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Kathryn Bernardo, Century Tuna Superbods Finalists turn up the summer heat at the #BestYouEver Launch

Thursday, May 16, 2024


The summer just got hotter and fitter as the newest Century Tuna Ambassador Kathryn Bernardo and the Century Tuna Superbods Finalists officially launch the “Best Your Ever” campaign.

 

The premier fitness competition in the country, Century Tuna Superbods 2024 is now on its 9th season with the “Best You Ever” campaign that promotes self-love and self-improvement. Encouraging that everybod can be a Superbod, the Best You Ever campaign celebrates the journeys, personal growth, and overall wellness of every Filipino as they become the best versions of themselves.

 

“With Century Tuna, I’m embracing fitness and wellness like never before. I hope that the ‘Best You Ever’ campaign becomes an avenue for Filipinos to start or continue their journey to become the best version of themselves. We all start somewhere and with a lifestyle that is centered on our overall wellbeing, we empower ourselves and the people around us to strive for the best,” said Kathryn.

 

Together with Kathryn, the 36 Century Tuna Superbods Finalists continue to reinforce the Best You Ever campaign as they inspire more Filipinos to become the best version of themselves through incorporating the Superbods spirit in their diet, exercise, and overall wellness.



Two months leading up to the finals night, the 36 Century Tuna Superbods Finalists brought their A-game as they showcased their fit and healthy bodies perfectly embodying what it is to be a Superbod.

 

“We are on our 9th season and this year, we have a solid set of Superbods who, together with Kathryn, we believe epitomize what it is to be a Superbod and what we stand for in Century Tuna. Our common factor in choosing this year’s Superbods is those who we believe will uplift and inspire others in their fitness journeys,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Business, Mr. Carlo Endaya.

 

The finalists will join a series of digital and onsite challenges that will be uploaded on Century Tuna Superbods Facebook page leading up to the Finals Night on July 9, 2024. The Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Male and Female Grand Winners will each receive PHP500,000 tax-free while the Runners-Up will receive PHP200,000 tax-free.

 

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

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2024 trends transforming Southeast Asia's insurance landscape

Monday, February 19, 2024

Southeast Asia's insurance sector is undergoing a massive transformation to keep up with evolving market demands and maintain competitiveness. In the Philippines, where insurance penetration is at a mere 1.68%, the industry is grappling with persistent challenges such as complexities, outdated systems, and regulatory hurdles. However, amidst these obstacles, the industry is forging ahead with innovation and modernization, with insurtechs emerging as crucial drivers of this change, fueling efficiency enhancements and elevating customer experiences.




Insurtechs have facilitated the seamless integration of insurance into the purchase journey across diverse platforms, including e-commerce, fintech, and logistics. They have also made it possible for brick-and-mortar establishments such as convenience stores to become viable distribution channels to enhance accessibility and awareness of insurance products, bringing offline consumers online. Insurtech firms likewise empower insurers to create personalized products, meeting the unique needs of underserved sectors and effectively managing emerging risks in digital consumers' lifestyles today–these include pet insurance, travel insurance, electronic and mobile phone protection, and even micro, small, and medium business insurance.

Amidst the industry's continuous transformation, insurtech Igloo identifies key trends poised to persist in 2024, further elevating efficiency throughout the insurance value chain and propelling the ongoing momentum of embedded insurance and personalization.

AI-Powered Data Analytics for Enhanced Risk Assessment


Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast becoming the cornerstone of the insurance sector, revolutionizing the way companies analyze data and assess risks. This year, we can expect insurers to increasingly leverage AI for advanced data analytics, allowing them to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, preferences, and emerging risks. By harnessing the power of AI, insurers can enhance their risk assessment models, leading to more accurate pricing and better management of uncertainties in the ever-changing market.

Blockchain for smoother claims processing


Blockchain's sustained influence in insurance underscores its pivotal role in streamlining claims processing. The decentralized and transparent nature of blockchain ensures efficient, fraud-resistant transactions, expediting claims settlement and reducing administrative costs. This enduring trend continues revolutionizing the insurance landscape by enhancing accuracy, trust, and operational efficiency.

Zero-Code Platforms for Swift Product Launch


The adoption of zero-code platforms is set to streamline and accelerate the launch of new insurance products across various channels. These platforms empower insurance companies to develop, modify, and deploy applications without extensive coding, significantly reducing the time and resources required for product development. This rapid deployment capability ensures that insurers can respond swiftly to market demands, offering a diverse range of products tailored to the evolving needs of consumers.

Digital Empowerment of Agents to Boost Productivity


As the industry becomes more digital, insurance agents are also set to benefit from advanced technologies that enhance their productivity and improve customer interactions. In 2024, insurers are expected to invest in empowering their agents with digital tools and resources, facilitating seamless communication, quicker policy issuance, and personalized customer experiences. The digitalization of agents also contributes to an overall positive customer journey, fostering loyalty and satisfaction.

