The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of location when deciding where to live. As urban cities become increasingly congested, more and more homeowners are considering spaces that are more open, less crowded, surrounded by greens and fresh air to boost health and wellness.

The conveniences of living at Golf Ridge Private Estate 

Artist’s perspective of the Golf Ridge’s expansive outdoor area with an infinity pool surrounded by lush greeneries.

If you happen to be one of those who are looking to re-locate outside of the metro, Golf Ridge Private Estate, the newest project development of luxury real estate brand Filigree, is the perfect option to consider. And here are the reasons why:

Within booming leisure and business township. 

Golf Ridge Private Estate is situated within Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, the newest productivity center in the North. Within the mixed-use township, end-users can find retail, hospitality, golf, gaming, and business sectors, making it the next booming destination for tourists and workers who are looking for work opportunities outside of Metro Manila.

Fosters a healthy environment for the family. 

Majority of the Filinvest Mimosa+ is made up of sprawling open spaces with Centennial trees and well-maintained green landscapes. Complementing these are Golf Ridge’s generous living spaces with amply-sized balcony that gives a commanding, borrowed view of Mimosa Golf Course. As such, families and guests can safely work or move around to enjoy the outdoors while allowing social distancing and other safety protocols against the COVID-19 virus.

Artist’s perspective of Golf Ridge’s lobby that provides residents with a warm welcome.

Located in an exclusive area. 

Golf Ridge Private Estate sits within the most exclusive area of Filinvest Mimosa+. Here, families, expats, and empty-nesters can find perfect respite given its exclusivity, security, and tranquility.

It is easily accessible. 

Golf Ridge in Filinvest Mimosa+ is easily accessible, with a comfortable two-hour drive to and from Metro Manila via major highways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), and the newly developed Skyway Stage 3. It is also only a 10-minute drive to the Clark International Airport.

With its ideal location and all the benefits to be had at Golf Ridge Private Estate, it is, without a doubt, the best option for residents who are planning to live away from the highly congested metro—but still get to be at the center of action.

To know more about Golf Ridge Private Estate, visit www.golfridge.com.ph.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron and First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante with the EU Whiz Finalists

 

EU Whiz Youth champions awarded by the EU Delegation

After a fun and exciting competition run, Philippine Normal University-Manila (PNU), University of the Cordilleras (UC-BCF), and Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) emerged as the top winners in the EU Whiz Online Competition, the “My Space, My Rights” video competition, and the “Green ECO I See” digital art competition respectively at the recently concluded EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the FEUture.

 

A total of 1,132 students from 146 colleges and universities all over the Philippines participated in the three main competition categories--the biggest turnout in the history of the EU Whiz since its inception in 2006. 

 

PNU composed of Robert Stephen A. Co, Daniel C. Ortañez and Louis Vincent R. Bautista outlasted 175 teams in a grand display of knowledge on the EU and EU-Philippines Relations during the EU Whiz Online Competition. Joining the podium finishers are Gizelle Amour T. Tagabi, Rodel C. Pacit and John Patrick B. Magbato of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in second place; and Ronica Raine B. Babsa-ay, Sharilyn B. Rufino and Miriam Agnes A. Dampilag of Benguet State University in third place.

On the other hand, UC-BCF students Jan Millescent G. Blanco and Nyssa Bianka E. Tagapulot were awarded the Grand Prize for the “Green ECO I See” digital art competition with their entry “Meeting Grounds of Intersectional Environmentalism”. Their piece highlights the mutual connection between culture and environmentalism. Rounding out the category are first runner-up winners Nicole Anne Argañosa, Mesfin Bram Diosina and Elisha Gabrielle R. Briones from iAcademy with their entry “Colors of Nature”; and second runner-up winners New Era University Students Meryll Joyce T. Dirain, Krizle Lorenz P. Policarpio and Mark William A. Fabro with their entry “Beam of Hope”.

