Love Street: The Metros First Drive-In concert happening on February 13, 2021 at the 30th Street open Parking Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City

Globe Reinvents Valentine’s Day with First-Ever Drive-in Concert

The season of love is just around the corner!

For this year, planning the perfect Valentine’s Day date with your special someone may require a bit more creativity than usual. With safety guidelines still in effect, the usual out-of-town trips and elaborate surprises will be more challenging to pull off. But don’t worry, you can still reinvent Valentine’s Day and create great memories with your loved ones in a safe and fun way by coming to Globe’s Love Street Drive-in Concert happening on February 13, 2021 at the BGC 30th Street Open Parking in Bonifacio Global City.

Whether your special someone will be a date or the whole barkada, you can revel in the music and feel the love around you at the country’s first drive-in concert organized by Globe in partnership with BGC. Favorite OPM artists KZ Tandingan and Rico Blanco will take the stage to sing their best romantic hits that will make you fall in love all over again. Gates will open at 6 pm for attendees and the concert will also be livestreamed via the Globe Facebook page and 105.1 Q Radio.

“Globe helps its customers celebrate their Valentine’s Day in a reinvented and safe way by staging the metro’s first drive-in concert. With Globe as their partner, customers can expect more experiences that will encourage them to transform themselves and open up to new and exciting possibilities for the year,” said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe's Deputy Chief Commercial Officer. 

You can be part of Globe’s Love Street Drive-in Concert by simply using your Globe Rewards points. Just visit the Globe Iconic Store at Bonifacio High Street on February 12 or 13 from 11 am to 5 pm and redeem 10 Rewards points for 1 vehicle pass that will get you into the concert. A single pass is equivalent to a maximum of 4 passengers per vehicle. Download the Globe Rewards app for free on the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

And to reinvent your V-day with some new memories, you can also visit Globe’s BLACKPINK art installations in BGC as well as its Reinvent Hubs to win #GlobeBLACKPINK Reinvent kits.

For more details about Globe’s events this Valentine’s season, visit glbe.co/Lovestreet. 

Give love an exciting flavor with the fruity and lusciously smooth taste of the all-new Ruby Chocolate that comes with Red Ribbon’s Valentine Black Forest.

All-New Ruby Chocolate - An exciting flavor to love with Red Ribbon’s Valentine Black Forest

Love leads us to the delightful discovery of new traits and qualities that make us fall even more in love every day. While 2020 brought with it its own set of challenges to all our relationships- family, friends, and significant others, it also allowed us to rediscover the many things that we love and continue to love about them. With Valentine’s Day being just around the corner, for many people, this creates the perfect chance to express their love in the most special ways to those that matter the most. 

Red Ribbon has always been a part of many people’s Valentine celebrations with its beautifully crafted cake for the occasion — the heart-shaped Red Ribbon Valentine Black Forest! This year, Red Ribbon amps it up as it weaves in the All-New Ruby Chocolate in its specially baked creation to give this year’s Valentine’s Day an exciting new flavor.

Offering a new taste experience, Ruby Chocolate is known to be the world’s fourth kind of chocolate - next to milk, dark, and white - and also known as the biggest innovation in chocolate in the last 80 years!  Ruby Chocolate’s signature blend of fresh fruitiness and luscious smoothness provides a new and exciting chocolate taste experience to all chocolate lovers.  

With the incorporation of this special ingredient in this year’s limited-edition Valentine Black Forest, Red Ribbon is set to swoon the hearts of many with the dazzling look and taste of its cake. It features layers of decadent, moist chocolate fudge cake, impeccably creamy icing, topped with Maraschino cherries and of course, the limited-edition Ruby Chocolate to add that romantic, sophisticated, and exciting touch to a classic favorite. 

Red Ribbon amps up its annual limited edition Valentine Black Forest with the all-new Ruby Chocolate.

Along with the launch of this limited-edition product, Red Ribbon also released a new video material starring its Valentine Black Forest cake ambassador, Paulo Avelino: 

https://www.facebook.com/135469913163264/posts/3815006145209604/

Like Paulo Avelino, express your love this season through a new and exciting way to those who matter the most.

With this unique offering, Red Ribbon shows you a new & exciting way to celebrate Valentine season in the country as the first local bakeshop to include Ruby Chocolate in its cake creation. The limited-edition Valentine Black Forest cake will be available in all Red Ribbon stores nationwide from February 12 to 14, 2021, with prices starting from P440 for the Junior size and P640 for the Regular size. For those looking to celebrate even apart, they can also send a Red Ribbon Valentine Black Forest to their loved one’s doorstep by ordering through the #8-7777 Red Ribbon hotline, via Red Ribbon RIA on Messenger or through the GrabFood and Foodpanda apps.