Securing Against Climate Change Through Insurance




Climate insurance has emerged in response to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events. As businesses, individuals, and governments grapple with the impacts of climate change, insurance has become a critical tool for managing the financial losses resulting from it, such as damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and personal property. This trend exemplifies a proactive approach to mitigating economic losses, aligning with the shift towards sustainability and resilience in the face of climate uncertainties.

Igloo believes the rising demand for personalized insurance in our region is prompting insurers and embedded insurance ventures to embrace the latest tech trends. By seamlessly incorporating these innovations, the leading regional insurtech firm is not just keeping up; it's staying one step ahead, shaping the future of insurance for Southeast Asian communities. Its commitment is to remain at the forefront of industry shifts, ensuring its approach aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of its valued customers.
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MR.DIY shares top household items you didn't know you needed this 2023

Monday, January 23, 2023

With the holiday season officially over, now is a good time to re-evaluate and set new goals for 2023. Whatever your new year’s resolution is, MR.DIY is here to help you achieve it by providing the most useful things at home for your convenience!

Whether you’re looking at sprucing up your home or taking time to prioritize self-care in 2023, here are household items you can easily buy at the largest one-stop shop for home improvement.

# 1 – Design and decorate your furniture and interior spaces





A brand-new year often symbolizes new beginnings, but starting anew doesn’t necessarily mean leaving everything behind. Do not let your dilapidated but still functioning home furniture go to waste; restore them with wooden PVC foil. If you want to further amplify your space and give it a fresh new look, opt for a nice wallpaper that you can install in any part of your home effortlessly. MR.DIY offers a variety of wallpaper designs and PVC foils that you can choose from!

# 2 – Spice up your bathroom





The bathroom is one of the areas of your home that needs the most attention. Thankfully, MR.DIY has cleaning aids and tools such as a toilet brush set, toilet bowl deodorizer, and gel air freshener to help you get rid of the unnecessary dirt and smell in your bathroom. While you’re at it, add a bathroom holder to keep your vanity and shower area organized!

# 3 – Organize and declutter your space







Keeping your home clean is one way to have a clear mind. Avoid building up clutter with MR.DIY’s storage boxes. Having these home basics will save you from doing trivial tasks and give you more time for more important household chores. As you organize and tidy up, it is inevitable to spot some dirt along the way. Upgrade your regular sponges to MR.DIY’s sponge handles to make it easier for you to scrub those hard surfaces with a sturdy grip

# 4 – Kitchen essentials to keep you prepared and on-the-go





Moving on to kitchen essentials — why not give your refrigerator an upgrade? With all the food stock left behind over the holidays and the Lunar New Year, it’s not a bad idea to clean out your fridge. Upgrade your refrigerator tidying up game for as low as 50 Php!

Come do your post-Christmas and Lunar New Year essentials haul at MR.DIY! Come check out these items and many more when you head to any of MR.DIY’s branches in the Philippines. With over 300 stores, you can surely find a store near you today!

To learn more about MR.DIY and its products, visit www.mrdiy.com/ph. You may also follow /mrdiyPH on Facebook, and @mrdiy.philippines on Instagram and Tiktok for updates and upcoming promos.
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Darwinbox and Microsoft announce collaboration to redefine the future of work


  • Darwinbox to empower organizations globally to elevate employee experience through deep integrations between its HCM SaaS platform and Microsoft product ecosystem.
  • Demonstrating almost 6.5x growth in the Philippines in 12 months since its Unicorn funding, Darwinbox is sprinting towards market leadership in Asia.

Darwinbox, the fastest-growing HR tech unicorn, and Microsoft today announced a collaboration to empower organizations globally with the right tools to succeed in the evolving world of work. The collaboration will include deep integrations between Darwinbox and the Microsoft product ecosystem, and co-innovation on solutions to enhance employee experience. The relationship will also accelerate joint go-to-market motions in all markets that the leading Human Capital Management player operates in. In addition to the co-innovation roadmap, Microsoft has also made an equity investment in Darwinbox to accelerate their mission of empowering organizations to unify their entire employee lifecycle.




Darwinbox’s cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform caters to HR needs across the entire employee lifecycle with new-age employee experiences and disruptive AI-powered technology. Powering 700+ enterprises and 2 million employees across the globe, the company has seen 6.5X revenue growth and 300% headcount growth in the Philippines since its Series D Unicorn funding round in January 2022.


Microsoft and Darwinbox collaboration will fuel the global HR tech leader’s growth further while enabling organizations to unlock their workforce’s highest potential.


Commenting on the collaboration, Jayant Paleti, Darwinbox Co-founder said, “We’ve always had the highest regard for the Microsoft brand and ethos. As we align on the joint vision of helping our customers unlock new levels of employee experience and productivity, we’re excited to co-innovate on multiple lines of IP development and take these solutions to our customers globally.”


In the Philippines, Darwinbox works with leading enterprises namely JG Summit Holdings (now Gokongwei Group), Maxicare Healthcare, Shakey's Pizza, Robinsons Bank, Straive, UNO Digital Bank, PLDT, GT Capital Group, Delbros Group, Security Bank, Toyota Motor Philippines, Radius Telecom amongst others.


