Enjoy a safe and meaningful gift-giving this Christmas with Jollibee’s Jolly e-Gifts.

Share the joy this Christmas season through Jollibee's Jolly e-gifts

The holidays are here once again. Parols and other Christmas decors are all lit up, and yuletide carols fill the breezy air. And while the holidays may not exactly be how we celebrate it traditionally, we can still show our  love to our  families and friends through a unique kind of meaningful gift-giving.

Great news as Jollibee now gives customers the option to share exciting presents that will surely fill tummies with joy with its new Jolly e-Gifts.

Perfect for the Christmas season, customers can send Jolly e-Gifts to their loved ones starting this December, so they can share the joy of Jollibee in their holiday feasts. Customers can access this through the Jollibee website or the Facebook Messenger chatbot. The Jolly e-gifts can be purchased in the form of e-Gift Certificates or as e-Product Vouchers, which are available in specific denominations and featured products.

To make gifting even more convenient and to enable others to spread more joy, Jolly e-Gifts gives customers the option to send to multiple recipients! These can be paid through a wide array of cashless options. For the Jolly e-Gift Certificates, customers can pay exclusively using their credit card, and for the Jolly e-Product Vouchers, they can settle via their credit card, as well as PayMaya, GCash, and GrabPay. The Jolly e-Product Vouchers can be collected by the recipient through email or SMS.

The exciting Jolly e-Gifts can be redeemed in Jollibee’s various distribution channels, whether it dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. Customers can make use of the e-Product Vouchers for a span of sixty (60) days, while e-Gift Certificates can be enjoyed without expiry.  With these two jolly gifts at hand, families and friends can enjoy presents that are contactless and safe.

Make Jollibee a part of your holiday celebrations by sharing the Jolly e-Gifts with your loved ones. Head over to the Jollibee corporate website or message the Facebook Messenger chatbot to avail of the exciting Jolly e-Gifts.

Shoppers Embrace Digital Payments on 12.12, with ShopeePay Transactions Increasing 50 times in the First Hour

 

Shoppers Embrace Digital Payments on 12.12, with ShopeePay Transactions Increasing 50 times in the First Hour

Adoption surges in North and South Luzon as ShopeePay
provides shoppers across the Philippines with easy access to digital payments

MANILA, DECEMBER 18, 2020 - ShopeePay, an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services, saw more consumers adopt digital payments at the recent Shopee 12.12. It was highlighted by a 50 times increase in ShopeePay transactions in the first hour of December 12 compared to an average day, as people turned to digital payments for their convenience and ease of use.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “I am happy to see more people enjoy greater convenience and rewards with ShopeePay at the Shopee 12.12. Our integrated mobile wallet allowed users to check out purchases more quickly and securely while also accessing exclusive deals. It’s heartening to see more people using digital payments as their preferred payment method. It is a positive trend as digital payments become increasingly important in driving digital inclusion and the acceleration of our region’s digital economy.”

 

Rising confidence in digital payments in the Philippines

 

Filipinos used ShopeePay to discover exclusive deals, earn rewards, and complete orders at the Shopee 12.12. The most popular categories checked out using ShopeePay were Home & Living, Health & Personal Care, and Women’s Apparel, showing that people are now more comfortable using digital payments for various essential and lifestyle needs.

 

Key trends for the use of ShopeePay on December 12 included:

 

●       Growing digital adoption in cities: North and South Luzon saw the most significant uplift in ShopeePay transactions on Shopee than an average day, showing that ShopeePay offers users easier access to digital payments.

●       ShopeePay adoption increases across different generations: Millennials aged 18 to 34 continued using ShopeePay to conveniently shop for various needs such as kitchen essentials, mobile accessories, and makeup. Gen X users above 50 also saw a surge in adoption, with orders paid via ShopeePay increasing 24 times from an average day.

 

Yu closed, “As users become more accustomed to digital payments, we are committed to further growing our ecosystem of partner merchants so all users benefit from the convenience both online and offline, while businesses enjoy better growth in the future.”

Share the Love, Spread the Cheer this Christmas with Red Ribbon’s Holiday Specials

 

Share the Love, Spread the Cheer this Christmas with Red Ribbon’s Holiday Specials

While this year’s Christmas is like no other, the season’s message and meaning remind us that despite the year’s challenges, there have been a few important things such as love and sharing that uplifted the spirit and have helped us get through this unprecedented crisis. To continue sharing that love and paying the kindness forward are among the best ways we can meaningfully celebrate this Christmas.

