Emerging singer-songwriter liesl-mae looks inwards and recounts stories of personal-growth in her captivating new single, “The Trip”

Emerging singer-songwriter liesl-mae looks inwards and recounts stories of personal-growth in her captivating new single, “The Trip”

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

 

Talented singer-songwriter liesl-mae takes fans on a journey of self-discovery with the release of her latest single, “The Trip.” Simple, vulnerable, and authentic, liesl-mae’s analogous approach to storytelling reveals an old soul steeped in awareness far beyond her age. The Kuala Lumpur-based songstress is signed to OFFMUTE – Sony Music Entertainment’s Southeast Asian label – and is one of four artists that the label announced upon its launch on 19 March, 2021.

“The Trip” begins stripped down and intimate as liesl-mae details the starting point of a journey she’d like to embark on. Eager and excited, everything around her seems to imply the time is right to charge towards her goals and ambitions. However, living in an age where people are constantly being inundated with the thoughts and opinions of others, liesl-mae highlights the importance, now more than ever, to check in on oneself; ensuring that the expectations we set for ourselves are indeed important to us and the goals we strive to achieve are in alignment with our values.

The sparse instrumentation, a nod towards limitless potential and endless possibility, is equally daunting in its expanse as it is exhilarating. Symbolic of the balancing act involved in deep reflective thought, “The Trip” is, in essence, an exercise in maturity and self-understanding - an antidote to the unrealistic expectations promulgated and exacerbated by social media.

In dealing with the mental exhaustion and burnout that typically ensues, “It’s important to look back at all the things that have made us who we are, the things we are thankful for; the people, experiences, and memories… And realise that there’s more to life than the hardships we go through”. Instead of allowing ourselves to be defined by our struggles, “Life can only get better when we’re here to make it better” says liesl-mae.

Personal growth and exploration are strong themes that undergird the entirety of the project; from the initial conception of the song, to working with producer Jose Ong to bring it to life. “[Jose] made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and really pushed me in terms of finding my identity as an artist for this song in particular. He was super receptive to my feedback and helped me learn a lot in our few studio sessions together - from sing[ing] more expressively, to building harmonies, and just overall encouraging me to try things I’d never tried before.”

Translating the track’s metaphoric nature to its accompanying visual components was of the utmost importance to the music video’s director, Dexter Anthony. “Since The Trip is all about mental health and what [liesl-mae] has gone through, I didn't want to stray too far away from her own story.” Tastefully highlighting key lyrical moments with strong visual cues and motifs, the music video conveys an affecting sense of restraint; one that allows liesl-mae’s mellifluous storytelling to breathe and occupy its due space.

“The Trip” is due to be released on 24 June 2022. Watch the official music video here.

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UBX, Post Office partner to drive financial, social inclusion

UBX, Post Office partner to drive financial, social inclusion

 

UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, has teamed up with the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) to launch Kasama Lahat, a capacity development project which will transform the country’s premier postal agency into a modern hub that offers financial and data services for everyone in the community.

“The Post Office Digital Innovation signifies the commitment and support of the Post Office especially under the new administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in serving the public who deserve no less than the best postal service by global standards’, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.

Under the partnership, UBX will provide the necessary technical knowledge in digital finance and open finance to hasten the Post Office’s digital transformation journey. With its ubiquity and reach, the Post Office is well-positioned to provide its customers necessary financial services, promoting financial and social inclusion, especially in far-flung areas.

Through the Bangko sa Barangay Service of UBX, the Post Office will be able to transform thousands of its outlets nationwide into financial hubs, offering various types of services such as disbursements, fund transfers, cash withdrawals, loan applications, payments, insurance, and collections, among others.

The Philippine Post Office has approximately over 1,300 outlets across the country.

“This groundbreaking partnership with the Post Office reflects our strong commitment to include everyone into the country’s financial system. With its reach and data, the Post Office has the power to drive financial and social inclusion through its digital transformation initiative,” UBX President John Januzczak said.