Ahmed Mazhari, President, Microsoft Asia, said, “In the new world of work, connected and energized employees are a competitive advantage for every organization. We’re pleased to collaborate with leaders like Darwinbox to reimagine employee experience and enable HR teams with the power of technology. Co-innovating with our customers is key to how Microsoft is empowering organizations across Asia to do more with less.”



Deep integrations and multiple lines of co-innovation between Darwinbox and Microsoft will allow Darwinbox to deliver a radically unique and differentiated value proposition to their customers worldwide. As part of this collaboration, Darwinbox will adopt Microsoft Azure for enhancing its Human Capital Management (HCM) SaaS platform.

Darwinbox's mobile-first platform continues to enhance and personalize employee experience (EX) by bringing HR transactions and experiences into the flow of work with Dynamics 365 and Office 365 platforms like Microsoft Teams, Viva, and Active Directory. Darwinbox has leveraged Microsoft's Power BI to further augment its AI-based predictive analytics engine, to build rich visual analytics dashboards thereby helping employees across customer organizations to use data more effectively and power faster business decisions. Strategic product and engineering collaborations between the two companies will amplify innovation around workforce management, payroll management, benefits, talent management, and acquisition.
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SG-based Gigacover Sustains Growth in Ph

Singapore-based insurtech company Gigacover recently announced a milestone partnership with Spanish insurer MAPFRE Insurance to improve 360 protection for Filipino individuals and businesses. Following increased reports of challenged platform workers in transportation and logistics, Gigacover’s collaboration with the global insurance provider also underscores the need to improve coverage for underserved delivery riders.




“Seeing recent developments in providing adequate protection for platform workers across the region, we work hand in hand with insurance partners like MAPFRE to develop more products and services that would encourage better working conditions in the sector,” said Amerson Lin, co-founder and CEO at Gigacover. “True to our mission of protecting the underserved, we are confident that this partnership will help us secure our communities further.”


The partnership will generally highlight Personal Accident and Income Protection coverage for Filipino workers to provide them with safety nets while on the job.

Leading 360 Protection for Platform Workers


According to the Fairwork Philippines Ratings 2022 report, there are only a few platforms in the country that provide personal accident insurance for delivery riders. The report also shows that there are no companies that provide sick pay benefits commensurate with the rider’s earnings during the first three months of employment.


“Speaking to our partners in transportation and logistics, we also understand how valuable daily wages are for delivery riders,” said Lin. “These unfair work conditions highlight the importance of providing earnings protection for our gig workers, which secures their wages during sick days.”


Gigacover’s Income Protection Insurance has protected over 30,000 workers through partnerships with gig platforms such as Pick-A-Roo, EXOAsia, and a 300,000-strong freelance online community. In support of the Philippine government’s call to improve protection for gig workers, Gigacover will continue to find more solutions to improve its offerings.

Sustaining Growth and Extending 360 Protection to Niche Sectors


Following a successful year, which yielded a 10x growth in active policies from the start of 2022, Gigacover is now in a position to offer more products and services geared towards the recent challenges experienced by other vulnerable sectors. Gigacover is currently speaking to insurance partners to address challenges experienced by Filipinos suffering from mental health disorders, farmers going through financial troubles, and students going through post-graduation pressures.


“Gigacover goes deep into bringing protection solutions to emerging and underserved communities. This enables us to develop innovative products that address large market challenges that only a few or no other companies have paid attention to before,” said Lin. “We look forward to launching these new products in the coming year to help improve the quality of lives for more Filipinos through financial security made possible by customized and easy-to-use insurance.”
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First retrofitted Emirates A380 enters service


The first Emirates A380 to be completely refurbished under the airline’s US$ 2 billion retrofit program has been deployed today on the Dubai-London Heathrow service, operating as EK003.

See this timelapse video of the retrofit work done on A6-EVM, the first of 120 Emirates aircraft to have completed its refurbishment.

"Customers will notice the difference the moment they step onboard – the spacious A380 will look and feel even more impressive and comfortable. With our latest interiors and products, this newly refurbished aircraft elevates our inflight experience in all classes of travel, and enables us to offer more Premium Economy seats to meet customer demand. I’m particularly proud that this refurbishment work was designed, conducted and completed in-house at our facilities in Dubai, to the highest standards of quality and safety. It reflects the world-class aviation capabilities and infrastructure that exists within Emirates, and here in the UAE," said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

The fully refreshed A380 features Emirates’ latest products and interiors across all cabins, including 56 Premium Economy class seats on the main deck, and new color palettes evident in the carpeting and wall panels. On the upper deck, First and Business Class seats sport Emirates’ latest cream-colored leather upholstery and lighter-toned wood finishing, similar to the airline’s ‘game changer’ product. Emirates’ signature ghaf tree motif also features prominently throughout the interiors, including hand-stenciled panels in the First Class Shower Spa.

The next Emirates A380 aircraft lined up for its make-over is A6-EUW, and work is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

As the program progresses, engineers will work simultaneously on 2 aircraft. This means that one aircraft in the fleet will be withdrawn from service every eight days and transferred to Emirates Engineering facilities. By 2024, all 67 A380s assigned for refurbishment will have returned to service. Emirates will then begin work on its 53 Boeing 777s earmarked for this project. The airline expects to complete the program in 2025. 