Red Ribbon helps us do just that—to Share the Love & Spread the Cheer through Red Ribbon’s Holiday Specials! Watch this heartwarming video from Red Ribbon to find out more.

Christmas simply won’t be Christmas without the Red Ribbon staples and favorites that are perfect as gifts or centerpieces to complete your celebrations with loved ones this holiday season. To make these extra delightful, Red Ribbon’s boxes and pastry packs now come in elegant Holiday-themed designs - gift-ready for this season of giving!

Bring to the Christmas table a surprise that your lolo and lola will surely love by giving them delectable Red Ribbon cakes as part of your Christmas feast.

There’s  Black Forest Cake that comes with irresistible layers of moist and luscious chocolate fudge cake, cherry-creamy filling, covered in fluffy cream and chocolate shavings, topped with Maraschino cherries, the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.

There’s also Chocolate Dedication Cake with rich chocolate chiffon, fudgy chocolate icing and filling, and topped with colorful candies ideal for sharing. Each one can be personalized with your own heartfelt message to your loved ones and topped with festive Holiday Theme Toppers!

Your friends and loved ones are also sure to appreciate the Assorted Ensaimada 5-pc Pack or the Holidozen Box, both of which come with a mix of Cheesy Ensaimada and the improved Ube-Cheesy Ensaimada.

Order in advance and pick-up these wonderful Holiday Specials through Red Ribbon’s Call & Pick Up service and enjoy 5% OFF from Dec 3-31, 2020. You can also avoid the rush crowds and avail of delivery-exclusive promotions when you order through Red Ribbon’s #87777 Hotline, by chatting with RIA (m.me/redribbonbakeshop), or by ordering through the GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Lalafood apps. Delivery promotions are available from Dec 1-17, 26-29, 2020.

So, this Christmas, to all the ones whom you hold dear, share the love and spread the cheer with Red Ribbon Holiday Specials!

Shop for gifts and reward yourself this holiday season with Robinsons Rewards

 

Make your Christmas shopping stress-free and rewarding with Robinsons Rewards.

Shop for gifts and reward yourself this holiday season with Robinsons Rewards

Despite how crazy the year has been, the arrival of the holidays is something that has been keeping Filipinos hopeful and excited. After all, ‘tis the season to be joyful and grateful for being able to stay safe with loved ones and overcoming the challenges brought by 2020. While Christmas celebrations are going to be different this year, many are still looking forward to doing their gift shopping for friends and family.

 

Here are some useful tips and reminders to help make holiday shopping safe and stress-free:

 

Plan and create a Christmas list

Just like how Santa has his own registry of names, shoppers can also make their own list of who to give presents to and what kinds of gifts they would like. Make it organized by grouping them into categories such as immediate family members, loved ones, friends, and even inaanak (godchildren). This makes it easier and saves time when browsing for gifts, and helps make sure that no one is left behind without any presents.

 

Add to online cart

People are still encouraged to stay safe indoors, especially that the threat of the pandemic is still looming around. While there may be items that can only be purchased in-store, it is wise to check online shopping sites to see if they carry what you are looking for.  It’s also convenient because there is the option of having the gift delivered straight to the receiver - just make sure that it’s not cash on delivery so they won’t be surprised! In Robinsons Rewards App, you can browse and shop for gift options and earn points from ecommerce sites like GoRobinsons, Shopwise, Toys”R”Us, Marketplace, and Robinsons Appliances.

 

Be on the lookout for sales and get online coupons

Another benefit of shopping online is that shoppers can save money by availing deals and discounts! Many brands are doing Christmas sales. If you’re looking for new devices such as phones, laptops, or tablets, you can check out the Aerophone discount promo for Robinsons Rewards members.

Redeem points from your rewards programs

And who says you should only give gifts to others? For an extra rewarding shopping experience, you can also treat yourself to a present that you deserve with Robinsons Rewards. Members who have earned enough points can use it to pay for any product that they want at Robinsons stores - whether it’s a new bag, another set of trendy shoes, or the latest fashionable clothing items.

 

Meanwhile, those who have yet to join the rewards program can start earning points through their purchases by downloading the Robinsons Rewards mobile app and signing up for free. They can also go to their nearest Robinsons store and buy a Robinsons Rewards Card at the Customer Service/Cashier for only Php 100.

 

To redeem or transact with points, just simply present your phone and scan the merchant QR code using the Robinsons Rewards app or scan barcode on the Robinsons Rewards Classic Card.