Aside from transforming each postal outlet as community financial centers, the partnership will also empower postmen to become cash agents. They will be trained to provide guidance on how to apply for financial products and services, as well as to supervise the provision of these services.

In the long term, Kasama Lahat aims to establish Post Office as Open Finance Hubs, which can process data transactions as well, such as validation of customer information for loan applications, asset validation, and even collection or debt restructuring services.

Since it was established in 2019, i2i has been connecting institutions, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the country’s financial ecosystems. Now with thousands of agents and hundreds of financial institutions, it provides fund transfers, bills payments, mobile ATM, insurance, and loan services which anyone can access in various banks and merchant locations nationwide.

Millions of Filipinos have been integrated into digital finance through i2i, paving the way forward to the future of open finance. Its Bangko sa Barangay service, which was launched in July of last year, turned branch networks and agent pools to become financial service providers in their communities capable of providing financial and data transactions.

These services, under Kasama Lahat, aim to transform the Post Office by putting customers to the fore by creating and innovating products and services to meet their demands, shifting the agency to a sustainable business culture, reviewing, and proposing amendments to the Post Office Charter (RA 7354), and overall contributing to social inclusion in the Philippines.

With this partnership, the Post Office will also be able to establish a product line which will establish its financial independence from the budget provisioned by the government, giving the postal agency a more sustainable business culture. The profit margins will also allow it to continue its vision of modernization.

“Our digital transformation journey, powered by UBX, allows us to diversify our services beyond the Filipino people’s postal needs. With our network of over 1,300 outlets and more than 3,500 postmen, we are in a unique position to provide financial services that promote both financial and social inclusion in the country,” Post Office Postmaster General Normal Fulgencio said.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows that 47 percent of Filipino adults are still unbanked. The government aims to include at least 70 percent of Filipino adults to the country’s financial system by 2023.

“The challenge for both the public and private sectors to drive financial inclusion is daunting and it requires a strong sense of commitment and partnership to achieve this. Our partnership with the Post Office is just an example of meaningful ways to bring financial services closer to Filipinos,” Januszczak said.

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Saeed Abdulla Miran is Emirates’ new country manager for the Philippines

Saeed Abdulla Miran is Emirates’ new country manager for the Philippines

Emirates has recently appointed Saeed Abdulla Miran as Country Manager for the Philippines.

With an almost decade-long track record with Emirates, Saeed is tasked to lead the airline’s operations here in the Philippines while helping drive further its growth in the country. His appointment comes at a time when air travel from the Philippines to other destinations around the world is picking-up following the easing of border restrictions in many countries. Emirates is considered the top carrier for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who live and work in the UAE, and as the new Country Manager, Saeed’s leadership will be critical in setting the future direction of the airline in the market.

Before being assigned to the Philippines, Saeed was the Area Manager for Hong Kong, where he was assigned to lead the operations of Emirates. He also oversaw key stakeholder relations amidst an ever-evolving travel environment. He also directly contributed to the growth of Emirates’ market share in Hong Kong. 

Before his appointments to Hong Kong and now the Philippines, Saeed served as the Country Manager for Bangladesh from 2018 to 2020 and Country Manager for Sudan from 2016 until 2018. He started his career with Emirates in 2013 as Commercial Support Manager in the UAE and was later posted in Qatar with the same position in 2015. 

Saeed graduated from the American University in the UAE with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Diplomacy.

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Xiaomi Reaffirms Commitment to Data Security and Privacy

Xiaomi Reaffirms Commitment to Data Security and Privacy

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Xiaomi, the world's leading consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company, recommitted itself to protecting customer data during its annual Security and Privacy Awareness Month completed today. It held employee training events and expert seminars at the Xiaomi Technology Park in Beijing, China and at Xiaomi's Technology Operation Center in Singapore.

This was the third consecutive year that it held special classes for its engineers and other employees and led discussions with industry executives, IT security experts, and the public about the importance of data security and user privacy protection. Xiaomi also released updated white papers on security and privacy along with its annual transparency report detailing its data security activities.

