Philippines named Sustainable Dive Destination at Asia Dive Expo, generates over PHP 197 million in sales leads

The Philippines’ participation in Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Singapore, known as Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, was a resounding success after a three-day business-to-consumer session, generating Php 197,219,062.09 in combined negotiated sales leads and actual bookings. This marked more than 300% increase from last year’s negotiated sales leads.

In addition to this feat, the country was named the Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year in recognition of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices in dive tourism.

"This recognition, alongside our long list of accolades celebrating the beauty of our nation, underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism practices,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Participation in trade fairs like ADEX provides us a platform to promote the Philippines' diverse tourism products and experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with local communities and dive operators to ensure sustainable practices are followed so that our country’s treasures will still be enjoyed by future generations in the years to come.”

As the event’s official country partner for the third consecutive year, the Philippine pavilion utilized a 90-square-meter booth space to feature some of the country’s finest dive sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, the famed sardine run of Moalboal in Cebu, and the marine and natural park of Apo Reef in Mindoro.

The Philippine delegation, led by the TPB, is composed of 16 exhibitors from the dive industry, accommodation, and tour operators, including Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Thresher Shark Divers, Infiniti Liveaboard Inc., El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Scandi Divers, M.Y. Resolute, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Logon Fish Buddies Diveshop, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Fun & Sun Dive & Travel, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours/Fisheye Divers, Sea Explorers Philippines, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, who offered dive and liveaboard packages in the top and emerging dive destinations in the Philippines.

In a series of talks and panel discussions, Ram Yoro, a renowned underwater photographer, cave diving expert, Filipino scuba instructor, and author of Guide to Anilao, shared insights on the Best of Philippine diving to further establish and sustain the country’s reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Other Filipinos also represented the country on several panel stages including renowned underwater photographers, Bo Mancao and Alex Santos, and distinguished sustainability advocates, Cat Trivino and Antoinette Taus.

The TPB has been participating in ADEX for more than ten years which has been significant in ensuring that Singapore remains one of the country’s top source markets.

World Intellectual Property Day: OPPO Maintains Top 10 Global IP Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year

●       In the “OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper”, OPPO reaffirms its long-term commitment to innovation and its proactive defense intellectual property strategy.

●       OPPO is investing significantly in AI innovation and is committed to advancing and popularizing AI Phones.

Today, OPPO, a leading global technology company, released its "OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper" on World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), OPPO ranked ninth globally in patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2023, making its fifth consecutive year in the global top ten. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed over 101,000 patent applications globally, with more than 55,000 patents granted, and 91% of all patent applications are utility patents.

"At OPPO, we believe that technological innovation and intellectual property protection are fundamental to our company's past, present, and future success," said Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO. "Through our proactive defense IP strategy and commitment to fostering a healthy long-term IP ecosystem, we are fully committed to supporting the future of innovation as envisioned in the 'OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper'."

OPPO's Commitment to Advancing and Popularizing AI Phones

Through extensive R&D investment in areas such as image processing, computer vision, speech technology, natural language processing, and machine learning, OPPO is pioneering AI technology development and widespread application in its smartphone products. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed a total of 5,399 AI-related patents globally, including 3,796 utility patents in AI imaging. According to the “Artificial Intelligence Patent Ranking” published by intellectual property media outlet IPRdaily on April 22, 2024, OPPO ranked ninth in China with a total of 3,743 AI-related utility patents granted.

 

As part of its efforts to enhance smart life experiences for its users, OPPO is focused on transforming the latest technical innovations into practical, consumer-centric applications. This includes the introduction of over one hundred AI-driven features on the latest OPPO Find X7 series, while future plans involve integrating generative AI features such as AI Eraser and AI Magic Studio into more OPPO products.

Advanced Key Technologies through Open Innovation

OPPO's commitment to open innovation is driving the company’s efforts to build an intellectual property ecosystem based on key technological breakthroughs in high-value areas such as 5G/6G, AI, flash charge, and imaging.

