Apr 30, 2021

BDO Junior Savers, ang tunay na pamana sa kinabukasan

 BDO Junior Savers, Ang Tunay na Pamana sa Kinabukasan

“Bata-bata, ano ba ang pwede mong magawa”? ISANG sikat na Tagalog song ang siguradong tumatak sa mga magulang noong dekada 80 at ito ay may lyrics na “Batang-bata ka pa at marami ka pang kailangan malaman at intindihin sa mundo, yan ang totoo.”

Tama nga naman. At sino pa ba ang unang teacher na maituturing ng mga bata kungdi ang kanilang mga magulang. Narito ang ilang tips para sa mga magulang na gustong turuan ang kanilang mga anak na pahalagahan ang pera habang sila ay bata pa:

Bago makuha ang isang bagay, dapat itong paghandaan at pag-ipunan. Habang bata pa lang, dapat ng matutunan ng mga mga anak na ang pera ay kinikita at pinaghihirapan. Kapag may mga bagay silang gustong ipabili, halimbawa ay isang laruan, sa halip na sabihing “Anak, wala tayong perang pambili,” gawin mas positibo ang strategy at paaalalahanan ang mga anak na ang “needs at wants” ay kailangang pagtrabahuhan at pag-ipunan.  

Kahit bata ay pwedeng magnegosyo o mag-invest. Usung-uso ngayon ang online selling at kahit mga bata ay na-e-enganyong sumali dito.  May mga nagbebenta ng pagkain, candies, stationaries, damit, accessories, at marami pang iba.  Kasama ang inyong mga anak, maaari ninyong pag-usapan ang pagsisimula ng isang maliit na negosyo tulad ng isang online store at magbenta ng mga pre-loved items tulad ng toys at books. Kung investment naman pag-uusapan, simple lang muna ang iyong ituro at mag research online para sa dagdag na impormasyon.

Kailangan ba o Gusto lang? Importanteng matutunan ng mga bata kung papaano mag-budget. Kailangan nilang malaman at maintindihan na ang mga basic needs tulad ng pagkain, regular na bayarin, school supplies, atbp ay mas importante kaysa mga laruan at iba pang material na bagay.

Ipon-ipon Para sa Kinabukasan. Ituro sa mga anak na importante ang pagkakaroon ng ipon para suportahan ang mga kailangan sa future. Upang mas lalo nilang maintindihan, mas makatutulong kung magbibigay ng mga simpleng halimbawa ang mga magulang kung saan mas makaka-relate sila.

Makakatulong ang BDO sa pagsisimula ng mga bata na mag-ipon sa pamamagitan ng BDO Junior Savers account. Ito ay savings account na dinisenyo para sa mga kabataan, affordable lamang ang initial deposit at may low maintaining balance. Napakadaling mag-open ng BDO Junior Savers accountat ito ay available sa lahat ng BDO Branches nationwide.

Kapag mayroon ng BDO Junior Savers account, maaaring tulungan ng mga magulang na palakihin ang kanilang ipon gamit ang sariling BDO Digital Banking account. Sa pamamagitan ng Junior Savers Plan, regular na makakapag-deposit ng pera mula sa BDO Savings account papunta sa Junior Savers account ng mga anak.

 

For more info, visit BDO Junior Savers Account now!





DiskarTech launches first digital sari-sari store sachet insurance amid pandemi

RCBC DiskarTech launches first digital sari-sari store

 

DiskarTech launches first digital sari-sari store sachet insurance amid pandemic


Small retail shop owners are the latest beneficiaries of DiskarTech’s new innovative offering.

The Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation’s (RCBC) financial inclusion super app has launched a microinsurance product priced at only P35 for sari-sari store owners.

With the local economy reeling from the effects of the continuing pandemic, many small retail store owners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Preparing for emergency situations can be difficult for entrepreneurs barely surviving the health and economic crisis.  
Still, it pays to be ready with the help of reliable financial institutions.

DiskarTech’s Sarisari Store Insurance provides up to P25,000 in fire cash assistance, accidental death, total permanent disability from an accidental cause, and dismemberment or disablement assistance due to an accidental cause.

“With so many uncertainties in an economy during a pandemic, we are offering our users some peace of mind while doing their business. Through the Sarisari Store Insurance, users can be assured that emergency situations will be taken care of, all via an easy-to-use mobile app,” said Eugene Acevedo, president and chief executive officer of RCBC.
 
DiskarTech users only need to click the Loans button on the app’s home screen and select the Sarisari Store insurance to purchase the product. Important reminders and the terms and conditions are readily available in the app as well. 

Only one policy is entitled to any member at any given time.

“Many people believe that insurance is expensive and that only wealthy individuals can afford it. We are here to disprove that and say, ‘Hey, even small business owners deserve to be assured of help when emergency arises,’” said Lito Villanueva, RCBC executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer.