 

So what are you waiting for? It’s the perfect time to shop, earn, and use those hard-earned Robinsons Rewards points to treat yourself for a job well done this year. The Robinson Rewards app is available for free download via iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery.

 

Here’s How Globe At Home Recreates Holiday Traditions At Home

 

As Christmas Day nears, families are looking for fun ways to celebrate at home without worrying about the restrictions we deal with outside. Thankfully, the internet is here not just to give virtual party ideas, but to also bridge us to our holiday traditions and connect us to our loved ones wherever they are in the world.

 

Filipino families have Globe At Home as a reliable partner when it comes to matters of connectivity. This season, it has a lot in store for its customers to help them recreate all the things they love about the holidays, right at home.

 

Recreate the spirit of togetherness with the whole family through virtual Christmas parties and exchange gifts! With the new Globe At Home Postpaid Unli Plans, these are now made possible thanks to fast and reliable internet connection for as low as Php 1899 for speeds of up to 30mbps and up to 100mbps for Php  2899 . The plans also come with 3 months access to Amazon Prime Video, Viu Premium, and HBO GO that you can use to watch your favorite Christmas flicks and bingeable shows with the family and 6 months membership to KonsultaMD which gives your family 24/7 access to licensed Doctors via voice or video call.

 

Likewise, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customers can surf more and do more this Christmas with the bigger and better HomeSURF199 that now comes with 30 GB of data – 23GB open access data plus 1GB daily allocation for Google, YouTube, Viber, WhatsApp, and other apps valid for 7 days, available until December 31, 2020 only!

 

An elevated watch experience at home also awaits Globe At Home Postpaid customers via the Globe VR cardboard, which gives users a more immersive experience as they watch YouTube VR videos. Starting from December 15, get a free Globe VR cardboard for those who exclusively purchase an Android TV box using the Globe At Home app. Promo runs on a limited time only!

 

Be delighted with fun surprises and virtual events this holiday season. Who doesn’t love a good ol’ Christmas raffle? Using the Globe At Home app, you get the chance to win exciting giveaways and prizes such as GCash Send Pamasko, free data and volume boost, and many more! Download the Globe At Home app now for free at the App Store or Play Store.  One of the best prizes is undoubtedly a Filipino family favorite: special movie passes to watch the annual Metro Manila Film Festival, a cherished local tradition that Globe At Home can bring right to their living room this December.

 

For the whole month of December, Globe At Home also prepared a lineup of online experiences that recreate traditions in the Paskuhan@Home digital platform including an online concert, bazaar, and even caroling! Just check for your access codes upon registration to the Globe At Home portal and log on to [globeworldathome.com] to be part of all these activities.

Finally, Globe At Home recreates gift-giving by giving back to the community through WiFi2Teach advocacy which supports the DepEd’s Distance Learning program through the donation of Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi modems. Until December 31, 2020, Globe At Home will match every purchase of a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi sold in Lazada, Globe Online Shop, and Shopee with a P100 donation to fund free Home Prepaid WiFi modems for these students. Likewise, P1 will be donated for every registration to HomeSURF and HomeWATCH data promos until January 7, 2021 . Modems have been donated to DepEd to equip selected public school teachers and ensure that education remains unhampered. The program continues as it now works towards raising funds to provide free WiFi modems for public school students in partnership with the Ayala Foundation.

 

Recreate. The Christmas that We Love with Globe At Home. To know more about Globe At Home’s offerings that will best fit your connectivity needs, visit [shop.globe.com.ph/broadband-plans

KmmunityPH Rolls Out Exciting Hallyu Events This Month Before YG PALM STAGE - 2020 BLACKPINK: THE SHOW

 
In the following weeks, Kmmunity PH and Globe Virtual Hangouts have so much in store for all K-Fans leading up to the highly anticipated YG PALM STAGE - 2020 BLACKPINK: THE SHOW happening on January 31, 2021. The first of it’s kind livestream concert will be available via BlackPink’s YouTube Channel where you can directly purchase tickets and pay with GCash.
 
First in the line-up is the Kmmunity PH Hallyu Singing Bee where select K-Fans and Globe Prepaid subscribers battled through four exciting rounds of trivia questions on all things KPop including popular songs and lyrics on Globe Virtual Hangouts. In the end, five ultimate KPop fans rose to the challenge and went on to showcase how well they know BLACKPINK’s hottest songs on the second round.
 
