Thursday, July 2, 2020

Pexels updates search algorithm to increase visibility for LGBTQ+ community

 Pexels shows photos of families with straight couples, same sex couples, and interracial couples when you search for the term ‘family’



Pexels’ algorithm update gives LGBTQ+ couples equal presence, another step in strengthening its overall quest to improve representation for marginalized communities




Pexels, the multimedia library dedicated to sharing diverse, free stock photos and videos, announced that it has made a major update to its algorithm to increase visibility of content that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. This announcement follows Pexels’ previous partnership with Nappy in March of 2018 to highlight photos representative of diverse cultures and races. A company that values inclusivity at its core, Pexels has been on a mission to improve its search results to provide more well-rounded offerings since it launched in 2014 and was later acquired by Canva in 2018. Now, in light of Pride month, Pexels is permanently adjusting its algorithm for all relationship-based search keywords to deliver more diversity across genders and sexualities, giving presence to all types of relationships.





Searching for the term ‘couple’ on Pexels returns images representing all races,
genders and identities

Pexels sets itself apart from its competitors with its artful, high-quality and curated library that offers over two million photos and videos for free. Additionally, Pexels’ library is the first truly inclusive collection focused on diversity across cultures, ethnicities and genders. While other stock photo sites do have images to reflect diversity, these do not naturally surface in the search results.


To find these photos, users must use search terms that clearly indicate whether they want a photo of a straight or a same-sex couple. Pexels’ algorithm update is focused on inclusivity and prioritizing LGBTQ+ imagery, democratizing all images, not requiring a user to delineate between same sex or other descriptors. Search terms like ‘couple’ or ‘holding hands,’ that typically only return images of heterosexual couples, now yield photos representing all races, genders and identities, increasing visibility and encouraging mainstream use. In a space that is crowded with cisgender, heteronormative, and white-washed content, Pexels continues be a pioneer in supporting underrepresented communities. The company hopes to empower its own community to tell better stories and inspire other stock photo sites to do the same.


“As one of the premier free photo and video libraries, we understand the power a photo or video can have,” said Monica Silvestre, Head of Community at Pexels. “Media has the power to make or break ideologies, challenge the status quo and humanize experiences. Images fuel stories and create movements, and it’s our responsibility as a global platform to act as a force for good; a force that helps power progress. This is why we’re improving our learning algorithm. The next time someone searches for “couple” or “love” they will find refreshing content that reflects life as it really is around us—straight couples, same sex couples, interracial couples, non-binary folks and more.”



In addition to the algorithm update, Pexels has amped up its efforts to partner with creators and companies that prioritize images and videos that challenge relationship norms and offer LGBTQ+ perspectives. The team will continue to adjust how its algorithm learns, making it intentionally calculate equal representation in order to offer its users choices they might not have previously considered. Pexels also employs a team of curators to specifically view, tag and boost submitted images to ensure the highest level of diversity and equality across the platform. Pexels encourages all photographers and creators to upload their LGBTQ+ photography to the platform.

For more information about Pexels, please visit pexels.com.


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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

#2getherTheSeriesPH won the hearts of Filipino fans on Twitter






MANILA, 1 July 2020 – Twitter is the best place to find out #WhatsHappening on the latest news, culture, and entertainment. As the newest and top-trending Thai Boy Love show, 2gether: The Series, finally hit the Phillipine shores via iWant this June 28, Filipino fans fired up Twitterverse to express their thoughts and reaction on its pilot episode. The hashtag #iWant2GetherPHEp1, even made it to the 4th spot of the Philippine trends on the same day.


2gether: The Series, starring Thai heartthrobs Bright Vachirawit (@bbrightvc) and Win Metawin (@winmetawin), is an adaptation of the 2019 Thai novel of the same name and tells the story of Tine Teepakorn and Sarawat Gintithanon, two college boys who entered a fake relationship which later developed into a real one. The unique take on the romantic genre and #BrightWin’s undeniable chemistry to boot captured the hearts and attention of Filipino viewers.