To deliver the largest known aircraft refurbishment program in aviation history, Emirates recruited 190 new project personnel, and is working with 48 major partners and suppliers who have also hired hundreds of skilled workers.

Teams of engineers and technicians have worked round the clock, taking apart the entire interior of the A380 and refitting the parts again in a carefully planned and tested sequence. 

Read more about Emirates’ retrofit project here.
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JABBRE: Triumphs the Business and Lifestyle Excellence Category at the Lustre Awards 2022

Saturday, January 21, 2023



Recognized as the Best Game Changer Brand in the Motorcycle Industry at the glamorous evening last Dec. 12, 2022 at the Grand Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila Hotel.


Jabbre, a Filipino brand of motorcycle intercom system, announced today that it has won the “Best Game Changer Brand in the Motorcycle Industry” award in the Business and Lifestyle Excellence Category of Lustre Awards 2022– a prestigious award that strives to recognize, value, and celebrate individuals, groups, companies, and advocacies that truly make a difference.

As soon as Jabbre launched in 2020, the company vowed to provide customers with the best service possible, as well as to continuously innovate and produce products with cutting-edge features that are also affordably priced. And Jabbre's receipt of this honor demonstrates that since its founding, this business has defined and exemplified excellence through its objectives, quality service, and innovative products.

Jabbre, a young company, appeared to have "fully arrived" in the motorcycle industry after receiving this award. For Jabbre, however, this would only be the beginning of the journey toward becoming the "game-changer" and consistently providing innovation in the industry. A promise to Jabbre's ability to connect, adapt, and—most importantly—evolve is the fact that Jabbre obtained this Lustre award. Make Rides More Fun with Jabbre!

Jabbre Team is thankful to the Lustre Awards 2022 7Stars Board of Councils for chosen our brand as one of this year’s Luminary Awardee. Lustre Awards 2022 is an evening of fashion, philanthropy and distinction. It aims to promote the artistry of local fashion designers, raise funds for charity causes and recognize individuals who made exemplary contributions to society. It serves as our way of giving back to the community in recognition of all their love and support to the organization.
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Bayad and PitakaMo Relaunches Partnership, Strengthening Its One Stop Shop Bills Payment Solution

Thursday, January 19, 2023

In photo (L-R): Lawrence Y. Ferrer – Bayad President and CEO, Dennis S. Gatuslao – Bayad Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Alexander Charles Mascenon – PitakaMo IT Solutions and Marketing Corporation VP for Operations, and Alexander Benedict Mascenon – PitakaMo IT Solutions and Marketing Corporation President and CEO


CIS Bayad Center Inc. (Bayad), the largest multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines relaunches partnership with PitakaMo IT Solutions and Marketing Corporation (PitakaMo), a digital payment service provider of its franchisor brand AllEn One Grocery and Payment Center (AllEn One). 

Gaining foothold in the retail industry, AllEn One has already established over 47 store branches nationwide in just a span of 2 years. As the company thrives through expansion, it continues to offer value added services including a one stop shop bills payment solution, enabled by Bayad’s upgraded system integration with PitakaMo.

Today, AllEn One customers can expect seamless payment transactions with various billers covering services like electric and water utility, cable & internet, government contributions, loan payments, school tuition fees, online shopping, insurance, and many others.

To top it off, most of these billers offer real-time payment posting allowing customers to pay their bills instantaneously, without delay, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Bayad President and CEO, Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We and PitakaMo share the same goal of providing convenient financial services. Together, we’ve enhanced a one stop shop bills payment solution as we respond to the various needs of the customers that we both serve, especially those who are always on the go. Ultimately, we stand with PitakaMo in shaping the future of fintech as we help make payment transactions frictionless, secured, and more accessible to Filipinos.”

PitakaMo President and CEO, Alexander Benedict Mascenon added “Our partnership with Bayad Center is vital in providing essential services through our AllEn One Grocery, Pharmacy & Payment Centers nationwide.”

For financial institutions and businesses like PitakaMo that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.
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From Fifty to Five Hundred Employees in Five Years: Boehringer Ingelheim Global Business Services Manila Credits Phenomenal Growth to Employees

(Photo: From Left) Jose Zaide, managing director and head of GBS Center Manila; Andrea Jakob, vice president and head of GBS Center Network; Rechiel Catalino, senior specialist source-to-pay; Andreas Hilf, senior vice president and head of corporate division GBS 

Multinational pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Global Business Services (GBS) Manila recently marked its 5th year in the Philippines with a townhall meet last November 29 at the Grand Ballroom of Crimson Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Originally established as a regional center to provide transactional services in the HR, Finance, and Master Data Management for the APAC region in 2017, the Center grew by leaps and bounds in its Alabang location.