Hosted by content creator and resident Hallyu fan, AC Soriano, the five contestants played a fun game of Singing Bee featuring BLACKPINK’s hits such as Boombayah, Whistle, Stay, Playing With Fire, As If It’s Your Last, Ice Cream, and How You Like That. It was a close race to the finish and in the end, Angel, a BLACKPINK ultimate stan who’s actually a new member of Kmmunity, was declared the Singing Bee Champion and received Php 5,000 worth of GCash Credits, Kmmunity merch set, Shopee and Viu vouchers, and BlackPink Light Up The Sky Box while the other 4 contestants were given Php 1,000 of GCash Credits, Kmmunity merch set, Shopee and Viu vouchers.
 
Members of the KmmunityPH Facebook group also got the chance to win exclusive Kmmunity PH prizes by sending in their answers on what their favorite K-Pop songs and lyrics are in the livestream comments with the hashtags #GlobeKmmunityPH and #OLTogetherNow.
 
Following the Hallyu Singing Bee are K-Unboxing: Hallyu Gifting Edition, K-Moji Challenge, and K-Pop Kristmas Live Pop-up. Win passes for BLACKPINK’s first livestream concert, YG PALM STAGE - 2020 BLACKPINK: THE SHOW, when you join the Ultimate Stan Raffle Promo! Simply register to SURF4ALL99 and SURF4ALL249 for Globe mobile customers and HOMESURF199 and HOMEBOOST299 for Globe at Home customers. For more details, visit glbe.co/bptheshowfaqs.
 
This December, KmmunityPH gives your more reason to say #KmmunityHwaiting! Join the exclusive Facebook group on https://www.facebook.com/groups/2216020118728072 now to get the latest updates on everything K-Culture.

Kiana V Shares the Stories Behind Her Hits in Exclusive Meet & Greet on Globe Virtual Hangouts

 

Kiana V during the Exclusive Meet & Greet on Globe Virtual Hangouts

Kiana V Shares the Stories Behind Her Hits in Exclusive Meet & Greet on Globe Virtual Hangouts

 
Last December 3, Paradise Rising artists Kiana V, Fern, Jason Dhakal, Massiah, and Leila Alcasid performed alongside 88rising artists and other global acts on the Double Happiness Winter Wonder Festival featured on Globe Virtual Hangouts. This is the inaugural event of the newest concert platform that aims to showcase the best of Asian talents, Eastern Standard Time.
 
In line with this, Virtual Hangouts invited Kiana V for an exclusive Double Happiness Festival online meet and greet where she shared how the experience performing in the online fest was plus some never before told stories about her hit songs. Lucky fans also got to ask her their personal questions and even received surprise giveaways!
 
About performing in the Double Happiness Winter Wonder Festival
Kiana described the experience as “thrilling” especially having to work with an amazing crew for the show. “I hadn’t performed outside of my bedroom for a very long time. It kinda made me a little anxious at the start knowing that I’ll be in front of a professional crew where I have to get all dressed up and perform for more than just my camera,” she added. “I’m excited for this crazy pandemic to blow over, because it’s really so much fun to work with different people and that was what I enjoyed the most.”
 
To get ready for her performance, Kiana had to go back to doing her vocal exercises religiously and mentally prepare herself. “It was really a lot of mental preparation that went into it, reminding myself that ‘it’s back to work’ and being open to collaboration and feedback.”
 
Stories behind the hits
During the meet and greet, Kiana played a little game of spin the wheel with the host  where she had to share a trivia or a fun fact behind each song that the wheel will land on. Here’s some of our favorites:
 
Corners started as poetry that Kiana wrote while on a flight to Malaysia. Eventually, she found herself in California with some friends where she started singing the then poem over music. “It just fit so well so we decided that we’re going to work together and make it a full song.”
 
When it comes to her collaboration with Filipino-Aussie artist and producer Billy Davis, No Rush, Kiana originally envisioned to be an ethereal, RnB ballad type of song, but after working on it with Billy in the studio, it had turned out to be the upbeat and danceable track that we all love. She noted that this is one of the things that she loves about working with producers in the studio, because you’ll never know where they will take you.
 
On the shooting of the Safe Place music video, Kiana shared that despite it being a crazy and worrisome time in California due to the rising COVID-19 cases, the 88rising and Paradise Rising teams were so collaborative and quick to send inspiration and moodboards. The play on different fabrics as seen on the video is the director’s idea to convey how something so beautiful can also be suffocating. It’s thinking that you have found your safe place but in the end, it’s not as safe as you think.
 
What’s next for Kiana V?
2021 is going to be a good year for all fans of Kiana, because according to her, she will be releasing “lots of new music” of the year to come. No details yet but be sure to always be on the lookout on her social media pages!
 
