwag. Each rider gets P100.00 for every transaction.

SM Malls in Baliwag and Pulilan in partnership with the respective Municipal Governments,  worked together to support and help create alternative livelihood to jeep and tricycle drivers in the community, amid the challenges brought in by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

Just recently, SM Center Pulilan and the Municipal Government launched Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go, a collaborative project that gives local jeep and tricycle drivers the opportunity to become town's partner delivery riders. Jeep and tricycle riders get service fee for every transaction following standard rate assigned by their respective associations.

Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go let customers call designated delivery services hotlines to place an order. Each customers will be given assigned partner delivery rider to purchase orders at chosen stores at SM Malls in Baliwag and Pulilan. Orders will be delivered right at the doorstep. Payments are made through Cash on Delivery. 

The said project aims to help transportation community while allowing residents to buy food without the need to leave their homes, as part of the new normal.

Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go in Pulilan has around 1,000 authorized riders which caters all establishments in the town. In the future, 50% of Pulilan’s 4000 drivers are targeted to join the program.
With the aim to help, support and create alternative income for jeep and tricycle drivers in the community amid COVID-19 crisis, SM Center Pulilan in partnership with the Municipal Government launched a delivery service dubbed as Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go. Present on the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) are Pulilan ABC President Hon. Dennis M. Cruz (left) with SM Center Pulilan Asst. Mall Manager Alvin De Galicia (right).

“We at SM continue to finds ways to support the community. With Bulacan Wheels On-the-Go project, we are glad to be of help to the transportation sector while we keep up with the new norm,” says SM Center Pulilan Assistant Mall Manager Alvin De Galicia.


Prior to this, SM City Baliwag together with the Municipal Government were able to provide alternative income to some 80 tricycle drivers turned delivery riders under the program Bulacan 3 Wheels On-the-Go. Among the benefits given to riders are good and flexible working hours, protective gears as well as uniforms.

Because of the growing demand for food delivery, tricycle drivers benefitted from the bulk orders generated from SM City Baliwag. Each tricycle drivers gets P100.00 for every delivery service transactions.

Baliwag Delivery Services hotlines- Cluster 1 (0977-246-5137); Cluster 2 (0977-246-5135); Cluster 3 (0977-246-5136). Delivery service is open from 8am-8pm, and orders must be made one day before delivery date. Purchase allowed are minimum of P300.00 and maximum of P2, 000.00.

Meanwhile, Pulilan residents may visit Pulilan Pabili System Facebook page for the directory and details on how to place order. Delivery service is open as early as 8am-6pm.

Also check SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for additional information as well as link for open stores and menu guide.


Friday, June 26, 2020



The City of Manila has definitely had a resurgence under the leadership of Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. When Mayor Isko removed unlawful obstructions and cleared illegal vendors off of Manila’s streets and sidewalks, he effectively changed how the city looked and how it moved. By cleaning up the city and bringing order to chaos, the determined mayor gave the City of Manila a fresh new feel that continues to inspire business confidence and draw consumer interest. And this hasn’t changed despite the COVID pandemic.

According to Lobien Realty Group (LRG), the City of Manila has a total of 99,874.29 square meters (sqm) of gross leasable office space and only 5,650.63 square meters (sqm) are currently vacant. LRG pointed out that this translates to a single digit vacancy rate of 6%, which is very low and signifies that in Manila, there is demand for office spaces and what is supplied in the market is being taken up.
One of the most highly anticipated real estate developments in Manila is the Doña Elena Tower, a mixed-use building developed by Happy Coral Way Realty Corporation. This 11-storey building will soon rise in the busy district of Sta. Mesa Manila near the boundary of Mandaluyong City.

The Doña Elena Tower, which has LRG as its sole leasing agent, will provide Manila with 19,051 sqm of gross leasable area.  Built at an accessible location that’s surrounded by a wide variety of businesses and essential institutions, the Doña Elena Tower offers its tenants the chance to work in a community where most of what they may want or need is readily available.  Situated close to the entry and exit ramps of the  on-going Skyway Stage 3 project and within the public transport system that connects EDSA through Shaw, LRG says Doña Elena Tower gives the added benefit of having quick access to Mandaluyong’s  burgeoning business and residential areas, without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of the already crowded central business districts of Makati, BGC or Ortigas.

LRG believes that the office space market is a good barometer for the state of the economy because when office spaces are in demand and supply is being taken up, it means that businesses are expanding, jobs are being generated and money is being spent. Based on the high demand for office spaces in Manila, LRG expects that finding tenants to occupy Doña Elena Tower will not be difficult. Judging by LRG’s optimism, it can be said that Happy Coral Way Realty Corporation made an excellent decision to build the Doña Elena Tower in the City of Manila.

Thursday, June 25, 2020


As the world begins to reopen after the global effort to limit the spread of Covid-19, the Repsol Honda Team pairing of Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez have been able to transition towards how they would normally train. Following all the guidelines and safety recommendations of the government and health experts, the two riders from Cervera returned to cycling outdoors in early May. 