Complete your swoon-worthy celebrations this Valentine’s Day and give love an exciting new flavor with Red Ribbon’s Valentine Black Forest with All-New Ruby Chocolate!

Shopee’s Payday Sale and Enjoy Discounts up to 90% off!

 

It’s Finally Payday! Splurge on these Products and more at Shopee’s Payday Sale and Enjoy Discounts up to 90% off!

On February 15, users can enjoy flash deals and promos, free shipping vouchers, and up to 15% cashback

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, makes payday more exciting and rewarding with amazing deals and discounts at the Shopee Payday Sale this February 15. Shoppers can look forward to flash deals and promos, free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend, up to 90% off on select items, 15% coins cashback, and ₱15,000 worth of vouchers.

Additionally, make the most out of your sweldo and enjoy exclusive deals and promos when shopping on Shopee Mall! Use the code SHPMALLPAYDAY15 on all ShopeeMall items and get a 15% cashback voucher. 

No matter what you're into, you'll definitely enjoy these 15 deals from top Shopee Mall brands and more at the Shopee Payday Sale:

 

Fab Finds for the Fashionista

 

Who says you can’t dress up even if you’re just at home? This payday, you can enjoy the best deals on fashion must-haves from Shopee. Ladies, why not pair a Casio Women's Gold Watch with a brand new sling bag from BENCH/. For the men out there, look put together in a Short Sleeve Button Down from IDENTITY and Lace Up Sneakers that are also from BENCH/. 

Must-Have Gadgets and Accessories for Every Techie

Elevate your tech lifestyle with these products from your favorite brands. Start a mobile gaming career with the  Vivo Y12 Smartphone or binge on the latest K-drama with the ACE 32" Slim LED TV. If fitness is your thing, enjoy your Zumba workouts with the Xiaomi Redmi AirDots Wireless Earphones and track your progress with the Xiaomi Mi Band 5 Smartwatch.

 

Everyday Necessities for the Beauty Junkie

 

With summer just around the corner, moisturize and hydrate your skin with L’Oreal Radiance Booster Duo and Laneige Lip Sleeping Set. If you’re looking for the next perfect addition to your makeup collection, the Shopee exclusive BLK x Solenn Heussaff Dahlia Set is for you. Don’t forget to cleanse your face with the NIVEA MicellAir Water after a long day!

 

Adorable Apparel for the Girl Mom

Dress up your little one in adorable clothing perfect for the coming summer. Mix the comfy Meet My Feet Gordon Loafers with either a blue INSPI Printed Casual Dress or a pink Gingersnaps Printed Dress.

 

Shoppers can also look forward to more rewards when they use ShopeePay including:

 

●       15% off sitewide discount

●       Flash Deals on mobile load & data

-        12:00 MN - 2:00 AM: ₱10 load/data for ₱5 and ₱15 load/data for ₱7

-        12:00 NN - 2:00 PM: ₱50 load/data for ₱37

-        5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: ₱20 load/data for ₱10

●       20% cashback (₱800 min spend, capped at 160 coins) on bills payment with ShopeePay

To learn more about the Shopee Payday Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale.

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

 ‘BLACKPINK: THE SHOW’ reinvents the concert experience for BLINKs worldwide

While live concerts were put to a stop by the pandemic, that didn’t hinder international K-Pop group BLACKPINK from entertaining BLINKs worldwide! The music powerhouse recently launched its first-ever livestream concert entitled THE SHOW, sponsored by Globe. BLINKs were able to get a reinvented concert experience featuring Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose at their best!

The livestream concert is part of Globe and BLACKPINK’s partnership under the telco’s newest campaign, Reinvent Your World, which empowers its customers to transform themselves in the digital world and open up to new and exciting possibilities, like THE SHOW for example, with Globe as their partner.

Kicking off the show with their 2019 hit Kill This Love, BLACKPINK gave a glimpse of what their world tour could have been if the pandemic was out of the picture. Complete with 10 different sets, spectacular and never-before-seen choreography, flashy costumes, and a full-on live ensemble, every BLINK watching at home surely felt like they were in the same venue as their idols.

