Master every scene with the Xiaomi 12 Series at these local destinations

An exceptional phone ideal for every travel scenario

The Philippines is home to many world-class tourist destinations and heritage sites. As travel restrictions in the country start to ease, it’s the perfect opportunity to pack up, and embark on unforgettable adventures.

These trips won’t be complete without capturing every thrilling moment. Master every travel scenario with the new Xiaomi 12 Series, a device built to deliver clear, crisp photographs in any situation.

Here’s how one can utilize the Xiaomi 12 Series’ features at these key destinations:

Magical Siquijor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58tggYAo_Xg

Siquijor is shrouded in both mystery and magic as it’s known as an island inhabited by “healers.” It has numerous pristine beaches with snorkeling sites, picturesque waterfalls, and historic landmarks that will inspire travelers to live in the now and capture every inch of their beauty using the Xiaomi 12 camera.

The smartphone boasts a pro-grade 50MP main camera with ultra-wide and tele macro lenses. It also includes a triple 50MP camera array with telephoto and ultra-wide lenses. As actress Rhian Ramos notes, these features will allow one to “see life in a more vivid view.”

Travelers can effortlessly shoot sceneries and portraits in Siquijor through Xiaomi 12’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Meanwhile, the advanced 4nm processor with 5G allows users to share their moments with others on social media in no time.

Captivating Camarines Norte[

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA62ntm-n5s

Camarines Norte is not only a surfing spot, it also provides a food adventure for those who want to try authentic Bicolano cuisine during one’s trip. Trying out something new is always exciting, which is why, as Chef Jose Sarasola puts it, it’s important to be open to try new dishes to increase one’s appreciation for diverse experiences.

Whether one is sharing a plate of spicy Bicol Express or surfing the waves of Bagasbas Beach, adventure seekers can document everything with the help of Xiaomi 12’s ProFocus technology. This offers subject learning and tracking algorithms that anticipate movement with Motion Tracking Focus, Motion Capture, and Eye Tracking Focus features. The results are clear and seamless shots every time. And with the Xiaomi 12’s fast-charging 4500mAh battery with 50W wireless turbo charging, they’ll have enough juice to last a whole day of activities.

Epic Camiguin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX9TGl3CvA8&t=7s

Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin island has a remarkable shape due to unexpected volcanic eruptions. Apart from its scenic beaches, travelers can also hike up the island’s highest peak, Mount Mambajao (1,713 above sea level) for a unique experience.

Hiking requires getting up at the crack of dawn. This is the ideal time to experiment with the Xiaomi 12’s Ultra-Night Video and Multi-Scene Night Views to capture subjects in low light. Portrait Night Mode and other night mode capabilities on wide angle and ultra-wide angle cameras automatically brighten up videos and photos to make them more vivid.

Travelers can also enjoy music from the Quad Speakers feature SOUND by Harman Kardon technology while camping, or enjoying a bonfire with friends.

No matter where you are in the Philippines, you can #MasterEveryScene in the Philippines with the Xiaomi 12 Series. With top-of-the-line camera features and specs, you can create stunning travel content that’s worth looking back on.

Get the Xiaomi 12 Series at nearby Xiaomi stores[A4] . For more information and updates, visit https://www.mi.com/global.

Enjoy savings on Beko appliances at Megatrade Exhibit until May 22

Get as much as 23% savings off your favorite appliances from global European appliance brand Beko during the Megatrade Exhibit on May 6-22 at the 5th floor, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong.

As an appliance brand, Beko is always looking for new technologies that help preserve nature and allow people to live a healthy lifestyle. Beko appliances are energy efficient because like many white goods being sold in the EU, their appliances have to be tagged with an energy rating from A to G, with A being the best.

At the Megatrade Exhibit, you can get Beko fridge freezers, cookers and ovens at discounted prices.

Three of Beko’s fridge freezers with HarvestFresh technology—the RDNT371E50VZK, RDNT401E50VZK, and RDNT401E50VZGB models—are available at 14% off. HarvestFresh is Beko’s crisper drawer technology that uses an innovative three-color light system to keep fruits and vegetables in their natural original environment long after they’ve been harvested, preserving the vitamins they contain and freshness for longer. The three fridge freezers also have ProSmart Inverter Compressor and Neofrost Dual Cooling Technology.

