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November 27, 2021

For complete and balanced nutrition, Shop and get up to 30% off at Abbott in Shopee this November 27



It is really very important to take charge of our and our family's health and wellness to enjoy life to the fullest. However, it may be challenging to get the right nutrients in the right amounts to maintain an active lifestyle.

And to do that, we also find some ways to have food and healthy beverages especially milk, equivalent to a full healthy meal and provides 100% of most vitamins and minerals. And on a budget. 

Shop at Abbott with discounts in Shopee this November 27 and December 12!

Get up to 30% off at Abbott this November 27! But the deals don't end here, customers can still enjoy 30% off on the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale! Stock up on your favorite Abbott products now.




PediaSure Plus is complete and balanced nutrition, clinically proven to provide a hard-to-feed child optimal nutrition for healthy growth, development and immunity.

 

It has a Triple Sure System that is comprised of the TRIPLE PROTEIN COMPLEX, an optimal blend of proteins that can help promote his optimal growth and help him stay on track, DUAL CARBOHYDRATE BLEND for improved energy and UNIQUE FAT BLEND & MCTs for mental development of a hard-to-feed child.

 

PediaSure Plus also contains SYNBIOTICS (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics), and 28 vitamins and minerals for stronger immunity.

 

One full glass of PediaSure Plus is equivalent to a full healthy meal and provides 100% of most vitamins and minerals.


· Number 1 Child Nutrition Supplement in the Philippines

· Nutritional supplement powder drink clinically proven to provide a hard-to-feed child optimal nutrition for healthy growth, development and immunity

· A glass of PediaSure Plus provides COMPLETE, BALANCED nutrition. It contains macronutrients and micronutrients needed for a child to stay healthy and well-nourished.






Give our kids Similac GainSchool – the world’s 1st formula with HMO that helps reduce common illnesses by 66% and 10 key brain nutrients for faster learning.

With HMO, you can worry less about your kid becoming sickly so you can focus more on her becoming a faster learner.

HMOs help strengthen your child's immune system

The HMOs and nucleotides (an essential building block in the body) found in human milk support your growing child’s digestive system. And because 70% of the immune system exist in the gut, keeping your little one’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening her immunity.


• Similac® Gainschool® now comes with HMO, an important immune-nourishing ingredient that is essential in protecting child’s gut and beyond
• Contains a unique combination of DHA, Lutein, and RRR (Natural) Vitamin E. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.
• 10 Key Brain Nutrients with Eye-Q Plus like DHA, AA, Omega 6, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc, Vitamins B1 B2 and B3 help support child’s overall cognitive development
• High in Protein, Calcium, Vitamins K and D which are essential in developing stronger bones for your child
• Contains a unique blend of prebiotics (FOS and Inulin). Prebiotics may stimulate the growth if good bacteria in the child’s digestive tract.





Ensure Gold now has HMB, a natural nutrient that the body produces less with age. Two glasses of Ensure has 1.5G of HMB which aids in the better absorption of proteins to repair and maintain muscle mass."

Stay strong with Ensure® Gold, now with HMB, specially formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition to support your overall nutrient intake. Enjoy this great-tasting beverage on-the-go. It also has high quality protein and 28 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D and Calcium. Enjoy 1-2 servings daily for breakfast, lunch or as a delicious between-meal snack to improve your nutrient intakes.

• Adult nutritional supplement powder drink that provides complete nutrition for use as a meal supplement or replacement
• Dual Fiber Blend – FOS and Inulin to support gut health
• Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for a heart-friendly fat blend
• High-quality protein that helps support tissue repair and maintain muscle mass
• PREPARE IT RIGHT: 6 scoops of powder to 195ml of cold water
• Gluten and lactose-free



Abbott company was among the founders of the scientific practice of pharmacy, expanding its business to meet rising global health needs by championing new areas of medical research. By continually entering new areas—both scientific and geographic—we’ve established a now long-standing tradition of helping people live healthier lives around the world.

Enjoy more deals and discounts while holiday shopping at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale! Stock up on your favorite Abbott products now.

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








November 25, 2021

R Rules delivers a rousing message of empowerment on debut single “DNY

R Rules champions of women empowerment on their debut single “DNY”—out today via MCA Music Inc.

Listen here: http://rrules.lnk.to/DNY

With its propulsive beats and hip-hop swagger, the Pinay quartet shows unwavering commitment to inspire young music listeners to stand up for what they believe in and encourage them to find their inner strength to go after what they want.

The song, which literally means “Don’t Need Ya,” puts a refreshing spin on empowerment anthems while taking into consideration the values, perspectives, and views of R Rules as individuals and as a collective. Aside from using their platform to inspire change and lift each other up, the Filipino girl group also shares that their latest track promotes love and kindness in any way or form, be it for your own self and for others who need it.