Globe Virtual Hangouts has more exclusive events and experiences like this in store for the coming year with  more of your favorite artists and bigger international events to watch out for! To join, just open the GlobeOne app, click on the Discover tab, click “View All'' to go to Virtual Hangouts Page, choose your preferred event, and click “Join.” You can also tap the heart icon to save the event or share it to your friends.
 
For a worry-free experience, register to Globe Prepaid’s Go promos that come with high all access GBs perfect for streaming more content on Virtual Hangouts! Need more data? Get additional 1GB of your favorite apps when you register to GoBOOSTERS on top of your existing promo. All these you can do on the GlobeOne app.
 
Download the GlobeOne app for free from the Play Store and App Store. To know more about Globe Virtual Hangouts, visit Glbe.co/GlobeOne

 

Don’t Eat Your Heart Out: Understanding the ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’

This year, we have been faced with an unprecedented pandemic which has taught us never to take our health for granted. But as we near its end and gear up for the holidays, there are still plenty of things to watch out for when it comes to our health. 

“That is because while the holidays are a time for merriment and indulgence, it has also been linked to a high incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and rising blood pressure, leading to the phenomenon called ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome,” said Dr. Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, The Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines.    

 

But what is it about the most joyous time of the year that causes this unfortunate spike in cardiovascular-related health concerns and how do we avoid it?

Overindulging

“During the holiday season, many of us tend to overindulge or consume food excessively. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these may be high in sodium content,” Amal forewarns. 

Why is this a problem? For some people, eating too much salty food may cause their blood pressure to rise. However, this shouldn’t deter you from indulging during the holidays, but just learning to be mindful of what you eat and avoiding excess salt can help minimize the risk for heart problems.

Frequent binge-drinking

With holiday get-togethers come frequent social drinking. Just like the overindulgence of food, the festive season is often marked by the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. 

“The danger of binge-drinking as frequently as we do during the holidays is that it can lead to atrial fibrillation which is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm that may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure,” she warns.

Festive fatigue

The holidays bring with it added excitement and fatigue. For some, this can mean going from one party to another, night after night, until the wee hours of the day, leading to very little sleep which adds extra stress on their hearts. Combined with binge-drinking and overindulging, and one can be very susceptible to an unhealthy mix of triggering factors. “That is why moderation is key, especially when it comes to indulging in salty foods, alcoholic beverages, or knowing when to call it a night,” the Sanofi country lead explains.

Know the risks

Going into the holidays, it is definitely crucial to be aware of any potential risk factors or pre-existing conditions that can affect your health. If you are currently overweight and/or a heavy smoker or have a history with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease then you or your family may be at a higher risk of experiencing heart problems, so it is best to be mindful of your health and keep watch of your holiday activities.

When should you get help

In the event that you start feeling symptoms such as chest pains, you should already start calling for help. Don’t forgo treatment just because you don’t want to spoil the holiday mood. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your health.

“The greatest gift that you can give to your family is the gift of health so we must encourage everyone to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Amal intimated. “This is why we continue to educate Filipino families to have a better understanding of the disease, beyond the medicine, to empower every single person for self-monitoring and the improvement of their lifestyle. This is our commitment to building a healthier Philippines."

Mekeni employees extend goodwill to communities with gift-giving activities amid pandemic

Mekeni continues its annual gift giving activity. Four institutions in Pampanga received gift packs good for three to six months.

Mekeni employees extend goodwill to communities with gift-giving activities amid pandemic
 
Christmas came early for four select institutions in Pampanga as Mekeni Food Corporation employees spearheaded the company’s annual gift-giving tradition.
 
Beneficiaries from the Bahay Pag-ibig (home for the aged), Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth (for special and abandoned children), Duyan ni Maria (home for abandoned children), and Children’s Home of Immaculate Mary (home for abandoned children) received special gift packs which Mekeni employees gathered using the funds the management and they themselves raised.

“Christmas is all about giving but more than the gifts we have given our communities, we aspire to spread hope amidst these difficult times we are facing. We know that due to the pandemic, celebrating Christmas will not be the same this year. But we will not let this dampen the yuletide spirit as we ought to make this season more meaningful than ever,” said Mekeni’s Head of HR, Marilou Uy.

Mekeni has been doing this annual gift-giving program since 2008. However, due to the health concerns surrounding COVID-19, the program had to be done differently. Rather than going to the institutions and holding a program, Mekeni employees had to drop off the gifts in designated areas to ensure safety precautions can be maintained.