Other Beko fridge freezers with Neofrost Dual Cooling Technology—theRDNT251I50VS, RDNT251I50VZP, GNO4331XPPH, GNO5231XPPH, GNO4031GBPH—are being offered at 12%-15% off. NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology’s separate cooling systems for each compartment maintain maintain ideal temperatures with a high level of humidity in both the freezer and the fridge. This means longer freshness, faster cooling and no odor mixing.

Healthy and good quality meals are guaranteed when you cook like a pro with Beko cookers and ovens.

Get big discounts (20%-23%) on FSM66100GX (freestanding electric cooker), FSM63320TXDL (freestanding oven with three gas burners and one electric hotplate), FSGT61121DXL (freestanding oven with three gas and one wok burner), BDC6C55X (freestanding oven with four vitroceramic hobs), GG12116GX (freestanding cooker with gas oven and electric grill) and HDCE32201X (built-in domino electric hotplates with two hotplates and six cooking levels).

Enjoy savings of 15%-19% on the following models of cookers and ovens: FSGT53110GX (freestanding cooker with gas oven and electric grill), GM15321DXNS (freestanding cooker with multifunctional oven), HIZE64101X (built-in hob with four hotplates and metal burner plates), HIEW73242SOB (built-in hob with two wok and one glass burner), HIC64100 (built-in hob with four vitroceramic burner plates), HIEW73242SOX (built-in hob with two wok and one glass burner), HDCC32200X (built-in domino vitroceramic plates with six cooking levels), and BIE22101X (built-in oven with electric grill).

“Our goal is to see our products being enjoyed by Filipinos in their homes. As a company, Beko is committed to creating products that benefit our customers and have long ranging benefits for the planet,” said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.

Visit the Megatrade Exhibit and score good deals on Beko appliances.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph.

Spruce up your home to be staycation-ready with these Shopee finds

Get up to 90% off, 10% off vouchers and 10% cashback on kitchenware, furniture, and other home essentials when you shop from May 20 to 21 on Shopee

Who says you need to go out of your house to enjoy your vacation? Turn your own home into the perfect staycation destination space with Shopee home essentials when you checkout from Shopee’s Summer Home Sale from May 20 to May 21, 2022: https://shopee.ph/m/summer-home-sale. 

Not sure what to buy yet? Then check-out these essentials to makeover your rooms at home to a staycation-inspired space: 

Cozy up in a bedroom that’s pure bliss and unbelievably comfortable

A good bedroom with a nice ambiance can make or break a staycation. Relax and enjoy the comfort of your bed fitted with the Angbon Bedsheet and Pillowcase Set. Made from soft combed cotton material, it’s perfect for a peaceful night of sleep or lounging around all day.  Avoid clutter and have everything in order with a stylish and functional San-Yang Children Cabinet. With its pristine wood finish, this cabinet will look elegant in any space. To match your new cabinet, you can also get the white oak San-Yang Office Table where you can read your favorite book,  browse social media, and shop online.

Feel fancy when you cook with classy kitchenware 

To refuel yourself and perk up your day, brew a cup of strong coffee or soothing tea with the Omega Tea and Coffee French Press with its 3 level filtration system. You can also rediscover your passion for cooking and feel like a five-star chef when you have a Chef’s Classics Cast Iron Frypan in your kitchen. Cook a delicious steak, creamy baked penne, or even fry some juicy buttermilk chicken with this high heat resistance pan. Feel extra fancy when doing a simple task such as slicing a loaf of bread with the Tefal Bread Knife and its stainless steel blade made for precision and durability because everyone needs to feel a little extra once in a while.

Embrace freshness with an organized and neat bathroom

Feel like a king or queen when you have an aesthetically pleasing and organized bathroom to freshen up in. Grab the 2pc Rod Holder that can mount your lush curtain or soft towel when going to the bathroom. Wrapping yourself up after a good shower is one of the best feelings in the world, so indulge with UGG Premium Quick Dry Canon Bath Towel, 100% cotton, soft and comfortable for your skin. Never misplace a bathroom essential with a Wall-Mounted Organizer, with a strong suction base and storage basket holder which can house your bathroom essentials and have them within reach easily. 

