- Event held indoors for the first time providing visitors with air-conditioned comfort, redefining the night market experience even in the daytime
December 17, 2022
ARTBOX, Singapore’s largest lifestyle event, returns even bigger, better and cooler than before with a dose of cheekiness, thanks to SGAG collaboration
Kwentong Kumunizen: Spiking Numbers and Building Bridges
Volleyball star Tots Carlos connects with friends and fans on Kumu, and wins more than just trophies.
Some might be astonished to learn how popular volleyball is in the Philippines when it’s often overshadowed by other sports in most conversations. They would be even more shocked to hear just how fierce the fandom is, spurred by a longing to connect with players and get to know them. But, when armed with that knowledge, it comes as no surprise at all that players from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) regularly stream on Kumu to do exactly those things.
Cheerful and unassuming, 24-year old opposite hitter Diana Mae “Tots” Carlos actually discovered Kumu long before PVL entered a partnership with the social entertainment app. What started as cheering her friends on from the sidelines of their stream, she soon began to guest and host streams herself, talking about the ins and outs of her sport.
Hailing from Lubao, Pampanga, she traveled to the metro specifically to do what she loved, and quickly became a highly sought-after recruit over UAAP Season 78. Landing in the University of the Philippines’ varsity team as an outside hitter, she has since bagged the title of Most Valuable Player several times over—in 2018, 2021, and 2022—clearly a force to be reckoned with. But her one frustration with the game has been the lack of interaction with fans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finding Her Tribe
“Wala akong kilala noong talagang nagstart ako magstream sa Kumu, apart from my friends,” she recounts, “and hindi man ako humingi ng tulong, people I didn’t know wanted to help me!” Soon enough, she bridged the gap between herself and her avid supporters, and made those interactions the highlight of her streams.
“In my hometown, athletes get the same treatment,” says Tots, “banners, tarpaulins, a warm welcome when you come back. Ngayon, online posters and messages of congratulations, ganon. Being on Kumu feels the same, but these are my fans, people I would never meet if not for Kumu, who really want to support me. Kaya I really take care of that relationship.”
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
“Ang gusto ko talaga sa Kumu is it’s safe,” says the athlete on what differentiates Kumu from other digital spaces. “May rules, may good censors, kaya may respeto. Pwede kong ipakita kung ano at sino talaga ako and I’m safe, and more importantly, the fans are safe.” This contradicts what most of us know to be true about the internet—don’t speak to strangers who offer you gifts—but the watchful eyes of the moderators, also known as the Kumu Police, allow those new connections to flourish with minimal, if any, risk. Apart from these important duties, they keep interactions positive in every stream.
This unique feature of the app is one of the biggest pillars of its success, especially for users who would otherwise be marginalized. As a woman who is open about who she is and who she loves, Tots is a perfect example of how someone can thrive even outside of that identity when they are given the space to show their truest self.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s (Other) Best Friend
But it just wouldn’t be Kumu without the campaigns, or the contests that almost turns live streaming into an extreme sport all its own. Creators go live and earn virtual gifts from those watching, and get the chance to win prizes that range from a little bit of cash to having one’s face on a billboard. And while Tots doesn’t necessarily need to join them—she openly admits that her status as a volleyball player has boosted her numbers on more than one occasion—she sees the fun and takes the opportunity to spread the joy.
“If I do win something, I share it with my loved ones,” says Tots. “And what I earn there is a big help. Noong nagtuloy-tuloy na ako, pinapadali niya ang buhay ko. You don't even have to spend the whole day streaming, just once in a while. Talagang inaabangan ka ng followers. Just keep doing the streams, and you’ll build your audience.”
For Tots, Kumu is a platform ripe with
opportunities not just to earn through live streaming, but to connect with
people she otherwise would never get to know; people who can truly enrich
someone’s day-to-day. Follow her on Kumu (totscarlos_) to get insider volleyball knowledge,
meet other players, or just to see Tots flourish in her own digital habitat.
Otherwise, experience it for yourself; download the app now through the App Store or Google Play. Your
community awaits you, so get ready to show what you’ve got and start your live
stream soon!
-------------------
About Kumu
Kumu
is a powerful social media platform that brings the voices of Filipinos from
all over the globe at the forefront. Aside from presenting users with real-time
earning opportunities as a live streamer, chances to win prizes in various game
shows, and engagement in campaigns, Kumu also fosters communities that ignite
relevant discussions among Filipinos. According to mobile-app performance
company App Annie, Kumu is not only the first
Filipino app to be the #1 top grossing social app in the Philippines, but one
of the highest grossing social apps in the world, ranking top 10 in multiple
markets including Canada, Australia, Middle East, Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore
app stores. Visit www.kumu.ph and follow @kumuph on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up to date with the
latest events and surprises from the favorite Pinoy live streaming platform.
Home Buddies gives back in Paskong Mayo Puso 2.0
December 16, 2022
Xiaomi Rings in the Christmas Spirit with Xiaomi Pop Concert, New Store, and More!