“The success of the Manila operations over the past years validates our decision to establish our GBS center here,” Andrea Jakob, Boehringer Ingelheim GBS Center Network head, said. “Key criteria were the availability of talents, the customer-centric mindset and flexibility of the Philippine workforce, strong communication skills in multiple languages,” she added.

The GBS center in the Philippines initially started with fifty employees in 2017. “Since then, we have grown the Center tremendously, adding services that went beyond what was originally planned. Because of its successes over the last years, we decided to also launch and deliver IT Services from this Center,” said Jose Jamil Zaide, Managing Director and Head of GBS Center Manila. “By the end of November, the Center marked its fifth year, which also happened to be the day we onboarded our 500th employee,” he continued. 

The GBS Center Manila works towards standardizing and centralizing target processes, providing back-office services to Boehringer Ingelheim entities in North America, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s also a service center for Southeast Asian countries like South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia. 

“Apart from creating attractive jobs, our employees especially appreciate our culture of empowerment and our focus on people development,” Andreas Hilf, GBS Corporate Division head, explained. “Our drive to develop our employees is important to ensure our people’s employability and to enable them to pursue fulfilling careers within our organization. At the same time, this also enables us to locate higher-value and more complex activities at the GBS Center Manila,” he said.

Members of the Global GBS Leadership Team marked the company milestone by honoring the Center Manila employees at the event. Numerous members were acknowledged for their innovative ideas, commitment, and loyalty. Jakob and Hilf also thanked Zaide along with his leadership team for their untiring drive for excellence.

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Uratex Monoblock launches Bawal Ang Marupok campaign

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Plastic chairs, tables and drawers are often used in Filipino households, workplaces, and various establishments. Regardless of size, layout, and design preference, these must-have essentials have proven their importance to furnish and transform a space into a functional, conducive place that can be easily redesigned whenever needed.




Due to the high demand, various brands produce plastic home furnishing items, specifically monobloc chairs, to make them more accessible and available to consumers. However, not all are made the same. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has implemented guidelines and standards to ensure quality and safety – requiring all manufacturers, distributors, and importers of monobloc chairs and stools to apply for the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) mark – a proof that the product passed the standards set by the DTI-BPS.

In line with its mission to provide the best quality products and address the desire of the consumers for durable and value for money items, Uratex Monoblock is one of the plastic furniture brands that adhered and passed the mandatory tests and requirements set by the DTI-BPS for monobloc chairs and stool; the first brand in the Philippines to passed the Level 5 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 7173, the highest plastic furniture standard in the country.


Why Bawal Ang Marupok?


Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the brand launched the Bawal ang Marupok campaign with the goal to educate and equip the market on how to be keen and discerning when it comes to investing in plastic chairs and avoid marupok or brittle ones that can potentially harm them. One of the ways that the brand emphasized is to check the warning label to see if the chair has PS certification and recommended seat load capacity for safety and assurance.



Moreover, the campaign aims to highlight the brand’s ongoing thrust and purpose to nurture and protect its consumers by providing top-notch quality products that are not just ergonomic in design, but are also durable and will stand the test of time.

In the recently held campaign media launch at Eton Centris, on January 17, 2023, Uratex Monoblock conducted a forum led by Uratex Monoblock Business Unit Director Dindo Medina, Department of Trade & Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) Assistant Director Ferdinand L. Manfoste and Department of Science & Technology - Forest Products Research & Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Deputy Director Rico Cabangon as part of the panel. During the panel discussion, Mr. Medina explained the objective, rationale, and inspiration behind the Bawal Ang Marupok campaign while Mr. Ferdinand Manfoste and Mr. Rico Cabangon explained why Uratex Monoblock chairs easily pass, if not exceed industry standards. Both industry experts shared their insights on the safety and durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.










“Uratex Monoblock’s passion has always been to provide our consumers with quality items,” Mr. Medina shared. “With the Bawal ang Marupok campaign, we aim to further communicate Uratex Monoblock’s standard for excellent craftsmanship, as well as to educate consumers to be more discerning of the quality and durability of plastic chairs as they value the safety of their family.”

Apart from industry experts, Mommy celebrities, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Camille Prats Yambao graced the event to share their thoughts and actual experiences – highlighting their role as a mom to be alert and well-informed with regards to buying quality household items for the home.

“For me, my family’s safety always comes first,” Rica shared. “Whenever I purchase items for our home, I always consider how the item can serve our family. Is it safe? Is it durable? Can it last for a long time?”

“Monobloc chairs have been a Filipino household staple, but I agree that not all are made the same,” Camille said. “I really agree with Uratex Monoblock’s campaign, bawal talaga ang marupok. It’s really an invitation for every Filipino home to give importance to products that are safe and durable,” she added.



Media invitees were also given a short walk-through of how Uratex Monoblock chairs are being tested before they go out to the market. They also got to participate in various strength tests that ensure the durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.
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Society Pass, Inc. (SOPA) / NusaTrip Expands Services to Philippines

NusaTrip, Indonesia’s first IATA-certified online travel agency (OTA) and the travel vertical of Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq:SOPA), today formally announces the opening of its second Southeast Asia (SEA) regional office in Philippines.