“DNY” is co-written by Kevin Yadao and Tiny Corpuz, and co-produced by Cursebox and Corpuz,  with the goal to speak out against the impossible standards imposed to women and articulate the challenges that they go through towards claiming their space and earning respect.

With its masterful blend of music influences that range from hip-hop/R&B to K-Pop, EDM to top 40 music, “Don’t Need Ya” signals R Rules’ impressive pivot to diverse and eclectic modern sounds.

As R Rules’ maiden offering, it succeeds in translating their magnetic confidence into an astounding piece of work that sounds at par with contemporary global music trends but remains representative of their unique vision as artists. “Our plan right now, is just to get our music out there,” says the hound of alpha female swag. “We’re not here to compete. We just want to carve out a space for our empowering brand of pop music, and hopefully be taken seriously for who we are as a group.”

R Rules’ “DNY” is out now on streaming platforms worldwide via MCA Music Inc. Watch the music video here.

About R Rules

The story of R Rules is a story of how four women from two cultural backgrounds came together to become pop performers, working hard on their craft and finding ways to delight their audience. R Rules (formerly known as Japh Dolls) are composed of RIYO, RURI, REINA, RISA—all four of them, fluent in Filipino, English, and Japanese and are currently undergoing de rigeur trainee development program to hone their skills. The girls are now set to make an impact on the Philippine pop scene and, hopefully, the global music market.

Learning to sing like the musical pros

Reina grew up in Japan but is now based in Manila City. She hails from Tokyo and moved to the Philippines when she turned 19. Her mother is Filipina, and Reina recalls her mother’s musical tastes as being an inspiration. She wanted to sing like her mother’s favorite singers, who always hit the high notes and had powerful voices. When she had the chance, she moved to her mother’s homeland to pursue musical training.

Reina hopes that people will appreciate her story of how she moved to a place that was unfamiliar to her and had memorable experiences because of it. When we asked about her favorite singers, one of them, Ariana Grande, stood out. Reina says that Grande’s distinctive voice inspired her to aim for the same goal. She wants to collaborate with the YG Entertainment Group in South Korea, the people who are behind another group of artists she admires, Blackpink.

Trying it out and eventually enjoying the ride

Risa grew up in the Philippines as a person with two cultures. When she was finishing high school, she wanted to move to Japan for college because of a desire to explore her Japanese culture.

Risa’s musical tastes lean toward pop. What stood out for us, though, was her fondness for Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox project, where Bradlee and his bandmates reimagine contemporary pop music through different and older genres. She says that she can still reminisce about pop songs she likes but appreciate how they put a twist on it.

What Risa wants people to get from her story is how she wants us to value the people we love. Her story of loss and finding comfort and care in others is something that people can connect with.

Wanting to sing about what dreams are made of

Riyo grew up in Japan, where she finished high school. When she was six years old, she recalls that she wanted to be the pop singer Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus’s lead character from the Disney Channel show of the same name. She was often bullied at school, she also recalls. She had family problems since she was young when her parents divorced. Even if she sometimes wanted to give up, she kept on going. Her journey led her to Manila, where she also ended up being in a group.

Riyo was a tuba player in her junior high school band. She says that it was easy to master the tuba because it didn’t require reading chords, which was complicated for her. If it weren’t for her being signed to an acting agency, she would have continued being in her school’s music club. Her dream is to perform at the Met Gala someday. The annual event at the Metropolitan Museum of New York brings together fashion, music, and visual arts, and has become known for attendees in often flamboyant costumes. She wants her group to be there in outlandish costumes and prove to be the best!

Being part of a new musical family

Ruri, who also calls herself ARU or R. Performing was part of her life ever since she was young, and she joined singing contests of all sorts. She wants to grow as a performer, learning instruments like the guitar and the drums.

Ruri wants people to appreciate her story of being an independent woman who uses her talent to achieve her dreams. She connected with her Japanese girl group quickly because they share the same sense of humor and a deep understanding of each other. She says of her and her fellow R Rules members, “We are not just a girl group, we are sisters.”

Coming together to make music

R Rules marks the second time that our four singers have gotten together to make music. They were about to give up until they were given a bigger opportunity to work together. The group says that they have been giving 100% of their effort to working together, so they decided to give music one last shot. They don’t want to have any regrets later by doing this.

The women of R Rules hope to show that people from two different cultures can perform together in perfect harmony, not just musical. One group they all admire in common is the K-pop act Blackpink. The Korean girl group, they say, has a distinct aura and confidence they bring to performing. The group also appreciates how Blackpink’s members work hard and dedicate themselves to their craft.

