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May 1, 2021
SNAP celebrates Earth Day with simultaneous clean-up drive and tree-planting
SALAMAT AT SALUDO! May 1 for Every Juan, the Country’s Modern Day Heroes
Insight Music releases sleep-inducing album
Ian Joseph Tan |
“Way before the pandemic hit the Philippines, a vast number of Filipino adults were already stricken by a different kind of epidemic—sleeplessness,” says Insight Music president and chief creative director Chris Cahilig.
“Sleeplessness, a disorder that is commonly known as insomnia, may not be as deadly as Covid-19 but it is just as critical and devastating to one’s health and well-being. It is during deep slumber, after all, when the body has the opportunity to repair itself and recover so that poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation has severe consequences on the body’s capacity to resist illness,” Cahilig further explains.
A 2019 study by Sleep Cycle disclosed that the Philippines ranks 4th in the world in sleeplessness, averaging just 6 and a half hours of sleep—significantly lower than the recommended amount of 7 to 9 hours per day.
Still another study published by the St. Luke’s Medical Center claims that over 10 million adult Filipinos suffer from insomnia—putting them at risk for cardiovascular issues, cancer, depression, diabetes, as well as other afflictions. Various medical literature, in fact, affirm that lack of sleep renders the body susceptible to the debilitating effects of stress that people undergo on a daily basis.
The Perfect Sleep by DreamWell is designed specifically for listening on those nights when stress, anxiety, or plain restlessness tend to keep people awake way into the wee hours. Indeed, the album is meant to lull them to deep and restful slumber when they need it most.
The Perfect Sleep by DreamWell’s gentle guitar strums and soft beats were carefully constructed to give sleep-deprived listeners a mesmerizing experience they can instantly benefit from. After listening to the music, and enjoying the sleep induced by it, listeners will wake up feeling rested and ready for everything their waking moments might have in store.
The specialty album is the perfect sonic companion to DreamWell, an all-natural dietary supplement designed to promote healthier sleep among its users. Through its unique combination of natural ingredients like Suan Zao Ren, Wu Wei Zi, Fu Ling, and the amino acid GABA, DreamWell relaxes the mind and lulls one to sleep. It also helps bring one to Sleep Stage 3 for deep, quality sleep.
“We’ve seen the impact music can have on sleep,” says Cahilig. “Just search up ‘sleep music’ on YouTube, and you’re bound to find videos and livestreams with millions of views. There’s a real need for sleep music, and we want to serve people by providing that.
“I expect The Perfect Sleep by DreamWell to be a popular playlist of working professionals and even middle-age individuals who are having trouble sleeping. It will certainly help their physical and mental well-being,” he adds.
April 30, 2021
Getting to know the third major telco player in the PH: Top 5 things you should know about DITO
DITO Telecommunity answers questions every consumer may have on next-gen technology, phone compatibility, coverage areas and more!
After DITO Telecommunity’s successful launch in key areas in Visayas and Mindanao, initial users have been raving about the speed and reliability of the country’s newest telco player.
Last April 16, DITO announced its availability in 21 more cities, including certain areas in Luzon that heightened every Filipino’s anticipation to experience the difference that DITO can offer.
Currently, subscribers can try DITO's 25GB High-Speed Data for PHP 199 valid for 30-days. Aside from fast and reliable data services, they can also enjoy unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and texts, unlimited texts and 300 mins calls to other mobile networks plus features such as call waiting, call forwarding and video over LTE.
As we all await the NCR launch of DITO Telecommunity, here are some things you should know about the network’s products and services that may be useful for those who are planning to subscribe to DITO:
• Next-gen technology explained. We always hear the phrase “next-generation technology” but what does it really mean for everyday internet users? The use of next-generation technology in telecommunications can be summarized in two words: Breakthrough connectivity. Next gen technology paves the way for clearer, faster, and optimized connections which drive performance that goes beyond mobile devices. At DITO, users are assured that they are subscribing to innovative and reliable data services which are built on world-class digital infrastructures and technology.
• What is VoLTE? Short for Voice over LTE; VoLTE is one of the next-generation mobile technologies available to DITO users. Simply put, VoLTE means that your telco provider lets you make voice calls using the faster and more efficient LTE network instead of the usual 2G and 3G networks. Remember the olden days when your data connection stops every time you receive a phone call? You will experience none of that with VoLTE! Through VoLTE, you can enjoy better quality on your phone calls thanks to its ability to use more bandwidth.
• What does interconnectivity mean? As mandated by Republic Act 7925, interconnection among telco providers is required to provide universal accessibility to Filipinos and to ensure fair and healthy competition. For DITO subscribers, this means that you can also make voice calls and send text messages to other mobile networks!