Welcome the right energy in your Living Room

Bring in good energy to your living room! Reinvent the ambiance of your space with these easy-to-install Kitchen Island Pendant Lights to brighten up your mood. Appreciate the peace and simplicity of taking your well-deserved break with this modern centerpiece Coffee Table, elegantly-designed to hold your tea, coffee, plant, or books in the living room. To make it even better, this San-Yang TV Rack is the perfect entertainment piece to display for a movie night with loved ones.

If you’re set on what to get, you can check out these items on May 21 to get an even rewarding staycation home makeover when you receive shipping discount vouchers with a minimum spend of  ₱199. 

Don’t let errands ruin the staycation vibes and keep you from appreciating your new finds. Relax and stay indoors as much as you like because, with ShopeePay, you can easily settle your transactions from the comfort of your home. Need to send money? There are no hidden fees with ShopeePay—enjoy free and instant transfers to over 40 banks and e-wallets via InstaPay or to any Shopee user.

Here’s a pro-tip: keep an eye out for ShopeePay Happy Hour for a chance to win up to 100 coins daily when you send at least P50 to any Shopee user. For new users, you’ll also get free P200 when you send money for the first time with ShopeePay. Don’t worry about your monthly bills. Receive up to 100% bills cashback when you use ShopeePay to pay at over 60 participating billers such as Maynilad, Meralco, PLDT and more. You can also win cash prizes to further improve your living space.

Visit and like ShopeePay’s Facebook page, and join #ShopeePayFridays to get a chance to win P50,000. Activate ShopeePay now and look forward to a rewarding cashless experience.

Click and snap! This is why the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series is the perfect runway partner

Fashion plays an important role for Gen Z and millennials. Clothing allows them to express themselves and make their mark without even having to speak. For proof, simply tap the hashtag #fitcheck on social media and see countless content creators breaking the rules of fashion and setting trends.

Social media has become the playground for fashionistas and smartphones have become a status symbol and accessory, like luxury watches and designer handbags. Among those smartphones is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Series, now a coveted “it phone” for discerning individuals because of its epic innovations in its segment.

Samsung advanced content creation with Nightography, which captures more light, motion, and detail at low-light settings. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the first smartphone in the S Series to carry a built-in S Pen. Its all-day battery is designed to keep creators connected so they can shoot content, stay in touch with their followers, and stay ahead of trends.

It’s not just its innovations that have made the Galaxy S22 Series the gold standard for smartphones. Samsung also elevated its design colors to turn it into the perfect runway partner. They come in a variety of hues that suit every kind of personality.

The Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra come in Phantom Black, a premium and elegant color designed for the urban sophisticate. It evokes power and timelessness. This variant is perfect for black-tie events, where guests are required to come in a tuxedo or a lavish gown. Pair this with a statement-making accessory such as a luxury watch or a sculptural bag.

All three smartphones also come in Phantom White. This color conjures images of Japanese or Scandinavian minimalism. Like Phantom Black, this color is also elegant, yet more open and inviting. Phantom White goes well with neutral outfits in brown, beige, and dark shades of green, yellow, and blue.

Green is another color available for all variants of the Galaxy S22 Series. In color psychology, green represents freshness and nature. This color is vibrant, fun, and refreshing. The green Galaxy S22 Series suits daring fashionistas who enjoy playing with prints and colors. Pair this color with confidence.

The Galaxy S22 Ultra comes in an exclusive Burgundy variant. This deep and rich red channels grace and power, a reflection of Samsung’s premium image for the Ultra variant. If Phantom Black is for sophisticates who want quiet luxury, Burgundy is for those who want to flaunt their style.

Lastly, the Galaxy S22 and S22+ come in the Pink Gold option. This fun and flirty color is for fashionistas who love expressing themselves. It’s brimming with personality. This goes well with visually-striking ensembles such as floral prints or flashy colors.