The purpose of the month-long series of events was to bolster its user security and privacy protection practices and to build trust in Xiaomi’s products through transparency and accountability.

Xiaomi has built a comprehensive governance structure to protect data security and user privacy. This involves cooperation between cybersecurity experts, smartphone operating system engineers, lawyers, and legal compliance experts. Overseeing these specialists is a Security and Privacy Committee led by senior executives.

Cui Baoqiu, Xiaomi Vice President and Chairman of the Xiaomi Security and Privacy Committee, called data security and user privacy protection a key to the long-term, sustainable development of the company's global business. "Protecting the data security and privacy of our users is the top priority,” he said. “Our customers care about this issue more than any other. Xiaomi is committed to offering safe and reliable Android smartphones and IoT products."

Eugene Liderman, Director of Android Security Strategy of Google, highlighted Xiaomi's contribution to the Android system. "One of Android's biggest strengths is the diverse ecosystem of partners. Xiaomi is a great example of this and it's great to see their continued investment in cyber security hygiene across their product portfolio", he added.

Professor Liu Yang, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, said, "As the security challenge is becoming the focus of many technology discussions, industry stakeholders attach more importance to the urgency of managing vulnerabilities at hardware, software and even in the massive open-source space. Xiaomi has made tremendous effort to address the issue, safeguarding users with technology expertise, and continuously exploring new methods for better data protection."

With the world's largest consumer IoT platform, Xiaomi is constantly working to improve IoT security and privacy protections. Xiaomi held its fifth annual IoT security summit on June 29 and 30 in Beijing. Industry executives and experts discussed a wide range of issues from data security governance frameworks and cross-border data transfers to the security of internet-connected electric vehicles and solutions for software supply chain security threats.

During the June event, Xiaomi announced that its Electric Scooter 4 Pro obtained IoT Security Rating Gold level certification from Underwriter Laboratories Inc, an international safety research institute based in the U.S. This designation made Electric Scooter 4 Pro the world's first electric scooter with such a high-level safety rating. The certificate also indicated that the security baseline of Xiaomi's IoT product development is in line with international standards.

Xiaomi created its Security and Privacy Committee in 2014. In 2016, Xiaomi became the first Chinese company to receive certification from TrustArc. Xiaomi adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of European Union compliance assessment in 2018. In 2019, Xiaomi security and privacy practices were certificated on ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27018. Last year, Xiaomi published its first transparency report, making it the first Android smartphone brand to do so. Xiaomi this year obtained the certificate of registration of NIST CSF (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity Framework), further strengthening its data security protection capabilities.

For the white papers and reports mentioned above, please use the Xiaomi Trust Center at https://trust.mi.com/

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A call for Pinoys to take better care of health as diabetes and heart disease surge

A call for Pinoys to take better care of health as diabetes and heart disease surge

Advocacy campaign For Your Sweetheart PH leads the discussion on the need for healthier habits in the new normal

Doctors and other health industry experts are sounding the alarm over the surges in deaths due to heart disease and diabetes over the past two years.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Office show that ischemic heart disease was the top cause of death in the Philippines in 2020 and 2021.

In fact, the number increased from over 95,000 in 2020 to almost 126,000 in 2021. Meanwhile, fatalities from diabetes mellitus marked a 22 percent increase to 44,000 in 2021.

These findings were highlighted in the recent “Confessions of a Sweet Talker: How Your Sweet Tooth Can Cause Heartaches” media briefing of For Your Sweetheart Philippines, a nationwide movement among health industry stalwarts, initiated by Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, to raise awareness on the critical link between diabetes and heart disease.

Panelists in the event cited lifestyle changes caused by pandemic trends and restrictions as one of the most likely causes for the increases in these medical conditions.

“Pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have seriously impacted the health of many Filipinos by limiting their movement and keeping them from engaging in exercise,” noted Philippine Heart Association (PHA) secretary, Dr. Rodney Jimenez. “And this was exacerbated by heightened anxiety, as well as the availability of streaming services and social media."

