Achieve the Perfect Work-from-Home Setup with Shopee, Get everything you need for your workspace at home

With the current global pandemic driving people to stay indoors, many migrate from the typical office lifestyle to working from home. 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, offers easy access to work-from-home essentials. Here are some must-haves for the perfect work-from-home setup:

A Dedicated Desk

Finding the perfect work desk is possible! Setting the ideal office area is key to getting into that ‘work’ mindset, after all. Choose a sturdy, yet comfy work table that allows you to focus and get the job done. 

Try: Sturdy Desk for Small Spaces

An Ergonomic Chair

A good office chair is an excellent investment. It minimizes back pain and prevents injury in the long term. Get a chair that’s the right height to maintain a comfortable posture. Remember, with less pain, there’s more focus! 

Try: Ergodynamic High Back Mesh Office Chair

A Good Lamp

Lighting in the work environment has a significant effect on productivity and concentration. The ambient light needs to be bright enough to read comfortably. Choosing the right kind of lighting prevents the risk of eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Natural light is the best, but a desk lamp ensures the area is well-lit for ultimate productivity.

Try: Nordic Solid Wood LED Table Lamp

An External Monitor

A wide external monitor or a dual monitor setup means more space for all the tabs on the screen. Make sure to get one with high resolution and to keep the monitor height at eye level to prevent back pain from too much slouching. 

Try: Anmite 24” Monitor

A Fast and Reliable Router

Working from home means the intense usage of a reliable internet connection. Faulty connections are extra frustrating, especially during video calls. With more people using the internet at home, a good router can boost connectivity and productivity. 

Try: TP-Link Router

Making these small changes makes a huge difference in productivity and quality of work which eventually leads to less stress and more motivation to enjoy what the new normal brings. 

With these office accessories and furniture, it is now possible to set up the perfect work-from-home office. Shopee provides a variety of items to choose from. In addition to that, shoppers can enjoy freebies and exclusive discounts when they use ShopeePay as their mode of payment. 

ShopeePay Special Promotions

From July 24 to 31, users can win cash prizes, earn ShopeePay credits, and claim vouchers and Shopee coins with ShopeePay special promotions. 

Lucky Draw 

● Regular ShopeePay users: ₱10,000 cash prize and ₱1,000 worth of ShopeePay credits

● New ShopeePay users: ₱10,000 in cash prize and ₱1,000 worth of ShopeePay credits. 

● Bills Payment: One lucky winner of ₱10,000 when they pay their bills via ShopeePay. They need to spend at least ₱800 to join the raffle.Promo duration is from July 24 to 29. 

Western Appliances offers top appliances brands up to 40% off and FREE Shipping at Shopee!

At Shopee, Western Appliances is currently having a 40% off on its large appliances! 

Western Appliances has been around for many decades and is one of the most trusted appliance stores. There are always great deals from home and kitchen appliances, and audio-video entertainment systems from leading brands.

If you're looking for appliances you plan to buy,  or replacing your old units, check this out with trusted brands at Shopee's  Western Appliances official store.

Sharp, Kolin, Haier, and Panasonic gives discounts, free gifts and free shipping.

Sharp

Check out Sharp ESU75GPGY 7.5kg Fully Automatic Washing Machine at 11% off! ₱12,000 only. Get it on Shopee now! 

https://shopee.ph/product/70513189/6133852099?v=f38&smtt=0.0.5

Sharp Automatic Washing Machine

Features:

7.5kg Fully Automatic Washing Machine

Top Load

Antibacterial Pulsator

Auto Tub Clean

Auto Restart

6 Washing Programs

LED Panel

Lint Filter

RPM: 730

Sharp 7.5kg Fully Automatic Washing Machine ₱12,000

Kolin

Check out Kolin KAG100HRE4 1hp Window Type Aircon w/ Remote at 9% off! ₱16,600 only. Get it on Shopee now! 

https://shopee.ph/product/70513189/6133802365?v=b4e&smtt=0.0.5

Kolin KAG100HRE4 1hp Window Type Aircon with Remote

Features:

1.0HP Window Type Air Conditioner

Remote Cooling Capacity: 9800 Kj/Hr, EER: 11.3

R410a Refrigerant

High-Quality Motor

Rapid Cooling Sleep Mode

Energy Efficient

Anti-Bacterial Filter

230V/60Hz

Recommended Floor Area: 16-19 s.q.m.