R Rules’s short-term goals are to improve their singing and dancing. They also want to showcase their own material in the process of that musical growth. As for their long-term goals, they hope to become well-known internationally and perform in big festivals like Coachella, where people like Beyoncé have given very memorable sets.

R Rules wants people to be inspired and energized by their music. Most of all, they want us to believe in ourselves and be strong enough to achieve whatever we want. This group of young performers is truly one to watch out for, not just for their talent, but for the stories they want to tell. We look forward to finding out what they have to offer.

Follow R Rules: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube | Tiktok | Discord

Xiaomi Gives You All You Want This Christmas – And More! Feel the joy of the holiday season with Xiaomi’s Holiday Season Promo

Christmas is right around the corner! Have you started your holiday shopping already? In case you’re still clueless about what to get your loved ones, Xiaomi has got you covered.

Feel the holiday spirit with Xiaomi’s All I Want for Christmas promo and get an exclusive and adorable Mi Bunny plushie along with more awesome freebies sure to make Christmas extra merry when you purchase the Xiaomi 11T Series, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, Mi 11 Lite, and the Xiaomi Pad 5 from November 13, 2021 to January 14, 2022.

The Xiaomi 11T is the content creator’s ultimate companion that is sure to keep up with all your dynamic creative needs. Its high-resolution triple camera and suite of AI-powered tools makes it a powerhouse for content creation and makes cinemagic more accessible for everyone. For only PHP 21,990 for its 8GB+128GB variant and PHP 24,990 for its 8GB+256GB variant, the promo will also give buyers a free speaker and eco bag for free, perfect to use for your holiday shopping and blasting your favorite Christmas carols. 

Of course, buyers also get one adorable Mi Bunny!


Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is the ultimate flagship phone for content creators that upgrades the features of the Xiaomi 11T with the revolutionary 120W Fast-Charging Technology that enables 100% charge in just 17 minutes. On top of that, the smartphone boasts impressive computational filmography capabilities with one-click AI Cinema modes, 8K recording and HDR10+, allowing users to capture footage with the same smart ISO technology found in digital cameras. You can get it the 8GB+256GB version for PHP 27,990 and 12GB+256GB for PHP 29,990 and get a free eco bag and Mi Bunny!

The refreshed ultra-slim and featherweight Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is also yours for the taking. This upgraded stylish device also gives an ultra-vivid display with its 6.55” AMOLED DotDisplay, 10-bit TrueColor support, and Dolby Vision® as well as ultra-fast connection, 4,250mAh battery, and 33W fast charging for maximum productivity. This device comes in four color choices, Snowflake While, Truffle Black, Bubblegum Blue, and Peach Pink. The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is available in 8GB+128GB for only PHP 18,990. Get yours now and you'll be getting a Mi Bunny and Mi Eco Bag free of charge.

If you’re looking for substance and style in one package, the Mi 11 Lite just might be what you've been waiting for. This device confidently blends a sleek design with Xiaomi’s legacy of innovation and best-in-class smartphone camera technology. Both the wide-angle camera and the 16MP front camera have been optimized for low-light conditions with Night Mode, enabling users to take stunning images of sunset landscapes, nighttime cityscapes or night-out selfies with higher brightness, sharper contrast and enhanced detail. Mi 11 Lite is also built to stay at peak performance even during periods of heavy usage such as when streaming or gaming. The Mi 11 Lite comes in 8GB+128GB storage variant with a price of PHP 14,990 and if you get yours now, Xiaomi will throw in a cute Mi Bunny and handy tote bag with no additional cost.

Finally, you can get your hands on the versatile Xiaomi Pad 5 for only PHP 17,990 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and PHP 19,990 for the 6GB + 256GB variant. This portable workstation is packed with premium features that’ll boost your productivity such as an 11-inch WQHD+ 120Hz display that brings content to life with elaborate images with more soft and natural colors full of details and large quad speakers that offer a louder, and crisper sound. If you get yours now, you’ll be getting an awesome magnetic case to go along with your Xiaomi Pad 5.

Be sure to check these great deals for these Xiaomi devices this holiday season! Visit the Xiaomi Philippines official stores in Lazada and Shopee. More exclusive deals also await for Xiaomi devices in their Lazada and Shopee Global stores. You can also follow the official Xiaomi Facebook page to stay up to date on more deals and new products.

November 24, 2021

Lampara Books hopes to promote spiritual formation and values education through its Guiding Light imprint

The new Philippine imprint offers inspiring stories centered on Christ’s teachings and fun, purpose-driven storytelling


Lampara Books has recently launched Guiding Light, a new Philippine imprint that hopes to encourage parents and families to be a good influence on their children’s journey to life.