“With the Sarisari Store Insurance, we’re bringing microinsurance closer to the many small business owners who are actually key players in this pandemic. Supermarket chains are operating under limited capacity and quarantine protocols limit the movement of people. Hence, neighborhood retail shops are the go-to stores of Filipinos to avail of fast-moving goods while in lockdown,” added Villanueva.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez echoes the vital role played by sari-sari stores. “They form the backbone of our economy. DiskarTech's Sarisari Store Insurance is quite a relief for small enterprise owners who always have this fear of losing their business to unexpected accidents. Now, they can rest easy knowing, DiskarTech has got their backs,” he said. 

RCBC is one of the leading universal banks accelerating digital transformation in the Philippines. It was judged in 2020 as the Philippines’ best digital bank by the Asiamoney and the Alpha Southeast Asia, among other global and regional recognitions. It is also the first local universal bank to have the most extensive reach with registered customers from across all 81 provinces nationwide through its mobile apps RCBC Mobile and DiskarTech. Its digital products include RCBC mobile and online banking, handheld ATM Go mobile point-of-sale terminals, and DiskarTech, among others. DiskarTech was recognized as the 2020 breakout finance app in the country by App Annie, a global data analytics firm covering all mobile applications worldwide. 

Apr 29, 2021

BDO posts P28.2 billion income in 2020 Earns P10.4 billion in 1Q21

 BDO posts P28.2 billion income in 2020 Earns P10.4 billion in 1Q21 




In the Bank’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held today virtually, BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) President Nestor V. Tan reported the Bank’s full year 2020 and first quarter 2021 results at P28.2 billion and P10.4 billion, respectively, on the back of the Bank’s resilient business franchise despite the continuing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

BDO demonstrated operational resilience and grew its balance sheet amid the difficult operating environment in 2020. Net income was lower vs. 2019, mainly due to pre-emptive provisions of P30.2 billion set aside against potential pandemic-induced delinquencies. However, the Bank’s pre-provisioning operating profit remained solid with 17 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) growth over 2019.  

For the first three (3) months of 2021, net income was at P10.4 billion up by 19 per cent from a year-ago on the robust performance from service fee businesses that compensated for the weak demand for loans. 

Loans dipped by one (1) per cent YoY to P2.2 trillion, while total deposits went up by two (2) per cent to P2.6 trillion, underpinned by the 11 per cent rise in CASA deposits, with the CASA ratio hitting a record 83 per cent. 

Non-interest income recovered driven by the strong performance of wealth management and life insurance businesses, as well as the normalization of trading and forex gains. Operating expenses were relatively flat compared to last year. 

The Bank set aside an additional P2.9 billion in provisions even as the 1Q21 NPL ratio of 2.81% remained within expectations, and is still below the three (3) per cent NPL ratio projected for end-2020. NPL coverage is now at 107.1 per cent, more than adequate to cover for potential losses. 

The Bank’s capital base strengthened to P400.9 billion with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) at 14.7 per cent and 13.6 per cent, respectively, both comfortably above regulatory levels and deemed sufficient to withstand near-term shocks. The Bank’s Book Value per common share stood at P89.89, up 7.8 per cent from year-ago levels.

BDO remains resilient in the face of the continuing challenges of the health crisis and will continue to strengthen its business franchise and invest in its digital infrastructure with the ongoing implementation of the Bank’s strategic programs. 

Apr 27, 2021

Viet Mart Supplier Inc. Opens New Branch of VMART “Taste of Asia” in Sherwood Place, Taft Avenue Manila


Viet Mart Supplier Inc. Opens New Branch of VMART “Taste of Asia” in Sherwood Place, Taft Avenue Manila


Viet Mart Supplier Inc. (Vmart.ph), an international-based growing start-up grocery business in the Philippines, establishes its second physical store in Sherwood Place in Taft Avenue, Manila in its initial expanding efforts.

Viet Mart Supplier Inc. Opens New Branch of VMART “Taste of Asia” in Sherwood Place, Taft Avenue Manila


When Jenny To, CEO of Vmart.ph, established the first store, currently located at 174 Yakal Street Makati City, its primary goal was to serve and bring Vietnamese products to its ex-pats living in Makati. Then, after a short period of business in the country, they have decided to integrate their business into the local scene.


Vmart.ph primarily has Vietnamese goods, but it also includes Korean, Thai, Chinese, and some Filipino products.


“Our products originally and majorly are Vietnam products. We’re currently looking into the Vietnam market in the Philippines then start to expand to the local market here. We want to stretch to the local market now and try switching from Vietnam-centered market to the local,” said To.

Vmart.ph primarily has Vietnamese goods, but it also includes Korean, Thai, Chinese, and some Filipino products.

 Vmart.ph products vary from consumable goods to health and beauty products, mobile phone accessories, international fruits and vegetables, medical supplies, pet care products, meat and poultry, and various beverages.