Dimension (WxDxH): 560x668x375 mm

Warranty: 1 Year Parts & Service, 5 years Compressor

It’s at 9% off from ₱18,285 and you get a free desk fan plus free shipping on purchase.

Kolin KAG100HRE4 1hp Window Type Aircon w/ Remote ₱16,600

Haier

Check out Haier LE49F1000U 49" UHD Digital TV at 44% off! ₱18,398 only. 

Get it on Shopee now! 

https://shopee.ph/product/70513189/1965397758?v=d5b&smtt=0.0.5

Haier LE49F1000U 49inch UHD Digital TV

Features:

49″ UHD Digital TV

4K Engine

4K Upscaling 2K-4K

Digital ISDB-T Ultra Slim Bezel

Timeshift

USB 4K Video Support

Simulated surround system

DBX sound enhancement

Original price was ₱32,998 and currently being sold at 44% discount

Haier LE49F1000U 49″ UHD Digital TV ₱18,398

Panasonic

Check out Panasonic NRBQ241VS 8.7cuft Two Door Inverter Refrigerator at 7% off! ₱17,500 only. Get it on Shopee now! 

https://shopee.ph/product/70513189/5733945369?v=75f&smtt=0.0.5

Panasonic NRBQ241VS 8.7cuft Two Door Inverter Refrigerator

Features:

8.7cuft/ 245L Refrigerator, Two Door, Direct Cool Inverter with ECONAVI Manual Defrost System with Defrost Button R600a Refrigerant, Faster Cooling Efficient Ice Making, Jumbo Freezer LED Lighting, Built in Deodorizer Modern Flat Door Design, Pocket Handle Adjustable Slide-Out Wire Shelves Japan Quality, Color: Ceramic Gray Dimensions (WxDxH) 540x620x1315 mm. Warranty: 5 years Compressor motor. 1 year parts and labor.

There are many other brands on sale at the Western Appliances official store, at Shopee. It’s cost-efficient shopping online at Shopee!

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

Pizza Hut strengthens worry-free delivery commitment with ‘Sealed for Safety’ stickers

Pizza Hut is doubling down on its promise of a worry-free delivery with the launch of its “Sealed for Safety” stickers.

The tamper-proof stickers are affixed to pizza boxes and paper bags that contain food items to assure customers that their orders are safely prepared during deliveries.

“The Sealed for Safety sticker is the newest initiative in our continuing efforts to ensure the health and safety of our customers. We aim to guarantee that when our customers have their favorites delivered, the experience would be worry-free for them,” Pizza Hut Marketing Manager Lorent Adrias said.

Since March 18, Pizza Hut has been rolling out several initiatives to provide worry-free service to their customers. All Pizza Hut team members undergo health checks upon reporting for work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands regularly. Delivery equipment is likewise disinfected before and after every delivery. Riders wear face masks and they practice physical distancing during deliveries to ensure the safety of customers.

Customers who wish to order food from Pizza Hut can dial 8911-11-11 for Metro Manila or #11111 for provincial delivery.

Other worry-free delivery options include ordering online by visiting www.pizzahut.com.ph or through Grab Food and FoodPanda.

For customers who prefer take-out, Pizza Hut assures that physical distancing measures are observed in-store, food is served from a safe distance, and team members follow safe preparation, dispatch, and service. The entire restaurant is sanitized as well. Safety measures such as a “no mask, no entry” policy, temperature checks, and hand and footwear sanitization are implemented in-store.

Customers may opt for worry-free take-out options such as Walk-in Take Away; Click and Collect for orders made through the website and to be claimed in-store; and Car Pick-up where customers can order in advance using the hotline and then claim it curbside from their nearest Pizza Hut branch.

For a complete list of open stores, please visit this link. For more information about Pizza Hut, visit pizzahut.com.ph. Like and follow Pizza Hut on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest offers and promos.

Ensuring learning for young children amid the pandemic

Early childhood is a crucial stage in a child’s life. As a child grows from infancy up to eight years old, important connections are happening in the brain. Brain development progresses at a very rapid pace in the first few years of life, and at three years of age, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult brain. This is a very special time that will never happen again. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, young children are staying at home without access to daycare. This can have longer lasting consequences among very young children as the unfolding overwhelming circumstances affect their brain. This can lead to toxic stress among children, which produces high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the process of brain development by limiting the proliferation of brain cells, damaging health, learning and behavior. But even as schools and day care centers remain closed, parents and caregivers can continue young children’s learning at home.  

