Friday, August 21, 2020






GCash, the undisputed leading and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, is doubling down on security measures to safeguard its users from fraudsters and cybercriminals, putting in different safety nets that keep customers alert and aware of their accounts’ security and safety.
GCash has ensured that users receive SMS, in-app and social media advisories against fraudulent pages, including fake donation drives and fake financial aid offers under the government's social amelioration program.
App notifications informing customers not to share their account details were rolled out. As soon as a customer opens the GCash app, the reminder not to share any information such as MPINs and OTPs (one-time pins) with anyone can be seen.
It has also taken a more active role in ensuring that fake social media advisories and accounts are taken down.
"As the fight against the coronavirus ensues, we're also waging a war against unscrupulous individuals who are taking advantage of this pandemic to defraud Filipinos. We want to ensure that GCash users who are dependent on our services have trust and confidence in our app, which is why we are doing everything we can to improve our own programs that promote cybersecurity awareness,” GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said.
GCash also launched social media livestreams that explain how users can further secure their account and delve into account safety and security, making sure that the average GCash user understands how and why these features matter.
In line with strengthening its commitment in protecting consumers from financial fraud, GCash publishes timely and easy to understand infographics, in both English and Filipino, through their official social media channels, that remind and keep users up to date.
"We want to ensure that GCash users who are dependent on our services have trust and confidence in our app, which is why we are doing everything we can to improve our own programs that promote cybersecurity awareness," Sazon said.
GCash has also partnered with authorities in fraud investigations, offering assistance and cooperating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
In May, GCash helped the NBI arrest three online swindlers who violated the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and committed estafa. The individuals asked for users' personal details, including birth dates, addresses, authentication codes and email addresses.
"We are committed to ensuring that our users' data is protected and that they enjoy the app safely and securely," Sazon said. "This is why we're always on the lookout at how we can intensify our drive against criminals who continue to sully the company's name.”
Aside from these, GCash has also introduced the Customer Protect program, wherein qualified users are assured of compensation for unauthorized financial transactions on their GCash app, arising from stolen mobile phones or identity theft.
"At GCash, we understand that the surge of users can also breed fraud risks like cyberattacks and identity theft, which is why, since day one, we have always worked toward prioritizing security and reducing our vulnerabilities," Sazon said. "We recognize the importance of mutual trust and confidence between the app and its users and we aim to further develop this through our efforts in upgrading and ensuring that our system is always at its best.”
Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.
GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.










Tanauan, Batangas—August 20,2020— Amid the current global health crisis, the Philippines ranks as having one of the strictest quarantine and lockdown guidelines implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. In some areas, especially in the metro, mobility remains limited with only a few vehicles allowed on the streets.



Fortunately, the convenience and reliability of motorcycles helped commuters, especially essential workers, and medical frontliners, get to their destinations safely.



This time, Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, provides Filipinos more reasons not just to safely and conveniently get to wherever they need to be, but also to stand out on the road and ride in style with The All-New AIR BLADE150.









Social distancing has never been easier and stylish with The All-New AIR BLADE150, which boasts of a powerful 150cc SOHC liquid-cooled engine for prime acceleration superiority in stop-and-go situations.



What makes The All-New AIR BLADE150 a standout is the unique riding experience it brings to its riders with its features, such as the Smart Key, Power Socket for charging devices, LED Lamp, and a front-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps prevent wheels from locking up. It also has a 22.7L Utility Box that can accommodate full-faced helmets with still enough room for personal belongings.






For Ronel Padilla, a new AIR BLADE150 owner who has been riding his motorcycle every day for the past two months, this motorcycle is “the perfect ride for city driving with its slim build and 150cc engine, making it smooth to move around even in areas with heavy traffic congestion.”




Field Specialist Melven Capada could not agree more. He noted that he considers not just the comfort but also the overall style of a motorcycle. So, when he saw the AIR BLADE150, he described it as love at first sight.