The market for Filipino tourists and foreign workers is sizable. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) data, approximately 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deployed in 2019. In 2021, OFW was estimated to be 1.83 million, up from 1.77 million in 2020. Based on the Department of Tourism's November 2022 report, 73% of the 2.025 million visitors to the Philippines are foreign tourists, whereas 27% are OFWs. In 2023, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) aims to increase the number of overseas Filipino workers. The majority of OFWs work in the service sector, such as domestic help, healthcare, engineering, and construction. By 2020, Asia employed 83.6% of OFWs, followed by Europe, America, and Australia.


NusaTrip CEO Johanes (Joe) Chang elaborates, "Considering the market's size and potential, the Philippines is an essential market for our ecosystem. NusaTrip aims to be the promotion partners for the Philippines tourism boards and become the travel hub that helps to connect overseas Filipinos with their home country. We are excited to collaborate with the local businesses. It will accelerate and improve the quality of our synergies and customer growth rate in Southeast Asia. In addition, given Philippines’ countless scenic spots and picturesque beaches, NusaTrip will focus on promoting thousands of hotels into our platform and provide leisure alternatives for international travelers”.


Leveraging the momentum of the travel and tourism industry recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, NusaTrip is expanding its offering beyond air travel. NusaTrip aims to extend its flight content with more travel inspirations and relevant options, so everyone will always find something to explore and somewhere to fly to. On the business side, NusaTrip connects worldwide flight content through streamlined integration with low-cost and full-service airlines from multiple points of sale and enables global distribution at ease via its proprietary technology, the NusaXchange platform.


Nusatrip regional offices will focus on creating more variety of marketing initiatives and managing existing business relationships with airlines, hotels, and tourism promotion board partners.


"We are very excited to welcome NusaTrip and look forward to the collaboration with our local businesses. I believe it will benefit our business partners and customers," said Arbie Christie Pagdangan, Country Manager for Society Pass in the Philippines.
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Metro Pacific Health signs Collaboration Agreement with mWell, the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app

Metro Pacific Health (MPH) and Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC) have signed a Collaboration Agreement to deliver the best possible healthcare services to the Filipino people. MPH, the largest integrated healthcare network in the Philippines, and MPHTC, the developer of the country’s first fully integrated health platform, mWell, are both under the corporate umbrella of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).




The collaboration involves several areas of cooperation, including integration of services, branding and marketing partnership, and the streamlining of resources and services to make the healthcare-related services of MPH and MPHTC available to as many Filipinos as possible. The agreement will allow MPHTC and MPH to align their efforts in engaging with patients and doctors to get them onboard the Metro Pacific Group’s healthcare ecosystem.



This follows MPH’s unveiling of its blueprint for growth to expand services to meet customer needs better, modernize healthcare with state-of-the-art technology in medical science and data, improve the end-to-end customer experience, and make world-class quality healthcare more accessible to many Filipinos.



As the country’s leading and most-valued integrated healthcare network, MPH shall harness the power of technology to deliver world-class treatment with compassionate care at accessible prices for every Filipino. Recognizing the challenges of providing healthcare in the scattered islands of the Philippines, MPH shall roll out virtual care and online consultations via its digital platform mWell MPH.



Through this platform, patients can access the outpatient services of MPH's nationwide network of 19 hospitals, 22 outpatient care centers (OCC), and its roster of thousands of doctors accredited within the MPH network.



MPIC Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Our mission is to create a truly responsive healthcare system for the Filipino. We should allow more permanent access to medical services and the answer is technology. This partnership complements the health service that is delivered traditionally through our hospital network, facilitated by the reach and equity of the mWell brand. Our digital infrastructure transcends the geographic limitations of traditional delivery platforms.”



With mWell MPH, patients can schedule face-to-face or 24/7 virtual consultations with doctors holding clinics at MPH hospitals or OCCs, order medicines for pick-up or home delivery, and schedule onsite or home service laboratory and diagnostic procedures. mWell MPH will also provide patients with easy access to their electronic medical records (EMR) and the ability to share these with their doctors.



“mWell MPH is our effort to provide a digital front door to our network of integrated healthcare services delivered by our hospitals and other fulfillment centers,” said Celso Bernard G. Lopez, MPH’s Chief Transformation Officer, while adding that “mWell MPH will allow our customers to experience a patient journey like never before, which leverages on digitalization and synergies across our network.”



For doctors, mWell MPH will allow them to easily access a full calendar and appointment management system for consultations at the clinic or virtually. This is in addition to the platform's EMR management system and the ability to seamlessly order procedures and prescriptions from MPH facilities for their patients. Doctor-to-doctor referrals and multi-disciplinary patient management are also made possible by the platform.




“Metro Pacific Health is the heart of Filipino healthcare. As we complete the development of our digital platform and tap into mWell’s reach and brand, we shall care with compassion, cure with expertise, and serve a wider network of patients while responding to the needs of more doctors nationwide,” said MPH’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Harish Pillai.



