Typhoon Kammuri affects 14 million children; World Vision stands ready to support

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Typhoon Kammuri made its first landfall in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon at around 11PM on December 2.

Kammuri intensified just before it hit the landmass with a maximum sustained winds of 165km/h near its center and 230km/h gustiness. 

"I wasn't able to sleep well last night not because the strong winds and rain bothered me but because I was worried about the families in evacuation centers and their deserted homes made of light wooden materials," shares Rey Montimor, World Vision Program Manager of Albay and Sorsogon. 

Information from the Department of Education’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) shows that 14 million learners are affected due to class suspensions across more than 26,000 schools in 12 regions. Meanwhile, UNOCHA’s Joint Analysis of Disaster Exposure data says that there are at least nine million people in the affected areas - Camarines Sur, Albay, Quezon, Catanduanes, and Camarines Norte, 300,000 children of whom are living in places with possible widespread damage.

“As a child-focused organization, our focus is to complement the government’s efforts in ensuring that these children are safe and protected. World Vision is present in Pio Duran in Albay, Bulan in Sorsogon, Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte and Lagonoy in Camarines Sur. Our team on the ground is set to conduct rapid assessment as soon as it is safe to do so,” says World Vision’s Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. 

He also lauded the preparedness initiatives of all stakeholders. In the past, World Vision’s disaster risk reduction projects helped strengthen the communities’ preparedness through provision of early warning equipment like rain gauge and public address system and community and school-based disaster preparedness trainings.

“If needed, World Vision is ready to deploy its prepositioned relief items from its warehouses in Clark and Cebu which can cater to 2000 families,” says Fuerte.

For news and updates, visit www.worldvision.org.ph.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

KHALID BRINGS HIS HEADLINE ‘FREE SPIRIT WORLD TOUR 2020’ TO MANILA

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International multi platinum-selling artist Khalid has today announced nine Asia dates as part of his headline ‘Khalid Free Spirit World Tour’. 

His highly anticipated new album ‘Free Spirit’ is out now via Right Hand Music Group / RCA Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

The six-time Grammy Award nominee and four-time American Music Award winner is set to bring his much-awaited tour to Manila on April 2, 2020 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Asia Tour 2020 includes stops in Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Mumbai and Bangalore. One more city to be announced soon.

Since releasing his debut hit single ‘Location’ in 2016, which went on to go quadruple platinum, Khalid has continued to cement his global status as one of music’s most promising breakout stars. Already accumulating a stellar array of awards and wins from the likes of MTV, Billboard and BET, his Asia tour offers his legion of loyal fans a chance to experience his latest musical offering.

Tickets to ‘Khalid Free Spirit World Tour’ in Manila go on-sale starting Saturday, December 14 at 10AM via SMTickets.com, SM Ticket outlets or Call 8470-2222. 

Presented by AEG Presents Asia, Wilbros Live and Midas Promotions.

#KhalidManila2020

#KhalidFreeSpiritWorldTour

Facebook, Twitter and Instragram: @WilbrosLive

GCash backs BSP in providing digital payments solutions to grassroots merchants

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, is making strides in fulfilling the country’s goal of developing e-payments at the grassroots level, as it empowers micro-entrepreneurs and small enterprises to transact with customers through their mobile phones. 

Aside from huge mall establishments, quick-service restaurants, and supermarkets, GCash has also empowered the simple sari-sari store and tricycles to make digital transactions via GCash’s QR. 

This initiative, seen to revolutionize and transform the way Filipinos transact every day, is supportive of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) goal of creating a more inclusive society through a cashless revolution. 

“We are one with the BSP in concretizing our shared vision of spurring cashless transactions in the Philippines to make it easier for merchants and consumers to transact with one another. We are committed to continuously elevate this by developing more products and services that are fit for the needs of our valued partners,” GCash President Anthony Thomas said. 

GCash QR uses the best-in-class technologies that provide merchants with a fast, reliable, secure, and convenient way of accepting payments. By transacting through mobile phones, GCash QR removes the need for point-of-sale terminals, maintenance, and manual cash sweeping. 

Aside from benefiting largely from the huge customer base of GCash, merchants can also set up their business QR payments facility for free. GCash also provides business partners with periodic reports to oversee the performance of their stores. 

Today, there are about 34,000 micro-entrepreneurs onboard the GCash QR technology, and 1,800 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) using the GCash as a mode of payment. 

These merchants include the vendors of the Marikina Public Market, the tricycle drivers of Boracay Island, and the sari-sari stores of Semirara Island, among others. 

Just recently, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank is envisioning a future where digital payments through transaction accounts will be part of the Filipino consumer culture. 

Going cashless, he said, benefits both merchants and consumers, as it removes the need for bringing cash, reducing the risk of theft, improving cash handling processes, and provide lower administrative and overhead costs. 

Diokno also said the central bank is now targeting to increase the share of non-cash transactions to 30 percent from the original 20-percent goal by 2020. 

“Our support for the government’s initiative for a more cashless Philippines remains steadfast, and we at GCash are committed to taking this a step further by creating more innovative financial solutions that will ultimately bring us closer to our goal of providing finance for all,” Thomas said.