Online health risk assessment tools

Hypertension and diabetes are preventable. In fact, there are simple online tools that people can use to get an indication of any health risks they may have.

One such tool, called the Framingham Assessment Test, is a web-based written exam that computes the risk for developing cardiovascular disease based on a series of information including cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The test is free and anyone aged 30 to 74 can take it to find out if they are at risk of getting a heart attack within 10 years.

“Accessible online tools like the Framingham Assessment Test help provide a picture of one’s health prior to consulting a doctor,” said Ms. Leyden Florido, President of Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators. “Results can be brought to a doctor for proper interpretation and necessary action.”

The Framingham Assessment Test takes only 10 minutes and can be found at www.foryoursweetheart.ph. Even people without a history of heart ailments are encouraged to take it.

Return to regular consultation

Other panelists in the event noted that many people may not be aware that diabetes can lead to heart disease.

"A lot of Filipinos living with diabetes don't realize that if they don't learn to manage their condition properly, it can lead to heart disease," said Dr. Pasaporte, president of Diabetes Philippines. "This is especially true for people who have vices, are hypertensive and unmindful of their diet, and lead a sedentary lifestyle."

He added that to manage the medical conditions and bring down the number of deaths from diabetes and heart disease, Filipinos need to go back to their healthy lifestyle or change their behavior altogether.

“They also need to go back to seeing their doctors,” added Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM) President, Dr. Carolyn Narvacan-Montano. "We're in the new normal now. While online consultation remains a good option to get medical attention, hospitals and clinics can once again accept patients with other conditions by putting in place policies and measures that will protect the health and safety of everyone coming in their building against COVID-19. The best way to know how to keep your diabetes in control and from developing heart disease is still to see your doctor regularly."

First launched in 2020, For Your Sweetheart PH aims to continuously educate Filipinos about the correlation between diabetes and heart disease, as well as how to properly manage the condition. The campaign is supported by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), Alliance of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACE), Diabetes Philippines (DP), Institute for the Studies of Diabetes Foundation (ISDF), Philippine Association for Diabetes Educators (PADE), and Philippine Alliance Patient Organizations (PAPO).

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PLDT Home, Google launch Be Internet Awesome online series

PLDT Home, Google launch Be Internet Awesome online series

New kid-oriented show aims to teach kids how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online

 

 

Following its partnership announcement to further strengthen efforts in educating Filipino kids and families about internet safety and digital responsibility, the Philippines’ leading home broadband and digital service provider PLDT Home and Google joined forces in creating a kid-oriented video series online.

 

The Be Internet Awesome online series combines animation and live action — featuring Gen Alpha whiz Sam and his trusty friend Robo-berto in fun-filled yet enlightening adventures on how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The series is based on the values of Google’s Be Internet Awesome global program and is directed by Manny Angeles, an award-winning director and producer of kid-oriented and animated shows.

 

Available in both English and Filipino in the Philippines, Be Internet Awesome aims to teach children the fundamentals of leading a digital life which includes what kind of information to post on social media and how to deal with cyberbullying among others. This is part of the many efforts of Google to help keep people safe online.

 

“Our children are true digital natives. They grew up with the internet and everything the digital world has to offer. But as they broaden their horizons for discovery and learning, it also exposes them to risks and dangers,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Home Group, PLDT Inc. “Through this original series, we at PLDT Home want to translate the teachings from Google’s Be Internet Awesome program into an entertaining and practical show that children can enjoy watching while learning about online safety early on.”

 

“PLDT Home’s partnership with Google for Be Internet Awesome aligns with our larger group-wide commitment: to strengthen customer-centricity. At PLDT, we not only find ways to simplify technology and experience for our customers, but we also strive to do business responsibly by putting their safety and well-being at the forefront of all our products and services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. And Smart Communications, Inc.