The Galaxy S22 Series is available at Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and authorized stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com, MemoXpress Online, and telco partners at the following prices:

●       Galaxy S22 Ultra - PHP 68,990 SRP (128GB) / PHP 72,990 SRP (256 GB) / PHP 80,990 SRP (512 GB)

●       Galaxy S22+ - PHP 56,990 SRP (128GB) / PHP 60,990 SRP (256GB)

●       Galaxy S22 - PHP 45,990 SRP (128GB) / PHP 49,990 SRP (256GB)

Make your case, make a statement with a FREE Silicone Case with Strap worth PHP 1,999, plus a Lucky Box Strap worth PHP 1,299 with every purchase of the Galaxy S22 Series, until May 31, only.[1]

Immerse in your own world while strutting down the street with 20% off on Galaxy Buds2, Buds Live, and Buds Pro until May 31, 2022 only.[2]

Customers can also purchase the Galaxy S22 Series for as low as PHP 1,916.25/mo at 0% interest for up to 24 months via Samsung Authorized Stores Nationwide. Citibank card holders can get up to 36 months installment at 0% interest for as low as PHP 1,277.50/mo.^[3] On the other hand, PNB card holders can get their first installment month for FREE and pay 0% interest for up to 24 months in select Samsung Experience stores and Abenson Stores.^[4]

Trade-in an old smartphone for the Galaxy S22 Series to get tokens worth up to PHP 8,000 in participating Samsung Experience Stores and Authorized Stores.^[5] Customers can also trade-in their devices via Globe and Smart to receive discounts worth up to PHP 7,200.^[6]

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

To know more about the Galaxy S22 Series, visit samsung.com/ph

---

[1] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-141533 Series of 2022

[2] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-142583 Series of 2022

^[3] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-136353 Series of 2022

^[4] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-133888 Series of 2021

^[5] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-136457 Series of 2022

^[6] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-137343, 138547 Series of 2022

Witness a Heist Like No Other In Newly Released Teaser for Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

An unprecedented Heist in a new Korea sets the stage and stakes in the latest debut for the upcoming series 

Watch Main Teaser Trailer

Korea is on the brink of unification, and North and South Korea establish the Unified Korea Mint and are printing one common currency as the groundwork to build a stable joint economy. Despite people’s expectations, “only the rich got richer,” leading to severe inequality. Against this unfair world, a crew of thieves, including Tokyo, an ex-soldier from the North, unite under the leadership of a mastermind known as the Professor to plan an unprecedented heist – stealing money yet to exist! The only things standing between them are a joint task force led by South Korean Negotiation specialist, Seon Woojin, and a North Korean agent, Cha Moohyu, epic mind games, and time.

"The themes of a common currency and a mint built in the Joint Security Area (which divides North and South Korea today) are the premise of the series, which adds the Korean flavor and excitement to the original story," said the writer Ryu Yong-jae.

The teaser also highlights the characters – Professor performed by Yoo ji-tae, Tokyo performed by Jung Jong-seo, and Berlin performed by Park Hae-soo of Squid Game – for the first time in action, all in iconic red jumpsuits with traditional Hahoe masks, stirring up further excitement.

Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area Part 1 will premiere worldwide on June 24, only on Netflix.

Production Information

Title: Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

Original Series: La Casa de Papel

Directed by: Kim Hong-sun

Written by: Ryu Yong-jae, Kim Hwan-chae and Choe Sung-jun

Starring: Yoo Ji-tae (Professor), Kim Yunjin (Seon Woojin), Park Hae-soo (Berlin), Jun Jong-seo (Tokyo), Lee Won-jong (Moscow), Park Myung-hoon (Cho Youngmin), Kim Sung-o (Cha Moohyuk), Kim Ji-hun (Denver), Jang Yoon-ju (Nairobi), Lee Joobeen (Yun Misun), Lee Hyun-woo (Rio), Kim Ji-hoon (Helsinki), Lee Kyu-ho (Oslo) etc.

Produced by: BH Entertainment and Zium Content

Distributed by: Netflix

TikTok comedy creator Raco Ruiz joins KROMA Entertainment’s NYMA family

This just in: everybody’s favorite TikTok broski Raco Ruiz has joined the KROMA Entertainment family! Raco is now an exclusive talent under NYMA.