To date, OPPO has deployed 5G essential standard patents in over 40 countries and regions globally. It has also filed over 6,100 families of global patent applications, declared over 3,300 families of 5G standard patents to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and submitted more than 11,000 5G standard-related proposals to the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In other areas, OPPO has applied for over 12,306 global imaging-related patents and has licensed its VOOC flash charge technology to more than 50 companies, enabling more electronic devices with fast charging capabilities.

 

Proactive Defense IP Strategy for Sustainable IP Ecosystem Development

Over the years, OPPO has signed licensing or cross-license agreements with dozens of patent owners globally^[1], resolving numerous intellectual property licensing issues through negotiations and cross-licenses that fully reflect the value of intellectual property rights from all parties. These steps echo the company’s wider belief in charging reasonable licensing fees and avoiding coercive patent litigation while defending its legitimate legal rights and interests where applicable.

Driven by its mission of "Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World", OPPO will continue to invest in innovation to create more industry-leading products and services while contributing to the development of the global intellectual property ecosystem through practical actions.

 

---

^[1]

 

The Final Stand: ‘Hightown’ Season 3 Marks the End of an Epic Journey

Brace for a storm as the last chapter of the crime series Hightown streams on Lionsgate Play.

Hightown Season 3 is now on Lionsgate Play! The gripping crime series is an emotional rollercoaster that follows Jackie Quiñonez's (Monica Raymund), a National Marine Fisheries Service agent struggling to maintain her sobriety amidst the harrowing opioid crisis plaguing Cape Cod. 

In Season 2, viewers witnessed Jackie's pursuit to establish herself as a cop and seek justice for a tragic loss. In the third and final season, beliefs will be challenged, loyalties tested, and Jackie will navigate a path where she must learn to stand firm for her convictions.

On her initial thoughts on Hightown heroine Jackie, Monica Raymundo says, “I was really intrigued by how messy she was and how imperfect, flawed, and dark. I wanted to explore… these phases of life that all of us go through, these messy I-don’t-know phases… and like, living in that immaturity before we really start to sort of know who we are. So when I read the script I was intrigued by how she skirts the line of light and darkness. Who she is in private vs. who she is in public.”

Reflecting on his experience working on the show, Atkins Estimond, who plays ambitious lieutenant Osito Delgado, says,"One of the best cast and crews that I've ever had the opportunity to work with... Everybody here really cares about each other, but also, we really care about this project. We really care about this show... It's just been a real gift and a treasure to be on this show."

Santé: Leading the Game in Health and Wellness Scene Through Acceleration and Innovation

Discover the company's journey to staying at the forefront of empowering people to live more, do more.

More and more people are focusing on taking care of themselves, and this has created a big market for health and wellness products. The thriving industry emerged to promote health and act as catalysts for innovation and acceleration. 

Among these, Santé, one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct-selling companies globally dedicated to helping people live better lives, stands out. Through transformative products and services, they help people live better lives.

Santé is a big player in the ever-changing health and wellness industry, especially for Filipinos, who are now putting more focus on their well-being. They're always striving to be the best, and this has set new standards and completely changed how Filipinos think about taking care of their health. Now, Santé is sharing their story of acceleration and innovation — from grass to glass.

Integrating high-quality processes into barley production. Santé's success starts with their commitment to high-quality ingredients. They get their barley from New Zealand's clean fields, where modern technology works alongside traditional farming methods. These fields, located in Canterbury, carry the perfect soil for growing barley.

All Santé's farms in New Zealand are manned by highly skilled farmers who use top-notch equipment to grow the barley. Even though New Zealand's climate naturally helps crops grow well, Santé's farmers carefully check on the barley using advanced tools. This ensures every plant reaches peak freshness before harvest. And because of their careful approach, Santé's barley has earned a special organic certification from BioGro. This means they don't use harmful chemicals and follow strict environmental guidelines.

According to Santé New Zealand Managing Director Peter Hope, Santé considers the fusion of high-tech processes with eco-conscious practices pivotal in its mission to achieve acceleration and innovation.

“By prioritizing cleanliness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability, Santé remains steadfast in its pursuit of elevating standards and reaching new heights in the industry,” said Hope.

Driving innovation and acceleration through business programs. More than just its products, Santé is renowned for offering business opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs. The company consistently pushes its boundaries through innovative programs tailored to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.