Loyal Xiaomi fans enjoy big discounts, freebies, star-studded entertainment
The holidays are here and
Xiaomi has made sure to ring in the festivities with a bang! From a
star-studded Xiaomi Pop 2022 holiday concert, a cozy community Christmas party,
and a smorgasbord of products at discounted prices at the grand opening of the
Xiaomi flagship store at Bonifacio High Street in BGC.
As the
main highlight of the festivities, the Xiaomi Pop 2022 Concert did not
disappoint. Fans were treated to an evening of performances by some of the
hottest names in the music industry. P-pop boy band BGYO kicked off the main
show with their hit singles, and they also picked a lucky fan to dance on stage
with them. Next up, Singer and actor Darren Espanto serenaded fans with his
version of popular Christmas songs.
Closing
the night was multi-awarded singer Moira Dela Torre, who gave a beautiful and
emotional performance of her ballads. She also shared a special moment with
fans as she took a selfie using her Xiaomi phone.
The
atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm as the audience sang along to their beloved
tunes. Fans cheered on as Xiaomi devices were given away as prizes during the
fun games, making for an unforgettable night.
Prizes galore
The BHS
Amphitheater was packed with over 300 Xiaomi fans who gathered for the
community Christmas party. It was an afternoon of fun and laughter, with plenty
of games, Xiaomi prizes, and special performances from both the Xiaomi team and
the fans themselves.
New flagship store
The
opening of the new flagship store located at B3, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High
Street, BGC, Taguig City, was made even more special with the presence of
Xiaomi Country Manager Kenny Cheong, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony
together with Blue Lite Gadgets Inc. executive Leandro Poblete. Also present
was Xiaomi brand ambassador and TV star Gabbi Garcia. Guests were treated to an
exclusive in-store tour of the new Xiaomi concept store, giving them a
first-hand look at the latest products from the global tech brand.
The
opening of the new store saw shoppers take advantage of the discounts and
freebies offered by Xiaomi. Depending on the purchase, customers received a
variety of bonuses, such as a RoboVac, Vacuum Flask, umbrella, ceramic mugs,
and more. Those who bought any of the top-of-the-line phones like the Redmi
Note 11S, or 10 Pro were rewarded with an even bigger selection of freebies.
To learn
more about Xiaomi’s new store at Bonifacio High Street and the company’s
ongoing holiday promos, please visit the company’s official page.
High spirits, high notes, and high fives! Xiaomi fans cheered as the likes of Moira Dela Torre, Darren Espanto, and BGYO graced the stage with their high-energy performances, bringing the house down with music and fun at the Xiaomi Pop 2022 Concert.
Darren Espanto spread the holiday cheer with his signature upbeat tunes at the Xiaomi Pop 2022 holiday concert. With some of his most popular songs, the Canadian-Filipino singer and actor had the crowd singing, dancing, and feeling the holiday spirit.
BGYO lit up the stage and left the crowd starstruck with
their electrifying setlist at Xiaomi Pop 2022.
The group made sure to show love to fans by taking selfies and singing their
best hits like “Magnet” and “Tumitigil Ang Mundo”.
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Community builders empowered to build better communities with Nas.io
Eastern Communications promotes digitalization in the education sector, builds strong connections for the holidays
In this season of giving, premier telecommunications company and
ICT solutions provider Eastern Communications carries out its high-touch
initiatives to celebrate the significance of genuine human connections,
particularly to the education sector.
In line with its "Emerge for a Stronger Tomorrow"
campaign, Eastern Communications has continuously
demonstrated its long-standing advocacy of supporting the education sector by
promoting digital transformation and technological advancement. The company
also aims to promote the intrinsic value of bayanihan that Filipinos share,
encouraging everyone to give a helping hand.
Eastern Communications recently donated around 120 units of Cisco
internet routers to the University of Sto. Tomas’ Faculty of Engineering. The
department was selected to support the nation's future tech and innovation
leaders. This endeavor will allow the school’s instructors and students to have
the necessary tools for their UST Networking
Laboratory, network protocol simulations, and other educational needs. As an
advocate of democratizing digital solutions for all, Eastern is anticipating
another round of router donations for more schools that are in need of
connectivity tools. The telecommunications company has also been UST’s constant
provider and longtime partner.
"By providing them with the tools they need for their digital
learning, we hope to communicate our values to the next generation of
innovators and leaders. These are not only gifts; this is our way of promoting
technological literacy and uplifting both youth and educators,” Eastern
Communications Head of Marketing Division Jed Estanislao said.
Moreover, Eastern Communications continuously achieves its goal of
supporting the return to face-to-face learning by partnering with the American
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham Philippines) Foundation’s
Adopt-a-School Program.
Through AmCham’s initiative, Eastern Communications was able to
provide for one of the program’s public school beneficiaries, Lunduyan na
Pinagpala ng Panginoon Academy Inc. in Caloocan, by offering desktop units, as
well as back-to-school health and hygiene kits for the whole student body.