The family-oriented and faith-based imprint aims to promote the spiritual formation, values education, emotional growth, and community development through highly entertaining but transformative books written and designed by some of the world’s most promising and award-winning writers, illustrators, and personalities.

“It has always been our goal to inspire adult readers, most especially parents, to engage with their children on stories of inspiration, joy, and life lessons within a framework of Christ-centered beliefs and teachings,” says Segundo D. Matias Jr., the Chief Publisher of Lampara Books. “Our activity books create bonding moments between mom and dad with their kids through storytelling that put good values at the forefront of its principles while inspiring everyone to become a better human being.”

For its premiere offering, Guiding Light has recently released its ‘Little Life Lessons on’ series—a collection of fun activity books that parents and their children can color, play around with, and use as a medium for purpose-driven instruction. Written in both English and Filipino, the series is made for childhood care providers and parents to help their kids learn important values in life. The ‘Little Life Lessons on’ catalog contains inspirational stories that depict kindness, obedience, respect, and love, among many others.

The motivational imprint also takes pride of its Family Bible Illustrated edition, which has 365 pages of bible stories, meditations, and prayers for the whole family to reflect on together, and The Comic Book Bible, which offers a treasury of stories, known and loved by generations of readers.

For readers who are looking for a refreshing spin to the familiar narrative, there is Classic Bible Stories, illustrated for pictures-and-words format by talented young artist Tommaso d' Incalei. Bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers, this timeless collection will inspire people discover the meaning behind the teachings of God in an exciting and easy-to-read way. Another significant title under its banner is The Classic Children’s Bible, which is beautifully illustrated and presented to cater to a younger readership.

Other titles that are currently available at the Guiding Light website are Rhona Davies’ The Life Of Christ, strikingly illustrated to chronicle the important life events that Jesus Christ went through from his days in Galilee to joining God in heaven, and Angela M. Burrin’s Welcome To The Mass, a beautifully illustrated book that ‘explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels.’

The classic and new titles are available at the Guiding Light official website, https://www.guidinglight.com.ph.


 

Pepsi, the most talked-about, the most hyped brand

Someone once said that having a Twitter account is like talking to yourself, hoping someone will join in.

Not everyone is lucky to have a following on Twitter. Even many brands have difficulty finding a corner of Twitter where they can convey their messages to the right audience.
Pepsi believes that their endorsers and brand ambassadors serve as a seamless extension of the brand and help amplify their story

Everybody's talking about Pepsi

Beverage giant Pepsi is one of the most talked-about brands on social media, specifically Twitter, and is the most hyped in the beverage/drink category. In 2020, Pepsi was the only non-tech brand in the Top 10 of the Most Tweeted Brands for the year, alongside brands such as Spotify, Apple, Netflix, Lazada, and Shopee. This was achieved with an advertising budget lower than that of other big beverage brands as seen in a study. This is called connecting with your audience. Forward to 2021, the buzz about Pepsi continues online with content that’s relevant and always timely.

"What makes a content stand out is its cultural relevance; if the community shares the same sentiments and if it echoes the conversations prevailing at the moment. In Pepsi's case, they were able to cut through the noise by incorporating the language of their target audience and tapping the right people to get it across," shares Tina Pang - Head of Client Solutions, Southeast Asia, Twitter.

Pepsi's campaigns, which include the viral #PepsiHitSaSarap, are innovative yet traditional. For the Hit Sa Sarap campaign, the brand emphasized the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends. The campaign included giant screens on the streets of LA and New York featuring the faces of Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, SB19, Mimiyuuuh, and Ricci Rivero.
A brand's social media presence plays a critical role in establishing its identity and Pepsi has succeeded in establishing itself as brand with a fun and youthful vibe that aims to push the next generation to reach their goals and dreams making it one of the most talked-about brand on Twitter in 2020.

Pepsi Hit Sa Sarap reminded us of how nice it is to sit down for a meal with people we love and treasure. What better way to enjoy our favorite food than with Pepsi?

"At a time when consumers have the full power to determine what goes viral, it is not enough for people to enjoy our advertising material. Our communications need to stand out and be captivating for consumers to share, post, tweet, and pin. They need to love it," says Gutzee Segura, CSD Marketing Lead, PepsiCo PH.

As a brand, Pepsi is attuned to what is happening on Twitter. It listens to what its audience is saying and responds to what it sees as relevant content.

As Segura puts it, "It boils down to knowing what your target market wants, what they’re looking for, and serving that to them."

"People are keeping it real on Twitter, so these conversations definitely give a brand its much needed boost on awareness or engagement and in a way, in driving purchase intention, and sales," says Pang.

Pepsi looked at Twitter insights on K-pop and P-pop, then used these to highlight content about Blackpink and SB19. From these insights, the brand knew what type of content their target market (young millennials and Gen Z 16-25 years old) was looking for.