“The AIR BLADE150 is a real eye-catcher and stands out among the rest. Some of the features that I love the most are its utility box since it lets me bring plenty of items on the road, and its ABS on the front wheel because it gives extra safety. When I ride it, I can maneuver in and around traffic with ease while staying comfortable on my seat,” Capada said.




For a first-time motorcycle owner, Business Analyst Kelian Sunogan can attest to the style and convenience brought by The All-New AIR BLADE150. He also loves that it is fuel-efficient yet has great acceleration for a thrilling ride, and its big compartment and power socket make it the perfect motorcycle.



“The best part about The All-New AIR BLADE150 is that it is affordable. You pay for all the great features that will give you satisfaction. I thank Honda for launching this kind of motorcycle in the Philippines,” Sunogan said.



The All-New AIR BLADE150 comes in three unique colors: Matte Galaxy Black Metallic, Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, and Candy Ross Red. It is available at all of Honda’s dealerships with a suggested retail price of PHP109,000.



This motorcycle also provides riders the smoothest and stylish ride on the road, yet at a reasonable price. It also demonstrates how Honda motorcycles truly help Filipinos with their daily commute amid the current pandemic as part of the “ONE DREAM” campaign, which aims to fulfill the dreams of every Filipinos through the joy of mobility.



There is a lot more to explore from Honda and its 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. You can also contact us through our landline number, (02)-8581-6700 to 6799 and mobile number, 0917-884-6632.



Do you think you know all there is to know about motorcycles? Stay tuned for our next article, and perhaps the surprising benefits of riding a motorcycle may surprise you.










Manila, Philippines—August 20,2020—Scaffoldings are one of the most important elements in a construction site. This temporary structure helps workers execute their tasks, such as repairing and lifting materials efficiently on elevated areas.



Despite being vital in most construction sites, scaffoldings remain a root cause of some safety issues. That is why authorities[1] mandate builders to keep scaffolds in good condition, observe all protocols for every stage of the scaffoldings’ set-up and conduct training for workers building the structure regularly.



For JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc., one of the leading logistics providers in the country, a complete approach to building safe scaffoldings consider both the internal and external threats in its surrounding area. Afterall, scaffoldings are meant to ensure everyone’s safety.



To ensure a safe and secure scaffolding for the site, JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc. shares some of its best practices, as listed below:



Provide PPE. Construction sites have always been prone to safety hazards. That is why construction workers must always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Providing workers with PPEs, such as hard caps, safety goggles, or face shields, as well as masks will protect their heads from debris.



It also pays to ensure that other parts of their body are protected using proper gloves for specific jobs like welding gloves, heavy-duty rubber gloves, or insulated gloves. Wearing work boots that are slip-resistant and puncture-resistant is also important. They also need earmuffs to prevent them from having hearing damage from the noise pollution at the site.



Start Training the Workers. The safe use of scaffolds requires it to be erected, moved, dismantled, and maintained properly, which means workers responsible for these tasks must be familiar with the procedures to install it. They can achieve this objective through mandatory training.



The training should focus on the correct use of the scaffold and how to handle its materials and tools. They should be made aware of load capacity and how that may affect their tasks, as well as, needed fall-protection equipment and other hazards such as electrical wires.



Evaluate Site Conditions. Make sure that the foundational conditions of the scaffolding are enough to proceed with its construction. Concerns like erosion or potential flooding are not easily seen by the naked eye.



Scaffolding must also not get in the way of any blasting planned in the project or nearby excavations, which can, eventually, compromise the stability of the soil or ground. If the site requires other industrial-grade heavy equipment, like cranes, lifts, or other structures, make sure that there is no overhead work being performed on the scaffolding.



Create A Field Level Risk Assessment. Doing a field level risk assessment (FLRA) helps examine daily operations to identify possible hazards and control them before workers start doing their tasks.



Potential risks like material handling on scaffolding, nearby powerlines, and inclement weather conditions should be closely monitored to help ensure the safety of workers.



Respect Its Complexity. Do not underestimate scaffoldings as merely simple structures. Though temporary, its construction involves complex engineering. Companies that design and build them heavily invest in engineering and, that is why it is important to ensure that only reliable experts oversee its construction, as well as the workers’ training for its completion.