Stay connected all day with the boosted SAMSUNG Galaxy A series smartphones!

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A recent study by ClickZ revealed that Gen Zs are considered to be the “smartphone generation.” They spend an average of four hours and 15 minutes on screen per day. They are always-on and they love to use their devices to share their lives online, entertain themselves, and capture memories. With how Gen Z heavily relies on their gadgets, they need a long-lasting device that can keep up with their numerous activities.

Luckily, Samsung recently launched the latest A-series devices built for the “Era of Live” with the Galaxy A50s, A30s, A20s, and A10s. These smartphones are designed to provide the needs of Gen Z when it comes to mobile usage. Aside from elevated content creation through its upgraded features, the A-series lets them go live and enjoy their smartphones longer. 

The Galaxy devices are equipped with a massive 4000mAh battery to provide Gen Z an uninterrupted mobile experience. Aside from that, they won’t have to worry about losing power as the A-series smartphones are supported by a 15W Fast Charging (only for A50s, A30s and A20s) mechanism that lets them do more with their devices all-day. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A50s offers a boosted experience through its Power Optimization feature that saves battery life so Gen Z can stay connected with their friends and families longer. Now, they can enjoy their favorite smartphone activities like endless internet browsing, longer gaming, video streaming, non-stop content creation, and more!

The Samsung Galaxy A50s, A30s, A20s, and A10s are available at any Samsung-authorized store nationwide at PHP 16,990, PHP 12,990, PHP 9,990, and PHP 6,990 (SRP) respectively. 

Samsung Members Exclusive raffle

As part of Samsung’s holiday offerings, A-series users can also win premium Galaxy devices when they join the bi-monthly raffle on the Samsung Members app.

Customers who purchase a Galaxy A50s, A30s, A20s, and A10s can redeem raffle entries on the app. Prizes up for grabs include a Galaxy Note 10, A10s, Buds, Tab S6, Fit e, and Watch Active2. One account is the equivalent of a raffle entry.

Samsung will announce 10 winners each on December 3 and 17, 2019 and January 2, 2020. Promo runs from November 15 to December 31, 2019. 

To know more about the Galaxy A-series smartphones, visit samsung.com/ph. For more information about Samsung’s holiday offerings, visit Samsung.com/ph/offer.

Enriching the tourism industry through knowledge-sharing

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The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, recently gathered industry stakeholders, tour operators, hotels and resorts, and members of the academe for a one-day discussion on the latest trends in tourism marketing and strategies on how to provide mature and emerging markets an optimal experience to make them stay longer and spend more. 

L-R: Arnold Gonzales, TPB DCOO; San Jeet, DOT market representative for India; Marie Venus Tan, TPB COO; Carlos Mori Rodriguez, EON Stakeholders Relations Group chief innovation officer; and Mohd Akil Bin Mohd Yusof, MATTA deputy president 

The seminar, themed “Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth,” is part of this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the biggest travel trade event in the country with over 200 local sellers and 200 international buyers participating. 

Joining the impressive roster of speakers were Thomas Graham, co-founder of MAD (Make A Difference) Travel, who talked about how sustainable tourism is changing the lives of people in communities; Carlos Mori Rodriguez, chief innovation officer of EON The Stakeholders Relations Group, who shared insights about the new breed of OFWs in the UAE; and San Jeet, the Department of Tourism market representative for India, who discussed the needs of the Indian Market. 

Also sharing their expertise were Donald Patrick Lim, country chief executive officer of Dentsu Aegis Network Philippines, who shared shared how the digital age is changing the tourism landscape; Mohd Akil Bin Mohd Yusof, the deputy president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Nelly Nuezca Dillera, deputy executive director of the Philippine Trade Training Center, shared points on how to cater to the Muslim market. 

“With the diversification of UAE industries, there is a growing number of Filipinos who work as professionals in industries outside oil and construction. Unfortunately, these new breed of OFWs with disposable income prefer to travel to other destinations than tour the Philippines,” shares Rodriguez. 

By 2020, at least 30-32 million Indians are expected to travel overseas for leisure. According to Jeet, “To capture a chunk of that market, industry stakeholders in the Philippines should customize tours that focus on unique and luxurious experiences, especially since these are spending tourists who are willing to splurge on quality accommodations, sightseeing, relaxation, and shopping.” 

For Graham, he sees great opportunity in sustainable tourism as it meets both profitability and viability. “There are a growing number of tourists who are starting to prioritize experiences over material possessions. Sustainable tourism is gaining traction because learning about other cultures, connecting with people, and giving back to local communities provide a one-of-a-kind, meaningful experiences.” 

The educational seminar concluded with back-to-back Halal-related talks where Yusof recommended ways to make establishments and tourist sites in the Philippines Muslim-friendly, while Dillera complemented this by sharing the government’s efforts to help local businesses make their products halal-compliant. 

In closing, TPB COO Venus Tan said, “PHITEX is organized, not only to provide a platform to connect buyers and sellers, but also to build the industry through education and insightful discussions among stakeholders. Hopefully, with these insightful talks, we are able to inspire and encourage them to develop tourism products that would provide unique, meaningful experiences for our visitors, which in turn would make them stay longer, spend more, and be avid ambassadors of the country.”