“Children may not be the face of this pandemic, but the impact it will have on them is lifelong,” UNICEF Philippines Representative, Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, stated. “Learning must continue. The key is to find alternative ways for them to grow and develop when staying at home.”

UNICEF’s child development experts offer tips to sustain children’s learning and development amid COVID-19. 

Listen and interact

At this time, children may be distressed and search for a sense of regularity, a safe space for them to talk, to ask questions, and express their feelings. 

“Your children must feel secure in your love,” UNICEF Philippines’ Early Childhood Development Officer, Cecille Dajoyag, shared, “Consistent and supportive adult caregiving--together with adequate nutrition--are the best ways to offset the effects of multiple adversity and to support healthy brain development.”

Be actively involved and observant of your child. Pay attention to what they see or hear on television, the radio, or online, for misinformation can cause a lot of anxiety and fear. Interact with them meaningfully and reassure them that whatever they are feeling, whether it is bored, scared, or lonely, it is valid. Not only will this make them secure with you, it will also nourish the continuously growing relationship you have with them.

Bond and create activities

To develop to their full potential, young children need nurturing care, conditions that provide good health, security, responsive caregiving, and opportunities for early learning. Create a routine together and observe your child’s interests, abilities, and learning styles.

UNICEF recommends enjoyable activities such as playing, whether make believe, free play, or playful learning, reading stories, singing songs, and doing household chores together. These will help children cope with the stress while bonding and relaxing with you. 

Learn with them

Social emotional learning, play-based learning, and supporting parents to engage with children is critical during this time. Play gives children opportunities to acquire not just physical, but also cognitive, language, and social skills. 

Children witnessing their parents or caregivers wanting to learn with them is a major plus. Show genuine enthusiasm for learning and take every opportunity to discover new information together. UNICEF encourages learning life-saving messages, such as handwashing and physical distancing through dance and song. 

Playing is learning

Children do not need new or expensive toys for their learning and development. Make use of clean, safe and colorful objects around the house. Plastic bottles with pebbles inside can serve as shakers, socks and buttons can be made into puppets and magazine cutouts can be made into puzzles. 

While there are age-appropriate toys, it is best to de-gender toys. Allowing young girls to play with traditional “masculine toys” associated with large motor development and spatial skills and young boys to play with traditional “feminine toys” associated with fine motor development, cognitive sequencing of events, early language development and social skills allows them to develop their full range of interests and talents.  

As the world gradually recovers, UNICEF is committed to ensuring the growth and development of every Filipino child. UNICEF helps in developing strategic education plans with national government partners, aids in the continuation of early learning during emergencies, engages caregivers in a #LearningAtHome challenge and produces storybooks that promote learning. 

During emergencies, education can be lifesaving and life sustaining. Which is why during the COVID-19 response, UNICEF believes it plays a critical role in protecting public health, keeping children safe, ensuring continuity of learning, and promoting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. 

To donate to UNICEF’s COVID-19 response, go to https://donate.unicef.ph/

Globe teams up with Bataan LGU to streamline SAP processing

The general community quarantine still follows the same guidelines from the enhanced community quarantine: go out only when necessary, practice social distancing, and wear masks at all times. To help maintain these guidelines, the Bataan local government unit (LGU) has tapped Globe to streamline the processing and approval of its Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for constituents. 

Globe via its innovative developer arm, Globe Labs, and Bataan LGU harnessed technology through Amber, the telco’s SMS blasting tool that allows businesses and organizations to send branded and customizable messages to engage their target audience.

Through the service, information about the SAP was disseminated to constituents safely and effectively. Since reports about the subsidy were circulated via text message, it helped minimize overcrowding in public spaces, thus curtailing and eliminating the spread of COVID-19. 

“As they say, modern challenges require modern solutions. Given that our national government mandated most of us to stay in our homes, some LGUs may find it difficult to share information about the SAP cash aid,” shares Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal. “This is especially true for provinces who have limited access to social media. Amber allows LGUs to be prepared in responding to their constituents’ needs through connectivity and communication.”

Under the partnership, Bataan authorities received one million incoming SMS credits and 500,000 outgoing credits.