The Santé business program provides comprehensive education and training for individuals interested in starting their own business ventures. As a direct-selling company, Santé operates with a growth mindset, continuously striving to assist Filipinos in living better lives.

According to Santé CEO Joey Marcelo, innovation is the driving force behind Santé's relevance in the market, which is a philosophy that extends to their business owners. "This year, one of Santé's goals is to implement digital transformation across our processes and harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative underscores our commitment to foster not only credibility but also paving the way for a brighter, transformative future in the health and wellness sector," Marcelo stated.

Presently, Santé actively engages with consumers through various platforms and strategies, with a primary focus on digital connectivity to reach a wider audience, particularly the younger demographic. This initiative is part of their global expansion strategy, as Santé has established its presence in 10 other countries, serving as a testament to their belief that transforming lives transcends geographical boundaries.

Extending health and wellness beyond the “glass”. While Santé Barley remains the company’s flagship product, Santé's commitment to wellness extends far beyond it. Santé offers a diverse range of health and wellness products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of its customers. From nutritional supplements and drinks enriched with barley such as Santé Barley Capsule, Santé Daily C, Fit N Trim, Fusion Coffee, Choco Barley, and Boost Coffee, to personal care products crafted with natural ingredients like Santé Natureal toothpaste and Moments sanitary napkins, Santé empowers individuals to live better lives.

Moreover, Santé has expanded its offerings beyond health and wellness products by establishing the Santé Leisure Club, Santé Fitness Lab, and they are now venturing into the food and beverage industry.

According to Santé Managing Director for the Philippines and Asia 1, Paul Caluag, Santé is continuously pursuing excellence, with acceleration and innovation at the core of their growth. “By offering holistic solutions that address the mind, body, and spirit, Santé goes beyond the traditional boundaries of wellness, inspiring a movement towards total well-being,” said Caluag.

Santé's journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation and acceleration in the health and wellness industry. Through its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and consumer-centricity, Santé has not only redefined industry standards but also reshaped the way Filipinos approach health. Indeed, Santé continues to lead the way, proving that true acceleration and innovation know no bounds.

To learn more about the Santé and its health and wellness products and services, visit its website at mySanté.com.

Score amazing devices and irresistible deals during OPPO’s 5.5 Sale!

Get up to 54% discount on select smartphones and receive freebies that make summer shopping more memorable

Your next shopping splurge? It’s got to be this May! Get ready to enjoy OPPO's 5.5 Summer Sale with unbeatable deals and discounts on various OPPO devices.

From May 5 to May 9, OPPO fans can indulge and take advantage of discounts of up to 54% on select smartphones and accessories available on OPPO’s official TikTok, Shopee and Lazada platforms.

Save More As You Spend More with Exclusive Vouchers and Discounts

Get a Php 50 off shipping discount voucher for every minimum purchase of Php 500 and a Php 100 off livestream voucher for every minimum spend of Php 4,999.

Discount vouchers will be available for the entire day, with discounts of Php 200 off a minimum purchase of Php 8,999 and Php 400 off a minimum spend of Php 13,999. There is also a 30% discount for every Php 3,499 purchase in Shopee, 0% interest installment payment on select phones via SPayLater and up to 0% interest installment for 45 days via LazPayLater.

Get More Cool Freebies and Must-Have Bundle Deals

To sweeten the deal, purchase your next daily driver smartphone from May 5 to May 9 and watch out for these freebies and gifts:

●       Free Rainbow Speakers with every purchase of the OPPO Pad Air

●       Free Pearl Case until supplies last with every purchase of the OPPO Find N3 Flip

●       Free Retro Bluetooth Speakers with OPPO Reno7 Series, OPPO Reno8 Series, and OPPO Reno8 T Series purchases

●       Free S39 Bluetooth Speakers with OPPO Reno11 5G and OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G purchases

A variety of bundles on OPPO wearables and smartphones are also available for those who are looking for great bargains during the 5.5 sale. You can take home OPPO Band with OPPO Buds2, OPPO A17k plus OPPO Band or OPPO A17k with OPPO Enco Buds2, and OPPO A18 with OPPO Band or OPPO Enco Buds2.