Vmart.ph also has a joint business with VMart which is Annam.ph, a Vietnamese mainstay restaurant, located beside the Makati branch.

“We want to bring the Vietnam products here in the Philippines, but we also brought with us Thai, Chinese, and Korean products to our store,” said To.

“When we first opened here, our first goal was to cater to Vietnamese ex-pats living in the Philippines,” explained To.

Vmart.ph’s second store was strategically established in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila to cater, not only to ex-pats living near Taft Avenue but also to target De La Salle University-Manila students, who they think has the greater interest in trying international products because of their “traveling tendencies.”

“When we opened in our second branch in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila, we wanted not to focus only on Vietnam ex-pats living around Taft but we are also targeting students from De La Salle University. We think that most of these students are there well-traveled,” said To.

“We know most of the students from LaSalle go on and about to different countries to we figured that they are the specific market that would appreciate and try out the products,” said To.

For 2021, Vmart plans to establish a total of three stores in the country’s capital region, also strategically choosing from either Quezon City, Clark Pampanga, Pasay, or Cavite.

“We are planning to put a maximum of three stores. Maybe one or two more for this year. We are looking into either Clark in Pampanga or Cavite. We are also searching either in Quezon City, Cavite, Pasay, or Pampanga but were still looking for the best spots to put up the stores,” said To.

VMart “Taste of Asia” is open 24 hours, seven days a week and delivers from 7:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

For additional information, please visit www.vmart.ph.


JOHNSON’S® launches Play Days 2021 Campaign to Protect the Joy of Play

Protect the Joy of Play
Protect the Joy of Play
 
 JOHNSON’S® Moms are the Protectors of Play
JOHNSON’S® launches Play Days 2021 Campaign to Protect the Joy of Play
#ProtectTheJoyOfPlay

The sudden shift of a mom and kid’s lifestyle has taken significant turns on blurring the lines between work and play. Whether we see it or not, kids experience stress too at a time like this given how they used to go about their day at home with their family or in school with their classmates and friends. Online learning became a big source of frustration among moms and kids, with the demands and adjustments that come in the picture.

According to Jose Miguel Gamboa, the JOHNSON’S Baby senior brand manager for Powder, “Kids turn to play to rid of stress that come along with the challenges they face in the ‘new normal’ because to them, play is joy. There is joy in bonding with mom. No matter what the world brings, the joy of play makes everything right and better for both moms and kids.”


In line with JOHNSON’S goal to create a world where every child thrives, they have also been a top believer in the importance of play to a child’s growth, especially during his formative years. Consequently, in 2012, the brand launched their legacy campaign, Play Days, to highlight the significant role of play for the growth and development of kids. Since then, they made it their mission to remind parents all over the country the value play brings to their children across different campaign themes, year-on-year.

This year, JOHNSON’S launches its legacy campaign, Play Days, to empower moms to Protect the Joy of Play despite the challenges moms and kids face. The  campaign encourages mom and kids to make time for play, and shows how play can be fun, enjoyable, and exciting even in the comforts of their own homes.

“We are excited and thrilled to have our partners, PlayWorks and Toy Kingdom, join us in our efforts to Protecting the Joy of Play for kids. We know how important it is for kids to play and how play contributes to their overall well-being. And at JOHNSON’S® we believe in making a world where every child thrives.” Says Jam Muñasque, senior marketing manager of JOHNSON’S Baby.


JOHNSON’S has partnered up with PlayWorks Learning Center Makati as the campaign’s Expert in Play. PlayWorks will be providing play ideas for moms who are seeking new and fresh play ideas that will keep their kids more engaged. They will be spearheading initiatives and online activations such as online Play Classes led by Teacher Gabby Roa-Limjoco, center directress of PlayWorks. 


Another partnership for this campaign was formed between JOHNSON’S and Toy Kingdom. As the largest toy store chain in the Philippines, Toy Kingdom stands as the Toy Expert for the campaign. They will extend avenues for moms to obtain tools for play through their brick-and-mortar and online shops, among other efforts.

On top of the partnerships, JOHNSON’S does their part in Protecting the Joy of Play by highlighting the use of Active Fresh Baby Powder and Blossoms Baby Powder before play time for instant 12-hour long-lasting freshness so that moms and kids can keep playing for longer.

The campaign launched with JOHNSON’S  first ever Virtual Playdate Facebook Live last March 17, to formally introduce and kickstart the campaign. Members from the Mombassador communities were treated to getting-to-know activities, a walkthrough of some PlayWorks play ideas, and several giveaway segments where 10 moms were able to bring home special JOHNSON’S  Play Kits and eGCs from Toy Kingdom. 

Moms can visit https://www.johnsonsbaby.com.ph/playdays to find more play ideas and learn more about the campaign #ProtectTheJoyOfPlay.

