Globe Virtual Hangouts Celebrates Reinvention Through Music WithVH Fest: Reinvent Summer and Go

 

There is no better time to reinvent your world and become the best version of yourself this 2021 than now! In this reinvention journey, Globe is side by side with its customers by providing them fast and reliable internet connection and exciting digital experiences that will empower them to evolve and choose to be better.

 

And when it comes to online events and activities, Globe Virtual Hangouts has become one of the go-to platforms of Gen Zs where they can pursue the things they love and bond with their barkadas even from home. Whether it’s KCulture, music, eSports, or academics, Virtual Hangouts has always something new and exciting in store for everyone.

 

This summer, don’t miss the VH Fest: Reinvent Summer and Go, a celebration of reinvention through music in virtual 360 style, happening on May 15. Indeed, music is something that never fails to bring people #OLTogetherNow despite the distance and differences between us. Though performances from four sought after local acts by the youth today, you can still enjoy your summer this year with your friends even while you’re safely at home.

 

Get ready to vibe, jam, and sing-along with the diverse line-up of performers headlined by singer-songwriter I Belong to the Zoo who is known for his beautifully-written wistful verses and subtle acoustic melodies that will definitely make listeners feel things.

 

Completing the line-up are sibling tandem Ysanygo who debuted in 2017 with their song “Friday Afternoon Drive”; Oh, Flamingo, a band that is best characterized for their distinct hooks and arrangements; electro-pop rock act Brisom that is behind the hit song “Balewala”; and Keiko Necesario whose music is a perfect balance between folk and modern sound.

 

Aside from their performances, these featured artists will share their own stories of reinvention and how they adapted to the changes in the past year both personally and in terms of being artists.

 

The VH Fest: Reinvent Summer and Go will also celebrate all the previous events and activities of Virtual Hangouts and give the attendees a sneak peek on what is to come this year. Hint: reinvented virtual events and experiences!

 

Be part of the VH Fest: Reinvent Summer and Go by simply opening the Virtual Hangouts page on the Globe One app and clicking “Join Now”. You can also join the meet and greet with the four artists and get fun freebies like VR goggles that will enable you to watch the music fest in 360 by using your Rewards points. Just go to the Virtual Hangouts page in GlobeOne.

 

Enjoy more of your favorite things  with extra 8GB for your choice of GoWATCH, GoPLAY, GoSHARE, GoLEARN or GoWORK sites & apps. Get this PLUS 8GB data for all sites and unli allnet texts for 7 days with the new Go+99. Register via *143# of GlobeOne app.

 

Know more about Globe Virtual Hangouts by visiting http://glbe.co/GlobeOne.

Jose Bastida Elementary School in Brgy.  1
NutriAsia and Del Monte Philippines, Inc. have partnered for Share-a-Chair, an advocacy program wherein plastic waste materials from their offices and plants are collected and upcycled into school furnishings. Each school received 50 pieces armchairs and a teacher’s table with chair. 

NutriAsia and Del Monte team up to donate upcycled school chairs under   Share-A-Chair initiative

Keeping with its advocacies of helping Filipino communities in need and minimizing the impact of plastic waste, NutriAsia, Inc. and Del Monte Philippines, Inc. partnered together to donate upcycled plastic school chairs to several public elementary schools.

Puerto Elementary, Cagayan de Oro City 1

This was done through the Share-a-Chair initiative, a program started by NutriAsia and Del Monte in which the companies collect single-use plastic waste from its different offices and plant sites to turn them into school chairs and other needed furniture for underprivileged public schools and communities. It is the culmination of the two companies’ partnership forged to help the Department of Education address the perennial shortage of school chairs. 

NutriAsia and Del Monte collected 19.3 metric tons of plastic waste from their offices and plants for a period of six months. Part of this collection went to the Share-a-Chair donation of 600 school chairs and teachers’ tables distributed to 12 different partner schools in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, and Davao that NutriAsia and Del Monte have chosen for the program. 

Share a Chair and Table 1

NutriAsia and Del Monte then partnered with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc., a local company with ground-breaking technology to upcycle the collected plastic waste into the furnishings. Upcycling is the process of transforming waste and discarded materials into useable items which is Envirotech’s field of expertise.

Through the Share-a-Chair program and their spirit of resourcefulness, NutriAsia and Del Monte aim to continue upcycling plastic waste and creating more school chairs to be donated to various partner schools across the country. This way, the companies can fulfill their goals of assisting underprivileged Filipino communities and reducing the negative environmental impact of plastic.