“At the forefront of digital healthcare, mWell in partnership with Metro Pacific Health, will utilize the power of the mWell and mWell MPH platforms to provide better healthcare for more Filipinos—this is our shared north star” said MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.



mWell MPH will be made available to MPH partners, such as smaller hospitals, primary care clinics, and maternity clinics. As the Philippine Government prepares for the launch of the Universal Healthcare Act, the use of a virtual care platform by these partners will allow them to refer their patients with more specialized needs easily to the country’s leading hospitals, such as Makati Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, and Davao Doctors Hospital.



mWell’s fully integrated health ecosystem provides access to over 500 family doctors, specialists, and mind health experts. Aside from 24/7 consultation, mWell offers fitness and nutrition programs designed by experts and the mWellness Score—a digital tracker that measures physical health, step count and sleep daily. Insurance products, home care, medicine delivery, and emergency service are also available on the app. mWell’s advocacy programs include the National mWellness Day—the biggest nationwide digital medical mission and mWell OnTheGo, a portable digital clinic for remote communities and partner LGUs.
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Mang Inasal kicks off 20th anniversary with 2-in-1 AnniverSAYA Deals

Thursday, January 12, 2023

 

The new year is made even more exciting as Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, kicks off its year-long 20th anniversary celebration with the “2-in-1 AnniverSAYA Deals” happening at all its branches nationwide. 

“2023 is a big year for Mang Inasal as we reach two decades serving Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya to our customers nationwide,” said Mang Inasal’s Business Unit Head Mike V. Castro. “The 2-in-1 AnniverSAYA Deals is just the start of a thrilling year-long celebration which we want everyone to enjoy.” 


Double the Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya with these perfect pairings available from Jan. 1 to Feb 28, 2023. Simply present the physical or digital coupon to get the discounts. 

Check out these 2-in-1 AnniverSAYA deals at all Mang Inasal stores nationwide: https://bit.ly/MangInasalBRANCHES.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media!
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Meralco is back-to-back champion of X-Trash Challenge

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

 

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has once again emerged as the champion in an inter-company competition that aims to promote responsible waste management in the country.

The power distributor bested 12 other Philippine companies in this year’s X-Trash Challenge organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Basic Environmental Systems and Technology Inc. (BEST, Inc.).

The competition, which ran from April to September 2022, involved the collection and donation of recyclable waste materials such as paper, metals, and plastics—all of which had equivalent environmental points that were converted into cash.

Other participating companies included BDO Unibank, Inc., Accenture, Inc., Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc., Deloitte Philippines Outreach Inc., Dole Philippines Inc., and Standard Chartered Bank Philippines among others.

With the proceeds of its win, Meralco donated 1,000 food packs to the beneficiaries of One Meralco Foundation, the company’s social development arm, through the Ateneo Center for Education.

“We share this award with our logistics teams and pollution control officers for their all-out support to this relevant sustainability program. They are the ones who drove the diligent efforts to collect and segregate our recyclables and deliver them to the warehouses of PBSP and BEST, Inc., as we strived to achieve our waste diversion targets for 2022,” said Antonio M. Abuel, Jr., Meralco Vice President and Head of Facilities, Safety, and Security Management, during the awards ceremony.

Last year, Meralco was also awarded as overall champion of the first X-Trash Challenge, topping 13 other firms. Funds raised were used to donate over 200 food packs to marginalized families in Imus, Cavite, Makati City and Muntinlupa City, in partnership with the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid.

“Our second straight win in the X-Trash Challenge is a testament to our deep commitment to sustainability exemplified, in part, by our Race to Zero Waste (RZW) Program. We, in Meralco, took this Challenge to heart not only because of its close alignment with RZW’s thrust, but also because of the value it delivers to recipient communities,” said Raymond B. Ravelo, Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Race to Zero Waste Program is a company-wide initiative covering all Meralco facilities, aiming to minimize waste generation and reduce waste disposal in landfills.

Meralco’s Race to Zero Waste Program and participation in the X-Trash Challenge support and promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production.
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Hanabishi Offers Discounts on Select Appliances for a Happier and Healthier New Year

Monday, January 9, 2023

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit feeling healthy and strong by making sure that you eat right and that the air in your home is cool and clean. Hanabishi offers up to 18% discount on select products from January 8 to 10 at both its Lazada and Shopee stores with free P50 shipping vouchers.




On sale are its Low Sugar Multi-Function Rice Cooker HDESUGAR18MFRC, which removes up to 35% of unhealthy starch while still retaining rice’s nutrients and vitamins. It comes with a food grade SUS304 inner pot, a food grade SUS304 low sugar rice basket, and a measuring cup and rice scoop.



Also on sale is Hanabishi’s popular Digital Air Fryer HAFRYER70SSDIG, which requires little to no cooking oil to make crispy fried food. With it, you can fry, bake, grill, or roast -- it’s like having more than one cooking appliance in your kitchen. Best of all, it helps you prepare healthier dishes for your loved ones without the fuss. It’s easy to use and comes with a non-stick and dishwasher-safe food drawer and basket.



As you work your way through 2023, enjoying a cup or two of your favorite brew would help keep you on your feet. If you’re looking for a new coffee maker, Hanabishi’s HCM35GCM Coffee Maker is on sale. It would be a nice addition to your kitchen or home office with its sleek and modern design.