Apr 24, 2021

STI bridges learning gaps through innovation and technology

 

STI bridges learning gaps through innovation and technology

 

Education is undeniably one of the sectors in the country that was heavily hit by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. According to UNESCO, more than 1.5 billion students were affected by school closures in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease and 30 million of which are Filipino learners.

With school closures and physical classes no longer a feasible option amidst the health and safety concerns, educational institutions have shifted to distance learning. However, the sudden shift to remote learning has its challenges as most learners, educators, colleges, and universities have limited resources to meet the abrupt demands of the new learning modalities.

“The global pandemic has only allowed little time for schools to prepare for remote learning and other challenges in the curricula and learning delivery system. It is therefore crucial that we innovate, become more creative, and use technology as a leverage to make education inclusive, robust, and effective despite the crisis,” said Aisa Q. Hipolito, STI ESG VP for Academics.    

Tech-driven education in the new normal  

STI has introduced the ONline and ONsite Education (ONE STI), an educational framework to enable students to complete their studies last school year. For school year 2021-2022, ONE STI will continue to be the primary learning modality amidst the pandemic.

STI Online Class

The ONE STI Learning Model combines online learning via the eLearning Management System (eLMS) at home with the invaluable hands-on training on-campus campus once allowed by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

The concept of online learning is not new to STI, as the institution already implemented a blended learning mode for the past years using a two-way cloud-based platform where students and teachers can discuss and collaborate seamlessly.

To increase students’ productivity, STI partnered with Microsoft to provide its students and teachers with their own Microsoft Office 365 accounts which they can use to install Microsoft productivity apps on their devices and login to MS Teams. Through the MS Teams, students can also attend their online classes through its extensive video conferencing and other collaborative features.

With connectivity being the main hurdle in online learning, STI showed the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap with their recent partnership with PLDT Enterprise and Globe Telecom where students across all STI campuses will be provided with up to 34GB monthly data plan for free.

“Through this endeavor, our students will be less burdened and can stay connected, have access to online materials, and study safely and comfortably from their homes,” said Hipolito.

Industry-based and interactive learning content   

To complement this new learning model, STI continues to strengthen its partnership with key players in the industry to address the learning gaps brought by the limitations of remote learning. This is a way to ensure that students still get the most out of their education and get to apply their learnings in real world settings to prepare them for future employment.

“We constantly look for opportunities and seek feedback from our industry partners to ensure that our curriculum and training programs conform to the needs and demands of the ever-changing industry trends,” noted Hipolito.  

STI’s experience with blended learning in the past years has allowed the institution to recalibrate its learning contents and teaching methodologies to educate students even outside the classroom effectively.

For an instance, STI College is one of the 11 top universities and colleges in the country that joined the Huawei ICT Academy, a program of a leading multinational tech company Huawei that aims to enhance the awareness as well as the ICT knowledge and skills of future talents in the Philippines.

College students from various STI campuses have also successfully completed the UnionBank Blockchain Xcellerator Program where they had undergone an eight-week intensive course to create a blockchain application based on a business model.

Aside from these programs, STI teachers are actively inviting industry practitioners to their online classes to provide an insightful firsthand perspective to the learners.  

A virtual career fair exclusive for STI students and alumni was also conducted with the help of companies such as Accenture and Teleperformance to open more opportunities of employment to students.

In addition, a series of STI Webinars were continuously held for both students and parents, which discussed matters like mental health, data privacy online, and ways to deal with learning from home.

Apart from the ever-evolving content of the curriculum, STI has optimized its learning contents by making each module highly engaging and interactive.

Hipolito reiterated that the institution has invested its time and effort on various learning methodologies, data analytics on student performance that can correlate with various factors that affect learning, and continuous trainings for teachers.    

“STI has always been committed to provide our students with the necessary skills and knowledge that they can apply in the real world. That is why STI education is responsive, up-to-date, and relevant to keep up with the demands of our learners and the industries,” ended Hipolito.    

BDO’s sustainable investments follow global trend, still robust amid COVID-19

Happy Earth Day: 

BDO’s sustainable investments follow global trend, still robust amid COVID-19


BDO Unibank’s foray into sustainable investments continues to pay dividends even amid the pandemic, following the global trend of strong growth in environmental, social and governance (ESG)-themed investments. 

Pililla, Rizal Windmill with 27 turbines
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY.
A 54-megawatt wind farm in Pililla, Rizal with 27 turbines generates clean energy and is also a spectacle among local tourists. This is one of the many sustainable energy projects BDO Unibank, through its investment banking arm BDO Capital & Investment Corp., has funded along with other local commercial banks.



Economic pundits observed that COVID-19 has only strengthened the importance of ESG as investors look for more resilient investments amidst economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.

Globally, assets under management (AUM) anchored on sustainable investments jumped 29% in the fourth quarter of 2020 to $1.7 trillion.