Now, after having not ridden a motorcycle since March 11, the pair have been able to restart their engines and enjoy the feeling that only riding can give at the ‘El Bosquet’ Circuit in Ponts on Tuesday, May 19. Delighted to experience this sensation once again, Marc and Alex will continue to expand and alter their training in line with government advice as they eagerly await the return of the MotoGP World Championship alongside the entire Repsol Honda Team.



Marc Marquez

“After two months, honestly it was a little strange at the start to be back on the bike for the first laps. But soon I was feeling better as all of the muscles and the mind started to remember everything again. It was really nice to be able to get back on the bike, this is a feeling you can’t find anywhere else. Step by step we’re coming closer and closer to normal life and this is the most important point.”

 



Even though many of us have to stay home to protect ourselves from the pandemic, it doesn’t mean that we can’t establish meaningful connections anymore. Thanks to mobile internet and various social media apps, we can always connect with our family, friends and our favorite personalities with just a few taps on our phone.

To keep us connecting and sharing our stories with friends and loved ones, Smart offers Giga Stories 99, which comes with a total of 16 GB, valid for 7 days! By registering to Giga Stories 99, subscribers get Free Stories for All, which means having a total of 14 GB for FB, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at 2 GB per day, plus 2 GB worth of open access data.

With this much data, you definitely won’t miss an update from the people you care about. You can also cheer up your peers by sharing more inspiring content, or use your voice to raise awareness within your social circle and help those in need.

On top of these, you can also enjoy access to all your favorite online content - whether it’s streaming video and music, working with productivity apps, uploading your own content, playing mobile games, and more.

To subscribe to Smart Giga Stories 99, just dial *123# and choose Free Stories for All.

‘Simple. Smart Ako’

No matter what you’re into, Smart is ready to empower your digital lifestyle via simple and easy digital solutions as part of its latest “Simple. Smart Ako” campaign.

Filipinos are able to live the Giga life powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile data network, as affirmed by international third-party mobile analytics firms.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, cited Smart as The Philippines’ Speedtest Awards Winner for mobile network speed during Q1-Q4 2019. To win this award, Smart achieved a Speed Score™ of 17.40, with average speeds of 19.62 Mbps for download and 9.45 Mbps for upload.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its April 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report* for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, Voice App Experience, Games Experience, and 4G Availability.


Know more about Smart’s promos and services by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications, Twitter and Instagram at @LiveSmart.







MANILA, Philippines, June 25, 2020 – 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.



Among the recipients of the face masks were the AFP frontliners, Makati Medical Center Foundation for PNP HPG, and various communities affected by COVID-19.



"It is an honor for us to help our beloved frontliners by equipping them with the basic necessities, such as face masks and PPEs, to protect them in their battle against COVID-19," said PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos.



"We would like to assure our frontliners that we are here for them and one with them in fighting this pandemic," Santos said.



"If every Filipino will wear a face mask, observe physical distancing and practice proper hygiene, we will all have some protection from COVID-19," KKK Founder and Commissioner at Philippine Commission on Women, Sandy Sanchez Montano pointed out.

The KKK women’s group has produced over 36,000 face masks for Frontliners nationwide. 



"We are glad to provide reusable, non-woven protective masks produced by women who were severely affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the pandemic," Montano added.



The KKK is a program under the Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services Corp. (CHEERS). It aims to actively help in addressing the spread of COVID-19 while providing a source of sustainable livelihood for women who need to make a living for their families. KKK participants/beneficiaries include women-recipients of 4Ps, solo parents, and those who were affected by the ECQ.



A non-profit organization, the PSF fully serves as the social outreach arm of PLDT, Inc. and its wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications Inc. Headed by PLDT and Smart Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, the PSF created programs focused on education, livelihood and social enterprise, disaster response and recovery, youth arts, and sports development.



To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19/.





On June 25, users can enjoy exclusive discounts, free shipping, and vouchers


Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches ShopeePay Day, to offer greater convenience and cost savings as more Filipinos turn to cashless payments when they shop online. On June 25, ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive limited-time deals and promotions, including free shipping and coins cashback.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “Many Filipinos rely on e-commerce to meet their everyday needs as they live, work, and play from home. We are pleased to introduce ShopeePay Day to meet this trend, and offer our users greater convenience and savings as they shop with us. As e-commerce takes on greater importance in people’s lives, Shopee will continue to innovate and introduce initiatives to enhance the online shopping experience for all.”