Meeting Grounds of Intersectional Environmentalism

Grand winner - Digital Art Competition
Entry title: Meeting Grounds of Intersectional Environmentalism
School: University of the Cordilleras
Team members:  Jan Millescent G. Blanco andNyssa Bianka E. Tagapulot

Colors of Nature

1^st Runner Up - Digital Art Competition
Entry title: Colors of Nature
School: iAcademy
Team members:  Nicole Anne Argañosa, Mesfin Bram Diosina, and Elisha Gabrielle R. Briones

BEAM OF HOPE

2^nd Runner Up - Digital Art Competition
Entry title: BEAM OF HOPE
School: New Era University
Team members:  Meryll Joyce T. Dirain, Krizle Lorenz P. Policarpio, and Mark William A. Fabro

Meanwhile, BPSU dominated the “My Space, My Rights” video competition—bagging both Grand Prize and first runner-up spots with Abegail P. Casabuena, Gerryline D. Maceda and Aira Joyce E. Gonzales’ entry “Lens of Hope” and Shaina Rey R. Pisigan, Michael Angelo A. Cervantes and Marvyn Jules C. Casimero’s entry “Salimpusa” respectively. UC-BCF clinched the second runner-up spot with Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, Ella Marie V. Bie and Thea Marie S. Lomboy’s entry “Empowered through Time”.

 Lens of Hope

Grand Winner – Video Competition
Entry title: Lens of Hope
School: Bataan Peninsula State University
Team members:  Abegail P. Casabuena, Gerryline D. Maceda, and Aira Joyce E. Gonzales

Salimpusa

 

1^st Runner Up – Video Competition
Entry title: Salimpusa
School: Bataan Peninsula State University
Team members: Shaina Rey R. Pisigan, Michael Angelo A. Cervantes, and Marvyn Jules C. Casimero

 Empowered through Time

2nd Runner Up – Video Competition

Entry title: Empowered through Time

School: University of the Cordilleras

Team members: Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, Ella Marie V. Bie, and Thea Marie S. Lomboy

“I have made the engagement with youth one of my priorities. I am confident that all the EU Whizers will become ambassadors of our partnership and friendship. Kudos to the winners and we are looking forward to engaging further with you,” said EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron.

 

“Conducting this year’s EU Whiz on the digital platform has allowed us to broaden our reach and discover more skillful and talented young Filipinos than ever before. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, these Filipino youth were able to utilize their inherent knowledge and creativity to advocate for key issues such as the need for green economy and youth rights. All these showcased the relentless spirit of the Filipino youth.”

 

Apart from the annual conduct of the inter-collegiate competition, the Delegation looks to build a community of EU Whizers who will continue to use their talents and skills to promote a better understanding of the shared EU and Philippine values.

 

“This is exactly what we at the EU strive for—to offer a platform for the youth who inspire positive change in the world. We hope to create a community of passionate young individuals and nurture them to become advocates and champions of tomorrow.”

 

Ambassador Véron and First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante announced the winners in the EU Whiz grand competition, digital art and video creation competitions. Atty. Lily Freida Milla, Officer-in-Charge Executive Director, Commission on   Higher Education provided an inspirational message for the EU Whizers.

 

The panel of jurors for the digital art and video competitions were composed of well-known and accomplished creative professionals including Mr. Dan Matutina, Ms. Anina Rubio, Mr. Elvert Bañares, and Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo. 

 

The EU Whiz Online Competition was also supported by the Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine-Italian Association, and the Embassies of the Czech Republic and Hungary in the Philippines.

7 Fun Facts about TREASURE that K-Pop Fans Should Know Yahoo

7 Fun Facts about TREASURE that K-Pop Fans Should Know

New to Korea’s monster rookie boy group? Here are a few quick facts to get you started

 

If you’re a K-Pop fan, you’ve definitely heard of TREASURE, YG Entertainment’s youngest boy band. They may be new, but with their high-energy songs and killer choreographies, this rookie group has already made quite the impression on the K-Pop scene.

 

Interested in getting further acquainted with your future favorite boy group? New stans, here are a few basic facts you should know about TREASURE:

 

1. TREASURE has 12 members

 

You’ll have a hard time finding a bias, because CHOI HYUN SUK, JIHOON, YOSHI, JUNKYU, MASHIHO, YOON JAE HYUK, ASAHI, BANG YE DAM, DOYOUNG, HARUTO, PARK JEONG WOO, and SO JUNG HWAN each possess their own unique charms!