It is also the first Tagalized Thai boy love series to air on iWant streaming service. With this, fans made sure to express their kilig and all-out support on Twitter by using hashtags such as #iWant2GetherPHEp1, and #iWant2GetherPHEp2. Here are the top 2gether-related hashtags in the Philippines in June 2020.
#2getherTheSeriesPH won the hearts of Filipino fans on Twitter




Prior to the pilot episode, #BrightWin got up close and personal with their Filipino fans in the #BrightWin2GetherLive Mediacon held last June 26. Fans were encouraged to Tweet #AskBrightWin2gether and five best Tweets were selected and answered by no other than the lead stars themselves.

The hashtag #BrightWin2GetherLive also topped the Philippine trends. Everyone was hyped up as Bright and Win mentioned that they would like to visit the pristine waters of Boracay and Cebu and get a taste of Filipino dishes such as adobo and lechon.





Commenting on the success of the livestream event and other local show broadcasts on Twitter, Carl Cheng, Head of Entertainment Partnerships, Southeast Asia & Greater China at Twitter said, 

“Entertainment is a key vertical for Twitter in the Philippines, and we are glad that despite the pandemic, new shows and programs provide sources of entertainment for Filipinos. We expect that livestream and other video content on Twitter will further boost conversations on the platform and interaction among people as well.”

Never miss an episode of 2gether: The Series on iWant and Tweet your favorite fun and kilig moments from the show along with the hashtag #2getherTheSeriesPH!
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No more game downtime with vivo V19 Neo’s large-capacity 4500mAh Li-Po battery



Nowadays, with people spending most of their time online, some have become dependent on electronic devices, especially smartphones, to keep them connected with friends and loved ones, and to conveniently pursue and enjoy their lifestyles.

And with different activities—messaging on various platforms, posting on social media, surfing the internet, buying from online stores, listening to music, watching movies and videos, and playing online games—keeping people busy on their smartphones wherever they may be, it would truly be disappointing to get a low battery warning, or the handset going “dead”.



Thankfully, the latest V19 Neo is powered by a 4500mAh lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery, one of the largest capacities in its price range, to keep vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone running in optimum performance, longer.



With its long-lasting Li-Po power source, the V19 Neo can accommodate Google, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and other heavily used applications that can typically drain a standard battery.



The 4500mAh battery can also smoothly run the V19 Neo’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE octa-core processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, making for fast app launches, better navigation and multi-tasking; and enabling users to play their favorite graphics-heavy mobile games for hours.





The handset is also equipped with AI Turbo, Center Turbo, Game Turbo, Net Turbo, Cooling Turbo, and ART++ Turbo. These multi-turbo functions offer an elevated and exciting gaming experience especially when playing PUBG Mobile, NBA 2K, Mobile Legends, Fortnite, or other favorite RPGs, shooters, SIMS, puzzle, strategy, racing, sports, and augmented reality games that will keep gamers up all night.



With a battery that powers up hours of game time, the V19 Neo also features an Ultra Game Mode which makes for totally undisturbed playing, blocking messages and alerts, so one can be fully immersed and engaged with the game.



And when the battery is about to be depleted, users can rely on the V19 Neo’s 18W dual-engine fast charging technology to juice up the 4500mAh power source in a flash, so they can quickly get back to winning their game.



Aside from its high-capacity battery and fast-charging technology, quadcore processor, and game modes, vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone also boasts of an Ultra O AMOLED capacitive touchscreen which makes the gaming experience even more thrilling.



The 6.44-inch FHD+ screen brings out the games’ vibrant and authentic colors without causing unnecessary eyestrain. Its low brightness anti-flicker technology also provides added protection for the eyes, especially when playing in low-light and dark conditions.



The V19 Neo is available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways, for only P17,999 at authorized Vivo stores nationwide. To know more about the vivo V19 Neo, visit https://www.vivo.com/ph/products/v19neo# or https://www.vivoglobal.ph/.
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PhilPop goes global with #MusicBreakingBorders





PhilPop has always been a reliable and trusted platform in fostering appreciation for quality and original compositions that reflect Filipino culture, experience, and identity. This year, the country’s premier songwriting competition plans to continue its mission of promoting homegrown music on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, PhilPop is committed to celebrating and showcasing the diverse appeal of Filipino music through its Songwriting Festival.