Since some construction projects have now resumed despite the lockdowns, it will be more convenient to ensure that the scaffolding requirements of your construction project are handled by a reliable partner that observes safety protocols, assess the risks of the site, and can handle the complexity of the construction project—this is what JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc. is all about.



JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc. provides services that can builders in executing their projects. With decades of experience and expertise, the company caters to the needs of any project venture.



Among its services include heavy-lift support, trucking, forwarding, logistics, domestic distribution, warehousing, rigging works, plant transfer, factory machine installation, powerplant assembly, project consultation, equipment rental, civil engineering, and trading of industrial equipment and services.



JP Marzan Project Ventures Inc. started in 1972 as RV Marzan Brokerage and used to handle customs brokerage and deliveries around Luzon. Since then, it started the separate logistics company and has established itself as a reputable partner, consistent with the best business practices.



To know more about JP Marzan Ventures, Inc., visit its website at www.jpmarzan.com.




A PUJ driver smiles behind mask as he receives ‘kalinga pack’ from SM Foundation during the distribution effort in SM City Marilao. 





Giving ‘kalinga’ in the midst of pandemic, SM Foundation Inc. intensifies its Covid19 response in the province by distributing 11,467 relief goods to the public transport sector in Bulacan.





Jeepney, tricycle and UV Express drivers whose work have been affected by the pandemic receive the relief goods or “kalinga packs” through the SM Bulacan Malls in Marilao, Baliwag, Pulilan, and San Jose Del Monte. These ‘kalinga’ packs contain 5 kilos of rice and other food essentials all packed in an eco-bag.
SM Foundation Inc. keeps the bayanihan spirit alive as it intensifies its Covid19 response in Bulacan. Through the SM Malls in Marilao, Baliwag, Pulilan, and San Jose Del Monte; a total of 11,467 ‘kalinga’ packs that contain 5 kilos of rice and other food essentials were distributed to jeepney, tricycle and UV Express drivers whose work have been affected by the pandemic.




Recipients in Marilao were Marsajoda, Malolos- Nlex, PBM (Pulilan-Baliuag-Meyc), Prenzajoda, BOAT Cooperative, Royal Friends, Sta. Maria MarJoda, Nomar Transport, Dau Transport, Heritage Transport, SMibayoToda, DM. Trespicos, and LLIPStoda.


Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino led the kalinga packs distribution to members of transport groups in Baliwag.




For Baliwag, Salida Joda, BPBTC (Baliwag-Dau route), Baliwag Federation Joda UV Express Coop and Pagala/ Rambol Toda are the recipients of kalinga packs. While Pulilan beneficiaries are Calumpit-Pulilan Joda, SCESMM Toda and NSPC toda (Sto. Cristo Route).





Apart from the transport sector, marginalized communities in Bulacan were likewise prioritized during the relief distribution. These communities are the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic as recommended by the DSWD.



The kalinga packs distribution effort is a part of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets. It aims to address the needs of communities during calamities and crisis. Its implementation includes close coordination with SM City Mall Administration employees and volunteers.



Thursday, August 20, 2020




Enjoying freshly brewed coffee doesn’t have to be complicated. You don't have to invest in an expensive coffeemaker to have one every day. Neither do you have to travel far or get in line.

Thanks to Hanabishi, you can have it right in your own home. Recently, the company known for its affordable and quality appliances introduced the Hanabishi 2in1 Grinder and Coffeemaker. Available for just PhP3,750, it can make four cups of coffee in one brew. You can use it for both coffee beans and ground coffee.


“To say that Filipinos love coffee is an understatement. We are proud of our kapeng barako and we are fond of exploring different varieties of coffee. It was evident with the success of coffee shops from Starbucks, UCC Café, and Coffebean and Tea Leaf in the local market,” said Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President, Finance and Marketing at Hanabishi.