BLACKPINK performed their hit songs Whistle, Boombayah, Don’t Know What to Do, As If It’s Your Last, and an electrifying and fiercer rendition of Ddu-Du Ddu-Du as they danced in shallow waters with fire in the background. Of course, THE SHOW was also an opportunity for BLACKPINK to perform some of the tracks on THE ALBUM live including How You Like That, Lovesick Girls, Love to Hate Me, and You Never Know.

Each member gifted BLINKs with a solo performance in between sets. Jisoo sang a stripped-back version of Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” wearing an immaculate floral gown; 

Lisa showed her rapping and dancing prowess with her own spin on Doja Cat’s “Say So;” Jennie served looks and talent as she performed a revamped version of her song, “Solo;” and Rose rivetingly unveiled her highly anticipated debut solo track “Gone”.

 

In one of the more tender moments of the show, a throwback clip was shown, presenting  BLACKPINK in an empty arena as they looked back at their first concert. “The concert was one of our big dreams. I was highly excited and I had high expectations. I think it was a very precious moment,” said Rose. “It was a tour that clearly showed us the relationship between BLACKPINK and BLINKs.”

The girls also addressed their fans in the video, expressing how much they miss performing in front of them and feeling their love through cheers and waves of lightsticks. “It’s been a while since we’ve met, so I hope we can all have fun [during THE SHOW],” added Lisa.

For their last song, BLACKPINK sang Forever Young as they were surrounded with messages sent by BLINKs from all parts of the world to close THE SHOW on a high, hopeful note. Fans took it to social media to express how they enjoyed the livestream concert with some even holding watch parties with their fellow BLINKs featuring BLACKPINK-themed snacks and decorations. Other BLINKs also wore their merch and took out their lightsticks to really get the feel of the concert experience.

Those with membership access to BLACKPINK’s YouTube channel who want to rewatch the concert will be able to do so over the next Sunday, February 14, at 2 AM, 10 AM, 3 PM and 8PM  (Philippine Time).

"Globe continues to provide its customers with a unique and reinvented experience through world-class partnerships -- such as the one with BLACKPINK -- together with a dependable and continuously-improving network, and access to the latest technology like 5G, LTE-Advanced Home Prepaid WiFi and Unli Fiber Plans. Indeed, Globe helps its subscribers reinvent their world amidst these challenging times," said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe's Chief Commercial Officer. 

To know more, visit www.globe.com.ph

Shopee Gives You More Reasons to Shop with the Shopee Loyalty Program 

Users can experience a new level of value and engagement via Shopee Loyalty, with rewards including vouchers and exclusive deals to be unlocked every month.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is officially launching Shopee Loyalty, a brand new in-app program that delivers a more rewarding shopping experience for users. With Shopee Loyalty, users can enjoy a range of exclusive perks, vouchers, and deals every month when they shop more with Shopee. 

Highlights of Shopee Loyalty

Shopee Loyalty is an in-app program where users can earn and claim exciting rewards every month when they shop on Shopee. The membership is free and consists of four tiers. Shoppers can unlock higher tiers and enjoy bigger rewards by completing a certain number of orders within a month.

Shopee Loyalty is easily accessible with a single tap from the Shopee home page. On the Shopee Loyalty page, users  can:

1. Track their Shopee Loyalty tier progress for the month
2. Discover various tier and reward milestones
3. Redeem eligible vouchers that are refreshed monthly, including free shipping vouchers and special birthday vouchers. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are excited to bring more joy and reward Shopee users better with Shopee Loyalty. Shopee has seen online shopping grow in importance for Filipinos in the past year, as more people turn to Shopee for their needs, from groceries to entertainment. Shopee Loyalty gives users more ways to save and have fun with Shopee as they shop online more, together with our in-app features, membership clubs, and shopping campaigns that users enjoy regularly. We look forward to helping users unlock more value with Shopee in the future.”

On February 15, Shopee users can also look out for exclusive free shipping vouchers from 12:00 MN to 2:00 AM and 12:00 NN to 2:00 PM for all purchases made with ShopeePay. 

To learn more about Shopee Loyalty, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-loyalty-education  

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

 

5 Ways to Maintain Clean Air at Home

Your home plays a major part in maintaining your health and well-being. It’s where you find comfort and solace after a stressful run at work. While you wish to lie comfortably at home, it's important that you also take good care of your space whether big or small. 

A clean house can be difficult to manage when you don’t have someone to help you tidy up the place. As a result, we tend to put everything altogether and realize the growing pile of mess that makes it more difficult to accomplish.

This may lead to health complications like mild colds and even asthma that can put you and your family at risk. That is why cultivating dirty air especially at home is a health hazard that we should all combat. 

