Statement on the cease and desist order issued by the NTC to ABS-CBN

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Millions of Filipinos will lose their source of news and entertainment when ABS-CBN is ordered to go off-air on TV and radio tonight (5 May 2020) when people need crucial and timely information as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is in compliance with the cease and desist order issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) today that prohibits ABS-CBN from continuing its broadcast operations effective immediately.

Despite Senate Resolution No. 40, the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises’ letter, the guidance of the Department of Justice, and the sworn statement of NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC did not grant ABS-CBN a provisional authority to operate while its franchise renewal remains pending in Congress.

In an interview with DZMM last week, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano even gave an assurance that there is no move to shut down the network.

ABS-CBN has been providing comprehensive news coverage on the public health crisis and working with local governments and the private sector in providing food and basic goods for those in need through its “Pantawid ng Pag-ibig” campaign. To date, it has delivered over P300 million worth of goods for the benefit of over 600,000 families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times.

ABS-CBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them.

PhilCare posts 21% income increase as company banks on smarter healthcare to drive growth

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MANILA – Philhealthcare, Inc. (PhilCare), one of the Philippines’ most preferred health maintenance organizations (HMOs), posted a net income of P130.6 million for the 12-month period that ended on December 31, 2019.

The amount is 20.9 percent or P22.6 million higher than the P108 million it earned in the same period in 2018.

Based on the company’s annual financial statement, the HMO’s revenues went up to P2.68 billion, 15.8% or P367 million higher than the previous year. Benefits, claims, and expenses also increased to P2.5 billion, 15.3% or P332 million year-on-year.

“We are really happy that our efforts in 2019 bore fruit, from the aggressive sales of our innovative products like our prepaid healthcards to the new partnerships we formed and the new sales channels that we have opened. All these have contributed significantly to the increase of our bottom line,” said PhilCare president and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

“I’m particularly proud that PhilCare has pioneered prepaid healthcards in the market. This was the result of our 1st Wellness Index done back in 2014. We learned back then a lot of Filipinos did not have access to healthcare coverage because they didn’t have corporate health benefits. We, then, decided to develop sachet-type products that are more accessible and affordable, and it truly made a difference,” he added.

Apart from prepaid cards, PhilCare is taking on new innovations by banking on technology that improve the way healthcare is delivered.

Among these is the DigiMed service, which is a form of medical teleconsult, which should make a more pronounced impact as the nation embraces the new normal. 

The DigiMed service on the HeyPhil app has so far received around 1,500 digital consultations a month. It has also recently launched DigiMed PLUS, a web-based telemedicine application that allows members access to numerous specialists through video call.

“It is with great confidence that we assure our members, partners, and stakeholders that regardless of the present economic condition, PhilCare has remained resilient and we continue to be steadfast in our commitment to provide the quality of healthcare and service that we have been known to deliver,” Tanco said.

“PhilCare has always been a company that takes pride in being at the helm of innovation. As the nation gradually prepares itself for the new normal, we continue to gain momentum, seeking for opportune possibilities to leverage change to our advantage, as we dedicate ourselves in fulfilling our mission of making quality healthcare services available to every Filipino,” he added.

PhilhealthCare, Inc. (PhilCare) is among the top two most preferred HMOs in the country today. It distinguishes itself from other health maintenance organizations (HMO) in the Philippines by advocating wellness as a more holistic approach to health.

This is achieved through PhilCare’s sustainable health plans, PhilCare 360, and its technology-enabled customer experience. PhilCare offers a wide range of health care plans to serve the different requirements of individuals, group, and enterprise accounts.

PhilCare pioneered the country’s first Wellness Index in 2014. Based on the findings of that study, PhilCare introduced the very first prepaid health plans in the country. From prepaid to comprehensive coverage, PhilCare’s extensive line of products covers hospitalization, out-patient and emergency healthcare needs across a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

PhilCare 360, on the other hand, provides members with updates about health information, preventive measures against diseases and illnesses, and lifestyle trends that promote health and wellness. Meanwhile, PhilCare’s tech-enabled customer service efforts involve their accessible website and e-commerce, their call center that’s available 24/7, and its HeyPhil App where members can ask queries and request for a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

PhilCare’s commitment to promote wellness among Filipinos makes it an essential pillar of Maestro Holdings, a grand concord of four of the biggest and respected financial companies in the Philippines. Under the Maestro’s baton, PhilCare joins four of the most recognizable names in their respective industries: PhilsFirst, the first domestic non-life insurance company in the country; PhilLife, one of the most trusted insurance providers in the Philippines; PhilPlans, one of the leading financial solutions companies providing pension, education, and memorial programs.