Domestically, BDO’s ESG Unit Investment Trust Fund (ESG UITF)—the first of its kind in the Philippines—posted returns of 13.95% and 19.90% in the last six and three months, respectively, leading to end-December 2020.

As of end-2020, the value of the AUM of this instrument grew 79% to PhP99.4 million from P55.5 million in 2016. 

From Php55.5 million in 2016, the AUM of BDO ESG UITF have grown steadily to Php60.1 million in 2017, Php66.6 million in 2018, Php75.2 million in 2019, and Php99.4 million in 2020.

The BDO ESG UITF followed a similar higher return performance shown by ESG funds globally, proving the importance of sustainable business practices. 

“While the Fund is still small, it has the potential to grow in size and importance as more investors are consciously looking for companies that protect the environment, are socially responsible, and practice good governance in a sustainable manner,” BDO said.

The BDO ESG UITF allows investors to see value in socially responsible companies as an investment destination for their funds, and to invest in one fund that covers several companies, instead of investing separately in every local company that they believe creates a positive contribution to society. 

“Its importance is further heightened during this time of the pandemic, as sustainable investment amplifies the Bank's resiliency to unforeseen global or local crises” the Bank added.
Apr 22, 2021

Jolina Magdangal shares how she takes care of her family in the new normal

Jolina Magdangal with her kid
Jolina Magdangal


Jolina Magdangal shares how she takes care of her family in the new normal

Juggling many things at once is normal for Jolina Magdangal. Apart from being one of the momshies of the morning talk show Magandang Buhay, she runs the vlog #JolinaNetwork and takes care of her two kids, Pele and Vika, with her husband Mark Escueta. Magdangal also makes time to pursue hobbies like diamond painting, working out, and being a #HalamaNanay. But with the pandemic, she was forced to adjust her priorities and make changes to her family.


Mark Escueta and his son
Mark Escueta and his kid

 

May times na busy sa Magandang Buhay pero pag walang taping, usually dito lang ako sa bahay with my family. May mga nagbago samin, tulad ng anak ko na nag-homeschool. We decided to do homeschooling kasi mas naging priority namin ang safety niya, and we want to experience yung pagiging hands-on din sa school niya,” the mom reveals.

 

Even if Magdangal is used to doing so many things at once, she admits that homeschooling can be a struggle. It’s also a new experience for her and her husband since they are not teachers. Still, she takes on the challenge because “masarap ang pakiramdam dahil anak namin yung tinuturuan namin at rewarding ang feeling pag natututo at malaki ang development.”

 

Another change in the Magdangal-Escueta household is their attitude towards going out. If in the past, they can just get up and go, they now take extra precautions. Magdangal says, “I must admit, may pagkapraning ako na baka yung makasalubong ko or yung kausap ko ay positive sa COVID-19. Dumami ang dala-dala kong gamit kasi ang dami kong disinfectant.”

 

She also taught her kids hygiene habits to protect themselves and stay clean at all times. They learned to wash their hands and to carry alcohol and wet wipes. When going out, they wear their face masks even in the car, and they take showers as soon as they get home. When Magdangal and Escueta return home from work, the kids already know to stay in one room and wait until their parents have showered.

 

These precautions are second nature to Magdangal, who has always prioritized her and her family’s health. She says, “Pag may nararamdamang masama ang anak ko kahit ano pa yan, binibigyan ko talaga ng pansin. May pagkapraning kasi ako sa mga sakit.”

 

She believes in giving them the right medicine and the proper dosage, at the right number of times. For fever, she trusts Calpol.

 

Pag iba na ang pakiramdam and parang iba ang temperature, naka-monitor na ako. As soon as pumatak sa 37.8 yung temperature, Calpol agad.”

 

Calpol for Kids is a paracetamol-based suspension which can be given to infants and children ages 0-12 years old. It can treat mild to moderate fever and pain associated with discomfort after vaccination, toothaches, headaches, migraines, muscle aches, sore throats and musculoskeletal pain. Calpol for Kids starts to work on fever in 15 minutes and is gentle on kids’ tiny tummies.

 

Mabilis talaga umepekto ang Calpol. Pag may lagnat ang anak ko, di ako umaalis sa tabi nila at gusto ko either yakap ko sila o kung natutulog na kami, hawak ko paa nila. Nararamdaman ko agad na bumababa ang lagnat,” Magdangal reveals.

 

Her kids also love the Calpol strawberry and orange flavors. According to Magdangal, “hindi ako nahihirapan painumin. Tsaka sinisimot pa.”

 

Times may be tough, but Magdangal has advice for everyone in the new normal. She says, “kung ano man ang nararamdaman nila, hindi sila nag-iisa. Laban lang nang laban lalo na para sa pamilya. Mas malaki tayo sa virus kaya wag natin papabayaan ang sarili natin.”