Here are tips to achieve a clean and breathable environment in the comforts of your home. 

1. Get an Air Purifier

Back then, drawing open the curtain is enough to let air enter our homes without worrying about pollution. Today, we need to purify the air so we avoid breathing in dirt and chemicals coming from outside.Getting an air purifier is one way to have a tolerable and relatively clean atmosphere. It has filters that clog toxins and chemicals and emit cleaner air in no time. It’s also cheaper to get an air purifier than using advanced technology that basically does the same thing. 

2. Vacuum Carpets/ Upholstery

Another cause of dirty air is having dust-polluted carpets, bedding and upholstered furniture that can accumulate more dust if not properly cleaned or laundered. Using vacuum cleaners is an effective way to get rid of these trapped particles that come from pets roaming around you home. 

3. Get plants

Plants are still the best source of oxygen, especially if you live in the city. Having plants in your garden and indoors could bring your cleaner air and good energy while you’re at home.

4. Spray Hydrogen Peroxide

Mold releases “spores” into the air that can trigger one’s allergy. Spraying hydrogen can help remove unwanted mold stains and residue. This is a non-toxic means to kill molds that have been living for some time in the gaps and corners of your bathroom. You can also mix this with vinegar and have them stored for future use.

5. Air Duct Cleaning

Cleaning your air ducts can improve air coming from ACs or radiators if you have one. After a while of usage, air ducts harbors dirt, dust and bacteria — contaminants that are bad for the health. Cleaning it manually already takes so much of your time. Why not callan expert in air duct cleaning to avoid manual labor. Expect a thorough and professional way of handling your air ducts, and have a pristine and finer air in no time! 

Maintenance is the key to a healthier environment at home. Doing so is easy to achieve when you put your mind into it. 

But if you move into a new house in BellaVita, you won’t have to worry about pollution within your residence. Visit their official Facebook to know more about their community and how you can find the right home for you. 

 

Want to spend V-Day with your favorite oppa-unnie duo? 

Bring them closer with with a Samsung Smart TV

Get 1-year Viu Premium subscription for free with select Samsung TV's Staying in for Valentine’s Day?

Staying in for Valentine’s Day? Wine, dine, and relax with a K-drama marathon, whether it’s with your significant other or even by yourself. 

Feel all the kilig from your favorite oppa and unnie this season of love with Samsung and Viu. With every purchase of select Samsung TVs, you’ll get 1-year free Viu Premium subscription, soyou can binge watch favorite K-entertainment content on the big screen uninterrupted and ad-free. 

Let these K-drama couples further tickle the hopelessly romantic in you. Love is in the air on V-Day with these rom-com favorites on Viu:

● Lee Dong Wook & Jo Bo Ah | Tale of the Nine-Tailed

The epic and swoon-worthy romance in the Tale of the Nine-Tailed starts when Nam Ji Ah (Jo Bo Ah), a producer, seeks Lee Yeon (Lee Dong Wook), a mystical fox-like creature known as a gumiho, after she recognizes him as the one who saved her life from years back. This K-drama’s narrative is mixed with fantasy, action, thriller, and of course, romance.

● Lee Joon Gi & IU | Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Exclusive on Viu, this popular Korean drama follows the love story of Hae-Soo (IU) and Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi). Their love story begins when Hae-Soo travels back in time to the Goryeo era during a solar eclipse. Rebellious and angsty, she meets Wang So, whom people fear. From bickering to falling in love, the chemistry of the two will make your heart feel a-flutter.

● Park Seo Joon & Park Min Young | What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?

Based on a novel by Jung Kyung Yoon, the story features Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon),an ambitious Vice Chairman of a major conglomerate company, and Kim Mi So (Park Min Young), his brilliant secretary who resigns after working for him for nine years. Surprised, Young Joon then does everything he can to make Mi So stay by his side causing romance to stir between the pair. Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young will have your heart crushed and revived repeatedly in between bouts of laughter and kilig moments. 

● Moon Ga Young & Cha Eun Woo | True Beauty

First on Viu, this ugly duckling story revolves around Lim Ju Gyeong (Moon Ga Young) who turns into their school’s prettiest girl after mastering the art of makeup. She then promised never to show her bare face to anyone, that is, until Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo), the school’shandsome but standoffish heartthrob, sees it. This revelation followed by more twists and turns, then leads to them falling madly in love with each other.

A romantic and cinematic experience at home is possible with a Samsung Smart TV. You’ll be throwing finger hearts at your favorite Korean couple as you enjoy the upscaling feature of the Samsung Crystal UHD (2020) which not only captures and enhances true picture quality along with customizable audio modes, but also comes pre-installed with the Viu app.