 

2. The group has two leaders

 

TREASURE is currently the largest group on YG Entertainment’s roster. With so many members, it only seemed practical for the group to elect two leaders. CHOI HYUN SUK and JIHOON, the two eldest, share joint leadership of the band.

 

3. They debuted in August last year

 

TREASURE entered the K-Pop scene on August 7, 2020 with their debut single, “BOY,” catching the attention of K-Pop fans around the world. The electrifying music video which accompanied the song managed to surpass 10 million views after a mere 26 hours!

 

4. And they just debuted in Japan this year

 

Coming on the heels of the release of “BEAUTIFUL,” which served as a popular anime theme song, TREASURE made their Japanese debut on March 31, 2021. The album contained Japanese versions of all their previous songs.

 

5. But they’ve already won a lot of awards

 

As a rookie group, TREASURE has already proven that they’re quite a force to reckon with. Just look at some of the awards they’ve bagged since their debut less than a year ago—Rookie Artist of the Year at the 35th Golden Disc Awards and at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards, Best New Male Artist and Worldwide Fans’ Choice TOP 10 at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Global Super Rookies by Genius Korea.

 

6. The members call the fandom TREASURE MAKER

 

The fandom is officially named TREASURE MAKER, but, adorably, the boys have also taken to calling their fans “teume” for short.

 

7. They’ve already started flexing their acting skills

 

The members made their acting debut with their web drama, “It’s Okay, That’s Friendship,” a hilarious parody that touches on friendship and school life. It’s a must-watch for every TREASURE MAKER!

 

Couldn’t get enough of TREASURE at last month’s Shopee 6.6 Mid-Year Sale TV Special? Good news, TREASURE MAKER: you can catch TREASURE perform once again at Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale TV Special. Tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this July 7, 9:30-11:30 PM to watch your favorite members! You also get the chance to win over ₱7,000,000 worth of prizes by watching the show.

 

Meanwhile, enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend, up to 20% cashback, and ₱1 deals at Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. Until July 7, top up your ShopeePay wallet through your debit card and other convenient channels to enjoy more exclusive deals such as free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199, 15% daily cashback, ₱10 worth of data for only ₱1, and up to 35% cashback on Bills Payment. On July 7 only, enjoy more upsized deals such as free shipping with no minimum spend and 50% cashback.

 

For more information on the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/7-7.

 

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

Petron XCS powers Toyota Vios Cup Anew

PETRON XCS Powers 2021 Toyota Vios Cup Anew

 

Two industry giants have once again come together to revitalize Philippine grassroots motorsports. For the third season, market leaders Petron Corporation and Toyota Motor Philippines have renewed their partnership in the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup, one of the country's most exciting motorsports events.

Inspired by the spirit of "waku-doki" or heart-racing fun, the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will consist of two formats — the Autocross Challenge and the Circuit Championship. The Autocross Challenge is open to amateur or newbie racers, with individual cars navigating the track in a timed competition. Podium finishes are awarded to drivers who complete the course in the fastest time.

The Circuit Championship, on the other hand, is the traditional circuit race with all cars competing head-t0-head to finish at the lead of the pack. Entries are classified into three categories: promotional class, sporting class, and super sporting class.

As in previous seasons, the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will be powered by Petron XCS, a 95-octane high-quality premium motor gasoline. Petron XCS is formulated with a high-performance additive system containing a unique combustion catalyst and excellent detergent additive for optimum performance. The additive technology used in Petron XCS ensures quicker engine response, excellent engine protection, and optimal fuel efficiency.

With Petron XCS as the official fuel of the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup, competitors are assured of enhanced engine power and responsiveness for the most optimal track performance. In fact, as the trusted gasoline for the majority of discerning Filipino motorists, Vios Cup racers are familiar with the superior qualities of Petron XCS in powering their everyday drives, protecting the engines of their personal cars, and enjoying savings due to fuel economy.

Way back in the 2018 season, Petron XCS already garnered praise from the competitors like celebrity racers Aubrey Miles and Fabio Ide. "I choose Petron XCS because I use it for my everyday lifestyle. I use it for my two cars and my race car as well," Miles remarked. For his part, Ide commented, "Petron XCS helps my engine go faster, cleaner, and better. Also for the mileage, I know I can use my car for a longer period of time. It's the best choice."