 

Besides, there are things to look forward to in the future. For Jolina, she’s hoping to continue vlogging, book more endorsements, and shoot a movie. She wants to learn to cook and bake and she and her husband want to start a business. The family has milestones to celebrate like the kids’ birthdays and her 10th wedding anniversary.

 

Everything may have changed for families around the world, but Magdangal says that there are three good things that came out of this pandemic: “mas lalo pang na-appreciate ang worth ng family, wala nang mas hihigit pa sa prayer, and yung idea na ‘prevention is better than cure.’”

 

For more information about Calpol, visit www.calpol.com.ph

Apr 21, 2021

Century Pacific plant-based brands allow consumers to help plant trees for Mother Earth

 
Have a coconut tree planted
Shop and Save Our Planet

Customers can help plant coconut seedlings and reduce carbon emission  by purchasing Coco Mama, unMeat, or Vita Coco products 

Century Pacific plant-based brands allow consumers to help plant trees for Mother Earth


How would you like to buy your favorite plant-based products and help the environment by having a coconut tree planted on your behalf? 

To celebrate Earth Week 2021, Century Pacific Food Inc (CNPF), one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines, is enjoining consumers to join its mission to give back to Mother Earth  and to Philippine coconut farmers by planting trees to increase coconut supply, help the environment, and minimize carbon emissions.  

CNPF, in partnership with non-profit organization HOPE, encourages and challenges its customers to plant a tree, support our local farmers, and minimize carbon emissions through its portfolio of healthy brands – Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat.  


Coco Mama and Vita Coco offer consumers a convenient way to enjoy the goodness of coconuts – rich in potassium, high in antioxidants, and with healthy benefits for  the heart, kidney, and blood sugar. UnMeat, a 100% plant-based brand,  is a healthy meat alternative made with non-GMO plant-based ingredients, zero cholesterol and trans-fat, while remaining a good source of protein and fiber.

The company is offering special product bundles of these brands, and each bundle comes with a guarantee that one tree will be planted on behalf of the customers.  Proceeds for the promo will go to the coconut farmers of Sarangani. 

The bundle offerings are in line with CNPF’s broader sustainability program, specifically a long-term commitment to provide Philippine farmers 100,000 free coconut seedlings to farmers every year, over the next 5 to 8 years.

On top of expanding coconut supply in South Central Mindanao and helping augment the income of 16,000 farmers and their families, the new trees are expected to offset about 416,680 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, allowing CNPF’s coconut business to be “carbon neutral” by 2028.

To join and support this project, consumers simply need to purchase bundles of Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat at Century Pacific’s food stores in Shopee and Lazada. The bundles are available from April 19 to 25. 

Coco Mama Fresh Gata, the coconut cream that has first pressed quality, joins this campaign to help protect our environment.  For every purchase of 5 pieces Coco Mama 200 mL, CNPF guarantees one tree will be planted on behalf of the customer. 

Hydrate naturally with the coconut goodness of Vita Coco as it offers 11+1 Coconut Water 330ml Promo Pack which entitles customers to one tree to be planted on their behalf. With this offer, you are not only boosting and loading your body with electrolytes but also protecting and nourishing Mother Earth. 

Flexitarians, and fans of plant-based meals can choose from two bundles of unMeat: Pack 1 – Burger, Nuggets, and Giniling; and Pack 2 – Sausage, Nuggets, and Giniling.  For every purchase of one bundle, a tree will be planted by CNPF.  

So have a meaningful Earth Week celebration by shopping with these healthy brands that are not just good for you, but good for the planet too. 

 The Coco Mama, Vita Coco, and unMeat bundle offers are available until April 25 on the Century Food Store and SWIFT Official Store in Shopee, Lazada, and Swift Meat E-tindahan. 

Apr 9, 2021

Catch Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Other DCEU Films and Series on HBO GO with Globe



Catch Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Other DCEU Films and Series on HBO GO with Globe



Comic book and superhero fans are still buzzing with excitement over the release of DC’s cinematic movie of the year, Zack Snyder’s Justice League. And the great news is Globe subscribers can now watch the much-awaited film on HBO GO with Globe!

Globe aims to reinvent the way its customers consume entertainment through this partnership by bringing HBO’s blockbuster movies and TV shows including  Zack Snyder’s Justice League closer and more accessible to digital Filipinos, enjoyable through their mobile phones or home internet gadgets.

The story starts when  Bruce Wayne (Batman) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions – an act to ensure that Superman’s ultimate sacrifice was not in vain.

The length of the movie spans 4 hours divided into 6 chapters and an epilogue. At first, this might seem like a daunting and heavy watch, but it actually fleshed out the characters and background stories especially that of Cyborg and The Flash. It also features some of Snyder’s signature styles like monochromatic color palettes and speed ramping action scenes and made do with less of the comedic banters, leaning to a more serious tone.