With the support of the management, Mekeni employees were able to provide joy to their beneficiaries through grocery packages that can sustain their basic food and hygiene requirements for the next three to six months.

“We hope to give memorable experiences and lasting memories for our beneficiaries through our annual gift-giving tradition. But this year, despite the challenges, we go over and beyond our mission by reminding them that whatever the pandemic throws at us, we will continue to serve them and uplift the quality of their lives in every way we can,” Uy said.

Apart from giving gifts to their partner communities, Mekeni did not hesitate to continue looking after the well-being of those who are beyond their circle. When disasters badly hit several places in Luzon, Mekeni employees showed their malasakit and perseverance to help the devastated communities through donation drives.

Mekeni employees prepared hot meals for the victims of Taal Volcano

In February 2020, after the Taal Volcano erupted, the company, together with the local government of Porac, Red Cross Rizal Chapter, and Rotary Club of San Juan del Monte, immediately went to Agoncillo, Batangas and held an outreach program for those who were affected. More than 2,000 hot meals were prepared and provided by the employees on-site.

Recently, food packs were turned over to the flood victims in the town of Macabebe and to the Aeta communities in Porac, Pampanga that have been hit by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The indigenous communities were given gift packs consisting of food and other essentials. Mekeni also participated in outreach activities in Bicol by donating products for a feeding program there.

“Malasakit in the time of adversity is much-needed by our fellow Filipinos these days. As we ensure that our own employees and their families are safe and well-provided, we are also helping other communities to recover after being hit by natural disasters on top of the physical and economic problems that the pandemic has brought to them. We will continue reaching out to more communities to address their needs during these trying times,” said Mekeni President Prudencio S. Garcia.

Araneta City and Gateway Gallery's KulturaSerye Returns with a Webinar on Rizal

Manila, Philippines – This Rizal Month, Gateway Gallery will air its fifth KulturaSerye webinar Rizal Kritikal: Mga Aral sa Sibika, mga Isyung Panlipunan, at Pagbubuo ng Bansa.

The talk will bring insights on José Rizal in the context of culture, social issues, and nation-building of his time. The KulturaSerye webinar will be delivered by Gateway Gallery’s go-to historian, Mr. John Ray Ramos, a History lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University and author of the book Bayani Biographies: José Rizal.

The talk gives an overview of Rizal’s critical ideas as seen from his novels Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo as well as his political and social writings. Oftentimes, Rizal is misinterpreted as a passive reformer as opposed to a critical nationalist.

From Rizal, we can learn how critical views of social issues and society itself are important in trying to address them and ultimately contribute to making a better country. In sum, the talk shows the critical social and political ideas of Rizal during his time which are still relevant in today’s society.

The talk will air on December 19, Saturday, at 2 PM. It will be live-streamed from Gateway Gallery’s Facebook page (GatewayGalleryPH). The free webinar is open to the public and does not require pre-registration.

Viewers are encouraged to join the discussion and share the live webinar so that more people will benefit from the talk. Viewers are also encouraged to like the Gateway Gallery Facebook page so as not to miss the live lecture. Games and prizes also await the viewers during the KulturaSerye talk.

For inquiries on KulturaSerye webinar, feel free to contact Gateway Gallery at gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com, 8588-4000 local 8300, or via its social media at Facebook (GatewayGalleryPh), Instagram (gateway.gallery), Twitter (gateway_gallery), and YouTube (Gateway Gallery).

Managed by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Gateway Gallery is the art museum of Araneta City devoted to the promotion of Philippine culture, heritage, and art. It is located at the 5th floor of Gateway Tower. 

Ben&Ben music video of KathNiel-starrer “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay”

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla stars as a romantic couple stuck in a time loop in the new music video for Ben&Ben’s “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay.”

Helmed by the band’s resident director Jorel Lising and written by Gaya Sa Pelikula creator Juan Miguel Severo, the song’s visual narrative explores the complicated relationship dynamics of two lovers who have lost and found each other in a fated cycle of events.

Complicated love in a time loop

Severo reveals that “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” a song that deals with the “possibility of another life to succeed in love,” complements the KathNiel starrer that he has in mind. Having written Hintayan ng Langit, an evocative piece that examines eternal romance in the afterlife, Severo decided to do away with another reincarnation story for his interpretation of the material.

“Then it hit me, what about a couple stuck in a time loop?”, the prolific writer points out. “What if every time one dies, they go back to their first date with one of them carrying memories from their previous run? It took the band, Direk, and I a couple of zoom calls, brainstorming ideas to compound on that concept and get everything laid out before I presented it to KathNiel.”