 

In 2021, PLDT also invested over P2 billion in cybersecurity and protection filtering. The country’s largest integrated telco has since been very active in detecting, responding, and preventing both domain and content-level access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within the network. PLDT’s Child Protection Platform has blocked almost 300,000 URLs linked CSAM by the end of May and prevented more than a billion attempts to access these illegal sites from November last year to May this year.

 

“After launching Be Internet Awesome in 2021 in the Philippines, we are glad to have found a like-minded partner in PLDT who champions the same values when it comes to protecting kids online. Through PLDT and more potential partners in the future, we hope to scale Be Internet Awesome and provide more families with a practical way of teaching digital safety and wellness to their children so they can become responsible, confident explorers of the online world,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

 

The Be Internet Awesome online series will premiere on the PLDT Home YouTube channel on July 8, 2022. 

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7 bagsak-presyo tech items at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

7 bagsak-presyo tech items at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Be sure to fill your carts with a variety of ₱49 deals and below, free shipping, and 10% off vouchers at Shopee during the 7.7 Mid-year Sale!

We’ve officially crossed the first half 2022, but there’s still a lot to look forward to as we welcome the last few months of the year. And what better way to celebrate the mid-year madness than catching the best deals on Shopee at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale? Now’s the perfect time to check out those tech items you’ve been eyeing, as you can get these at bagsak-presyo prices this 7.7! You can also enjoy a wide array of ₱49 deals and below, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off vouchers when you add-to-cart and check out your must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.

And for lucky number 7, we’ve handpicked 7 of the hottest tech deals to kickstart the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale:

Get a grip on your busy days with this Haylou Waterproof Smart Watch, equipped with health and sleep monitoring, 12 sports modes, weather notifications and music functions. Craving those unreachable, beautiful views? Explore the world using this Dual Camera FPV Drone so you can conquer the scene and reach heights for better travel memories for you and your friends thanks to its 4K double camera, three-sided infrared avoidance, and 100-meter distance features. Be on top of your game with this Adjustable High Back Gaming Chair, complete with a wide backrest and adjustable heights and tilts so you can have that customized comfort while in battle. Unlock the touch-screen potentials of your phone, iPad, or tablet with this handy Stylus Pen, perfect for taking down notes, signatures, and drawings.

Make your home safe and comfortable with the help of these must-haves! Embrace extra safety in your front door with this auto-sensing Spray Sterilizer, complete with 3 spray modes, 320-mL capacity, and easy-to-install pieces. Cooking and convenience go hand-in-hand with the TJean Air Fryer, non-sticky and hassle-free to navigate with its pre-set menu and timers. Be your own barista with this Hibrew Espresso Machine, which comes with easy to use large buttons and displays, a retro-stylish look, and a 15-bar pressure for ground coffee to help serve you that much-needed punch of delicious espresso.

More exciting offers await at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

Aside from these amazing bagsak-presyo items, get exclusive deals and discounts at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale from top brands such as Abbott, Pedigree and Whiskas, Colgate-Palmolive, Omega Houseware, Ace Hardware, Pampers, Garnier, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Beauty, Olay, Havaianas, LOVITO, Huawei, OPPO, and infinix.

You can also score ₱7 deals every 15 minutes during the Lightning Flash Hour sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. Get a chance to take home a new laptop or TV just by checking out ₱7 deals from 12-1PM and 8-9PM this 7.7. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee.

While still choosing what to checkout this 7.7, join the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee raffle to get a chance to be one of the lucky 5 winners who will take home ₱10,000! Just show off your best Shopee-inspired shopping photo and use the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee Facebook frame in order to join. Visit the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee post to know more about the raffle.

The mid-year surprises don't stop there! Activate and verify ShopeePay now to get more rewards when you send money, buy load, and pay bills. Send money for free and get a chance to win ₱1,000,000 worth of prizes with the ShopeePay Mission promo. To join, simply send at least ₱50 to any unique ShopeePay user or bank/e-wallet account from July 1 to 7 and earn raffle entries for every transaction. Don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive deals on load and cashback vouchers for bills payment this mid-year sale. For more rewards, use ShopeePay to get shipping discounts when you pay for your 7.7 bagsak-presyo finds. For more details on the latest promos, follow ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

To know more about the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee.