The 2021 Toyota Vios Cup will implement strict guidelines as it returns to physical racing to ensure the health and safety of all concerned. The venue will be exclusively for racers, support teams, sponsors, and organizers. No public spectators will be allowed. Negative COVID-19 test results are required for all attendees. Physical distancing, sanitation, and personal protective equipment will be implemented, and socializing is prohibited within the venue. Safety marshals and health inspectors will be deployed to ensure compliance.

The race calendar for the 2021 Toyota Vios Cup is as follows: Leg 1 - July 9 & 10, Leg 2 - September 10 & 11, and Leg 3 - November 5 & 6. Awarding ceremonies will be held on the last week of November. Fans and enthusiasts can watch the races on the Facebook page of Toyota Motor Philippines https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorPhilippines).

JOHNSON’S® Celebrity Moms Share Their Best Bonding Moments With Their Daughters

JOHNSON’S^® Celebrity Moms Share Their Best Bonding Moments With Their Daughters

Bianca Gonzalez, Camille Prats, and Dani Barretto give us hairstyling tips that we can do at home with our kids

For over 128 years, JOHNSON’S^® is one of the top health organizations that continues to be committed to understanding the unique needs of babies at every life stage. JOHNSON’S^® understands the important role mommies and daddies play in the lives of their kids especially during this uncertain and challenging time.

This year, as most of us are still isolated in our homes, JOHNSON’S^®  encourages parents to spend more time with their kids and nourish them with more bonding moments in any way that they can – may it be through TikTok challenges, playtime, or even fun and engaging hairstyling activities.

“These bonding moments are essential especially to kids today since they are stuck at home. We at JOHNSON’S^® recognize the special role mommies play in ensuring their kids’ over-all development during this time of quarantine.” says Ara Espina, Brand Manager of JOHNSON’S^® Baby.

 

Recently, JOHNSON’S^® launched the #PrettyStrongHair campaign for mommies and their daughters to bond more, to spend more time together through exploring fun and playful hairstyles for kids. With the help of JOHNSON’S^® Strong and Healthy Shampoo, moms can be ensured that their daughter’s hair will be strong and protected versus breakage, hair fall, and dryness because it contains eight (8) conditioners including Vitamin E specifically formulated for active kids’ hair.

 

We sat down with our JOHNSON’S^® celebrity mombassadors Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, Camille Prats-Yambao, and Dani Barretto-Panlilio to talk about the importance of bonding, their favorite at-home hairstyling activities, and tips they can share with their fellow moms for more kikay bonding with their daughters. 

BIANCA GONZALEZ-INTAL

Why is it important to bond with your daughters at home?

Even before the pandemic, quality time with my daughters was top priority for me. I am lucky to have a job that isn't a "9 to 5" in that I could somehow manage to spend a good amount of time with my kids several days within a week. Aside from not wanting to miss any of their milestones, I want them to grow up knowing that they can count on me, that I am here for them on both good days and not so good days, and I want them to feel loved, cared for, and secure. This is something both my husband and I keep in mind, especially during these developmental years—everyone tells us it goes by so fast and to enjoy every second. 

CAMILLE PRATS-YAMBAO

Can you share your favorite hairstyle that you do with your daughters and tell us briefly why this is your favorite?

I love playing with Nala’s hair! It's like having my own live baby doll as a child. She loves it when I tie her hair in two knots like Chun Li, she thinks it's cute and I really find it adorable on her. It keeps her hair away from her face.

DANI BARRETTO-PANLILIO

Can you give your top three tips for moms in styling their kids hair?

First,  you need to use the best shampoo for your kids. Their hair is two times (2x) thinner than adult hair, so they need their own shampoo to keep their hair strong and healthy. For Millie, we use the JOHNSON’S®  Strong and Healthy shampoo. 

Buy fun clips and hair ties, they love to see all the colors and the design, which makes it easy for you to style their hair. 

Lastly,  go all out and enjoy styling your kids hair. They’re only kids once. Once they get older, the hair becomes off limits. Hahaha! So enjoy it while you still can.

JOHNSON’S® Strong and Healthy Shampoo is available in all leading supermarkets and official JOHNSON’S® Shopee and Lazada accounts. To know more about JOHNSON’S® Strong and Healthy Shampoo and more hairstyling tips from our celebrity mombassadors Visit Facebook.com/JohnsonsBabyPhilippines and follow JOHNSON’S® Instagram account @johnsonsbabyph.