This target market values its online identity, being digital natives.

"Being at the prime of their youth, they always want to enjoy and maximize life’s experiences. However, given the pandemic, these experiences have been limited to in-home activities so Pepsi provides them with the experiences that satisfies their need for variety, novelty, and excitement from their usual days," said Segura.

According to Kantar, 91% of Pepsi's target market drink carbonated drinks so the brand's endorsers and brand ambassadors are selected based on who best personifies the brand’s personality, values, and purpose.

Blackpink was chosen because the group has a youthful attitude and zest for life that perfectly embodies the Pepsi brand.

Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, SB19, Ricci Rivero, Alyssa Valdez, Kiefer Ravena, and Mimiyuuuh were picked because their young fans are inspired by their success, hard work, and positive attitude.

"Our endorsers and brand ambassadors serve as a seamless extension of Pepsi and help amplify our story," mentions Segura.

A brand's social media presence plays a critical role in establishing its identity and Pepsi has succeeded in establishing itself as brand with a fun and youthful vibe that aims to push the next generation to reach their goals and dreams.


Enjoy exciting deals and surprises at Araneta City’s Black Friday Sale!

Get up to 70% off on items (and more!) from November 26 to 30

Are you getting a headstart in your Holiday shopping this Black Friday? Well, the City of Firsts is the place to be for amazing deals and surprises!

Happening from November 26 to 30, 2021, enjoy up to 70% off on some of the most in-demand items from the brands you love the most in Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and The SM Store.

“Get ahead of the Christmas rush by doing your gift shopping as early as now,” said Marjorie Go, Araneta City’s Assistant Vice President for Marketing. “Araneta City and our partner brands are bringing some exciting deals on some of your favorite apparel, footwear, and tech products. You’ll surely complete your Holiday list here at the City of Firsts during our Black Friday Sale!”

Can’t go out to shop? We got you covered with Araneta City’s ASK ARA personal shopper service. Just message Ara on Facebook, and enjoy a FREE DELIVERY treat when you do your online shopping on November 26.

But for those who’ll drop by our malls, you get to enjoy an extra treat: score freebies by just exchanging your receipts! For every ₱3,000 single-receipt purchase, you’ll get a special black box containing cool Araneta City merchandise collectibles. Head to the mall concierge of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza for this surprise.

Apart from the discounts and freebies, shoppers may also check out the cool neon lighted wall panels at the activity area of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza. This is surely the perfect spot to get some hip IG-worthy snaps and glowing TikTok videos for Black Friday Sale.

And to make your TikTok posts more rewarding, Araneta City is holding a TikTok Challenge! It’s very simple: follow Araneta City on TikTok, create a dance video at our neon lighted wall, and post it! Don’t forget to tag Araneta City and use the hashtag #AranetaCityBlackFridaySale. Three lucky winners will win a cash prize and gift certificates from Pizza Hut!

Araneta City malls have been awarded the Safety Seal certificates, proving their exemplary and strict implementation of health standards. Enjoy a safe Black Friday experience only at the City of Firsts!

Araneta City is managed by ACI Inc, one of the five business units of the Araneta Group of Companies. With a long history of pioneer business ventures, the progressive and diversified Araneta Group is anchored on property development, food service, leisure and entertainment, and hospitality. Visit the Araneta Group's official website for more details.

For updates on Araneta City, visit its official website, or follow it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok. Download the Araneta City mobile app on Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) to get the latest on promos and events.

SM Supermalls prioritizes MSMEs through its ongoing SM StartUp Package offering

The recent launch of SM Supermalls’ SM Start-Up Package has ignited new hope and inspiration for MSMEs in the country, most especially those affected by the pandemic and prolonged lockdowns.

The SM StartUp Package gives 100 MSMEs with ongoing online businesses the opportunity to receive the necessary support they need to set up their first physical stall in one of 13 high-traffic SM malls nationwide.

Considered the backbone of the economy, MSMEs account for 99.5% of all enterprises and employ 63.2% of the labor force as of the end of 2018 per a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report. In SM alone, almost 70% of their partners are MSMEs, many of which were start-ups that found success in SM malls.