With the Department of Education (DepEd) officially allowing
schools the resumption of face-to-face classes, one of the biggest concerns
identified by educational institutions is preventing the spread of COVID-19 in
the classroom. The telco's donation of back-to-school kits includes sanitary
and personal hygiene items like temperature scanners, alcohol, face masks, and
hand soaps that will help both students and teachers maintain good health and
curb the spread of the virus.
"The AmCham Foundation would like to thank Eastern
Communications for their generous donation, which will assist in making our
public schools a safer place for students this school year. Together with our
partners, we hope to continue this effort in making an impact in people's lives,"
said Candy Angeles-Gabriel, American Chamber Foundation Philippines Inc.
(AMCHAM) Events Manager.
Most recently, the telecommunications provider, together with
other DMCI Homes Communities, supported DMCI's Community Outreach Program for
the refurbishment of the educational facilities at the University of the
Philippines Integrated School (UPIS). The outreach program includes the
renovation of UPIS' restrooms, playground, and the repainting of its building
entry, among other areas. According to DMCI - Prisma Residences Condominium
Corporation Area Manager Jayson Lucea, all of UPIS' students will benefit from
this project, and they will have a more conducive learning environment through
the facility upgrades.
“Our group strongly believes that
students would be able to achieve greater education when they are put in a
proper environment,” said Lucea.
“In the past years, we pushed for e-learning initiatives because
many of our young educators and leaders were still getting used to taking
classes online. However, now that we gradually return to traditional
classrooms, we are happy to support our Filipino teachers and students in our
own unique ways,” added Estanislao.
Through the years, Eastern has launched various programs in
support of the academic sector. These efforts include providing connectivity
for public educational sites like the Mind Museum and BGC Arts Center and the
launch of its "Onward: Nurturing Fearless Educators" webinar, in
collaboration with DepEd. The latter event distributed Teacher's Kits for a
more effective online teaching experience. The company also launched its own
"Eastern Playground", a virtual hackathon for students created in
collaboration with the Philippine Society of Information Technology (PSITE).
Eastern Communications targets to further mount other educational
initiatives, as it strongly believes in the value of uplifting the sector,
sharing information to improve technical literacy, and will soon be providing
connectivity access to more schools.
To learn more about Eastern Communications services, visit
eastern.com.ph. Stay tuned as it unveils its new website soon.
December 15, 2022
Game Changer ‘til the final lap! narzo ends 2022 with a double sold out on Shopee
narzo Philippines closes its maiden year strong with another e-commerce achievement this December. During the 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale on Shopee, the narzo 50A Prime sold out in less than an hour, selling six (6) units per minute on average at a flash price of only PHP 6,999.
Have Joyful Moments In The Kitchen With Beko!
Everyone can easily describe the vibes during the Christmas season – it's filled with many bonding moments and shopping sprees in the mall. Most importantly, for Filipinos, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones and creating new memories, which makes the holiday season merrier.
And, of course, this includes Filipino families spending time together in their kitchens. So, we've rounded up what usually happens in a typical Filipino kitchen during Christmas and how to make these moments more memorable and unique!
Preparing Lots Of Food Happily In The Kitchen
When we talk about Christmas, one of the first things that come to mind is Noche Buena. Filipino families love gatherings and preparing food for their loved ones, and by preparing food, we mean lots of it!
It's a good thing that the Beko BIR35400XMS is such a lifesaver in the kitchen. Need to prepare lots of food for your family and relatives? Worry no more because this multifunctional oven has more than enough space for you to prepare your food without the hassle of spending too much time. It offers an 82 L of cooking capacity, which lets you cook on up to six shelf levels simultaneously, all within the dimensions of a standard-sized oven.
You can even get a clear view of your food while it's being prepared. It seems amazing, indeed. With the Beko Sends Love promo price, you can get the Beko BIR35400XMS for only Php 28,991.
It's a given that kitchens are usually occupied during the Noche Buena preparation, so the Beko HIC64100 will also help you prepare your food.
You can cook your favorite healthy meals with ease using this vitroceramic hob. What's more fun about this is this hob heats all types of cookware so you can prepare more food efficiently!
With the Beko Sends Love promo price, you can get the Beko HIC64100 for only Php 15,291.
Looking All Glammed Up While Washing Dishes
Of course, Christmas is also all about looking beautiful and all glammed up, even the Noche Buena has been over, and you're now ready to say hello to washing the dishes.
Stock lots of food in your fridge with ease since the Beko has a NeoFrost Triple Cooling technology that has 2 separate cooling system that allows you to keep your food fresh for a longer time without having food odors mixed altogether.
Got some vegetables and fruits that you want to keep until the new year? This fridge also has HarvestFresh that uses innovative 3 colour light technology in the crisper drawer to cleverly mimic the 24-hour sun cycle, preserving vitamins in fruits and vegetables for longer. So you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle with more nutritious meals than ever.
With the Beko Sends Love promo price, you can get the Beko GNO480EHFGBPH for only Php 54,892 from its original SRP of Php 60,990.
Christmas is indeed a wonderful and joyous season for everyone. With Beko, you can make your holiday kitchen moments memorable and filled with steps toward a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for the upcoming year ahead.
For more
information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and their
Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.