Gretchen Ho: ‘Meeting NBA legends only humbled me down’

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Having had the privilege to meet the likes of Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry once upon a time, PLDT Home Ambassador Gretchen Ho reveals the most important life lessons she’s learned in her career as a sportswoman

Volleyball may have been Gretchen Ho’s ticket to fame as one of the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Fab Five during the 2010s — the sport that paved her way to being a celebrity athlete and journalist. But catch the PLDT ambassador in a heart-to-heart, and she’ll let you in on her first great love — basketball.

“My dad was a basketball player in his youth, so he would always teach us how to play and keep us abreast with the latest basketball games. My three brothers and I grew up to be basketball lovers! We’re a very sporty family, so enjoying the NBA with them was just one natural way we bonded together,” Gretchen recalls.

From an NBA fangirl to a bona fide sportscaster who has covered the games on location and met the league’s stars in person way back when, Gretchen — like many other basketball fans — has found new ways to enjoy the games despite the pandemic. The TV5 and One News anchor remains updated with the league’s 75th season through the NBA League Pass, the NBA’s premium live game subscription service. Using the League Pass, made more affordable and accessible through PLDT Home Fiber, Gretchen is able to watch the games and other exclusive content with the family — an experience that triggers many childhood memories and even life aspirations.

An NBA fangirl’s dream

One of Gretchen's most memorable NBA moments was watching the historic Chicago Bulls - Utah Jazz Finals Game 6 back in 1998. At eight years old, she saw Michael Jordan steal the ball from Karl Malone, with the Jazz leading 86-85 and with 18.9 seconds left. A young Gretchen found herself sharing the victorious moment as MJ nailed that game-winning jumper to give the Bulls their sixth title.

“When Michael Jordan made his final winning shot, I was jumping up and down the bed in my pajamas! Sabi ko nga nung bata ako, pangarap ko maging NBA player — hindi WNBA, NBA talaga! I don’t know why I said that to my dad as a young girl!” she recalls with a laugh.

While the opportunity to be an NBA player remains a hoop dream, Gretchen was able to experience the next best thing: Covering the NBA All-Star Weekend twice in a row as a sports journalist.

“It was surreal for me and a great privilege. Seeing all the top NBA athletes come together to play felt like being in the Disneyland of basketball. It was great seeing how agile, strong, and flawless they were in their play,” she enthuses.

Among Gretchen’s biggest NBA fangirl moments were in 2018, when she interviewed Chris Bosh who was then set to retire from a blood clot injury; and in 2019, when she saw Michael Jordan himself in the historic Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Los Angeles.

“I’ve always loved every chance I got to tell these stories. As an athlete and a sports fan myself, I've always made sure to pour my heart into sharing these inspiring journeys to the audiences,” she says of the experience.

Her hardcourt inspiration

It is every sports fan’s dream to meet their idols in person. In Gretchen’s case, not only did she meet Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry, she also hosted two events for him during his time in Manila.

“Steph Curry is a phenomenal game changer—the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career 3-pointers. And yet, he stays humble. I love who he is inside and outside the court. He’s very playful on the court and a great family man off it,” she shares.

Gretchen personally feels drawn to stories of underdogs who had fought through with nothing but perseverance — much like San Francisco’s Golden Boy.

“Beyond the games, what I love about the NBA are the inspiring stories the league's stars carry with them. It’s amazing how much hard work they put into their craft to stand out and make a mark among other great basketball players around the world,” she says.

“What I love the most are stories of players who have been undervalued yet have worked their way up with constant improvement, quality in performance, and commitment so they can be the best they could ever be. I think this is relatable to anybody who aspires to be better in whatever they do.”

A growing NBA community

It’s this underdog arc that Gretchen finds relatable to many Filipinos — known for pulling through adversity in any sport, career, or just about any situation.

“It’s no secret. Everywhere you go in the Philippines, there’s always a basketball court! If not a full one, there’s at least a makeshift one on some post or board,” she muses.

Gretchen especially feels delighted that Filipino athletes are now making it in the league. Take for example Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson and Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, she says, two Filipino-American athletes now sharing the NBA court for the first time and making a mark in the league.

“This just goes to show that the Filipino can make it. I love it when Jordan and Jalen openly acknowledge that they are Filipinos! It makes the dream to send a full-blooded Filipino even more reachable when you see the two of them doing well in the NBA!”