This also serves as an opportunity to empower underrated music talents from the Philippines to harness their potential in the international music arena, and give them the necessary support to widen their reach and adapt to various challenges and trends in the industry.

Music Breaking Borders







National Artist and PhilPop Music Fest Foundation Board Member and Bootcamp Master Ryan Cayabyab puts into perspective the fascinating story and direction for original Pilipino music for which PhilPop dares to achieve. “Filipino music and songs become more meaningful, more colorful and more diverse when we tear down the barriers that separate us. The color that each language brings, the unique stories that each music creator conjures or creates, and the diversity of possible creations to choose from makes for a more exciting direction for Philippine popular music to take. Hence, we in Philpop has adopted the theme, Music Breaking Borders to achieve what we have set out. The other facet of Philpop’s #MusicBreakingBorders is, you probably have guessed – the task of Philippine pop music to break barriers in the international scene,” Cayabyab shares in a statement.

PhilPop Boot Camp coach and folk icon Noel Cabangon also emphasizes the importance of giving voice to new, original Filipino pop songs from different parts of the country, and that an overwhelming number of aspiring songwriters outside Metropolitan Manila, have produced and written material that deserves to be heard on the mainstage. “The idea of breaking borders is to somehow break the “monopoly’ of music emanating from the National Capital Region (NCR).”

Cabangon explains, “We have to admit that there is a diverse musical sound of diverse influences from the regions. Music has been one of the popular art forms that expresses the culture and way of life of the people from the region. I’m not just talking about indigenous sound and ideas but distinct people’s character and sensibility. #MusicBreakingBorders is also not just an accommodation of music from the other parts of the country, but the idea being inclusive, in the sense of original Filipino music. We somehow want to break the wall of confinement in the center and allow/open the arena, and create a broader stream. Somehow this broader stream can lead all of us to the sea and to the ocean, where borders are opening up to new ideas.”

Overwhelming response






The 2020 PhilPop Music Festival started accepting entries last April 25, 2020 from all over the country in 5 different clusters: Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region.

More than a thousand entries have already been submitted, with original and unpublished compositions not restricted to any genre, and written in various languages—from English to Filipino, from Bicolano to Ilocano, from Cebuano to Waray, and more.

Submission of entries is still ongoing until July 4, 2020. For more details on how to join, feel free to register online via their official website.

To date, PhilPop has produced some of the biggest songs of the last two decades, including massive streaming and radio hits performed, composed and written by Ben&Ben, Thyro and Yumi, The Itchyworms, Sam Concepcion, Johnoy Danao, Kyla, and Joey Ayala—to name a few.

The respected music institution has also created a world-class and sustainable curriculum for its annual workshops and seminars, facilitated only by the best in the Philippine music industry.

This year alone, PhilPop conducted several talks and performances online through its banner showcase, Q&A + Kwentuhan Songwriting and PhilPop Live, which can be streamed on its Facebook page.



According to PhilPop 2020 President Ricky Vargas, the country’s biggest songwriting competition aims to strengthen its presence by “coming up with digital initiatives and strategies to engage future music industry professionals with different approaches in songwriting, production, and other modes of creative expression that are at par with international standards.” He adds, “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remain as a stabilizing force in discovering world-class songwriters and composers, and making sure that their work stands out in terms of innovation, cultural pride, and global appeal.




Advice to aspiring composers


When asked about his advice to new and upcoming composers and songwriters, Ryan Cayabyab shares a few important reminders to achieve their goals of making it to the international stage. “The balance to be original and to be universal all at the same time is the key that anyone aspiring for global recognition needs to achieve. It also means that a careful balance between science and art should be the direction to take. This will entail a lot of observation and experimentation and a lot of creative spirit and practice to get to that point where one is ready to take flight! Like all types of experiments, there will be a lot of failures along the way, so we need to be prepared for the long haul: prepared physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Noel Cabangon encourages everyone to focus on honing the talent and turning the process into a habit. “Get inspired, keep on writing, open your ears and eyes to new ideas and transform and them your own.”