Lucky shoppers also get a chance to win an OPPO Enco Air3 Pro via a special raffle when you purchase any OPPO smartphone between May 5 and 16

For more information on the 5.5 Sale, visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

Sponge Cola releases “Tatlong Buwan,” a track inspired by hit K-drama Queen of Tears

Filipino band Sponge Cola releases another pop-rock anthem inspired by a hit Korean drama.

Their new single “Tatlong Buwan” explores a couple’s journey towards healing and reconnection. It echoes the familiar narrative of everyone’s current favorite series, ‘Queen of Tears,’ which stars Korean superstars Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won.

According to Yael Yuzon, Sponge Cola’s lead vocalist and guitarist, the song serves as “a love letter, epistolary, or even a midnight soliloquy for one person.”

He explains, “Tatlong Buwan is inspired by the love story of the main characters of Queen of Tears. It helps that it’s a series; you really get to know the characters. You see why they’re the way they are. Sociological factors, family ties, trauma. You see how they’re all shaped and the push and pull of every character. Ultimately, there’s just so much clarity in the way the narrative unfolds that it’s so easy to empathize, which makes it easier to feel and easier to write.”

Yael wrote “Tatlong Buwan” immediately after catching the tenth episode of the smash Netflix show. He admits that the song reflects the urgency of the moment, inspiring him to write with newfound vulnerability.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said mamahalin ka lang, mamahalin kita in a song before,” Yuzon reveals.

The following day, he recorded the song over at Love One Another Studio with legendary music producer Angee Rozul, who told him to sing it in a way that is exactly the opposite of the lyrical mood.

“This actually made me sadder, knowing that it’s a love song that could sadly end in death,” said the Gemini hitmaker. “He had no idea, so the burden was all on me.”

After getting approval from his bandmates, including the ever-stoic Gosh, the band’s bassist, Yael Yuzon, sent the track to Joey Santos for mixing and additional instrumentation. The result, as expected, is a beautifully produced paean to a love that was once lost but is now found, growing stronger by the day even after going through so many twists and turns.

The song will also be released with a music video that is set against the backdrop of the key film locations in Queen of Tears. Yael shares that the entire experience was completely magical, a labor of love and an homage to one of the best K-dramas of all time.

“There’s something engulfing about visiting locations where great narrative moments took place. It’s like these places witnessed so much emotion that there’s still some of it left.”

Sponge Cola’s “Tatlong Buwan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. The official music video will be released on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. via Sponge Cola’s official YouTube channel.

Unveiling Ayala Market! Market!'s Sure-Win Extravaganza

Dive into the Excitement of I GOTCHA SURE-PRIZE Machine!

In a world where uncertainty often reigns, Ayala Market! Market! steps up to offer a breath of fresh air with its latest innovation: the I GOTCHA SURE-PRIZE machine. Imagine a world where every attempt guarantees a prize – a reality now made possible by Ayala Market! Market!'s latest offering.

By simply presenting ₱2000 worth of receipts, whether accumulated or single, alongside your Zing Plus Membership, Ayala Market! Market! welcomes you to the realm of sure-win delights. No more crossing fingers for a lucky draw or facing the dreaded "try again next time" message. Here, victory is assured with every spin!

Nestled within the vibrant ambiance of the AC Circle, the I GOTCHA SURE-PRIZE machine awaits eager participants until May 9, 2024. It's not just a machine; it's an experience designed to bring joy and excitement to all who partake.

From tantalizing trinkets to coveted collectibles, each spin promises a delightful surprise. Whether you're a seasoned shopper or a casual passerby, the allure of the I GOTCHA SURE-PRIZE machine beckons, promising an adventure filled with guaranteed rewards.

So, why wait? Head over to Ayala Market! Market! today, armed with your receipts and Zing Plus Membership, and unlock the gateway to a world where everyone emerges as a winner. Dive into the excitement, embrace the certainty, and let Ayala Market! Market! redefine your shopping experience with the I GOTCHA SURE-PRIZE machine!