After watching Zack Snyder’s Justice League, you can also enjoy other DC movies such as Birds of Prey (2020), Joker (2019) and Shazam! (2019), and series like Gotham and Doom Patrol on HBO GO to reinvent the movie experience wherever you are!

Globe Postpaid and Prepaid customers can watch the film on their mobile phones thru HBO GO for only Php 149 per month! Just register or log in to the GlobeOne app, go to the Lifestyle section from the Menu and follow the activation steps. Globe Prepaid users can also get  an extra 1GB for HBO GO with GoWATCH10 on top of their favorite Go promos via the GlobeOne app to enjoy worry-free streaming of their favorite shows.

New Globe At Home Unli Fiber Up Postpaid customers and plan upgraders also get 3 months access to HBO GO by simply redeeming their voucher via the Globe At Home app. Globe Platinum customers can also charge their subscription to the consumable allowance of Platinum GPlan.

With the HBO GO app, viewers can enjoy thousands of hours of shows and movies, anytime and anywhere, using their connected device. Whether you are in the mood for some Hollywood blockbusters, Asian dramas, or kids and family content, chances are you can find it at HBO GO.

Visit http://www.globe.com.ph/hbogo to know more about HBO GO and Globe.

BDO and American Express support local businesses


 BDO and American Express support local businesses


BDO and American Express Support Local Businesses Bringing Shop Small to the Philippines for the First Time Manila, Philippines, 08 April 2021 – BDO and its partner American Express, are coming together to support local businesses; those hit hardest by the pandemic. Through this partnership, American Express is bringing its global Shop Small movement to the Philippines. 

To encourage shoppers to show their love for local businesses, BDO and American Express are launching a special Shop Small offer of 5x Rewards* for purchases made at participating Shop Small merchants using BDO-issued American Express Cards from March 15 to June 30, 2021. 

With over 1,000 merchant locations, ranging from retail shops, restaurants and specialty stores, reward points earned can be used to redeem a reward of choice from a selection of gift certificates, gadgets, appliance, air miles and more. 

“Together with BDO, we are bringing Shop Small to the Philippines to lend our support to local businesses. They are such an important part of our lives, and they have been particularly affected by the pandemic,” said Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, South East Asia and South Pacific, American Express. “We want to play our part to support them and we hope our Shop Small movement encourages everyone to support their local businesses.”

Started in 2010 in the United States, American Express’ Shop Small is a movement to celebrate the contributions local businesses make to their communities and the economy, and to encourage shoppers to support them. Since then, it has been introduced in countries around the world including Singapore, Australia, the UK, India and Japan. 

“Shop Small is one of the ways we can support local businesses in the country,” said Ma. Nannette R. Regala, BDO Senior Vice President and Consumer Banking Marketing Head. “With this initiative, we’re encouraging Filipino shoppers to do their share and help small and medium enterprises bounce back. Every spend can help make a difference.” 

To learn more about the Shop Small movement and view the complete list of partner merchants, visit americanexpress.com.ph/shopsmall
Apr 8, 2021

Nestlé Philippines Supports PCEx and SM Malls’ Plastic Waste Collection Initiative

 

Nestlé Philippines Supports PCEx and SM Malls’ Plastic Waste Collection Initiative


In a virtual event held recently, Plastic Credit Exchange (PCEx) and SM Malls formally launched their Plastic Waste Collection Program in partnership with Nestlé Philippines. This program aims not only to educate the public on the benefits of plastic waste management but also give them a place where they can bring their plastic waste for proper collection and disposal.

Through the Plastic Waste Collection Program, everyone can contribute to a cleaner environment by dropping off their empty, clean, and dry plastics from 10 am to 5 pm at the blue container van located in participating SM malls such as SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia. The plastics are properly compacted and arranged before being collected for PCEx to transport to various recycling partners.

 
Nestlé Philippines supports the initiative in line with its goal of reducing plastic waste and preventing it from ending up in nature. 

“At Nestlé Philippines, we are leading with initiatives to tackle plastic waste. By 2025, we aim for our packaging to be recyclable or reusable. To do this, we have been working on packaging innovations, and increasing our efforts to support collection to improve sorting, recovery, and recycling. We are also helping to educate the public about the importance of proper waste management. Recognizing the complexity of the plastic waste issue, we are collaborating with partners to make a bigger impact and accelerate our journey to a waste-free future,” said Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki.

Last year, Nestlé Philippines achieved a major environmental milestone by becoming the country’s first multinational fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company to attain plastic neutrality. Since August 2020, it has been collecting and co-processing more than the amount of plastic it uses for its packaging. This strongly supports the vision of Nestlé Philippines of preventing its packaging including plastic from ending up in landfills and oceans.