• Which phones are DITO-ready? As DITO ushers in a new era in telecommunications with next-generation technology, it is important to pair your DITO SIM with a DITO-compatible mobile phone to ensure that you get to experience the best that this next-gen technology has to offer. And you don't have to worry about price! There is a wide variety of phones that will fit any budget, from low-end to mid-range up to high-end that are all DITO-ready! Check out the full list here for more information.
In case your current phone is not yet on the list, you can check back again on this site since DITO is continuously testing different phone brands and models to enable more users to access the high-speed, reliable data that DITO offers.
You may notice that some phones which are not yet on the official list can still get to access the DITO network, but this is only due to the ongoing qualifying and testing. It is still advisable to wait for your specific phone model to be included in the list of compatible phones to ensure a seamless and quality user experience.
• Which areas are DITO-covered? DITO coverage Is commercially available in key cities in Visayas, Mindanao, Central Luzon, and South Luzon. You can check out DITO’s Official Facebook Page here for an updated list of DITO-covered areas. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting announcements in the coming days as DITO will unveil more locations and new products!
Be updated on the latest DITO news and information by checking www.dito.ph or following DITO's official social media pages:
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/DITOphofficial
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ditophofficial/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ditophofficial
Get Ready for Cecon Vitamin C Day: Here Are Five Things You Need to Need to Know About Vitamin C
Over a year into the new normal, Filipinos continue to adapt to the various changes due to the current pandemic situation. For most, one of the biggest concerns is to keep their family protected against harmful illnesses, viruses, and even stress.
Despite
this growing concern, a huge percentage of Filipinos still lack the daily
recommended nutritional intake to fortify their immunity. In 2020, 87.3% of
Filipino working adults were reported to be getting an inadequate amount of
Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as Vitamin C.[1]
Ensuring
right levels of Vitamin C is more important than ever, as vitamin deficiency is
often associated with poor immunity and a higher risk of getting infected by
illnesses and serious diseases like pneumonia.[2]
To
address this, Abbott launches the very first Ascorbic Acid Cecon Vitamin C day
on May 2, 2021. Abbott joins forces with leading influencers in the
Philippines, such as super mom Bianca Gonzales, to help shed light over the
importance of regular vitamin C intake for overall health and immunity.
But
what makes Vitamin C so essential? Here are a couple of facts you probably do
not know about Vitamin C:
1. Vitamin C can be found in foods aside from oranges
Admit
it, when you hear Vitamin C, the first thing that comes to mind are oranges.
Though the citrus family has long been the poster kids of anything related to
Vitamin C, higher concentration of the vitamin can actually be found in other
food sources.
For instance, one green chili pepper can provide 55% more vitamin C compared to a medium-sized orange.[3] Other great sources of Vitamin C include guavas, broccoli, kale, and herbs like parsley and thyme.
2. It fights off memory loss as you age
As we
get older, it is more challenging for various nerve cells to protect themselves
against free radicals, or damage-causing atoms. When free radicals get out of
control, cells get damaged faster than they can be repaired.
The
good news is that Vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant that regular intake
can help protect our nerve cells and improve cognitive functions even as we
age.[4]
3. Vitamin C can aid in weight loss
Did
you know that taking an adequate amount of Vitamin C can help in managing body
fat? A study done by nutrition specialists reported that the amount of vitamin
C in the blood stream is directly related to fat oxidation.[5]
Of
course, best results are achieved with a healthy regular Vitamin C habit
combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
4. It accelerates healing
Before
antibiotics, Vitamin C was the go-to in terms of curing various diseases. Due
to its ability to regenerate collagen in bones, joints and the face, Vitamin C
speeds up wound healing as well.[6]
With
its role in collagen regeneration, Vitamin C can also reduce skin aging as well
as ease arthritis.
5. Humans cannot store Vitamin C
While
extremely essential, the human body does not have the ability to produce
Vitamin C. The nutrient cannot be stored either and instead gets flushed out of
our system within 24 hours.[7]
This
makes eating more fruits and vegetables as well as building a habit of taking
Vitamin C daily even more important.
Abbott’s
Medical Director in the Philippines, Dr. Joel Lao, also stressed the importance
of supplementing a healthy diet and active lifestyle with the intake of Vitamin
C: “With the increased health risks around Filipinos need to be more aware of
the role a daily intake of Vitamin C can have in supporting overall immunity.
As an effective antioxidant, a good supplement to retain other nutrients in the
body[8] [9], Vitamin C should be an
essential part of our daily routine. Cecon Vitamin C Day is a great opportunity
to underscore that, along with the importance of having a healthy diet and
lifestyle.”