#FunInTheFinds  #ILoveMarketMarket

Check out related video here:

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSFcfDB3v/

Midea Philippines launches ‘Engineered to Last’ campaign, demonstrates excellence in products and after-sales service

Do you feel the heat? Summertime is here, and those extra hot days call for a reliable air conditioner that isn’t just effective in cooling up a room, but also won’t balloon up your electricity bill and can last you for a long time.

Midea Philippines, one of the country’s frontrunners in the residential and commercial air conditioning industry, recently launched its campaign “Engineered to Last,” reflecting its strong commitment to manufacturing and service excellence. The campaign seeks to demonstrate Midea’s reliable after-sales service and exceptional product guarantees by providing improved and extended product warranties while aiming to instill confidence in its consumers by surpassing market norms.

In line with this initiative, Midea announced its product warranty extension on residential and light commercial air conditioning products. Customers can now experience one-year warranty for parts and service, three-year warranty for indoor & outdoor Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and 10-year warranty for compressors—providing coverage for unexpected repairs, extra savings, peace of mind, and more.

To avail of the extended warranty coverage, any Midea air conditioner products purchased from March 1, 2024 onwards from any authorized dealers/appliance stores are eligible upon evaluation based on the warranty policy.

Aside from this offering, Midea’s air conditioners are also built with Prime Guard Protection that helps guard every unit against corrosion, making them last longer. With the products being manufactured by Concepcion Midea Incorporated Philippines (CMIP), customers can guarantee excellent after-sales service given the technical expertise and customer trust they’ve built over the decade-long experience in the industry.

“Midea’s global portfolio has always been ingrained at the core of what we do. We want to make sure that we maintain that standard and even go beyond it. With the Engineered to Last campaign, we are able to step up for our customers and strengthen our relationship with them by offering guaranteed peace of mind and comfort knowing that they are investing in products that are built to last them a long time,” shares Anna Marie Alejandro, General Manager of CMIP.

Having been recognized as the world’s no. 1 residential inverter air conditioner company and recently being hailed as one of the Superbrands in the Philippines, Midea continues to offer a wide variety of residential air conditioner lines including the highest-rated and energy-efficient Midea Airstill Split Type Inverter Air Conditioner, Midea U Window Type Inverter Air Conditioner, Midea CELEST Split Type Air Conditioner, and Midea GENESISPRO Split Type Air Conditioner among others, all engineered to perform long and withstand the harshest weather conditions. This guarantees peace of mind and product quality in every air conditioning unit, whether for residential or commercial applications.

Stay on top of Midea’s latest campaigns and product releases by visiting www.midea.com/ph, following @mideaph on Instagram and on Tiktok @mideaphilippines, subscribing to Midea Philippines Official on YouTube, and liking @MideaPhilippines on Facebook.

As Labor Day approaches, Pluxee — a leading global employee recognition solutions provider — urges employers to honor their workforce through personalized digital solutions

Labor Day is a time to commemorate the contributions of the workforce across all industries. It’s also timely for employers to reflect on the commitment of their employees who fuel their organization’s success everyday.

The World Bank reported that the estimated unemployment rate in the Philippines is at its lowest level since 1999, indicating signs of recovery in the labor market. This means that over 90% of people in the working age group were employed, with the majority falling into the pay and salary category. 

However, employee retention remains a major problem for most employers. The country is still experiencing the effects of “The Great Resignation” brought by the pandemic, with 29% of employees looking for greener pastures.

Studies show that employee appreciation is crucial for retention. This goes beyond verbal recognition and transcends into rewards and incentives for their meaningful efforts. 

Previously Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services, Pluxee has strengthened its identity with a renewed commitment to advancing worker recognition that aligns with Labor Day celebrations. It now highlights customized digital solutions, with its flagship offering — Pluxee Gift — at the forefront of creating joyful and sustainable employee appreciation experiences.

Elevating employee appreciation with Pluxee Gift  

Pluxee Gift makes employee milestones and rewards more meaningful. It features a wide variety of redemption options for different services and special treats such as meals, spa days, shopping sprees, and many more. This diverse range caters to a broad spectrum of preferences, creating joyful experiences for every employee.