The Hanabishi Air Purifier and High-Velocity Mini Jumbo Fan also go on sale. Make sure you get one before supplies are gone. Start adding to your cart now and don’t forget to check out from January 8 to 10.




Purchase of the sale items comes with free products from Hobe noodles and CDO.



For updates on Hanabishi’s latest products and promotions, follow its social media accounts.

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Reignite the Magic Now for a Long-Missed Magical Journey at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Pinoy guests are invited to visit the #WhatsNext getaway destination this Chinese New Year with a limited combo offer of 1-Day Park Ticket and “Disney Premier Access”




Following the easing of pandemic curbs in Hong Kong, guests and fans from the Philippines can finally hop on a flight to reignite the magic at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Get ready to rediscover familiar rides, relive moments of pure joy with beloved Disney friends, and reconnect with all-new surprises throughout the Happiest Place on Earth. Special tickets and hotel offers are ready to make Pinoy guests’ experiences even more fun-filled, in particular, the “Reignite the Magic” Combo:  1-Day Park Ticket and “Disney Premier Access,” enabling priority access to some of the Park's most popular attractions.



Tourists can now visit Hong Kong quarantine-free and are allowed to explore attractions and restaurants as soon as they arrive, including Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL). For the latest travel information about Hong Kong, guests may visit here: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html


Brand-new Disney magic awaits!


Be enchanted by the reimagined Castle of Magical Dreams—home to a fully refreshed "Follow Your Dreams" daytime musical stage show and the all-new nighttime spectacular “Momentous.” Watch in awe as it sets the evening ablaze with breathtaking delights that wrap up a truly unforgettable day!


The shining beacon of Hong Kong Disneyland: The Castle of Magical Dreams




In celebration of the resort’s 15th Anniversary, the reimagined centerpiece, named the Castle of Magical Dreams, was launched in 2020. Sparked by those that dare to dream and believe, it shines as a beacon of courage, hope and possibility.


Draw inspiration from 13 stories of Disney princesses and queens, the architectural design embraces each one of their unique characteristics through the interpretation of color, icons, symbols, patterns and cultural features.


Never in Disney history has an existing castle undergone a transformation as grand as this, and guests who have witnessed the change from a distance can now walk through the iconic structure. From meeting their favorite princesses and queens at “The Royal Reception Hall,” with its regally appointed interiors that feature intricately carved details, tapestries, and small bronze statues depicting the beloved heroines who inspired the castle’s design, to visiting “Enchanted Treasures,” the first-ever Castle of Magical Dreams Chow Tai Fook Jewelry store where artisans from the popular jeweler Chow Tai Fook have been appointed as Royal Jeweler for all of the kingdom’s magnificent keepsakes and treasures.

First-of-its-kind live outdoor musical party: “Follow Your Dreams”


The 20-minute live outdoor musical is filled with high-energy music and live singing. A brand-new song debuted in the show, called “Follow Your Dreams,” which is not only infused with the trademark uplifting spirit of a Disney tune, but also reminds guests how fulfilling it is to pursue dreams and to never give up. Several well-known songs have also been rearranged and produced to give guests a never-before-heard experience, featuring a wide range of music from electronic dance music and K-Pop, to everything in between.

The Most Magical Show on Earth: “Momentous”






Newly launched in June this year, the all-new nighttime spectacular, “Momentous”, has arrived—and it is Hong Kong's greatest evening experience! This much-anticipated show—filled with magic and light—illuminates the night sky with nearly 20 minutes of music and memorable moments, all wrapped up in one monumental journey.


Through powerful and heart-warming storytelling, “Momentous” will delight your senses with spectacular multimedia elements, including large-scale projection mapping technology, choreographed fountains, illuminated water projection, lasers, theatrical lighting, pyrotechnics and fireworks effects. Unfolding over six chapters, "Momentous" will not only bring the iconic Castle of Magical Dreams to life but also take guests on a wondrous journey through life. This amazing new show reminds us just how precious time is and to cherish every moment with our loved ones.

Meet and greet with Disney Friends once more


Our Disney pals could not be more excited to see all of our wonderful guests again! Everyone from Mickey Mouse, and the Marvel Super Heroes to Duffy and Friends—including their newest pal, the lovable fox LinaBell—have prepared brand-new surprises to celebrate special occasions while creating precious memories along the way.


There is more to capture at “Follow Your Dreams” where Mickey Mouse and an array of Disney characters, including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pocahontas, Moana, and Elsa, as well as Miguel from Coco and Nick and Judy from Zootopia. So, savor the magic with Disney Pals through a series of iconic new photo moments.


Exciting product line-up in 2023 at Hong Kong Disneyland


2023 is bound to be a magical and memorable year with a rich line-up of immersive activities and seasonal events at the resort, from celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney to the long-awaited opening of the first-ever Frozen-themed land in the world, World of Frozen, in the second half of 2023. What’s more, a brand-new Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue will be unveiled the same year.
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