These days, even with no NBA field assignments, Gretchen stays updated with the league through her devices. As the excitement continuously piles up on the NBA’s historic 75th Anniversary Season, Gretchen remains connected to the world’s biggest basketball league — through the NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

For fans like Gretchen who can get technical about the games, the NBA League Pass offers live stats and multiple viewing options. It also includes the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

“It is a great way to keep up with the jam-packed schedule of games, storylines, and tributes. With NBA League Pass, I’m able to watch the marquee games live and on-demand,” Gretchen says. “I also love that it has many great features — like using different camera angles so I can view every heart-stopping moment the way I want to!”

With NBA League Pass charged to your PLDT Home Fiber bill, Filipino homes can have a virtual front-row seat to a variety of games for as low as P85 a month!

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband network in the Philippines after an impressive speed performance for the second half of 2021, dominating its telco rivals with a Speed Score™ of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. With the brand’s fast and reliable internet connection, NBA fans can enjoy uninterrupted sports action and continue to be updated on the league and its biggest stars this season and beyond!

For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

Photo credits: Gretchen Ho

Cool blow on-the-go: Meet the Cherry Portable Desktop Fan!

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If you’ve been around in the metropolis for quite a good time, you must know that with the impending hellish summer heat, it isn’t exactly an ideal place to be. But making it through shouldn’t cost you a trip to the province as the solution can be as light and compact as the Cherry Portable Desktop Fan.

Made to be carried around for long hours, it is equipped with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery. It additionally boasts of other features such as a 270° rotating angle and 3-level wind speed to help you fight off that sticky feeling and stay fresh wherever. Take your pick from its four available colors: Pink, Cyan, White, and Navy Blue.

Bring one along with you and beat the summer heat for just P699. For more information, visit:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

What’s your working style? Answer this Shopee Payday Quiz and find the perfect items for you

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Discover these Shopee finds that best suit how you work and enjoy free shipping, 10% off vouchers, and 50% bills cashback this April 15 Payday Sale!

Did you know that your personality can reveal a lot about how you work? Extroverts like to socialize and meet new people in the office while introverts tend to be more reserved and keep their inner circle small. Ambiverts are able to strike the balance of enjoying being in the company of others while relishing much-needed alone time.

Curious to know your working style and the best items to complement it? Take the quiz below to find out if you're a social butterfly, a productivity veteran, a silent warrior, or an overly organized worker. Check out the many items on amazing deals in the upcoming April 15 Payday Sale!

1. Which of the following describes your ideal office desk set-up?

A.     Personalized with accessories and trinkets

B.     Full of post-it reminders and to-to lists

C.    Just your work laptop and a notebook

D.    Stacked with organizers, containers, and filed folders

2. How would your colleagues describe you?

A.     Sociable and outgoing

B.     Independent and driven

C.    Soft-spoken and observant

D.    Detail-oriented and patient

3. How do you usually start planning projects?

A.     Brainstorming with peers and teammates

B.     Plotting goals for the weeks and months ahead

C.    Coming up with an initial plan by yourself first

D.    Identifying team roles and setting key processes

4. How do you spend your day off from work?

A.     Catching up with friends and going out

B.     Starting the day early to make time for errands

C.    Playing games and binge-watching series/movies

D.    Fixing next week’s schedule and doing some house cleaning

5. What’s the first thing you would likely spend on during payday?

A.     Fashion and personal care items to to look good and feel good

B.     Workstation gadgets that help you accomplish your tasks

C.    Self-care staples for your non-negotiable “me” time

D.    Desk essentials such as pens, stationeries, label markers, and planners

If you answered mostly A’s, you are a Social Butterfly

You are terrific at creating relationships - a true "people person" who has friends all around the office. For busy days packed with multiple meetings and catch-ups, you’ll need to keep this QuiFit Daily Tumbler close at hand. It’s made of premium PETG material, has a versatile design, and motivates you to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can also bring this functional and lightweight Leather Folding Wallet from yingning123.ph  whenever you go out for lunch or have drinks with officemates. Keep your mask on you at all times and avoid misplacing it with a Mask Lanyard from ieasy.ph -- a very practical must-have in today’s new normal.