“Abbott’s
driving force is to support people live their lives to the fullest. With
Cecon’s wide range of products, it is now more convenient for families to
maximize their immunity potential through Vitamin C. Whatever your age or
lifestyle, there is a Cecon product that can play a role in enhancing one’s
overall well-being to help people keep doing what they love and live a full,
healthy life,” Dr. Lao added.
Ascorbic
acid (Cecon) is a chewable, non-acidic Vitamin C and has a full range of
products that address the Vitamin C need of each family member: Ascorbic acid
(Cecon 500mg) for adults, Ascorbic acid (Cecon Junior 100mg) for kids, and
Multivitamins+Zinc (Cecon Plus) for the added protection needed by adults.
To know more about Cecon Vitamin C Day on May 2, tune in to Bianca’s Instagram @iamsuperbianca for announcements and exciting giveaways.
Ascorbic
acid (Cecon) is available online via Lazada
and Shopee.
[1] Angeles-Agdeppa, I. (2020, March 2). Food
Sources and Nutrient Intakes of Filipino Working Adults.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32268583/
[2] Carr, A. (2017, November 3). Vitamin C and
Immune Function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
[4] Perrig W.J. (1997, June 4) The relation
between antioxidants and memory performance in the old and very old
[5] https://news.asu.edu/content/vitamin-c-depletion-has-links-lower-fat-oxidation-not-weight-loss
[6] https://www.woundsource.com/blog/vitamin-c-do-daily-mega-doses-accelerate-wound-healing
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#why-we-need-it
[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#other-benefits
[9] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
Free Landers membership and renewal for medical frontliners
Big Brands Share How Shopee Helps their Business Grow Online
“We are glad to see our brand partners like Unilever, OPPO, and INSPI achieve significant growth since joining our platform. We leave no stone unturned in finding innovative ways to support our partners’ growth, and this is how we commit to supporting our partner brands through their e-commerce journey."
Honoring modern-day heroes in celebration of Labor Day 2021: PayMaya opens gov’t payments, financial services for OFWs and Filipinos abroad
Digital financial services leader PayMaya is making it even easier for overseas Filipinos to pay for government fees and for their family's utility bills through the PayMaya e-wallet app.
In time for Labor Day on May 1, PayMaya opened this service for Filipinos overseas so they can now use their Philippine mobile SIM on roaming to register for a PayMaya account, allowing them to perform transactions such as paying government dues or utility bills, as well as sending money to other PayMaya users, even while abroad.
“Our vision of Digital Finance for All Filipinos includes our hardworking countrymen abroad, our modern-day heroes,” said Orlando Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya. “Having a PayMaya account wherever you are in the world can empower Filipinos overseas and help them stay connected with their loved ones in the Philippines.”
According to 2020 data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are an estimated 2.2 million Filipinos who are currently working abroad, with millions more who have already migrated and can still benefit from a strong fintech platform that can help them and their families who are still in the Philippines.
Expanding financial inclusion for Filipinos worldwide
Paying for government fees such as taxes and social insurance contributions while abroad is among the top concerns of Filipinos overseas. For example, those who are currently abroad can easily use their PayMaya accounts to conveniently pay their individual Social Security System (SSS) contributions using the SSS mobile app, as well as nominate their PayMaya accounts to receive loan proceeds and other disbursements from the agency.
“Since 2019, this partnership between the Social Security System (SSS) and PayMaya has opened doors for many overseas-based Filipinos to easily and speedily remit contributions and receive disbursements to the pension fund--made all the more crucial during these trying times when mobility is limited to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This new offering from PayMaya will allow even more Filipinos to derive benefits and take advantage of the services offered by SSS, from practically anywhere in the world,” said Aurora C. Ignacio, SSS President and CEO.
Aside from the SSS, PayMaya users abroad can also transact with other government agencies such as the PAG-IBIG Fund, Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and over 60 other agencies and local government units that accept PayMaya as a payment option.PayMaya recently piloted the service in Singapore with positive feedback from Filipinos in the city-state, especially since many lack credit cards and other financial instruments that allow them to easily conduct financial transactions back home.
On top of government payments, overseas Filipinos can also pay their or their families’ bills through the more than 500 active billers available in the PayMaya app. On top of this, they can also send money to other PayMaya users in the Philippines or to any of the more than 37,000 Smart Padala centers nationwide once they have added money to their accounts.
To start using PayMaya abroad, all they have to do is download the PayMaya app on their phones (https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133) and register using their Philippine mobile SIM with international roaming activated, their address in the Philippines, as well as a valid Philippine ID such as Passport, Driver’s License, UMID, SSS ID with Digitized photo, PRC License and Postal ID. Once done, they can Add Money to their account through VISA, Mastercard, or JCB debit or credit cards, or through PayMaya’s international remittance partners such as Western Union and Moneygram.
PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.
Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.
It's Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
April 29, 2021
Enjoy Exclusive Deals and Discounts from Well-Loved Brands at Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival
Shoppers can look forward to flash deals up to 50% off, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 50% cashback from leading brands, all happening daily
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites Filipinos to enjoy big deals and exclusive promotions from the country’s leading brands at its 5.5 Brands Festival. Shoppers can expect discounts up to 90% off, flash deals up to 50% off, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 50% cashback from crowd favorites such as OPPO, Vivo, Realme, Colgate, Abbott, L’Oreal Paris, Enfagrow, Procter & Gamble, Olay, Unilever, Nestle, Colourette Cosmetics, and Maybelline.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “At Shopee, it is our goal to work together with brands loved by Filipinos to deliver the best value on their favorite products so they can maximize their financial resources. With all the deals in-store at the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival, we are enabling Filipinos to secure everything they need at the best prices while making shopping safe, convenient, and rewarding.”
Until May 5, shoppers can look forward to the following daily promotions:
Big discounts at Super Brand Days
Don’t miss out on back-to-back brand takeovers on Shopee. Enjoy discounts up to 90% off on leading brands on the following days: OPPO on April 29, Procter & Gamble on April 30, Vivo on May 1, Realme on May 2, Maybelline on May 3, and Olay on May 4.
Limited deals and promotions during themed days
Leading up to 5.5, watch out for themed days with exciting deals. Enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend at ShopeePay Sale on April 29, claim over ₱1,000,000 worth of prizes at Shopee Prizes Sale on May 3, and redeem over ₱5,500 worth of vouchers at Brands Vouchers Sale on May 4.
Cashbacks at category fairs
Redeem 50% cashback and enjoy flash deals up to 50% off on brands at the Home Fair from April 29 to May 1, and at the Electronics Fair from May 2 to May 4.
5.5 D-Day Deals
On May 5, enjoy 24 hours of non-stop promotions, including flash deals up to 50% off on selected brands including:
Pampers: Enjoy all-day deals up to 34% off on the entire Pampers line. Stay tuned for special price drops of up to 50% off on selected products from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Enfagrow: Get up to 37% off Enfamama A+, Enfagrow A+ Nurapro, Enfagrow A+ range, and more.
Vivo: Slash ₱300 off each purchase with ₱6,000 minimum spend by using the Shopee-exclusive ‘VIVO300’ voucher code.
Nestlé: Get 50% off Nestlé favorites including Bear Brand Powdered Milk, Nestlé All-Purpose Cream, and Nescafé Gold.
Colourette: Enjoy up to 50% off selected Colourette products and get free shipping for a minimum spend of ₱999. Stay alert for even bigger discounts during flash sales!
Make the most out of free shipping with no minimum spend, 50% cashback from participating Shopee Mall stores, and up to 90% off on select products from Tender Care, AirQueen PH, Unicare, Reckitt, GSK, Pedigree, Whiskas, IAMS, Peculiar Eyewear, Puritan's Pride, Shigetsu, Mikana, INSPI, Organic Skin, Organic Official, Teetalk, Crown, Chef's Classics, and XTREME Appliances.
For more information on these D-Day Deals, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/brand-parade.
Cash prizes up for grab at 5.5 Brands Festival TV Special
Tune in to Wowowin this May 5, 5:00 PM to catch the 5.5 Brands Festival TV Special on GMA 7 and Shopee Live. Aside from watching exciting performances from celebrities, viewers can also win big cash prizes. Play Watch and Win, Shopee Shake, and Shopee Milyonaryo to become the lucky winner of over ₱3,500,000 worth of cash, products, and ShopeePay credits.
Exclusive perks with ShopeePay
Go cashless for more deals and discounts! Get all-day free shipping vouchers and 55% cashback, both with no minimum spend. Buy ₱10 worth of data for ₱1, ₱5 load for only ₱1, and ₱10 load for only ₱5 with ShopeePay. Pay bills on Shopee and get up to 25% cashback, capped at 150 coins.
More prizes at the #NextShopeeEndorser contest
Strike a pose with a product from Shopee Mall for a chance to win ₱10,000. Shopee will pick five winners with the most creative and original entries. Users can check out the mechanics and submit photo entries until May 5 through this link: http://bit.ly/NextShopeeEndorser.
For more information on all the deals you can score at 5.5 Brands Festival, visit https://shopee.ph/m/5-5-2.
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.