“We were pleased with the results of our partnership with Globe and Amber. Almost 170,000 households in Bataan participated in providing us with the information we needed to allocate and identify the recipients of food packs," says Joet Garcia, 2nd District Congressman of Bataan. "Instead of requesting people to fill up a form and submit their basic data to a representative, we asked our residents to send their details via text response, making our process accessible and centralized."

Amber is Globe Labs’ all-in-one SMS solution. Clients can develop campaigns in minutes and send out thousands of messages at once. They can also track their communications in real-time to ensure that recipients get access to information on time, all the time.

Streamline communications to your customers with Amber! Send bulk text messages, create a custom sender ID, and broadcast updates using your Globe number. To learn more, visit our website or talk to your Globe Business Account Manager.  

#ScanToPay via PayMaya QR at Eastwood City's Harvest to Goodness weekend market: PayMaya, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls help local farmers and merchants bounce back through safe contactless payments

Buyers and diners in merchants around Eastwood City as well as local farmers participating in the Harvest to Goodness weekend market can feel safer and more secure as Megaworld Lifestyle Malls taps digital financial services leader PayMaya to offer contactless payment options to customers via PayMaya QR.

By equipping participating booths and stalls at Eastwood City's Harvest to Goodness weekend market with PayMaya QR, customers can now use contactless payments when they purchase homegrown produce and goods until July 30, 2020 –helping eliminate the risk of handling cash and making it easier and safer to support local businesses.  

Patrons can also use their PayMaya app to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, seafood, and even meals from local stores around the Eastwood Central Plaza and Eastwood Mall’s Open Park. These merchants were equipped with QR payments acceptance through PayMaya's faster onboarding process for merchants that makes on-the-spot activation of PayMaya QR for merchants possible.

Paying contactless via PayMaya QR is easy, all customers have to do is scan the QR code of the merchant using their PayMaya app, key in the amount for payment, and hit confirm. With this payment method, transactions are more secure for customers and the merchant as it reduces contact and does away the exchange of cash.

"We're excited to offer homegrown merchants and local farmers an opportunity to sell their products while also ensuring that our mall patrons are able to pay safely and conveniently through our partnership with PayMaya," said Tefel Pesigan - Valentino, Vice President and Head for Marketing and Business Development of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. "As we all work together to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, it's important to ensure the safety of both our merchant partners and our customers whenever they transact in our malls."

On top of a safe and convenient payment transaction, customers who #ScanToPay via PayMaya QR can also enjoy up to 100% Balik Bayad maximum of P500 for a more rewarding shopping experience. Not only are they able to help local businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic, they also get to take advantage of this exciting reward from PayMaya. 

Harvest to Goodness - customer: Customers can enjoy a safe and rewarding shopping experience via PayMaya QR at Eastwood City’s Harvest to Goodness weekend market until July 30, 2020.

“Since the start of quarantine, Filipinos have been relying on PayMaya for safer and more convenient transactions for their daily essentials. We’re excited to work with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in creating an environment where local businesses can continue selling their products using contactless payment technologies like PayMaya QR,” Shailesh Baidwan, President of PayMaya Philippines. 

Participating businesses at Eastwood City’s Harvest to Goodness weekend market are able to accept contactless payment via PayMaya QR, by making use of the PayMaya Negosyo app which is available on Google PlayStore for Android. Through this platform, micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can easily accept QR and other digital payment methods using their smartphones, online and in-stores. 

Interested merchants and sellers may sign up for a PayMaya Negosyo account and instantly accept QR or online payments by downloading the app from the Google Play Store (http://pymy.co/PayMayaNegosyo).

Harvest to Goodness - merchant: A merchant showcases her store’s PayMaya QR which enables her to accept cashless payments from customers - promoting safer transactions at the Harvest to Goodness weekend market until July 30, 2020. 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, and government. Aside from providing payments acceptance for the largest e-Commerce, food, retail and gas merchants in the Philippines, PayMaya enables national and social services agencies as well as local government units with digital payments and disbursement services.   

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya  provides millions of Filipinos with the fastest way to own a financial account with over 40,000 Add Money touchpoints nationwide, more than double the total number of traditional bank branches in the Philippines combined. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 30,000 partner touchpoints nationwide serves as last mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Adapting for the continued global competitiveness of the Filipino

As the country continues to be embattled by the pandemic, Government-Academe-Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN) met with key leaders and decision makers to address how the country’s global competitiveness and human capital will be impacted. 