#ShopeeAtHome with Shopee Mart’s 5-5 sale!

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We are always in need of essentials in life. We always do shopping, in malls, groceries and even online. 

Amid this pandemic situation, we must follow rules and regulations, and reminders from the government, departments focus on our health and safety. That's the most important now.

In the present quarantine time, you don't need to leave the house to get your essential goods.

5.5 Shopee Mart is the answer to all your important needs.

As we must stay healthy and safe, shopping at home is the most convenient way to get your daily essential needs, and there’s no better way to get your shopping done from home than with Shopee.

Whether you’re looking for groceries or personal care products, Shopee Mart has an endless listing of everyday essentials. Simply use the search filter function to find what you need or, at least, good alternatives for them.

I always visit the Shopee and check more featured categories include:  Health & Personal Care, Food & Beverage.

The best items we shop, Babies & Kids. My daughter will have her baby in the next two weeks now. I am a grand mom with two kids (from our eldest son) and we will have the 3rd grandson from our daughter.

We also shop important products at Home and even at Pet Care. 

In addition, top brands like P&G, Wyeth, Nestle, Unilever, Enfagrow, and Abbot will likewise be giving discounts of up to 50% off.

With Shopee Mart’s 5-5 sale, online shopping for everyday essentials has never been this safe, easy, and budget-friendly. 

There are grocery items you can get for as low as 5 pesos this Shopee Mart Sale. Essential Products you didn’t know you can buy on Shopee.

Get the best deals this 5.5 Shopee Mart Sale. 

Up until May 5 only, you can #ShopeeAtHome for groceries, personal care, baby care, and more for as low as P5 with Free Shipping at P0 minimum spend.

For more information on Shopee Mart 5.5 Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/5-5. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Globe extends free unlimited WiFi to more LGUs and hospitals nationwide

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GoWiFi now available in quarantine areas, more hospitals and local government offices

With the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other high risk provinces to May 15, Globe is extending its free unlimited Internet via GoWiFi, in government designated quarantine areas, residence areas and more hospitals for the benefit of medical frontliners and patients.

Free unlimited GoWiFi will be available in the following locations until further notice: 

DOH quarantine areas

• World Trade Center, Pasay City
• Philsports Arena/Ultra
• Quezon Memorial Circle
• Rizal Memorial Stadium

Additional quarantine area

• Francisco Felix Memorial National High School

Residence areas for frontliners 

• Quarto Residences - Manila 
• My Rainbow Place - Quezon City
• Victory Fort - BGC
• St. Mary's College
• Amoranto Sports Complex
• Immaculate Heart of Mary College
• Santa Isabel College

Additional hospitals

Metro Manila

• Fe Del Mundo Medical Center
• Jose N. Rodriguez Hospital
• Las Pinas Hospital
• Ospital ng Sampaloc 
• Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. - Quezon Institute
• San Lazaro Hospital 
• VRP Hospital
• World Citi Medical Center 

“There is no greater time than today when Globe can share its mission of doing good for the public and express its solidarity in supporting the government’s call to ensure the health and safety of everyone. As endeavors to flatten the curve have escalated, connectivity in quarantine areas and more hospitals are more critical than ever. By offering free and unlimited connectivity, we hope to boost the unflagging service and commitment of our medical frontliners and government employees,” said Janis Racpan, Director for Digital Solutions Group at Globe. 

GoWiFi services have been available since March 13 in select medical institutions and supermarkets nationwide as support to healthcare frontliners and communities affected by the pandemic. Free unli WiFi can also be accessed at NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 for the duration of the extended ECQ.

Globe also recently deployed Cell Site on Wheels (COW) in two designated COVID-19 quarantine areas at Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS) in Manila and at the Philippine International Commercial Complex (PICC) Forum in Pasay City. With this installation, medical staff and patients accommodated at the RMS and PICC Forum will have the capability to remain connected and be updated on the latest government efforts against the pandemic.

To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 developments, Globe mobile and broadband customers are given free access to the official websites of the Department of Health (DOH) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/gowifi.html

OPPO Reno3 Series Now Officially Available in PH

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OPPO Reno3 Series Now Officially Available in PH

OPPO’s latest Reno3 series delivers superior and premium camera technology, 

allowing users to live more through better creative expression 

The long wait is officially over - OPPO now releases the Reno3 Series in the Philippines. The Reno3 retails at PHP18,990 and the Reno3 Pro retails at PHP28,990. The latest of its smartphone series under the Reno line promises superiority in performance that pushes everyone to be more creative and to live more in today’s very digital landscape.