According to Ong-Chua, Hanabishi’s new product offering, the 2in1 Grinder and Coffeemaker, is an innovation that aims to bring the coffee connoisseur experience right to every Filipino’s home. However, they have simplified the functions of the machine. Operating it is easy. Just add your coffee beans or ground coffee, pour in some water, select the setting, and your coffee would be ready in minutes. Cleaning it is just as fuss- free.

The Hanabishi 2in1 Grinder and Coffeemaker is also a good product to invest in if you’re running or looking to put up a coffee shop. It’s less expensive than most coffee makers and functions just as efficiently.

For more information about Hanabishi’s 2in1 Grinder and Coffeemaker, visit myhanabishi.com.

Color Changing Sequined Tee by Justees Girls



The little ones grow up so fast, and as they outgrow clothes as they stay home, Moms can relax as you can now have these delivered to your home with the SM Store’s Call to Deliver service.

With this, you can shop for essential wear from SM Kids and SM Babies through your mobile and a personal shopper is happy to assist you.

There are everyday tees with cute graphic prints from SM Kids for playtime and online socialization while greeting grandma and grandpa. Our comfy pajamas are so adorable you will love to wear it all-day-long.   

Graphic Tee by Justees Girls

From SM Babies there are delightful onesies, froguits, and bodysuits with unicorn, lion, and dog prints that are so cute and comfortable so playtime will be fun time.

How to Order?

  1. Call #143SM (#14376)
  2. Send in your contact details and orders to our branch representative
  3. Wait for order confirmation, payment, and delivery details from a branch representative
  4. Learn more from bit.ly/143SM

Shop for your SM Kids & SM Babies essentials by visiting The SM Store of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag and SM City San Jose Del Monte or by simply availing of its Call to Deliver Service.


Wednesday, August 19, 2020


Artist Vincent Dwight Paulo received various NutriAsia products which the family can enjoy both for cooking and creating unique artwork



When hard times strike and traditional resources are out of reach, the most creative of us can find ingenious ways to make one-of-a-kind works of art.

This is especially true for Filipinos—and no one proves our resourcefulness and creativity more than this amazing Grade 12 artist, who didn’t need paint or pencils to create artwork. No, Vincent Dwight Paulo from Nueva Ecija uses banana catsup to draw portraits of famous personalities while staying at home during the community quarantine.

While he first started with a catsup portrait back in 2018, it was during the quarantine when he really started honing this unique art skill. “I really engaged myself in doing catsup art since school and art supplies shops were closed,” said Vincent. “I was running out of materials, so I used catsup instead.”

With creating catsup art being only a hobby for him, Vincent never thought it would become as popular as it did.




Working with catsup



Vincent’s resourcefulness led him to their kitchen pantry, where he used a bottle of UFC Banana Catsup to create one-of-a-kind portraits that went viral on social media.




Catsup was not the first medium he had used to create art, but it was the one within reach at home—which is how he ended up creating portraits of celebrities like Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Taylor Swift, and One Direction.

“I really loved catsup because it is readily available inside the house,” Vincent shared. “I really love exploring and trying other mediums just to try something new. I don’t like to stick to the conventional and typical artworks that we see.”

Vincent primarily uses UFC Banana Catsup as it is the family’s favorite catsup brand at home. “It’s always what’s in our kitchen, and we really like fried foods dipped in UFC Banana Catsup because of its tamis-anghang taste,” he said. “I don’t want to try other brands for my art because I’m already used to UFC.”




Inspiring creativity in Filipinos
While Vincent wows admirers online with his amazing catsup art, his plans are a little more different, as he dreams of taking up architecture in college. He realizes that such a course could be expensive, hindering others from pursuing their passion, but with his work he wants to inspire fellow artists and creatives to be resourceful.




“Being more creative and resourceful really is my objective. Painting does not stop if you don’t have art materials,” he continued. “Alternative materials are everywhere; you just have to explore. If you could think of some other materials than those usually used in making art, that would be great.”




As a token of recognition for Vincent’s astounding creativity and resourcefulness, NutriAsia sent him and his family more of their products for their use—whether it’s for their food or for more of Vincent’s art.

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