Ang BDO Network Bank ay isang financial institution na may mga produkto at serbisyo na tumutulong sa mga teachers at micro and small entrepreneurs (MSME) na matugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at suportahan ang mga negosyong nasimulan. 

 

Pangakong BDO Network Bank: Sama-sama tayo

MAY pag-asa pa bang makabangon ang mga maliit na negosyo sa gitna ng nararanasang pandemya? Ang simpleng sagot ay oo. 

Isa ang BDO Network Bank (BDONB) sa mga financial institutions na tumutulong sa mga tinatawag na micro and small entrepreneurs (MSME) na makabangon muli at maipagpatuloy ang negosyong nasimulan. 

Sa pamamagitan ng MSME Loan ng BDONB, mabibigyan ng dagdag puhunan ang mga maliit na negosyo, na may kaakibat na magaan na singil sa pagbabayad nito.  

“Nais namin bigyang atensyon ang mga maliit na negosyante at makitang lumago muli ang kanilang negosyo. Ang pag-unlad ng mga MSMEs ay malaking tulong sa ekonomiya ng bansa,” paliwanag ni Jesus Antonio S. Itchon, president ng BDONB. 

Bukod sa mga MSMEs, may financial solution din ang BDONB para sa mga guro sa pamamagitan ng produkto nitong Salary Loan. Ayon kay Itchon, maraming natutuwa katulad ng isang guro mula sa Mindanao ay pinuntahan ng isang BDONB account officer sa kanilang lugar upang makapag-apply ng kinakailangang halaga. Hindi na kinailangan ng guro na bumyahe at pumunta sa bangko dahil dito.

“Una sa aming listahan ang maging ka-partner sa pag asenso ng kabuhayan at masuportahan ang financial needs ng ating komunidad. Kaya naman patuloy ang pagbubukas ng mga BDONB branches at loan offices sa buong Pilipinas para suportahan ang pangangailangan ng mga customers at upang makasabay sila sa unti-unting pagbangon ng ekonomiya,” dagdag ni Itchon.

Ang BDONB ay ang rural bank subsidiary ng BDO Unibank. Ang linyang “Sama-sama Tayo” ang pangakong pinatutupad ng BDONB sa lahat ng mga customers sa tulong ng mga produkto at serbisyo nito. 

Para malaman kung anong financial solution ang nababagay sa iyong pangangailangan, bisitahin lang ang BDO Network Bank PH Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH), BDONB website (www.bdonetworkbank.com.ph), o  pumunta sa pinakamalapit na BDONB branch.

Discounts and generous rebates on Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Multi Action Cleaners in Shopee’s 5.5 Sale!

Even as the COVID-19 vaccine is progressively being made available, it is still important for us to keep safe by following the recommended protocols like mask wearing, maintaining social distancing, and washing of hands. Also of critical importance is keeping surfaces and surroundings constantly and properly disinfected from germs.

Thus, in keeping with its “Disinfect to Protect Mission,” Lysol once again makes its line of multi-surface cleaners and disinfectants within reach of health and value-conscious consumers through the coming Shopee 5.5 sale! With this, there’s never been a better time to avail of Lysol disinfectants as well as multi-action cleaners—all proven effective against illness-causing germs—at special discounted prices—with generous rebates too.

Now, you can buy as many as you need!

Enjoy up to 20% discount plus an extra 5% off when you buy 3 additional Lysol products. Even better, by availing of the special voucher code LYSO550, get P55 off for a minimum purchase of P550. Additionally, by using the voucher code LYSO890, enjoy P110 off for a minimum purchase of P890!

Lysol disinfectants and multi-action cleaners have been proven effective in deactivating the virus strain which causes Covid-19 —demonstrating reduction of the infectious virus in 5 minutes, in lab tests run by Microbac Laboratories, Inc. in compliance with European EN 14476 and US EPA ASTM 1052/1053 international standards. This reinforces Lysol’s place as a trusted and must-have home essential in the time of the pandemic as it champions the “Disinfect to Protect Mission.”

Now get set and ready to ‘add to cart’ Lysol products at special discounted prices during Shopee 5.5 Sale! Vouchers are limited and only one voucher could be used per check out. Log on to the official Lysol Shopee page through this link.

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

 

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. 

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. 

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

 

 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.

 

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.

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.    

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. 

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.

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 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

 

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. 

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.