Severo’s writing lends to a beautifully understated film that allows KathNiel to tackle their role with nuanced sensitivity and depth. To make it more impactful on screen, music video director Jorel Lising makes use of non-liner, fragmented storytelling as a way to capture the couple’s memories in its undiluted form. Lising adds, “It all comes from the content of the song - it’s a strong piece that speaks about love lost and an intense sense of longing, so the process of developing the treatment and Severo’s script came from that. The challenge for us was to maximize the emotion based on that kind of narrative.”

Working with KathNiel

According to the band’s co-vocalist and acoustic guitarist Miguel Benjamin, the journey behind the music video was both a dream and a serendipitous sequence of events. "About two months ago, an interesting exchange came up while our keyboardist Patricia Lasaten was working on the music of Juan Miguel Severo’s Gaya Sa Pelikula,” says Miguel. “As a way of showing appreciation when we offered our song ‘Ride Home’ to the series, Juan Miguel graciously offered us in return to write a script for the ‘Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay’ MV, and pitch it to KathNiel, as they are good friends. We pushed through, and to our surprise, they loved both the idea of working with all of us and the script. This was a big thing for us because we never expected that these great artists would be open to doing a music video with us, given their stature and busy schedules.”

Despite the time constraints, Lising didn’t experience difficulty working with one of the biggest love teams in recent memory. The nine-piece collective’s frequent collaborator recounts that he only has few adjustments for every take, thanks to KathNiel’s astounding professionalism and craft. “We didn’t have a whole lot of time with them, but they definitely possess star power quality on camera. Every frame we took of them has a strong presence that comes with lots of experience, especially since they’ve been acting for so long now.”

The music video of Ben&Ben’s “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” is out now via Sony Music Philippines. 

 

Pru Life UK promotes a money-smart Christmas with Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home

The free webinar taught financial literacy for families to enjoy a more meaningful holiday

 

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK, in partnership with Prudence Foundation and Junior Achievement Philippines, ushered in a cheerful Christmas season with Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home: Money-Smart and Meaningful Holidays for Filipino Families. The expert-led and fun-filled webinar was attended by about 500 parents and their children.

 

The virtual event, which was hosted by Pru Life UK Assistant Manager for Investments Marketing Mary Jane Pangan, featured family and finance experts Rose Fres Fausto and Edric Mendoza, who shared how families can create a purposeful Christmas. Kids joined fun holiday-themed games that taught them basic money management concepts.

Pru Life UK VP for Investment Marketing Mark Anthony Valino welcomes webinar attendees with his opening remarks. 

“While this Christmas season comes amid unprecedented times, the joyous spirit of the holidays remains and thrives. We hope that by extending the Cha-Ching money management values to families at this time of the year we will be able to help them have a more money-smart and meaningful celebration,” says Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga.

 

Expert-led talks on a purposeful Christmas

Fausto is an investment banker turned author, columnist, and speaker on purposeful parenting. She also runs FQ Mom, a blog and YouTube channel that focuses on money and family. She led the talk Holidays on a Budget: How to Have a Merrier Christmas by Spending Less and shared her “Christmas FQripot Tips” with the audience. These include cutting back on gifts, clothes, and decor expenses despite seeing big discounts and sales. “When you shop at sale events, be sure to know the actual price of the item, and keep in mind that you should only buy what you need and not because it is cheap,” said Fausto.

IFE Management Advisers Inc. president and FQMom Rose Fres Fausto shares tips on how Filipino families can have a merrier Christmas by spending less. 

 

She was joined by Mendoza, an entrepreneur, family advocate, and former lead anchor of ANC’s On the Money. He is also the chairman of Homeschool Global Learning Inc. and president of The Parentschooling Co. At the virtual event, he shared his insights on the values of charity in Meaningful Holidays: Ways You Can Give Back to Your Community, where his three kids made a special appearance and talked about buying gifts for the family with a budget. Mendoza also encouraged parents to teach their kids about charity at their young age. “For children to embrace the value of giving, we must provide them the opportunity to experience the joy of it. That way it would be easier for them to practice giving back to the community as they grow up,” he said.

  Parentschooling Co. president and former lead anchor of ANC’s On the Money Edric Mendoza shares insights on how parents and kids can give back to the community this holiday season and beyond. 