PhilPop Songwriting Festival 2020 is an initiative of the PhilPop Music Foundation, chaired by Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan. This year's PhilPop is co-presented by SMART, MERALCO, and MAYNILAD.




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Invest in global ‘emerging themes’ to ‘future proof’ portfolio, says BPI AMTC




The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t entirely prove a downward trend for investors who wish to diversify their portfolios on a global scale. There are still opportunities for investing, such as in global “emerging themes,” to future-proof one’s portfolio. 

 This is according to Allen Martin Dee, Head of Investment Solutions at BPI Asset Management and Trust Corporation (BPI AMTC) in a recently held BPI AMTC webinar


“The Bull, The Bear and The Virus – The Anatomy of Resilient Investment Plans.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way consumers behave, and we're already seeing it now. This is the perfect time to future proof your portfolio by investing in emerging themes such as healthcare, technology, innovation, and sustainability,” explained Dee.

“These themes are going to do very well in the coming years and we encourage you to diversify your portfolio so that you can take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.Diversification is important because every year, there are winners and losers in the market, Dee said. “There was a time when the S&P 500, the main US index of stocks, was the best performing in the past 12 years. But there are also times when Emerging Markets did better.” He continued, “there were times when gold did better, and a year when cash was the best performing asset class. It's very difficult to pick winners, and there is a different winner almost every single year. But if you have a balanced portfolio, then you can take advantage of whoever wins in that year.” BPI AMTC also noticed that there is a common misconception on investing in global assets, as some investors think that this is riskier. But this is not always the case, said Dee. “The fact is, over a ten-year period, the numbers show that global equities gave better returns with less volatility compared to local equities. While the Philippines continued to grow at a rapid pace and obtained its investment grade credit rating along the way, other parts of the world are advancing more significantly. Dramatic progress in the varied fields of technology and healthcare spurs new innovative ideas, giving investors a glimpse of the future and a chance to participate in potentially more profitable ventures. A balance of domestic and offshore investments keeps your portfolio diversified and resilient over the long term.” Investing in the time of COVID-19 The webinar also featured Bank of the Philippine Islands and BPI AMTC Independent Director Ignacio Bunye who shared his experience as a seasoned investor. 

Bunye’s investment journey with BPI AMTC, which spans over two decades, has weathered several market declines including the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. 

To navigate investments amidst COVID-19, he shared some insights on how to build one’s savings and how to effectively invest in the long term. “As the saying goes, every threat has a corresponding opportunity. Under these extraordinary times, it is prudent for you to set aside a cash buffer to meet your basic expenses for a certain period of time and for any unforeseen circumstances. Having done this, just stay calm and stay invested. Keep your eyes wide open for the evolving risks while simultaneously looking out for investment opportunities.” Mr Bunye also emphasized the importance of working with fund managers who are better equipped to weather the turbulence in the financial markets brought by crises such as COVID-19. 

“A doctor does not operate on himself but gets another doctor to do so. But the more practical reason is the lack of time I can devote to managing the investment. It is almost impossible to have an ordinary day job and still be as in touch with the financial markets as much as a fund manager can. Because of hands-on, day-to-day interaction, a fund manager is also better positioned to make timely investment decisions.” 
The webinar was attended by over 600 clients and bank frontliners. 

BPI AMTC holds regular webinars on the financial markets, featuring its diverse pool of investment experts in the Philippines, and foreign fund managers from Hong Kong, and Singapore. To learn more about these webinars, email bpiamtcbrand@bpi.com.ph.
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BPI employees and clients raise P12.7M for disaster, pandemic facility





Photo shows (from left): BPI Head of Sales and Service Channels Angelie King, BPI Head of Corporate Affairs and BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen L. Cammayo, BPI President and CEO Cezar P. Consing, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) President Rene “Butch” Meily, BPI Southern Metro Manila Division Head Olga Ang, and PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through BPI Foundation recently turned over P12.7 million to the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) for the construction of a two-storey 506 square-meter safe shelter for people burdened by disasters and pandemics.
The funds came from the collaborative efforts of BPI employees, clients, and the BPI Foundation through the Bank’s fundraising initiative called #TaaLove: Sa Puso Magmumula ang Kanilang Pagbangon.