Cebuana Lhuillier unveils more powerful and all-inclusive loyalty program

Basta 24k, K ‘YAN! : Cebuana Lhuillier unveils more powerful and all-inclusive loyalty program

Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s largest micro-financial services company has just launched its new and improved loyalty program, highlighting the capability of Cebuana Lhuillier clients to sign up for a virtual card online, for free.

The launch of the new 24k loyalty program likewise introduces a 24/7 online accessibility to its members, giving them unbridled access, whenever and wherever they may be.

“Our thrust to move with the future is strengthened by our desire to provide our clients with convenience when accessing our services. The launch of the powered-up 24k loyalty program is just one of the many advancements that we have in store for our loyal Ka-Cebuanas,” said Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The new and improved loyalty program boasts an increase in points earning by 33 percent, with one point equivalent to a Php 30 service fee, while for gold card holders, the fee only amounts to Php 25.

The newly revamped 24k program also brings the 24k Gold Card into fruition, with a requirement for 24k members who reach a cumulative 110 points in one year can avail of even more premium benefits such as free jewelry cleaning, priority lane, preferred pawning rate, invite to exclusive Cebuana Lhuillier events, and more.

Through the 24k Online Portal, members are given access to a host of services that offer greater convenience, including: (1) easy tracking of points, (2) point redemption through eLoad and Insurance purchase, (3) use of an appraisal and redemption calculator, (4) online appointment feature, (5) branch and partner locator, (6) easy points transfer, and (7) remittance tracker for Pera Padala clients.

The 24k loyalty program kicked off various promos online, like the 24 on the 24^th, where 24 members win 24 points daily.

In the coming months, the loyalty program will also be unveiling more exciting point-earning schemes for various Cebuana Lhuillier transactions as well as, more partners are in the pipeline to ensure that clients will get the best out of their 24k Loyalty Program membership.

Stay updated on the latest news and promos by tuning in to the official Facebook page or Instagram account of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 24k Loyalty Program.

Carousell Property holds first Online Property Expo

Carousell Property holds first Online Property Expo to showcase every type of home for every kind of person

 

Carousell, the Philippine’s leading online classified, is all set to launch Carousell Property Online Expo, one of the biggest online property events in the country this year, happening from July 14-18, 2021.

 

The online expo is also expected to provide a much-needed boost to the real estate industry, which is one of the many sectors badly affected by the pandemic. Through the event, developers, brokers and agents will have the opportunity to connect with buyers and showcase real estate developments that are on sale. Buyers, on the other hand, will be able to check out and purchase properties such as lots, house and lot, and condos, in the comforts of their homes.

 

“We see this event as a great opportunity for sellers and buyers to connect safely and securely. The pandemic may have kept buyers from pursuing their goal of buying a new home, but with this event, they can get back on track and make their dream a reality. For brokers and agents, this is a great platform to secure leads, and showcase developments in their portfolio,” Raffy Montemayor, Carousell Philippines General Manager said.  “We’re bringing together property buyers and sellers in one virtual event to make purchasing property even simpler and safer especially during the pandemic.” 

 

The expo will have the theme “Every type of home, for every kind of person,” as the event will showcase homes that answer the needs, predicaments and motivations of buyers today.  Participants can go on a virtual tour of the expo in an immersive 3D format, allowing prospective buyers to check complete details of properties they want to buy.

 

Buyers can also look forward to informative discussions on new practices and trends in property buying and selling during the ‘new normal;’ and have a look into the Philippine property industry today. A complete guide to owning your next home and making the right property choice for buyers will also be discussed during the event. Buyers can also expect great deals when they reserve a property at the expo.

 

RLC Residences, AboitizLand, Solar Resources, I-Land Properties are amongst the property developers that will be joining the expo.

 

Prominent speakers joining the online expo include David Leechiu, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants and  considered the leading commercial real estate broker in the Philippines;  Andy Mañalac,  chairman and co-founder of Havitas Developments Corporation and  currently the company representative to the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association; Gerald Evangelista, current president of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc; and Noelle Alleje, managing director of The Property Forum Philippines, the leading auctioneer in the country today.