If you answered mostly B’s, you are a Productivity Veteran

In most cases, you are the type to do multiple tasks at the same time. You are also willing to take the reins and regularly deliver high-quality work without being pushed to do so. Boost your productivity with a Logitech M330 Wireless Mouse that has a comfortable rubber touch and responsive controls to help ease your daily tasks. Upgrade to a MageGee Mechanical Keyboard that has a unique layout and design, while remaining functional for typing those important emails and messages. Another great option to consider is a Popcorn Folding Laptop Stand which allows you to work with better posture as you spend hours in front of your screen.

If you answered mostly C’s, you are a Silent Warrior

You achieve your personal objectives and contribute to the company's growth but are often quiet and take a while to come out of your shell. For you, a good work day is being able to enjoy the peace and quiet of your sacred space and finish all your tasks with minimal interaction. Try this Home Zania Electric Mug Warmer that will make your cup of coffee last much longer with a built-in thermostat. Tune out the noise around you when you wear this VIVAN Wireless Headset that delivers clear sound quality and bombastic bass. Stay connected with this trusty Garmin Smart Watch that lets you access your work notifications instantly, on top of all its other exciting fitness features.

If you answered mostly D’s, you are Overly Organized

You have extensive organizational skills and like to maintain everything in order. You have a clean desk, a well-established routine, and initiative to lead the nitty gritty of project planning. You thrive when you have a sense of control over your work. This Deli File Organizer will be your best friend in storing all your necessities neatly. Track of your schedule and plan long-term with 2022 Spiral Notebook Planner from ddayupfun.ph. People like you would still appreciate a 2022 Stand Up Desk Calendar from eqwpt0lli.ph  to complete the list of your workspace essentials.

Find the perfect items for you at the April 15 Payday Sale and have an even more rewarding shopping experience with Free Shipping ₱0 min. spend and 10% Off Vouchers. Get up to 50% cashback on participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, Globe, Smart, PLDT, Cignal, RCBC, and Metrobank. For more info, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale

Whatever your working style is, make sure to activate your ShopeePay mobile wallet in time for the April 15 Payday Sale to get access to exclusive offers and cost-saving features. Avail of up to 50% off on load and data packages from major telcos when you pay via ShopeePay, so you’re always connected wherever, whenever!

With ShopeePay’s send money feature, you can enjoy instant transfers to over 40 banks and e-wallets via InstaPay or to any Shopee user for free! That’s right, Shopee Fam, no hidden fees!

As an additional treat, join the “Shopee Milyonaryo” raffle draw by sending money from your ShopeePay wallet (at least P50) to any bank, e-wallet or Shopee user from April 13 to April 22 and get the chance to win a P1,000,000 cash prize. Score more raffle entries by making multiple transfers! If you’re a new user, this also qualifies you to get free ₱200 when you fully verify your ShopeePay account and make your first transfer on April 15.

Tier up your Shopee Loyalty level to Gold and Platinum for unlimited Free Shipping vouchers to be loaded directly to your accounts weekly. For more info, visit https://loyalty.shopee.ph/ in the Shopee App. 

 

CaSoBe and Millennial Resorts Hosted the Inaugural MVP LANDCO Golf Cup

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CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Millennial Resorts recently hosted the inaugural MVP Landco Golf Cup. The inter-company golf tournament provided an opportunity among select executives of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, various companies under the MVP Group and corporate partners to team up, meet face-to-face, have fun and build camaraderie in a friendly golf tournament at the Calatagan Golf Club.

 Global Business Powers represented by Dan Neil clinched the championship of the inaugural MVP Landco Golf Cup

It was also the perfect avenue for MVP executives to experience the ultimate in resort living and explore the 15-hectare CaSoBe, one of Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates; and enjoy the facilities of Millennial Resorts on property.

MVP executives and their families were billeted at Crusoe Cabins, the first resort in the country that received the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)-Certification for its eco-efficient design. After the golf tournament, sunset cocktails and a fellowship night ensued by the white sand beach of CaSoBe.

Erickson Manzano, President and CEO, Landco together with Landco officers Patrick Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality and Tourism and Vivian Liban, Chief Finance Officer welcomed the participants and guests and graced the awarding ceremony of the first MVP Landco Golf Cup.