On June 25, ShopeePay users can enjoy the following benefits as they shop from home:

  • One-day Exclusive Free Shipping: Users can enjoy free shipping with no minimum spending on ShopeePay Day.
  • Exclusive Limited-time Deals and Promotions: ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive promotions, including ₱125 off with every ₱500 minimum spend and further discounts when they purchase physical and digital products or pay their bills via ShopeePay.
  • Special Lucky Draw: From June 25 to 27, regular ShopeePay users stand a chance to win exciting prizes via a special lucky draw when they top up their ShopeePay wallets1. This includes ShopeePay credits, Shopee coins, and vouchers.
First-time ShopeePay users can easily activate their ShopeePay accounts in three simple steps:
  1. Users need to log in to the Shopee platform, click on the ShopeePay tab, and then click ‘Setup ShopeePay’.
  2. Users should fill up the personal information form. They will receive a one-time password on their mobile phones after they complete the form.
  3. Users need to create and re-confirm their ShopeePay pin.


Visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay for more information about ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee application for free through the App Store or Google Play and activate ShopeePay.
1 Terms and conditions apply

Wednesday, June 24, 2020







Canva today announces a new valuation of US$6 billion from US$3.2 billion, after having raised a US$60 million round.

The doubling in valuation is attributed to Canva’s growing prominence as a workplace collaboration platform fueled by its strong performance in user growth, which continues to accelerate as the world shifts online amidst the global pandemic. Today Canva is embraced by over 30 million people every month to design around the globe, collaborating on presentations, marketing materials, social media content, videos and more -- at a whopping 80 designs per second and a total over 3 billion designs created since launch.

Canva cofounder and COO Cliff Obrecht said despite the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company continues to see a significant increase in user activity.

“Canva’s accelerated growth is indicative of the “new normal”, as more teams realize the need for a more scalable, more collaborative, more affordable and more user-friendly design platform.

“Now more than ever, organizations of all sizes are doubling down on building a reliable remote workplace, and are turning to modern productivity platforms like Canva to ensure they remain flexible and scalable.”

Investor Rick Baker from Blackbird, a renowned venture capital firm based in Australia said the surge in Canva’s numbers is a testament to the design platform’s abilities to cater to the changing needs of the modern workplace.

“This round is further evidence that Canva continues to power ahead. In a post-COVID world of remote working, we are seeing Canva’s original vision - a collaborative platform to provide all the elements to create great design - become even more powerful. As a result, Canva has seen phenomenal growth over the past months, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the world.”

Mood Rowghani, general partner at Bond adds, "The recent changes in our world have pressured organizations to embrace new methods of work and collaboration. As the lines between home and office have blurred, Canva's digital design platform is empowering a new wave of productivity and interaction for businesses, schools, and nonprofits across the globe. We have been thrilled to work with the team and are excited about what's to come."




Canva affirms its spot as a powerful workplace collaboration suite

Since launch in late 2019, Canva is the collaboration platform of choice for a number of large organizations to mobilize its workforce to create on brand content.




More than 500,000 organizations on the platform from Small Businesses to Enterprises such as Warner Music, American Airlines, Ingram Micro, and Eaton


With more than 90,000 schools and universities worldwide such as the NSW Department of Education in Australia and Georgetown University


As well as over 55,000 nonprofits such as the World Health Organization, Task Force for Global Health, NHS Charities Together and UN Commission on Human Rights.




Skyscanner, the travel search engine that serves 100 million monthly global users, has used Canva to roll out a full rebrand across 36 markets ― all within six months.

Skyscanner Senior Design Manager, Judson Cowan said, “The time saved for our design and marketing teams was immense. Canva has allowed us to simultaneously adopt our re-brand across all regions, regardless of timezone, or access to designers. The result was an on-time and well received brand launch, which is rare for large businesses.”

As people continue to collaborate online, design creation and sharing on Canva has increased by over 50% since the start of COVID-19. The company will also be rolling out a number of new workplace collaboration features designed to help teams of all sizes work together, through effective visual communication:


Canva’s Real-time Collaboration brings teamwork to life by letting users work on designs simultaneously.


Canva Brainstorms is a new design type built for teams to collaborate simultaneously on notes, build moodboards and flesh out ideas using an infinite canvas space.


Canva Talking Presentations brings a new way to create engaging presentations by allowing presenters to talk through their slides in an interactive format.


Canva for Desktop offers a seamless desktop experience, paving the way for offline editing and other native features by the end of the year.




Cementing Canva’s presence in the US and beyond


As a key growth market for Canva, the company is investing in its US operations with the opening of an office in Austin, Texas.

The US team will provide strategic support for enterprise clients and nonprofits as the country navigates the “new normal” workplace together, kicking off with its inaugural online Enterprise conference on July 29, Elevate 2020. The conference will feature a keynote from Canva CEO and cofounder, Melanie Perkins, as well as customer panels with HubSpot, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and IDC Global, to name a few.

When it comes to furthering international growth, Canva is also open to considering acquisitions whereby it invests in companies for their world-class engineering and product teams.

Cliff explains, “We’re open to investment opportunities in the media and editing space as we continue on our mission to provide a comprehensive and valuable product.

“Ultimately, we want Canva to be the go-to platform for all your design needs, so we’ll continue to monitor and evaluate acquisition opportunities.”

For the latest product news, visit https://www.canva.com/whats-new/





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