Live More with Reno3 Series’ Superb Performance

The latest OPPO Reno3 series’ camera technologies continue to be a crowd pleaser and remains the selfie expert for the Gen Z and Millennials. The OPPO Reno3 comes with 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage, 48MP Zoom QuadCam setup, and 44MP Front Camera, while the OPPO Reno3 Pro comes with 8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal storage, 64MP Zoom QuadCam setups, and 44MP+2MP Dual Punch-Hole Front Camera.

The OPPO Reno3 series runs on the all-new ColorOS 7 which features OPPO's latest technological advancements and outstanding photography features into the world's first design of 44MP+2MP Dual Punch-hole Super AMOLED Display of the Reno3 Pro. This latest smartphone series is set to create a new mobile photography trend and redefine the smartphone photography experience.

Significantly, OPPO’s proprietary technology - OPPO Screen Image Engine (OSIE) debuts in the Philippines. This technology will effectively increase the image quality, which is also the industry's first visual effect optimization software for short video images that makes viewing social media content from Instagram and TikTok more engaging. Powered by Dolby Atmos® & Hi-Res Audio, Reno3 Series also empowers users to enjoy the audio banquet anytime, anywhere, and light up their busy life. 

In terms of performance, The Reno3 features MediaTek’s latest chip in the Helio P Series. “The OPPO Reno3 Pro is powered by MediaTek’s Helio P95, our newest Helio chipset with our most powerful AI processing engine for 4G smartphones. It delivers premium photography experiences with an array of AI-camera features including enhanced portrait photography, fast secure facial recognition and full-body movement tracking,” says Dr. Yenchi Lee, Assistant General Manager of MediaTek’s wireless business unit.

“For mobile gamers, MediaTek Helio P95 also includes MediaTek HyperEngine gaming technology for fast, fluid graphics and responsive, uninterrupted gameplay. With our technology and OPPO’s innovative devices, we create premium smartphone features and experiences consumers want,” Lee added.

On the gaming front, the Reno3 series with its ColorOS 7 offers a significantly improved gaming performance to provide an immersive and smooth gaming experience. Hyper Boost cuts down on lag and runs games faster and more seamlessly, thanks to touch optimization and frame rate optimization. Touch optimization increases the frequency of touch scanning while reducing unnecessary processes, and further ensures that touch response remains fast even in low power conditions. 

Well-Recognized Performances by Third Parties

Reno3 Series’ outstanding performances win broad affection from global users by its amazing performance. It is also well recognized by multiple international renowned institutions:

Reno3:

• TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification: Applying with the 20W VOOC Flash Charge 3.0, Reno3 is always ready to offer great charging safety. Also as the well-known slogan says, Reno3 passed the 5 minutes charging 2 hours phone call testing by TÜV Rheinland.

• Netflix HD Certification：High quality videos of 1080p are available via the pre-installed Netflix App on Reno3 Series, putting high-definition videos in the pocket. 

• Dolby Atmos® and Hi-Res Audio: Immerse yourself in the world top experience watching Dolby Certified audio and video, and Hi-Fi playback of Hi-Res music files.

Reno3 Pro:

• TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification：The screen offers users world-class eye care. The upgraded low-brightness, stroboflash-free, and low blue ray technologies provide delicate eye care even in the darkest environment. 

• TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification: Applying with the 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0, Reno3 Pro is always ready to offer great charging safety as well as fast charging speed, as also passed the 50% charge in 20min test by TÜV Rheinland. 

• Netflix HD Certification：High quality videos of 1080p are available via the pre-installed Netflix App on Reno3 Series, putting high-definition videos in the pocket. 

• Dolby Atmos® and Hi-Res Audio: Immerse yourself in the world top experience watching Dolby Certified audio and video, and Hi-Fi playback of Hi-Res music files.

The Reno3 series is officially available in the Philippines through OPPO concept stores nationwide, e-commerce partners and Smart via postpaid plans. Reno3 retails at PHP18,990 and the Reno3 Pro at PHP28,990. For Smart, Reno3 will be available at Smart Signature Plan 999 with a PHP3,100 cash-out while Reno3 Pro will be available at Smart Signature Plan 1,699 with a PHP3,000 cash-out. Both will come with a free Rockspace EB60 Bluetooth Earbuds. The Reno3 will also be available on Shopee starting April 30, 2020 and on Lazada starting May 13, 2020. 

To know further details about the Reno3 series and the list of dealer partners offering the Reno3 series, visit the official website at www.oppo.com/ph or the official Facebook page of OPPO Philippines.