Global Business Powers with Dan Niel won First Place in the first MVP Landco Golf Cup

Taking home the First Place trophy was Dan Niel, Executive Vice President Head – Expanding Market Division Corporation, Global Business Powers (GBP) in the golf tournament that was also participated by some top executives of the MVP group of companies: Augusto Palisoc, Jr., Director for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and President and Director at Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. and Oslec Lopez, President and CEO, Santos Clinic, Inc.; Ramoncito Fernandez, Director for Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and President and CEO of Maynilad Water Services, Inc.; Christopher Lizo, Chief Financial Officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation; Ferdinand Geluz, President of Spectrum and Meralco FVP, CCO; Exequiel Delgado, CEO, Radius Telecoms; Jude Turcuato, First Vice President - Head of Sports, PLDT and Executive Director, MVP Sports Foundation; Arvin Siena, VP and Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.; Gerard Milan, Vice President and Head of Content Business Development, Smart Communications, Inc. and Ernesto Sta. Maria, Jr., President and CEO, Pilipinas Global Network Limited.

VIP guests included: Jonvic Remulla, Governor, Cavite; Oliver Jimeno, President and CEO, CTBC Bank; Bo Perasol, former Head Coach, Ateneo Blue Eagles and UP Fighting Maroons; Ernie Lopez, President and CEO, Creative Programs, Inc, an ABS-CBN subsidiary and Host of G Diaries TV Show; Boy Leonardo, Erwin Pobre, Adrian Borja; and Carmelo Andrei Lizo.

Siena of PLDT received the Special Award of  Clossest to the Pin

The awarding ceremony also recognized the team winners, with Global Business Powers clinching the first MVP Landco Cup. In second and third place were PLDT and Metro Tollways. Siena received a special award of Closest to the Pin.

Victory Liner levels up the commuter experience with PayMaya; Victory Liner taps PayMaya for safe and convenient digital payments

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Now that travel is back to normal, bus commuters going to Northern and Central Luzon need not wait in long lines when buying tickets or paying for cargo deliveries as PayMaya enables Victory Liner with safe and convenient digital payments.

Through a tie-up with one of the country's largest transportation firms, Victory Liner, and the only end-to-end digital financial services platform PayMaya, commuters can now easily book and pay for their bus tickets at Victory Liner's website (https://www.victoryliner.com/) using their PayMaya account, any debit, credit, or prepaid card, or via other e-wallets.

Meanwhile, commuters buying their bus tickets at Victory Liner stations in Baguio, Caloocan, Cubao, Dagupan, Olongapo, Pasay, Sampaloc, Santiago, and Tuguegarao can safely scan to pay via PayMaya QR or any debit, credit, or prepaid card. PayMaya has enabled these Victory Liner stations with PayMaya One, the all-in-one Android device that allows businesses to accept QR and any card payment.

On top of these, PayMaya also equipped all 23 of Victory Liner's Drop and Go outlets with PayMaya One terminals so consumers can conveniently make PayMaya QR or any card payment for their delivery service needs.

Customers who wish to send packages can conveniently book the door-to-door pickup and delivery of items through the Drop and Go website, https://dropandgo.ph/. It offers terminal-to-terminal freight service within Central Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Mega Manila.

"Filipinos deserve a better commuting experience. One way to improve it is by making it easier for people to buy tickets and pay for package deliveries safely with digital payments technology. We're happy to work with Victory Liner to create better experiences for their customers and personnel," said Shailesh Baidwan, President of PayMaya.

For her part, Victory Liner President Marivic Hernandez-del Pilar said: "Our main goal is to provide a convenient and safe commuting experience, especially with travel and tourism activities picking up, especially this summer. One of the best ways is to provide easy and contactless cashless payment options in our channels."

Book online with PayMaya and enjoy rewards

To provide commuters with more rewarding experiences, PayMaya will give out cashback rewards when they pay online for their single or roundtrip tickets from April 1 to May 31, 2022

To earn a cashback reward, travelers simply need to pay using their PayMaya account at least P300 worth of Victory Liner single or roundtrip tickets at the nine Victory Liner stations equipped with PayMaya One or via the Victory Liner website.

Qualified customers can enjoy up to Php50 cashback per transaction and up to Php300 cashback during the whole promo period.

With a more convenient bus ride ticket booking and payment on Victory Liner's website and stations, commuters can enjoy a more rewarding and safer travel experience.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. As of end-March 2022, it provides more than 47 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.