Bring your K-drama marathons to the next level with Samsung. Promo runs until March 31, 2021. Head to your nearest Samsung authorized dealer today! Visit to www.samsung.com/ph for more details.

Made to be More: STI Gears Up for Another Semester of Learning

STI Gears Up for Another Semester of Learning

Made to be More: STI Gears Up for Another Semester of Learning 

With the drastic change that the country’s educational landscape has undergone in the past year, STI made sure that quality learning continues for its students by introducing the ONline and ONsite Education or the ONE STI Learning Model at the beginning of S.Y. 2020-2021.

This new academic framework aims to achieve the desired learning outcome for students by combining online tools and technology with onsite or on-campus hands-on training. However, STI is currently implementing full online learning until the Inter-Agency Task Force and other government agencies allow the conduct of face-to-face classes. 

STI will continue to implement this framework for the second semester of the school year, which will officially begin on February 8, 2021, with admissions still ongoing until February 20, 2021.

Team Video Call

The concept of online learning is not new to STI as the institution already implemented a blended learning mode for the past five years using an eLearning Management System (eLMS) for students to use at home. With the ONE STI Learning Model, STI eLMS modules and topics have been modified to optimize more collaborative tools and platforms, and house more engaging and interactive learning contents.

In response to the students and their families’ economic challenges, STI continues to provide financial aid programs for the second semester of this academic year. Aside from receiving a holistic and fulfilling learning experience, incoming new college students and transferees who will enroll at STI for this term can save more on tuition fees when they apply for the institution’s financial aid programs that are only applicable for this school year, such as:

●        Landbank-STI Student Loan

Students can get up to PhP15,000 loan with zero interest rate

●        Pag-IBIG and GSIS Educational Assistance Programs

Save as much as PhP10,000 in tuition fees for GSIS or PAG-IBIG members and their qualified dependents   

STI is also extending its Internet Connectivity Assistance to second semester enrollees given that classes will still be held online. This will provide the new students and transferees with free SIM cards with up to 34GB monthly data allocation.

With connectivity being the main hurdle in online learning, this endeavor pursued by STI has significantly lessened the burden on its many learners. This way, students can stay connected, have access to online materials, and study safely and comfortably from their homes.

By enrolling at STI now, students can take advantage of the quality education that the institution can provide under the ONE STI Learning Model and move up in their academics despite the current circumstances with the goal of finishing their degree and eventually earning for themselves.

Interested new college students and transferees may register or enroll online at https://apply.sti.edu. 

The public has never been a stranger to the many successes of celebrities Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano. Aside from their hard-hitting box-office hits, they are also known for championing their family and being lovely parents to their son, Seve. But just like any parents, Toni and Paul have also been through both cheerful and challenging moments in their familial journey.

 Toni and Paul find their ‘third best partner’ in raising Seve

Last year, waves of uncertainty rushed into their home as the fear of the pandemic concerned them about the welfare of their son. “My biggest realization during this pandemic is that I have to stick to the things I can control. This includes my household, my family, and me being a mom to Seve,” shared Toni. The actress also talked about the usual scenario in their home during quarantine. “It’s just the three of us at home. It gives our son a certain level of confidence knowing that his parents are always there for him. I am always present in caring for him as his mom, and Paul, he’s the one who plays with Seve and teaches him things. They’re boys, so nagkakaintindihan sila.”

Seve is now at his pre-schooling stage. This is why Toni and Paul now seek the nutrition provided by milk like Vitaminized Lactum 3+, to help support Seve’s development.  

“He has a lot of whys,” said Toni. “And as both Paul and I could see, he likes to apply his curiosity through physical movements. He likes building stuff and riding the scooter with his dad.” Additionally, Toni also opened up how their son watches his dad work closely. He likes creating stories and concepts in his head and shows early signs of creativity in storytelling, just like his dad.  “He also has good focus in school, and shows interest in many topics — especially when he watches his dad work in the home studio. Parang sumusunod siya sa yapak ni Paul, ganu’n,” she shared.

As they go through this journey together as parents, Toni and Paul put their faith in the things that enable them to help Seve with his all-around development. “‘Raising a child takes a village,’ as the old proverb says. Aside from me and Paul, and all our other loved ones, there is also one thing that has always helped me be the best mom I could be, and that is Vitaminized Lactum 3+.”