 

During the games, kids tested their money management skills in Kris Kringle Quiz, where they had to choose the best gift that fits a given category and budget. In Matching Gifts, kids had to memorize the names of children and their corresponding Christmas wishes. They then had to match a donation to the kid who wished for it. A total of six participants won a P500 gift card and a set of Cha-Ching comic books, while one lucky attendee won a brand-new tablet and a Christmas gift basket perfect for Noche Buena.

Host MJ Pangan enjoins participants and their kids to take part in the fun Christmas-themed virtual games . 

 

The virtual event was in line with Pru Life UK’s We DO Education commitment to promote financial literacy in the Philippines. Beyond the webinar, Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home offers a set of printable resources that parents can use to teach their children basic money management concepts like Earn, Save, Spend, and Donate. The modules were created by Pru Life UK and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudence plc.

 

“While Christmas can be an extravagant celebration, many of us are feeling the blow of the pandemic. We hope Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home provides people with helpful and useful money management tips, especially on saving and donating. Then hopefully everyone can still feel and share in the Christmas spirit even though traditional festivities may be disrupted,” shares Marc Fancy, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation.

 

Download the Cha-Ching Kid$ at Home modules and give your kids the gift of financial wisdom this Christmas. Access them on chaching.cartoonnetworkasia.com/en/. For more information, visit the Pru Life UK website at prulifeuk.com.ph or the Facebook page at facebook.com/prulifeukofficial.

 

Shopee 12.12 Birthday Sale kicks off on a high note, with four times more items sold in the first hour compared to last year 

MANILA, December 12, 2020 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, kicked off its fifth 12.12 Birthday Sale on a high note with strong enthusiasm from shoppers across the region. Shopping activity surged at midnight on December 12, with four times more items sold in the first hour compared to 2019.

Key trends in the first 8 hours of 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

● Home & Living, Men’s Apparel, and Health & Personal Care are the most popular product categories among Filipino consumers.

● People are prepping for fitness-related New Year’s resolutions by stocking up on activewear. In the first 8 hours of December 12, around 30,000 units of men’s jogger pants were sold. Filipinos are also keen on doing some home organizing over the holidays, with around 22,000 shoe box organizers sold. 

● Filipinos are eagerly snapping up the best deals in celebration of Shopee’s fifth birthday, with one shopper making almost 100 orders in the morning of December 12. Shopping activity is also highest in Metro Manila, South Luzon, and North Luzon.

 

Discover more unbeatable deals at Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale until midnight at https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

DTI Bagsakan Project sustains MSMEs with continued market presence

 

DTI Bagsakan Project sustains MSMEs with continued market presence 

In March this year, the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion was all set to kick off its much-awaited 2020 National Food Fair, which was scheduled to run from March 12 -16, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall. This had to be postponed due to Proclamation No. 922, declaring a state of public health emergency. 

With the need to extend support to the local micro, small, ane medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the DTI through its Trade Promotions Group (TPG) led by Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman initiated the Bagsakan Project, a selling activity with a limited number of MSMEs from the different regions, particularly those selling fresh produce and processed foods.

Implemented by the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in cooperation with the DTI-Regional Operations Group, the event is marketed online through the BDTP social media pages, showcasing the participating MSMEs and their products to reach more consumers especially in the National Capital Region (NCR). Orders are taken before the event and confirmed orders are prepared for pick up on the scheduled date. Eventually, in addition to cash only transactions, digital payments and bank transfers have provided added convenience to the consumers and MSMEs.

On December 11 to 13, the 27th Bagsakan event for the year will be held at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, with 40 participating exhibitors from the provinces of Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Laguna, Batangas, Sorsogon, Samar, Zamboanga City, Davao City, and the National Capital Region. They will be offering food products and other regional delicacies, as well as garments, footwear, home decor, and other gift items. In the spirit of the holidays, this offers shoppers an opportunity to discover unique gift ideas for their loved ones while also supporting our Filipino entrepreneurs.

To-date the Bagsakan project has assisted 150 MSMEs, 13 social associations, and 4 fruit growers cooperatives from 26 provinces, by making their products accessible to Metro Manila customers. The project has generated over Php 14-million for the participating exhibitors, thus helping MSMEs sustain their business activities and continue providing employment and livelihood in the regions.

The Bagsakan Project is part of the DTI's advocacy to "Buy Local, Go Lokal, Shop Local, Eat Local, and Travel Local." 

The Weekend Bagsakan at The Festival Mall will run from December 11 to 13 during mall hours, which are 11AM to 8PM. For those who prefer to shop from home, you can also check out the products online on the Facebook page @BDTP.