Apr 6, 2021

BDO wins Philippine Quill Awards for effective communications

 

Communications Excellence
IABC Philippines recognized BDO Unibank during Arise: The 18th Philippine Quill Awards, which honor exemplary communication research, programs, skills, and creative work. The bank received Awards of Excellence and Merit for its effective communication campaign, media and influencer engagement, and financial advocacy videos.


BDO wins Philippine Quill Awards for effective communications



BDO Unibank’s efforts to keep its clients and the general public informed have been recognized with six Excellence and Merit awards at the recently held “Arise: The 18th Philippine Quill Awards”, which “honor exemplary communication research, programs, skills, and creative work.”

The Quill Awards was organized by the Philippine office of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a global membership association whose members represent various communications discipline including public relations, media relations, corporate communications, public affairs, government relations, community relations, to name a few.

BDO received an Excellence Award in the Social Media Programs category for engaging with TikTokers, an emerging set of online influencers, to start conversations about its BDO Remit videos on the social media platform as well as help bring joy to overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries at home.

The BDO Remit videos starring endorser Piolo Pascual were launched last year. To bring them closer to customers, the bank partnered with Star Magic’s Rise Artists Studio to have Piolo guest on its “We Rise Together” online show, and get support from its online influencer network. This strategy gave BDO an Excellence Award in the Media Relations category.

Meanwhile, the bank’s “Kabayan, Kasangga, Kasama” campaign, which created awareness for its BDO Remit videos bagged a Merit Award in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category. The campaign culminated in one of the first virtual presscons in the Philippines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

BDO also brought home accolades in the Audio/Visual category for its advocacy videos aimed at different target audiences:
An Excellence Award for its “Banking on the Filipino” video, which features the bank’s financial inclusion programs and inspires support from its managers and executives during its annual officers meeting;
A Merit Award for its video for millennials, which features young influencer Angelique Manto getting advice from BDO brand ambassador Pia Wurtzbach on how she can follow in her footsteps and manage her finances better; and
A Merit Award for its Valentine’s Day-themed financial education video, “Payo para sa Puso,” which was developed as a response to a report that shows the need for millennials to handle their money more responsibly. 
Apr 3, 2021

Gov't must accelerate vaccine rollout to jumpstart economic recovery - BDO

 
BDO chief investment officer Frederico Rafael "Fritz" D. Ocampo (right) talks with Rico Hizon of CNN Philippines.

Gov't must accelerate vaccine rollout to jumpstart economic recovery - BDO 

As government mulls extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the so-called NCR Plus bubble until April 18 to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the rollout of vaccines must also be accelerated to help jumpstart a laggard economy. 

According to BDO Unibank chief investment officer Frederico Rafael "Fritz" D. Ocampo, it is imperative that these two things be implemented for things to get back to normal.

"The pandemic is a public health issue, and so everybody wants to reopen the economy. Everybody wants to get back to normal. But the main issue is controlling the COVID spread and accelerating the vaccine rollout. Unless we're able to do these two top of mind and priority issues, then all of our dreams of getting back to normal will remain just a dream," he said in an interview with CNN Philippines. "What we have learned during the past year is when you have prolonged mobility restrictions, especially when you have a total lockdown of the economy, it just creates a lot of unemployed people and we tend to worsen the problem."

Ocampo also lamented the unenviable task facing the government right now amid the continuous surge of COVID-19 cases.

"It's a major challenge. The balancing act that you have to do right now is saving lives against saving jobs or saving the economy," he added. "We have to contain COVID and we have to accelerate the delivery of vaccines and start rolling them out in a more aggressive way. The sooner we do that, then the better it will be for our recovery, our reopening of the Philippine economy."

According to OCTA Research, the number of COVID-19 cases is expected to continue to surge for the next couple of weeks despite the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases' decision to place NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) under a general community quarantine bubble from March 22 to April 4.

Under the ECQ bubble, travel to and from Metro Manila and the four adjacent provinces is not allowed unless deemed as essential. These areas were also placed under a 10PM-5AM curfew. With these restrictions, the government hopes this will result to lesser increase in COVID-19 cases.

On March 29, the Philippines recorded 10,016 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the total count of newly-confirmed infections to 731,894, of which 115,495 are active cases.

To help jumpstart the economy, Ocampo opined the recovery of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) must likewise be one of the priorities.

"The proposed ARISE (Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy of the Philippines) bill is still in the backburner. The longer we prolong the pain of the MSMEs, the more people will lose their jobs. The scarring could be permanent," he said.

The ARISE Bill, passed by the House of Representatives in third and final reading last year seeks to extend support to micro, small, and medium enterprises and other sectors affected by the pandemic.

We cannot talk yet of how they (MSMEs) are rebuilding because they're still in pain. More and more companies have declared downsizing this late in the game. They need assistance and they need it now. If we assist them, they they'll hire their old workers back again. And these workers will consume, and that's what we need. We are a service-driven economy," Ocampo added.