“As an institution, we are committed to continue playing a constructive and meaningful role in nation-building. We are grateful for the generosity of our dear clients and employees who took part in this initiative to help our fellow Filipinos in need,” BPI President and CEO Cezar Consing said.
Early this year, BPI called on its employees to heed the call for help by people affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. After initially raising P2.7 million from employees and a matching amount by the BPI Foundation, the program was eventually opened to the general public through the BPI branches from February 14 to March 13, 2020. An additional P10 million was raised from clients.

The multi-purpose facility was initially intended to support those severely affected by the Taal Volcano eruption and to prepare for future disasters. In light of the ongoing pandemic, the design will be modified so that it can also function as an alternative health care facility.
The facility will be built to withstand hazards in the locality and will accommodate approximately 300 people. Livelihood activities will also be held there when there are no disasters and pandemics to deal with. The construction will start in August once the ideal location is identified and the new design is approved.

To know more about BPI’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, visit:
http://www.bpifoundation.org.
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BPI: Clients adopt savings mindset, deposits grow during ECQ







The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) noted a marked reversal in customer behavior as people started saving more money in their deposit accounts. This follows a temporary increase in ATM withdrawals in the early days of the declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), as people rushed to ensure that they had enough funds on hand during the lockdown.




BPI Head of Deposits Carmina Marquez noted that the impacts of the pandemic on the economy and incomes have made people more conscious about their savings and the need to have an emergency fund as seen in the increase in both its deposit volume and new deposit account openings during the height of the ECQ, a behavior that could benefit Filipinos in the long run.




“Saving enough money for a rainy day – or in this case a prolonged storm – takes discipline, but it must be done, and people are seeing that very clearly now. The pandemic made many realize the importance of building an emergency fund to tide us over unexpected circumstances that could drain one’s finances. Let this be a learning that will change the way we manage our money. One can start small and set aside 20 percent of your monthly income. This allows you to have 2.5 months’ worth of salary set aside each year. Before you know it, in five years’ time, you would have saved a years’ worth of your salary.” she said.




Ms. Marquez also said that digitalization helped increase deposit levels as the ecosystem allowed funds to be moved from one account to the other, without the money leaving the banking system. This allows for efficient utilization of funds for lending by banks to spur economic activity.




“We saw a 15% growth in deposit account openings during the ECQ, despite most of our branches being closed. Many were depositors in other banks who either completely transferred to BPI or decided to spread out their deposits among different banks,” she said, noting that most BPI branches are now open under the more relaxed general community quarantine.



She said that the preference for liquidity, combined with fewer avenues for spending given the closure of non-essential establishments, and the suspension of bills and loan payments allowed clients to keep their money in their bank accounts. BPI’s deposit volumes during the ECQ period increased by 5 percent compared to pre-ECQ levels.




“When there is more than enough liquidity in the market, deposit market rates will decline. We have also noted that depositors prefer to hold on to their cash and thus, have moved their funds from longer tenor time deposit to regular savings. Depositors have traded earning higher rates for liquidity. As the country moves into GCQ and the mandatory moratorium on bills payments and taxes are lifted, we expect deposit levels to adjust down temporarily but will most likely move back as businesses resume and preference to be liquid will remain. It would be very interesting to see how deposit levels will look after quarantine, under the new normal,” she said.




Keeping a significant amount of money saved in deposit accounts could prove to be a challenge for many Filipinos, with only 34.5% of the adult population in the Philippines having formal bank accounts. The government, through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) plans to double the number of Filipinos with formal bank accounts (70%) by 2023 through financial inclusion programs.




Ms. Marquez said BPI has deposit products that provide clients with liquidity while allowing them to optimize their savings by giving clients additional interest earnings or insurance coverage.




“It would be a good time to re-assess and determine how we can recalibrate our finances. We encourage clients to learn about their options. We have products that allow them to earn a higher interest if they don’t withdraw from their account for at least a month such as Maxi-Saver or to be covered with a life insurance protection with our Pamana,” she said.




BPI offers free, personalized financial advisory services to all clients to help them meet their financial goals.
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