Short for “Now, You Must Aspire,” NYMA’s vision is to be the home of the greatest talents in the tradigital universe. NYMA goes beyond making stars of its talents, because why settle for the stars when you can be the sun?

Aside from creating work influenced by surrealism, graffiti, pop art, and low-brow cartoon art, Raco blew up on TikTok for his meta-comedy skits. His videos under the handle @racobell have gained millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers for highlighting modern Pinoy “conyo” culture videos through his Raco-verse of characters (all masterfully portrayed by himself) and voiceovers of ‘90s cartoons and films.

NYMA believes in Raco’s potential to shake up the tradigital space given his promising work as video director and visual artist, plus his hilarious skits! Kat Bautista, Head of NYMA, said there is a lot of potential in Raco and that NYMA is excited to work with such brilliant talent for the long haul.

“He is a brilliant artist with a sense of humor to boot. He's a director, illustrator, comic, writer, and now an on-screen talent. As a multi-hyphenated artist, we feel Raco brings something unique to the Philippine market. We can’t wait for him to shake up the entertainment space with his unique perspective and talents!” she said.

Signing with NYMA and going full-time as a content creator is Raco’s way of making business a pleasure. “They (NYMA) take care of all the stuff I suck at and I’m left to do all the stuff I’m good at. It’s a symbiotic relationship. We just all help each other out, and we all want the same things, so it makes the whole process of creating a lot easier,” he pointed out.

“Being an artist, more often than not, my mind gets hyper-focused on the creative aspect of things that I often tend to neglect the business or logistics side of it, which is equally as important as the creative part if you wanna make art or be a creative for a living,” he shared.

Get ready to see this TikTok Rac-star and his unique multiverse of art and comedy everywhere, everytime, and all at once soon!

NYMA is one of the brands under KROMA Entertainment, the new tradigital entertainment company backed by the ecosystem of the Globe Group. NYMA recognizes Raco’s immense talent, and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to take his career to greater heights, give his unparalleled value, and help him break new ground in the tradigital space.

For more on Raco, follow him on:

● TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@racobell

● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racobell/

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/racobell

● Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racodrawsstuff/

● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RacoRuizOfficial

● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RacoRuiz

To learn more about KROMA and NYMA, visit https://www.kroma.ph/nyma.

LG’s New Refrigerator Lineup Blends Smarts and Style

With the goal of offering a smarter experience for consumers, LG recently unveiled its new generation of refrigerators. The new lineup plays into LG’s vision of a smart, interconnected home. The new lineup boasts of smart features that retain fan-favorite innovations and improve on existing technologies. Even with all the features and new technology, the units are also elegantly designed to be sleek and compact to ensure a seamless integration for any home.

One of the major features for the new lineup is the LG ThinQ with wifi connectivity. LG's Smart Learning technology learns your patterns over a 3-week period to optimize everything from energy and cooling performance to energy consumption. With this technology, your fridge just got a lot smarter. A feature that uses this is Smart Fresh Air, which applies optimal food storage algorithms with usage pattern analysis. It minimizes inner temperature fluctuations with the intensive cooling logic two hours before frequent door opening times of users, based on the accumulated data on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis. Another new feature is Economic Care+, which optimizes energy use with customer usage pattern analysis. The compressor decides to turn into either “Save Mode” or “Power Mode” based on your refrigerator usage patterns, reducing wasted energy.

A popular mainstay of LG refrigerators is Linear Cooling. Enjoy the taste of crisp, fresh food thanks to reduced temperature fluctuations. LG Linear Cooling makes temperature fluctuations stay within ±0.5℃ and provides freshness for the first time longer than the normal cooling algorithm. Your food is preserved at peak freshness for up to 7 days.

Another major function is Door Cooling. Food stays fresh and drinks get ice cold on any shelf with even and faster-cooling performance. LG’s exclusive Door Cooling technology cools quicker than a conventional cooling system for fresher food and colder beverages on every shelf.

Upgrade to the smarter choice today and get LG’s latest refrigerators. You can purchase LG refrigerators from authorized dealers nationwide and in LG’s online flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Finance for all: GCash, Generali Philippines team up to bring insurance products to more Pinoys

GCash, the country’s number one mobile wallet, has teamed up with Generali Philippines to offer four affordable insurance packages on GCash’s GLife feature, in line with the super app’s mission to continue providing safety and convenience to Filipinos.