“We have a 60-year legacy with MSMEs. Our founder Mr. Henry Sy, or ‘Tatang’ as we fondly call him, started as one,” SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said. “In 1958, he opened his first shop, ShoeMart. From one store in Quiapo, SM now has 77 malls all across the Philippines—and we are still growing.”
The SM StartUp Package was launched via a virtual event on Oct. 15. Hosted by (upper L-R) Sam YG, SM tenant-partners fashion designer Patty Ang of athleisure brand Patton and young e-commerce entrepreneur Jerald Sze of Straightforward talked about their experiences as MSME owners. Offering valuable advice were (middle L-R) Department of Trade and Industry Asec. Mary Jean T. Pacheco, SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, and BDO Network Bank SVP & MSME Business Head Karen Cua. Also present were (lower L-R) SM Supermalls AVP of Leasing Strategy & Operations Gina T. Katigbak, BDO FVP of Merchant Partnerships Retail Sales Head Bob Tolentino, and SM Supermalls VP of Corporate Marketing Grace F. Magno

Tan recounted that aside from perseverance, Mr. Sy had help from family and friends when he built and expanded his business. “Tatang did not forget the people who helped him become successful. He paid it forward and gave the same help to other start-up businesses, often personally inviting them to locate in SM. Their eventual success was his success,” he said.

This pay-it-forward practice and mindset lives on through the SM StartUp Package. The past year and a half proved especially challenging for MSMEs as many were forced to temporarily close and cut off staff during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many from the workforce became resilient entrepreneurs who started their own online businesses to provide for their families.

With the SM StartUp Package, MSME owners who have ongoing online businesses can register and will be given the support they need to set up their first physical store in one of 13 high-traffic SM malls nationwide. This includes perks like startup-friendly rental rates, free use of kiosks, access to financial assistance through BDO Net Bank, marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside the malls, as well as giving them a prime location within the mall.

The SM StartUp Package also highlights the crucial role that MSMEs play in helping the country back to economic recovery. Last year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded more than 920,000 new business name registrations where 532,000 accounted for retail sellers in sari-sari stores. This is followed by over 88,000 e-commerce sellers who opted for online platforms to reach out to customers amid lockdown restrictions.

DTI Asec. of Digital Philippines and E-Commerce Lead Jean Pacheco emphasized at the SM StartUp Press Briefing that while online selling can be effective, having onground channels are still an ideal way to fast-track an MSME’s growth. “We know that Filipinos like to browse and see items firsthand, and talk to sellers face-to-face when buying, so it’s important to have brick-and-mortar stores. An MSME should aim to be omnichannel, a combination of your physical store and your online platform, so you can reach more consumers.”

“I know that many are looking forward to setting up a physical store, but in need of help — the same help Tatang gave to entrepreneurs in his time. As our way of giving back, we would like to continue Mr. Henry Sy’s legacy of extending a hand to start-ups and making it easy to set up shop at our high-traffic malls. All you need is a great concept and the willingness to work hard to succeed.” Tan said.

Categories open for tenancy are Health and Wellness, Home Hobbies and At-Home Experiences, Smart Gadgets for Productivity, Functional Fashion and Comfort Food.

To find out how to be part of the SM StartUp Markets nationwide, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow the link to the Start-Up Package webpage, or email startup@smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to find out how to sign up now for the SM StartUp Package.

iQiyi & ABS-CBN Partnership to produce content for global audiences


iQiyi and ABS-CBN’s highly-anticipated first Filipino local originals “Saying Goodbye” and “Hello, Heart” will premiere this December
  • Starring this Generation’s Brightest and Most-Sought Talents Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin, Gigi De Lana, Gerald Anderson
  • The Exclusive Titles will be iQiyi’s First Local Originals in Southeast Asia
  • Available Worldwide Exclusive on the iQiyi app and www.iQ.com for Free across 191 Territories

Global streaming service iQiyi, a leading provider of beloved pan-Asian content worldwide seals a multi-title content deal with ABS-CBN, a leading Philippine media and entertainment company to produce four Filipino original romantic series for its international subscribers worldwide.

The partnership fortifies the commitments of both companies in bringing high-quality, relatable and inspiring Philippine content with universal themes while championing the Filipino talents and stories onto the global stage. Coupled with ABS-CBN’s unrivaled creative capability on content production and with its seasoned pool of talents, the exclusive partnership enhances iQiyi’s extensive and growing library of Asian content from Japan, South Korea, Greater China, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia available across 191 territories.

"We are thrilled to partner with iQiyi for its first Filipino local original series as we continue to tell meaningful stories and champion Filipino talent. Through their technology and our expertise in content creation and production, we strive to bring excellent Filipino content to local and international audiences and subscribers of iQiyi," said ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast, Cory Vidanes.

“This partnership reflects both iQiyi and ABS-CBN’s shared vision in showcasing Filipino talent and bringing it to the global stage. What the C- and K-dramas have taught us is that there is a global hunger to see more of that Asian talent, beauty and culture. And with this world class, multi-title partnership with ABS-CBN, iQiyi is proud to present amazing productions from the Philippines to audiences across iQiyi's 191 territories worldwide. There is a place for us in the global spotlight and it's time for the Philippines to shine,” says iQiyi country manager, Sherwin dela Cruz.