 

Don’t miss the chance of experiencing the country’s biggest online property expo. Reserve your slots and visit www.carousellpropertyexpo.ph to know more about the event.

The Carousell Property Online Expo platform is powered by TwoZero Live and Digiscript for the virtual tours. INQUIRER Mobile is the official media partner for the event

GCash strengthens partnership with the public sector to promote digital financial inclusion for all

 

40M FILIPINOS and GROWING GCash strengthens partnership with the public sector

40 MILLION FILIPINOS and GROWING: GCash strengthens partnership with the public sector to promote digital financial inclusion for all

To fast-track economic recovery amid the pandemic, public and private sectors must unite and work together to achieve a more inclusive financial ecosystem for all Filipinos. This is the vision behind “One with the Nation: Forging Public-Private Partnerships Towards Digital Inclusion in the Philippines,” a webinar organized by GCash, the country’s no. 1 mobile wallet app in collaboration with various national government agencies and local government units (LGUs). 

The webinar featured distinguished speakers from both the  public  and private sectors led by  Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Benjamin Diokno, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Congressman Jose Enrirque Garcia, DSWD Director Wayne Belizar, Bureau of Treasury of the Philippines OIC Deputy Treasurer Ed Marino,  BSP Deputy Dir. for Payment Systems Atty. Leah M. Irao, GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon, GCash Vice President for Enterprise Jose Luis Reyes and GCash AVP and Head of  Public Sector & Partnerships Cathlyn Pavia.  

GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon

“Our partnerships with the private sector have provided us with a wide network to reach more customers and develop more relevant financial services and products,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive officer. “But in order to truly reach the unbanked and underserved communities, we look to the public sector with their expertise and resources. Together, we can really make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.” 

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Benjamin Diokno

The event opened with a Keynote Message from BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno on “Digital Financial Inclusion: Impacting the Lives of Millions of Filipinos”. In his message to the participants, Governor Diokno underscored the importance of making financial inclusion a reality for every Filipino in the country. This was followed by a panel discussion on “Digital Infrastructure: The Journey Starts Today!” led by BSP deputy director Atty Leah M. Irao and Cong. Jose Enrique Garcia. Atty. Irao and Congressman Garcia discussed the value of digitalization to promote the safety and security of Filipinos even beyond the pandemic.

Congressman Jose Enrirque Garcia

A talk on the importance of outlining a strategic path towards digital transformation was discussed next by Pavia in “Digital Roadmap: Are We Ready to Innovate?”. In her talk, Pavia emphasized the critical value of implementing digitalization in phases, and how digital solutions can be seamlessly integrated in order to create a hybrid approach and to facilitate smoother adoption.   

In his talk on “Digital Manual: 101 Opportunities to Move Forward!,” Director Marino discussed the long-term benefits of creating sound policies and guidelines, ensuring transparency during digital transformation.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay

Highlighting trailblazing partnerships going cashless, Makati Mayor Abby Binay led a panel entitled “Digital Headstart: Kaya Mo Pilipino!” In Makati, data of its constituents were collected and used to create the Makatizen ID card and open GCash accounts. The card serves as a valid ID that can be used to avail of government services, and a debit card to withdraw in any Bancnet ATM or use in Mastercard-accepting merchants. Likewise, Makati also uses GCash to disburse the salaries of employees, and allowances of senior citizens, and other financial assistance such as Maka-tulong. With Mayor Binay was DSWD Dir. Delizer who in turn shared the agency’s groundbreaking SAP disbursement program last year. 

This successful partnership at the height of the pandemic last year was the collaboration between GCash and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for safer distribution of funds for its Social Amelioration Program. GCash was able to distribute more than P16 billion to at least 2 million Filipinos, saving the government about 952 days and around P52 million. GCash continues to support DSWD in its Assistance for Individuals Under Crisis Situation program on a monthly basis.

The mobile app has also partnered with the Social Security System (SSS). Since February, SSS has enabled GCash as an option for receiving benefits through PESOnet. The app has provided SSS members an option to pay their monthly contribution payments via the app’s Pay Bills feature. Likewise for PAG-IBIG, contributions are also conveniently accepted via Pay Bills and Web Pay.