GLife is the super life mini-app within GCash that offers food, groceries, gadgets, fashion, beauty products, and now insurance to help Filipinos secure their health and finances, especially amid the pandemic.

GCash users can now avail of Generali’s four insurance packages via GLife for as low as Php270.

“We are proud to have this partnership with Generali Philippines to make insurance and financial freedom accessible to all. This new partnership reflects our commitment to help the country achieve financial inclusion by offering affordable products to help Filipinos protect their future and improve their lives especially during these trying times,” said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon.

For just Php270, the GenProtect Basic 50 offers Php50,000 worth of personal accident benefit, Php5,000 worth of accidental medical reimbursement benefit (if cause of hospitalization is an accident), and Php500 daily hospital accident benefit for up to 14 days. This package also comes with the 24/7 Call-A-Doc telemedicine service so users can consult with a medical professional with up to three calls anytime, anywhere.

Another insurance plan users can avail of for Php280 is GenProtect Plus 50, which also offers the same benefits with an additional Php5,000 worth of motorcycling accident benefit and Php5,000 worth of unprovoked murder and assault benefit.

GLife users can also choose the GenProtect Basic 100 for more protection, including Php100,000 worth of personal accident benefit, Php10,000 worth of accidental medical reimbursement benefit amount, Php1,000 daily hospital accident benefit for up to 14 days, and up to six calls with the 24/7 Call-A-Doc telemedicine service. This plan is available for just Php455.

For an upgrade of only Php475, GenProtect Plus 100 offers all the same benefits as the GenProtect Basic 100, along with an additional Php10,000 worth of motorcycling accident benefit and Php10,000 worth of unprovoked murder and assault benefit.

To check out these affordable insurance products, simply open your GCash app and click the GLife feature on the dashboard. For ease of reference, just look for “Generali Philippines” on the search bar, and from there, you can choose from the four insurance packages that suit your needs.

For other essentials and great deals, GCash users also have a faster and more secure way to shop online via the GLife feature on the GCash app, which has over 420 partner merchants, such as food, retail, gaming, and essentials.

Moreover, GCash offers accessible and affordable health insurance for Filipinos amid the pandemic via the GInsure feature on the app.

To know more about GCash’s GLife feature, visit https://www.gcash.com/services/glife. GLife mo na ’yan!

To know more about Generali and its products and services, visit www.generali.com.ph.

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the second phase of the Save Our Spots (SOS) campaign titled, “Keep the Fun Going”, to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travels.

The campaign builds on the gains of the SOS phase one that was launched in 2019 to educate travelers about becoming responsible tourists. “Keep the Fun Going” aims not only to educate but also motivate travelers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly through gamified challenges.

“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the SOS campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems and diverse species, which are facing both climate change and human threats, such as over tourism and neglect of the environment.

Loboc River Cruise, Bohol. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

To inspire more tourists to practice sustainable travel, the campaign will highlight a gamified experience featuring four eco-friendly ways to travel. The challenges will be demonstrated through collaboration with local key influencers, after which, the public will be enjoined to accomplish at least two of the four activities, which are:

● The “Certified Foot Soldier Challenge” that encourages travelers to walk, hike, or bike more often;

● The “Zero-Waste Warrior”, which inspires travelers to reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and always bringing reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags;

● The “resTOURism Advocate Challenge” that encourages tourists to volunteer in restoration efforts of communities, such as planting activities, clean-up drives, and wildlife preservation; and,

● The “Eco-Staycationer Challenge” that motivates tourists to book in eco-friendly accommodations, such as local homestays or ANAHAW-awardee hotels that take action to promote sustainability.

Participants will have a chance to win by completing at least two challenges and posting them on social media with the following guidelines:

STEP 1. Take a photo of yourself doing the challenges.

For Certified Foot Soldier, you may use an app to track or record your steps or bike ride as proof.

For Eco-staycationer, best if you can include an eco-friendly practice of the establishment in your video. Camping and staycation trips (in a green hotel) are qualified.