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Shopee Apprentice Program Upskills Young Emergent Leaders

Shopee Apprentice Program Upskills Young Emergent Leaders

By 2030, the digital economy is projected to generate up to PHP 5 trillion (USD 101.3 billion) in economic value in the Philippines. With e-commerce set to become a key pillar of the economy in the near future, there lies an opportunity to develop emerging tech talents to support this rapid growth. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to upskill young Filipino talents and mold them to become tech leaders of tomorrow through its Shopee Apprentice Program.

Open to top university students, the Shopee Apprentice Program aims to develop future leaders in the tech industry by equipping them with critical skills such as problem solving, effective communication, and adapting to a fast-paced working environment. Throughout the duration of the internship, Apprentices are immersed in Shopee’s collaborative work culture. They are given the chance to gain firsthand experience working on impactful large-scale projects in the e-commerce and digital finance industry. Apart from the exposure and valuable work experience, Apprentices can also expect to receive guidance and mentorship from Shopee’s top leaders as their internship journey progresses. Upon completion of the program, successful Apprentices have the option to join an accelerated track for the Global Leaders Program, Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program for young professionals.

This year’s batch of Apprentices is a diverse mix of top students from prestigious local and international universities. To mark the beginning of their internship journey, the Apprentices were welcomed with an on-site event held at the Shopee office. The gathering allowed them to get to know one another, and hear the advice and testimonials from Apprentice Program alumni and mentors. Through their sharing, they were able to get an idea of what is in store for them and what to expect, as they embark on their rigorous internship journey.

Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee Philippines, shared “The Shopee Apprentice Program is a testament to our commitment to developing leaders of tomorrow. We look forward to maximizing our platform to provide even more opportunities to hone the skills of young tech talents, even at the career preparation stage.”

The impending growth of the local tech industry emphasizes the need to develop and prepare young tech talent. To support this growth, Shopee is always on the lookout for young Filipinos interested in becoming drivers of growth in the tech industry. Learn more about how you can become an apprentice today and a leader tomorrow, by visiting: https://careers.shopee.ph/apprenticeprogram/.

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How Sekaya nourishes Filipinos and the planet

How Sekaya nourishes Filipinos and the planet

Friday, July 1, 2022

Here are some ways the Filipino plant-based brand prescribes and supports nature

In the past few years, Filipinos have been recalibrating their lifestyle choices, as they have become better informed about how their preferences impact their personal health and the health of the planet. It’s no surprise that more and more are switching to a more plant-based lifestyle, seeking brands that support their new, compassionate way of living.

Sekaya, the Filipino plant-based brand under Synnovate, the naturals division of UNILAB, has been one of firsts to acknowledge and address this lifestyle shift, as it aims to educate, offer products that fuses tradition and science, and support and give back to nature.

Knowing more leads to smarter, safer choices. The growing awareness on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle has also driven a proliferation of products that claim to support this. Not everything labeled natural are developed in tandem with the discipline of science though, resulting in sub-standard products that may be ineffective, or worse, harmful to consumers. When it comes to its offerings, Sekaya is guided by its Prescribing Nature philosophy. The brand believes that Filipinos deserve nothing less than high quality natural products that comply with pharmaceutical standards to ensure their efficacy, safety, and purity.

As an emerging natural products leader, Sekaya has not only been providing best-in-class solutions, but it has also become a top resource in this category. The brand has been sharing its expertise by hosting virtual conferences, and publishing articles and social media posts that help Filipinos sustain and enrich their plant-based lifestyle.