The partnership between iQiyi and ABS-CBN will produce the multi-title Filipino originals that will be top-billed by this generation’s multi-talented and most-sought actors and streamed exclusively on the iQiyi app and www.iQ.com.

Debuting on December 4, 8 PM is “Saying Goodbye,” starring Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin, also known to millions of fans around the world as #SethDrea. They will take on the roles of Elise and Ricky, whose paths fatefully cross at an old record store fighting over the same album of their beloved artist. Their first meeting turns into an enduring friendship that will take them to an adventure like no other as they try to fulfill the bucket list of Ricky, who has a heart disease since childhood. The series also features the newly formed loveteam of Andi Abaya and Kobie Brown.

Meanwhile, K-drama fans should watch out for “Hello, Heart,” which premieres on December 15, 8PM. Starring YouTube’s phenomenal star Gigi De Lana alongside Gerald Anderson, one of the nation’s busiest leading man to-date, the romantic comedy follows Heart, a beautiful, perky and hardworking woman but is very unlucky in life. Her life starts to turn around upon meeting Saul, an emotionless, business-as-usual guy who hires her to pretend to be his wife to please his grandmother with dementia. Gigi performs the series’ official theme song, Roselle Nava’s “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” which she covered in a video that went viral online.

Also revealed during the media conference is the teaser trailer of “Lyric and Beat” coming soon in 2022. This romantic musical series starring Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin, Darren Espanto and AC Bonifacio is set at the backdrop of Philippine National Conservatory of Music where the best and misfit students are pitted against each other for the right to represent the school in the prestigious National Music Competition. The series will also star Nyoy Volante, Agot Isidro, Joanna Ampil, Sheena Belarmino, Jeremy Glinoga, and Angela Ken.

At the heels of iQiyi’s Original and Exclusive recent hit titles such as “Danger Zone,” “Ferryman: The Legends of Nanyang,” “Unforgettable Love,” “My Roommate is a Gumiho” and “Jirisan”, the latest Filipino series “Saying Goodbye” and “Hello, Heart” that will soon be available on iQiyi and www.iQ.com heralds a major milestone for Filipino content and talents to be easily accessible globally.

Follow iQiyi Philippines on social media:



Twitter: @iQIYIph





About iQiyi

Headquartered in Singapore, iQiyi International is an on-demand video streaming service providing beloved pan-Asian entertainment to international viewers. Offering both ad-supported and VIP subscription services, iQiyi delivers premium drama series, movies, variety shows, and anime; with local languages and subtitles; powered by cutting-edge technology. iQiyi also makes its technology available to other entertainment services through SaaS partnerships. iQiyi can be enjoyed on any device via iQ.com and the app. iQiyi International (app) is owned by iQiyi, Inc. (Nasdaq: IQ).

#GPaRinAngPasko Bringing to Life Filipino Christmas Traditions with SB19 and GCash

Shop and get the best holiday deals, share love and pamasko from across the globe or anywhere in the Philippines and win exciting prizes!

Filipinos have always considered Christmas as the grandest fiesta. For a community that celebrates the longest Christmas in the world, the usual grand family reunions, public palooza and exchange of holiday greetings after the Simbang Gabi have been sorely missed since last year.

This year, GCash, the undisputed leading financial app in the Philippines, is bringing us a lot of reasons to celebrate the merriest season in a truly Filipino way wherever you or your loved ones are in the Philippines or even the world.

GCash is teaming up with proudly Filipino P-Pop group SB19 in ushering the merriest season with ‘G Pa Rin Ang Pasko,’ a catchy holiday jingle that hopes to inspire Filipinos to keep the spirit of Christmas alive because amidst all the challenges we’ve all encountered this year, #LifeIsG as you share the experience of your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions with your family and friends through GCash.

SB19, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated in Billboard Music Awards for the Top Social Artist category, is bringing their charm and world-class talent in inspiring us to continue long-standing traditions that make Christmas uniquely ours with a safe, secure and rewarding app that Filipinos trust.

#GPaRinAngPasko with GCash

From celebrating Noche Buena to attending Simbang Gabi and getting ‘pamasko’ from Ninangs and Ninongs, GCash makes it possible to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way. With over 50 million users, GCash makes shopping for gifts and groceries and sending cash easy, secure and rewarding.

As SB19 says throughout the song, “G Pa Rin ang Pasko” with GCash as it offers a convenient way of shopping, gifting and giving without having to go through the common scenarios of the Christmas rush -- long queues at the ATM, to-and-fro when scouting for the perfect gifts and the dreaded Christmas traffic jam.