Pluxee Gifts come in different forms that can cater to any employee experience journey:

Pluxee Gift credits: Pluxee Gift credits are sent to the Pluxee Philippines app of recipients via web portal. These credits are partially redeemable, meaning recipients don't have to use the credits all at once in a single transaction. Credits may be used at over 10,000 partner merchants and online stores such as Grab, Lazada, Shopee, Angkas, and Klook. Pluxee Gift credits are best for recurring benefits such as allowances, performance-based incentives, and more.

Pluxee Gift codes: Employers can simplify the gifting experience with texts and emails, eliminating storage requirements and manual tracking of rewards. Pluxee Gift codes are also convertible to Pluxee Gift credits to allow partial redemption. Furthermore, Pluxee Gift codes can be customized with the company’s logo and message, and can be made valid for specific merchants and products only.

Pluxee Gift card:  A hybrid reward, the Pluxee Gift card is a physical card that carries digital Pluxee Gift codes. Recipients can use them instantly, with no activation needed. Pluxee Gift cards are convertible to Pluxee Gift credits for recipients who prefer to store their rewards in an app and enjoy features such as partial redemption and online shopping. Customization is also possible with the company’s logo or for specific products.

This Labor Day, Pluxee encourages organizations to celebrate and reward their employees' achievements through innovative recognition solutions. With its Live Joyful campaign, Pluxee enables memorable experiences, amplifying the celebration of employees' contributions and emphasizing the joy found in meaningful recognition.

Want to know more about how Pluxee can elevate your employee experience in a manner unique to your organization? Sign up at bit.ly/PluxeePartnerClient or call our Pluxee Customer Care hotline at (02) 8689-4700. If your organization is an SME that prefers to shop digital gift certificates online, visit shop.pluxee.ph - registration is easy and preferential rates for business accounts are available.

realme 12 5G hits Philippine shelves, retailing for P14,999

The anticipated realme 12 5G is now available in the market, selling first on TikTok Shop and authorized offline stores nationwide. The device is the third release under the latest realme 12 Series 5G.

------------------------------------------------

The Squad can shop on TikTok or authorized stores nationwide to get exclusive freebies during the first selling period

------------------------------------------------

Among other mid-range smartphones, the realme 12 5G offers a competitive camera, a sleek design, and a range of quality-of-life features that enhance user experience, putting it on par with more expensive competitors.

Just like its predecessors, the realme 12 5G has the mainstay features of a Trendy Watch Design but the highlight is the two new stunning colors: Twilight Purple and Woodland Green in a glossy and iridescent finish.

The device has a 108MP 3x Zoom Portrait Camera that supports 3x In-Sensor Zoom and Cinematic 3x Portrait Mode to take beautiful, high-resolution photos in any setting. To make photos and videos more irresistible, it has camera features exclusive to its series: the Cinematic Bokeh Algorithm that intelligently adjusts blur and lighting, and the built-in Master Portrait Filters.

Additionally, the 6.7” 120Hz Sunlight Display provides a high refresh rate, an FHD+ Resolution, and a 91.4% Screen-to-Body display ratio. Toggling the “Extra Brightness” in the display settings activates Sunlight Mode, allowing the device to reach up to 950 Nits of brightness perfect for outdoor use.

Poised to make waves as the fastest-selling device in the series, the realme 12 5G is available in a single 8GB+256GB storage variant retailing for P14,999.

Early bird buyers get exclusive freebies

The Squad can win exciting TechLife and realme freebies when they buy the realme 12 5G at any realme Official Store nationwide during the first selling period from April 26 to May 5.

During this time, early bird buyers can get a Mystery Gift Box with freebies worth up to P24,999. Some of the items included are a realme Pad LTE in 4GB+64GB storage variant, TechLife Notebook, TechLife Multi-Capsule Coffee Maker, TechLife Wireless Headphones, TechLife Desk Lamp, and TechLife Portable Steam Iron.

The Squad can also participate in the Lucky 12 challenge happening at select realme concept and kiosk stores during the Lucky Hour time slots of 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm on the following dates: April 26-28 and May 3-5.