Supporting health goals and daily wellness. The brand’s roster of natural, high-quality plant-based products is created to fit easily and seamlessly into our everyday routines. Sekaya Botanic Infusion is a line of botanical blends in teabag and loose-leaf formats that help with certain health concerns like boosting immunity and getting better sleep naturally with ingredients that are certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Sekaya Organic Moringa is the only 100% locally sourced 500mg moringa supplement in the Philippines certified organic by the EU. There’s also Sekaya Raw Actives, a curated line of nutrient-dense, ready-to-mix superfood powders that can support our daily nutrition requirements and fitness goals. Simply mix it in water or any favorite drink, or use as alternative ingredients for savory dishes.

Local is globally competitive. The brand has also proven that our homegrown humble malunggay can be globally competitive with Sekaya Organic Moringa. Sekaya sources 100% of its moringa from local farms under the Moringaling Philippines Foundation, an organization involved in the development, research, and product standardization of moringa. These local moringa farms have been certified organic by the European Union (EU), having fulfilled strict conditions and passed international standards. Working with the foundation and farmers not only allow Sekaya to assure consumers of the quality and safety of its product – being the only 500mg EU-certified organic moringa supplement in the market – but also highlight the capability of our very own moringa farmers.

Steps to sustainability. Sekaya is also dedicated to finding ways to present its products in eco-friendly and sustainable materials. For instance, the Sekaya Botanic Infusion teabags are made of plant-derived materials that are biodegradable. Since they’re plant-derived and biodegradable unlike other packaging, the teabags can be thrown into a compost pit along with other food waste, which means they won’t add to the growing plastic waste problem. These plant-based materials are also non-toxic, which is especially important as some teas and botanical infusions are placed inside bags that may leach chemicals and microplastics into the drink.

Giving back to nature. As a major part of the brand’s nature conservation advocacy, Sekaya has partnered with the Cordillera Conservation Trust. For the last two years, the brand has been donating endemic tree seedlings to the organization, which is made possible by everyone who has purchased the Prescribing Nature gift packs. With Sekaya committing to match the number of gift packs sold, it’s able to secure 8,336 Philippine endemic tree seedlings for the region.

Earlier this year, the Filipino plant-based brand also worked with the Waves For Water Philippines, an organization that provides aid and clean water solutions to communities in need. Sekaya took part in the fundraiser Race 4 Water, which was a month-long virtual ride and run experience to raise awareness on clean water access inequality while providing Sekaya Raw Actives Pea Protein and Powerbeet to improve performance of the race participants. All 311 participants have logged a total of 30,187km, pledging an equivalent of 30,187L of water. As of April 29, 25,200L have already been made accessible in La Union, Dinagat Islands, and Iloilo.

Sekaya understands that harnessing nature’s life-nurturing gifts should also mean protecting and preserving it for the future. By offering plant-based products that also give back to nature, the brand hopes to nourish Filipinos and encourage them to take the necessary steps to help the planet.

Sekaya is a Filipino plant-based brand that provides natural, science-backed products to support your health goals and daily wellness. Sekaya is under Synnovate, the naturals division of UNILAB. Learn more about how you can benefit from Sekaya’s plant-based solutions, and get health tips and information at https://www.sekaya.com.ph/ and by following @sekayaph on Facebook and Instagram.

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Marian Rivera’s top 3 tips for homemakers plus her Shopee home essentials for checkout this 7.7

Marian Rivera’s top 3 tips for homemakers plus her Shopee home essentials for checkout this 7.7

Score less than ₱100 home improvement items at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, where you can also enjoy ₱49 deals and below, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily!

Upgrading your home isn’t always easy. And with having so many options but with limited time and budget, sprucing up each space can be a challenge. But take it from Shopee Primetime Queen and hands-on homemaker Marian Rivera, whose tips on home design and budget-friendly must-haves will help guide you as you do home improvements without breaking the bank:

Always set a budget

Even with her current superstar status, setting a budget for everything is still an important aspect for Marian especially when buying her essentials for home and living. And just like most of us, Marian also looks out for the best deals on Shopee! As for her tip to new homeowners? Marian shares: “Always look for a peg. In that manner, mas makikita mo kung ano yung kailangan mong bilhin, kung anong kulang. [Always look for a peg. In that manner, you’ll see exactly what you need to buy and what’s still missing.]”