Closing the webinar was GCash VP for Enterprise Jose Luis Reyes who stressed the importance of financial inclusion and expressed optimism that despite today’s challenges, there is a clear way forward to achieve BSP’s vision and make Filipino lives better every day.

These programs are proof that strong partnerships between the private and public sectors are crucial in successfully bringing the benefits of digitalization and financial inclusion to Filipinos at a time when they need it most.

 Summary:

·         A strategic webinar that highlights the importance of private-public sector collaboration in achieving financial inclusion for Filipinos, featuring speakers including BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, Congressman Jose Enique Garcia and Makati Mayor Abby Binay. The event gathered hundreds of society leaders, LGU officials, business sector executives and the media to discuss viable digital financial solutions for the country. 

·         Successful pioneering partnerships for cashless programs such as Makati LGU-GCash Makatizen ID card,  SSS-GCash partnership for fast and secure disbursement of SSS benefits; and the safe and timely distribution of funds for the DSWD’s Social Amelioration Program through GCash were discussed as best practices. 

·         GCash looks forward to collaborating with more LGUs and other national government agencies to promote digital synergy and identify financial solutions that will positively impact the lives of  millions of Filipinos nationwide, especially during this pandemic period.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

 

The Petron Blaze Racing Team on the podium 

(L-R): Powee Base, Jevoy Moreno, Mon Dimapilis, Moses Dumaguing, Mikko Rayo, and Rod Chang.

Petron Blaze Racing Team Wins 12-hour Endurance Cup

Attests to Winning Combination of Petron Fuels and Lubricants

 

The Petron Blaze Racing Team emerged as Class 2 champions in the recently concluded Petron Kalayaan Cup, a 12-hour endurance race held at the Clark International Speedway to celebrate Philippine Independence Day last June 12.

 

Driving a vintage Honda Civic EK with a surplus engine, the Petron Blaze Racing Team — headed by pilot-businessman-race car driver Mon Dimapilis, along with teammates Jevoy Moreno, Mikko Rayo, Moses Dumaguing, Powee Base, and Rod Chang — bested the other cars in its class by accomplishing 241 laps within the 12-hour period.

 

With Petron Blaze 100 as the official fuel for the endurance run, all competitors were able to benefit from the high-performance advantages offered by this 100-octane pure gasoline. What distinguished the Petron Blaze Racing Team was the added advantage of also using Petron Blaze Racing engine oil as lubricant, creating the perfect winning combination.

 

According to Dimapilis, they started using Petron Blaze Racing oil since their car preparation and shakedown in early 2021 to properly tune the engine and optimize its performance.

 

During the race itself, the team was confident that the engine would be able to handle the extreme conditions of the 12-hour endurance run due to its outstanding properties in terms of thermal stability, viscosity, and overall engine protection.

 

Dimapilis notes, “In the past, using other oil brands, we needed to top up around 3-liters within 12-hours. Using Petron Blaze Racing oil, we only needed to add 1-liter. For everyday use and in practical terms, this means that Petron Blaze Racing is also actually more economical because it is more long-lasting while delivering superior performance. We did not experience any knocking, pinging, or detonation. The engine was able to endure the high rpms and track heat, while maintaining efficiency. More importantly, we were able to maximize the high-octane formulation of Petron Blaze 100 through consistent fuel burn.”

He adds, “Considering that we were using an old surplus engine, we were still confident that with the protection of Petron Blaze Racing oil, our engine would not overheat and would continue to run smoothly. Matched with the high-performance Petron Blaze 100 gasoline, we could feel the instantaneous engine response, smooth acceleration, and greater power.”

 

Testifying to the perfect winning combination of Petron Blaze 100 gasoline and Petron Blaze Racing engine oils, the team was very pleased with their strong showing in the 12-hour Endurance Run and are optimistic that they will do well in their motorsport campaign this year.

 

According to Dimapilis, “Using Petron Blaze Racing oil, we have a very healthy engine with the same power output when dyno-tested before and after the punishing 12-hour endurance run. This means there was no degradation in engine performance. Plus, of course, using Petron radiator coolant, we also added an extra layer of protection to our cooling system.”

 

Industry leader PETRON Corporation is recognized for introducing innovative products and services that are specially formulated for Philippine driving conditions.