With over P600,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, the Squad can take home various items such as a TechLife 4L Digital Rice Cooker, TechLife Wireless Mouse, TechLife Desk Lamp, or TechLife Multi-Sleeve Laptop Bag.

These first-selling promos are available for a limited time only so the Squad better hurry if they want to cop these exclusive items along with their realme 12 5G.

First on TikTok Shop

Good news for online shoppers, the realme 12 5G is launching first online on TikTok Shop for a special discounted price, with exclusive TechLife and realme freebie sets. To avail of the discount, the Squad must use vouchers exclusively distributed during the official live selling events. To secure these vouchers, tune in to the following live selling schedules:

TikTok Page

James Afante

April 25, 7:30PM

Freebie Set :

TechLife Cooling Fan + TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer

realme Buds T100 + TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer

TechLife Portable Steam Iron + TechLIfe Electric Kettle + TechLife Portable Electric Pot

TikTok Page

Iwa Moto

April 27, 7:00PM

Freebie Set :

TechLife Electric Kettle + TechLife Portable Steam Iron

TikTok Page

realme Philippines

April 25 - 30

Freebie Set :

realme Pocket Bluetooth Speaker + TechLife Cooling Fan

Rest assured, the Squad can still snag discounts and freebies once the realme 12 5G arrives on Shopee and Lazada on May 5-10, ensuring everyone gets a chance to grab exclusive deals.

To keep posted on other announcements about the realme 12 5G, visit the realme official website and Facebook page.

Setting new standards: Shopee Mall champions brand authenticity, introduces 3x money-back guarantee

Filipino online shoppers prioritize authenticity and quality above all else, according to a recent study conducted by Shopee involving 3,000 respondents. While deals continue to be appealing, users are increasingly looking out for products and platforms they can trust.

In recognition of the growing importance of trust and convenience, Shopee doubles its commitment to creating a seamless and trustworthy shopping experience for its users.

Enhanced customer guarantees

Shopee Mall houses brands that have undergone rigorous verification to ensure every product sold is 100% authentic. To give shoppers unparalleled peace of mind regarding the authenticity of online items, Shopee Mall offers an industry-breaking update to its money-back guarantee–now offered at triple the purchase amount if items received are proven to be counterfeits.

In addition, Shopee Mall has expanded its return and refund policy for a smoother shopping journey. From an initial 7-day period, the window period for returns has been doubled and can now be initiated within 15 days of receipt. As long as the returned item meets the Return Terms & Conditions, full refunds will be given.

Shopee Mall’s Guaranteed Delivery completes the seamless shopping experience. This new promise ensures the delivery of ordered products without any cancellations. In the rare event that an order is canceled, shoppers will be given compensation vouchers accordingly. The new Shopee On-Time Delivery feature also compensates shoppers with vouchers if their orders are not delivered within the estimated delivery date.

Upholding brand authenticity

Dedicated to fostering a trusted environment with genuine products, stringent measures are employed to combat unauthorized sellers and counterfeit products on the platform.

Since July 2023, Shopee Mall has witnessed a surge of interest with more than 1,000 seller applications received. To ensure a safe shopping experience for our users, Shopee Mall works closely with sellers to meet certain brand quality standards, including having credible trademark registrations for brands or authorization letters for authorized distributors.

At the same time, Shopee Mall regularly evaluates its current roster of brands and sellers to make sure they continue to meet the platform’s strict quality standards. To date, over 3,000 sellers are being transitioned to ensure a wide, reliable selection of authentic products.

To maintain Shopee as a safe marketplace for all users, Shopee has also launched its Brand Intellectual Property (IP) Portal. This one-stop platform aims to safeguard the interests of sellers and intellectual property owners. The portal allows sellers to validate their brands’ IP rights with Shopee and submit cases of IP infringement for investigation.

Optimized shopping experience

Shopee Mall has also revamped its look to offer a more streamlined shopping experience. This aims to provide users with a more intuitive shopping experience, allowing them to discover new arrivals, bestsellers, deals, and personalized recommendations effortlessly.