GCash Tiangge

From Nov. 22 to Dec. 15, users can experience the usual holiday shopping thrill and get exclusive discounts and promos with the GCash Tiangge. Much like the usual Christmas bazaars and fairs, you can buy your gifts and self-treats from small and medium enterprises but exciting deals and seamless and flexible payment options. OFWs who want to send gifts and Noche Buena packages to their loved ones can also shop directly through the GLife feature of the GCash app and have the items sent anywhere in the country.

Send Love, Send Pamasko

The Filipino Christmas tradition of gift-giving will also come alive, whether it’s for the people we hold dear or for causes we are passionate about. With Send Pamasko via GLife, GCash users can send donations to participating charities with just a few taps. Users can also spread the word by using special themes created by partner charities when they Send with a Clip.

While you used to ask for ‘pamasko’ from family members personally, GCash is now giving you the option to instantly send money to your loved ones anywhere in the country or across the globe -- perfect for Noche Buena or even as a practical way of showing love.

Shake it Up, Light it Up

Of course, no Filipino Christmas tradition will be complete without the parol, or traditional Christmas lanterns. GCash users are in for a treat when they collect parols through the app. Daily vouchers from partners will be up for grabs and over 5,000 winners will get GCash Pamasko and prizes. To top it all up, one lucky GCash user will get a chance to become a GCash millionaire.

The More, The Merrier

GCash invites everyone to sing along to SB19 by creating their own rendition of the G Pa Rin ang Pasko jingle. Catch the release of G Pa Rin sa Pasko on YouTube, TikTok and Spotify.

Join in on the festive mood and keep the Christmas spirit going with SB19 and GCash here: https://youtu.be/4w7Z3LbCB4M

 



About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.

 

 

November 23, 2021

adobo Video Fest 2021 searches for best, most engaging videos on Facebook Watch through heavyweight jury

Multi-awarded director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, Globe Studios head Quark Henares, and cinematographer Lee Meily-Briones join ABS CBN’s Richard Reynante, GMA Network’s Butch San Agustin, Viva’s Raul Calalang, and Regal Entertainment’s Roselle Monteverde in a panel with industry heavyweights.


MANILA, PHILIPPINESThe adobo Video Fest 2021, which celebrates the creators and publishers behind the most original, most addictive, and most creative Pinoy content on Facebook Watch, officially opened entries to online creators and publishers last November 15.

Organized by adobo Magazine and presented by Facebook Watch, the first-ever adobo Video Fest 2021 is a festival that recognizes the best and most entertaining Pinoy content that have been uploaded to everyone’s favorite social media platform — aka, “Entertainment We Watch.”

The adobo Video Fest is open to all Filipino content creators, as well as creators and publishers that are based in the Philippines. The contest accepts video entries free of charge under two categories: the Creators Category, for independent content creators; and the Publishers Category, which covers professional entities, including production companies, media outlets, film studios, and broadcast networks.

Hosted by Cat Triviño, the adobo Video Fest Launch shone the spotlight on its esteemed jury, composed of some of the biggest names in content and entertainment across creative industries today.

Leading the jury of industry heavyweights are Jury President is Globe Studios Head Quark Henares, Multi-awarded director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, cinematographer Lee Meily-Briones, multi-awarded director Marius Talampas, ABS CBN’s VP for Digital Content Publishing for Entertainment Richard Reynante, GMA Network’s VP for Digital Media Butch San Agustin, Viva’s VP of New Media Raul Calalang, Regal Entertainment’s VP and COO Roselle Monteverde, Blogapalooza CEO Ace Gapuz, President and CEO of Unitel Production Madonna Tarrayo, andGroup COO and Creative Strategist of Republic Group of Companie Bea Alfar Everdone.

“Video creation on Facebook Watch has turned into a conversation because it enables the real-time interaction between creators and their audiences,” adobo Video Fest 2021 Jury President Quark Henares said. “This two-way communication and collaboration leads to the creation of a community. Like the remix culture from the 80s where we get a song and remix it, creators today do their own riff of something viral which then becomes a dialogue between different creators, forming a community.

The adobo Video Fest is open to all Filipino content creators, as well as creators and publishers that are based in the Philippines. The contest accepts video entries free of charge under two categories: the Creators Category, for independent content creators; and the Publishers Category, which covers professional entities, including production companies, media outlets, film studios, and broadcast networks.

The deadline of entries is November 26, 2021.

Submission is free. Here’s how to enter your video for the adobo Video Fest 2021 presented by Facebook Watch:
1. VISIT adobo Video Fest presented by FB Watch to access category information, guidelines and entry form

2. DOWNLOAD the Entry Kit here

3. CHECK entry eligibility via our Submission Guidelines

4. SUBMIT your entry and receive confirmation by email within 48 hours. You may access the FORM here: https://forms.gle/geYnvKTYxaf8fQeEA