The Soriano family has recently worked on a TVC for Vitaminized Lactum 3+ where Toni and Seve star as the brand’s new ambassadors, with dad Paul Soriano as the director. “I’m thankful for Lactum 3+ because it really helps support Seve’s all-around development. He’s the type of kid who loves playing outdoors [in the garden], riding the scooter, and running around, so it’s important for me to rely on the nutrition found in Lactum 3+ to help boost his immunity and help keep his bones strong,” said Toni.

Toni added that she and Paul are making sure their son gets the support he needs. “Vitaminized Lactum 3+ is like our third partner in raising Seve to become that best kid he can be,” she said. “With the help of Lactum 3+ and proper nutrition, I can observe that Seve shows good signs of brain development.”  

In her Instagram story, Toni also shared a memory from her younger years that made this Lactum3+ project a ‘dream come true’ for her. “When I was still single and would walk past the milk aisle in the grocery, my eyes would always be glued to Lactum 3+. Then I told myself, ‘When I become a mom, this is the brand I would want to endorse with my kid.’ Just when I thought I had moved on from that dream, I got a call. It was the perfect timing.”

For Toni and thousands of Filipino moms, Lactum 3+ has been their trusted partner for over 30 years now in raising an all-around kid in immunity, brain and bones. Lactum 3+ has Vitamin C and Prebiotic Inulin to help boost a child’s immunity, DHA to support brain development, and Calcium to help keep their bones healthy and strong. With proper nutrition and simulation, these key nutrients work well together with other vitamins and minerals to help in the all-around development of kids.

Like Toni Gonzaga, help support your child’s all-around development in immunity, brain and bones with the help of Vitaminized Lactum 3+. Lactum 3+ is available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets, and in Lactum 3+'s official stores in Shopee and Lazada.

 

Ramon Lopez, Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry

1st Virtual National Trade officially opens 

The 1st Virtual National Trade Fair was officially opened on Wednesday, January 27, through an online ceremony. Attendees from remote locations witnessed the event on the website virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph and on social media channels. 

In his keynote address, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez lauded the Filipino "bouncebackability" to endure extreme hardship by finding silver linings and hidden blessings in adversity. In addition to citing brighter economic prospects for 2021, Sec. Lopez also noted the DTI's role as a primary economic catalyst, saying: "Today's opening of this Virtual National Trade Fair is part of the Department's pivot to digital, and very much in keeping with the buzzwords in our mission statement, which are: innovative, competitive, job-generating, inclusive, and empowering."

Meanwhile Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Trade Promotions Group pointed out that the domestic trade fairs carry a rich tradition of success for MSMEs, noting that in 2019, the three fairs organized that year had 115,000 visitors and generated PHP 193.44-million in revenues for 782 exhibitors.  

Further, Usec. Macatoman noted that the Virtual National Trade Fair represents a move to the online world, in keeping with the demands of the times, saying: "Through this digital transformation, we are taking the initiative so our MSMEs can continue to expand their market presence not just in the domestic market but now in the borderless online marketplace." 

For her part, Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group struck an upbeat note in her inspirational message, noting: "2021 holds much promise as we kick off the year with an event that we hope will give our MSMEs the much-needed boost to jumpstart their recovery. Moreover, bringing the National Trade Fair to the digital realm serves as another significant milestone for our MSMEs as they establish their market presence on an e-commerce platform. This opens up a world of possibilities, as our MSMEs become more accessible not only to domestic consumers but also to international buyers." 

Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion Director Marievic Bonoan emphasized the B2B nature of the event as a venue to showcase the best products from the regions so MSMEs can secure bulk orders from institutional buyers from department stores, supermarket chains, hotels and restaurants, and even export consolidators.  Product categories include fashion accessories and wearables, food and beverages, gifts and souvenirs, health and wellness, and home and living. 

From January 27 to February 2, 2021, the Virtual National Trade Fair will be accessible online 24/7. On the first four days of the fair from January 27 to January 30, exhibitors will man their booths virtually during show hours from 10AM to 6PM. At that time, visitors can do real-time chats, meetings, and video calls. Beyond show hours and in the following days from January 31 to February 2, visitors can continue to visit the booths anytime and leave a message for the exhibitor. 

The Virtual National Trade Fair is open to the public, and admission is free. Simply visit virtualnationaltradefair.dti.gov.ph and fill in your registration details. Be informed about the latest updates by following @virtualnatltradefair on Facebook and Instagram. 

The Virtual National Trade Fair is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry's Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) in collaboration with the DTI Regional Operations Group. For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.