A new wave of brands was added to the platform, including sought-after labels Nike Swim, Kerastase, Terranova, Paula’s Choice, and Supergoop!, alongside hundreds of other exciting additions. To identify official sellers, look for the Shopee Mall badge on each shop and product page or browse through Shopee Mall.

Dive into Shopee Mall's carefully selected network of trusted sellers and discover a world of authentic products. Get ready to snag amazing deals during the 5.5 Brands Festival, with whopping discounts of up to 50% off and free shipping with no minimum spend. Exclusive products and bundles from tech brands Huawei and Infinix are also up for grabs!

It's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite brands and explore exciting new finds, so make sure to be on the lookout!

Caltex Inks Deal with Aktor, Provide Fuel Support to its Organization Members

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), recently partnered with Aktor -, a nonprofit, non-stock organization of Filipino actors and actresses in film, TV and the theater industry. The organization offers projects and activities related to education, mental health, and regional outreach programs for their member’s welfare.

Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) signed a partnership with Aktor to provide Caltex Saveplus cards to its members. (From left to right: Roel Faustino, Fuel Retails Manager CPI; Billy Liu, Country Chairman CPI; Dingdong Dantes, Chairman of the Board of Aktor and Iza Calzado, Board of Director of Aktor.)

Through Caltex’s partnership, Aktor members will receive Caltex SavePlus cards, which will allow Aktor members to unlock offers and discounts with their fuel purchases and earn Caltex Rewards points as well.

“Being in the entertainment, film, theater, and TV industry also means always being on the road and on the go. It is very essential for us to have reliable transportation. With this partnership, we also want to ensure our Aktor members can focus on their craft without worrying about fueling up and making their journeys an enjoyable part of their work and that is why we believe the Caltex’s support through the Caltex SavePlus cards will be a big help to our organization. On behalf of Aktor, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Caltex team for their trust and support. This partnership is just the beginning, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the months and years to come,” said Dingdong Dantes.

“Caltex strives to serve the Filipino people by forging partnerships that help make its products and services more accessible to different areas and industries in the country. With its partnership with Aktor, Caltex diversifies its partners and proves that it does not just limit itself to the confines of its own industry. We will continue to partner with organizations that share the same values as ours.” said Billy Liu, CPI country chairman.

Kathryn Bernardo unlocks a new chapter – #BestYouEver Era with Century Tuna

Asia’s Superstar Star Kathryn Bernardo continues to make waves as she brings out her best self this year with the no.1 tuna brand in the Philippines, Century Tuna.

Flaunting her well-toned physique, Kathryn Bernardo is ecstatic to be part of the Century Tuna Superbods campaign which is a dream that has become a reality since her teenage years according to the star.

“I’ve always found the Century Tuna Superbods to be inspiring and being a part of this campaign feels like a dream come true. It’s an honor to become part of the Century Tuna Superbods and through this campaign, I hope that I’ll also become an inspiration for every Filipino to let them enjoy full, happy, and healthy lives,” said Kathryn Bernardo.

Leading the Best You Ever campaign, Kathryn started her fitness journey with her trainer, Mauro Lumba, who is also the Century Tuna Superbods 2014 Grand Champion.

As the Century Tuna Ambassador steps into a new phase of her life, she aims to inspire Filipinos to embody Century Tuna’s belief that every body can be a superbod through the Best You Ever campaign.

“Anyone can achieve the best version of themselves with the right discipline and determination, proper exercise and nutrition, and a good support system. So I encourage everyone to take that first step towards your 'Best You Ever' and join me in Century Tuna Superbods 2024! Let’s redefine fitness by embracing self-love, challenging growth, and inspiring others.,” Kathryn added.

Launched in 2006, Century Tuna's Superbods campaign has been a trailblazer in promoting health, fitness, and an active lifestyle. This year, their "Best You Ever" movement takes it a step further by advocating for self-love and holistic self-improvement. As the leading tuna brand, Century Tuna inspires consumers to embrace their journey toward becoming the best versions of themselves, physically and mentally.

At Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever, all body types are welcomed and celebrated. Auditions are now open, check out this link for the #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBestYouEver mechanics: https://bit.ly/superbodkath.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates. ####