Insights and recommendations were shared to determine how different stakeholders can collaborate and partner to adapt and conquer challenges posed by COVID-19.

Academe

Speaking from the Academe, Holy Angel University President Dr. Luis Maria R. Calingo shared concerns on higher tuition fees for Zoom Universities and challenges including new teaching strategies to ensure a good learning experience despite social distancing. “Quality online education takes a lot of work. We need to dedicate adequate resources to design a completely different kind of course, smaller modular pieces, different types of assessments, technology to monitor how students are picking up, asynchronous delivery of material, flip classrooms, online projection of materials, online interactions and so on,” explained Dr. Calingo.

Dr. Calingo also shared potential partnerships including:

● For Government and Industry - Accelerate the connectivity of towns and municipalities, especially outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

● For Academe and Industry - Redesign curricula into competency-based education to enable graduates in making a value-adding contribution upon entering the workforce in the new normal.

● For Government and Academe - Schools must leverage their knowledge assets to produce and disseminate knowledge about the pandemic to counteract misinformation on social media.

Government

Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) Director for ICT Industry Development Bureau Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin shared various projects to better navigate through the new normal including the National Broadband Program, Free WiFi Access in public places and state universities and colleges (SUCs), Tech4ED Centers, Digital Teachers and Leaders, ICT Academy, and Skills Window.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro discussed the Commission’s plans for the school year 2020-2021, including the rolling opening of the academic year, implementing a flexible learning system, and faculty and development of open education resources. To undertake these, CHED requires assistance on technical support from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), a memorandum on proper implementation of the policies employed by the local government, and training for faculty and administration for professional development.

Industry

IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines’ (IBPAP) Rey Untal expressed that while the pandemic was challenging, it also presented learnings as it became a testament to the IT-BPM sector’s resilience. He discussed the industry’s exit framework, which outlines scenarios that focused on meeting a set of criteria before easing out, and strategies in transitioning without a vaccine. With work-from-home (WFH) being seen as a viable arrangement, he shared several challenges on infrastructure to extend WFH capabilities and securing approvals from clients due to concerns over information security.

Representing various industries, Integrated Microelectronic, Inc. (IMI) Global Chief HR Officer Francisco “Paco” Romero Milan presented efforts that they spearheaded amid the pandemic for its employees, partners, and the communities. He also emphasized the value of coordination, cooperation, and unity of action when handling a crisis, and how important these are in public and private partnerships.

Conclusion

GAIN  President and TeamAsia President and Founder Monette Hamlin closed off the discussion with a question on helping reboot the economy. Dr. Calingo highlighted the importance of giving businesses and schools the confidence to reopen and create a safe harbor legislation on good faith immunity that would protect businesses and schools from legal liabilities. Untal focused on rethinking the country’s human capital strategy to transform talents into lifelong learners and having the tools needed to mobilize that moving forward.

Atty. Jaro zeroed in on the responsibility to provide a mechanism to continue with an accessible education and asked for everyone’s support, especially DICT when it comes to connectivity and the remedies they would take for schools. DICT Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic reiterated the importance of partners keeping an open mind to compromise and the cleaning of regulatory burdens of the Department. Milan cited rethinking the delivery of education to avoid widening the social gap between public and private institutions, efficient public transportation, and improvement of the public health system to help families avoid bankruptcy.

“Talent has always been one of the Philippines’ greatest assets. With the impact of the pandemic, there must be more focus now on further strengthening our human capital strategies. With this GAIN webinar, we are able to put the spotlight on the different government-academe-industry collaborations and partnerships needed to adapt to the new normal, continuously champion our workforce, and maintain our global competitiveness,” concluded Hamlin.

Since its first National Convention in 2018, GAIN has been successful in sparking conversations both in the public and private sectors when it comes to human capital development in the areas of English proficiency and digital literacy to boost the country’s global competitiveness. Last February, GAIN 2020 focused on  equipping the current and future Filipino workforce with the proper knowledge and skill sets needed as the global landscape continues to shift due to tech integration, in accordance to the ASEAN Smart City Framework.

About the Government-Academe-Industry Network, Inc.

The Government Academe Industry Network, Inc. is a non-profit organization spearheaded by industry leaders to identify and address workforce issues which can be resolved through the collaboration and synergy of the government, academe, and industry.