And for 7.7, you can maximize your budget and enjoy shipping discount vouchers, 10% off daily, and ₱49 deals and below when you add-to-cart and check out your home must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. You can also score a variety of ₱7 deals every 15 minutes at 12-1PM and 8-9PM during the Lightning Flash Hour Sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee.

Want to get an idea on what to check out this 7.7? Here are Marian’s recommended swak sa budget home items to add to your essentials:

Too much clothes but not enough space? This Hanging Closet Organizer is a lifesaver thanks to its multiple pockets perfect for small items. You can also hang this either inside your closet, in the bathroom, and even in your laundry area. Maximize every bit of space in your home with the help of this Wall-mounted Rotatable Hook and easily mount it anywhere without damaging your walls. Avoid spilling your toothpaste products with the help of this Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser, which also serves as a toothbrush storage to keep your sink neat and tidy. Organize your grocery items with the help of this Refrigerator Storage Box, which has a space-saving design that makes stocking up supplies easier and more convenient.

Know your priorities when it comes to decorating your home

Known for her multiple roles both on and off screen , the most important role Marian considers is being a mom to her kids, prioritizing everything that they need. “Mahilig kasi ako mag-ayos-ayos sa bahay lalo na pag walang ginagawa. Syempre first thing na kinoconsider ko is ang safety ng mga anak ko. Syempre bata, maligalig, mahirap namang makatabig-tabig sila or malapit sa disgrasya so I always make sure na kid-friendly ang mga gamit at ayos namin sa bahay. [I love decorating everything in our house especially when I’m not busy. Whenever I decorate, the first thing I consider is the safety of my kids. Since they’re kids, they’re very active and prone to accidents so I always make sure to have a kid-friendly home design.]”

If you’re like Marian who keeps things safe and sound at home, then better consider these budget-friendly and kid-friendly items on Shopee:

Have a go-to tumbler you bring everywhere? This Protective Bottle Sleeve has a non-slip, anti-scratch, and anti-collision surface to keep your tumbler protected at all times. Make use of this Multipurpose Bath Ladle for your daily home tasks including watering the plants, washing ingredients in the kitchen, or even for your next bath time session with the kids. Avoid cluttering harmful items kids can reach with the help of this Under Desk Organizer, which you can also use for your home office setup. Prevent any accidents in the kitchen with the help of this cute Cartoon Bottle Opener, safe to use in opening bottles and jars with ease.

Choose convenience when shopping for your home necessities

Marian is an avid shopper, and Shopee is her go-to source for all things home essentials. On what she usually buys, Marian shares: “I am very fond of kitchenwares; mga ingredients ng kung anu-anong niluluto ko, lalo na minsan of course may mga ingredients na mahirap hanapin sa grocery, so sa Shopee agad ako magchecheck. [I am very fond of kitchenwares; some ingredients are hard to find in the grocery, so I immediately check Shopee for those.]”

Want to make things hassle-free while cooking? Better add-to-cart these affordable items to have a more enjoyable time in the kitchen:

If you love cooking just like Marian, then go for this Condiments Organizer to help keep your spices in place in an aesthetic way. Make cooking a fun and safe experience with these non-slip Silicone Oven Gloves, which you can use to hold and transfer hot objects. Replace your plastic containers with these Sealed Jar Containers, which come in different sizes where you can store extra ingredients and food items. Always keep your cooking station spotless clean with this quick drying Multipurpose Kitchen Towel, which you can also use on kitchenwares.

This 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive load deals, shipping discounts and bills payment cashback vouchers. Thinking of purchasing these home essentials? Make sure to check out with ShopeePay if you’re just like Marian who puts importance on convenience and budgeting. Access rewarding perks when shopping, as well as exciting deals when you buy load, pay bills, and send money with ShopeePay. Be updated with the latest promos by following ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

To know more about the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee.

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