STEP 2. Upload your photo.

Put a geotag and write a short description.

STEP 3. Tag the official DOT social media accounts:

Tiktok: tourismphilippines

Instagram: tourism_phl

Facebook: facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism

Twitter: TourismPHL

STEP 4. Include the #KeepTheFunGoing and #ChallengeDone hashtags in your caption

STEP 5. Tag 3 of your friends in your post

STEP 6. Make sure to set your profile in public so we can see your entry

All entries will be drawn through an electronic raffle. Weekly winners will be announced every Saturday and will be notified thru Facebook Personal Message. The two grand winners, which will be chosen from all the qualified entries, will win a FREE TRIP for two to Palawan.

Join the #KeepTheFunGoing movement today and be an eco-warrior. To learn more about the campaign, visit philippines.travel/saveourspots.

How these top-performing sellers grow their businesses through Shopee’s mega sales

Shopee’s Seller Recognition Operations Awardees highlight how efficient operations contribute to online success

In the Philippines, double day dates such as 9.9 and 11.11 have become highly anticipated due to shopping festivals offered by platforms such as Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. In fact, last year over 2 billion items were purchased by shoppers during 11.11 alone across the region. This uptick in purchases made during mega-sales allowed more than 1,000 local sellers across the region to exceed US$100,000 in sales during Shopee’s year-end festivals in 2021.

Alongside hard work and determination, the success of Shopee sellers relies heavily on how efficiently they operate. This is especially true during mega-sales where the opportunity for growth is high. For this reason, Shopee recognizes sellers who go above and beyond in time for Shopee’s mega-sale days through its Seller Recognition Operations Awards.

Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to helping businesses create long-term, sustainable e-commerce strategies in today’s digital economy. Through the Seller Recognition Operations Awards, we are able to highlight top-performing sellers in this regard, as well as their strategies and insights which their fellow sellers can learn from and apply to their businesses.”

Jenna Indigado, owner of Small Wonders Page and a recent awardee, is among those who diligently prepares for and maximizes mega-sale days to grow her business on Shopee. She decided to become a full-fledged Shopee seller in 2020 when her agricultural business was affected by the African Swine Flu (ASF) breakout that year.

“After our hog-raising business was affected by ASF, I made the decision to sell on Shopee full-time. I already had a part-time reselling business on the platform in 2018 so I knew the potential for growth was huge especially if I committed my time and resources to it.”

She went on to hire a local seamstress to grow her reselling business into one that manufactures clothing for babies. Today, she employs more than 300 Filipinos.

“There were only two of us when we started the Small Wonders Page at Shopee. Now, we employ around 250 local seamstresses and 70 employees who have gone on to fulfill their dreams and even purchase their own cars and houses. Without Shopee, we wouldn’t be able to provide jobs for these Filipinos,” she said.

She says her experience as a Shopee seller, the platform’s features, as well as guidance from her dedicated relationship manager are key factors for her business success especially during mega-sale days.

“Having a dedicated relationship manager helps us create strategies to maintain product visibility, eliminate backlog, and fast-track order processing and fulfillment during mega-sales. During campaigns we also make sure to utilize features such as Chat Broadcast, ShopeeLive, and ShopeeAds in order to connect with our customers and inform them about our new products, discounts, and deals.”

Charles Barrientos of Mikana store, a recent awardee as well, also shares that alongside the hard work that comes with preparing for mega-sale days, these highly anticipated dates are integral to their business. His decision to launch Mikana, a store that specializes in jewelry, on Shopee was because he learned about how Shopee provides features and guidance to cater to its sellers’ growth. Besides these tools, he says constant adjustments and preparation are what help drive his business success.

“Preparing for peak days and seasons comes with its challenges because of the sudden increase in demand. There are times wherein we have to extend our operations and double our efforts especially since mega-sale days are a big part of our sales.”

He also highlights how Shopee’s user-centric platform helps them maintain a good relationship with their customers. “Shopee has an efficient customer service feature which allows us to address the concerns of our customers directly and improve how we serve them.”

Like Jenna and Charles, you can conveniently join Shopee as a seller and grow your business today. Learn more and Get Started on Shopee.

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