No “Rush”: Gyl St-Pierre’s Slow But Sure TikTok Success

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MANILA - He is a huge fan of the MMA Fighter, Georges St-Pierre. Thus, adapting the name Gyl St-Pierre. Gyl has been creating short form videos on TikTok for over four years. As one of the pioneers of the app, he was able to see how its content and trends really changed over the years. “Dati, di pa ganito yung TikTok, na kahit anong pwede mong gawin. It was all hand gestures saka yung transitions,” he recalls. 

As TikTok evolved, so did Gyl’s content. He started off with transition videos and comedy skits, and eventually shifted to sharing TikTok tips. He says, “Imbis na yung mga usual content, sabi ko magturo nalang ako. Eventually, after siguro ng TikTok Tip No. 28, kasi yun yung sumikat, rumolyo na sya ng tuloy tuloy. Nag-iinclude na ako ng, hindi lang tips, pano gawin yung hashtag trends. As in yung kahit na mga simple na function sa TikTok like pano mag-duet, tinuro ko na rin, kasi hindi pa rin pala yon alam ng mga tao.”

These how-to videos are some of Gyl’s most-viewed posts. You can check out his TikTok Tip 28, which teaches newbies how to get noticed by more established TikTokers and their followers, here.

https://www.tiktok.com/@gylisgod/video/6807368740812918018

This video on how to do TikTok duets is another fan favorite, with over 3.2M views to date. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@gylisgod/video/6815163972480748802

While cities were on quarantine due to the ongoing pandemic, Gyl’s following really started to grow. But it was only after he established the “Ya Cult” that Gyl St-Pierre was finally propelled to true TikTok famous status. After reaching the 1-million follower mark, Gyl shared this emotional thank you video to his fans on the platform. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@gylisgod/video/6829276445605514498

When asked about his rise to popularity and what’s coming next for him, Gyl shares, “Kung hindi nag-quarantine, I don’t think mahi-hit ko yung 1M. Before kasi, nasa 800k lang ako eh. Naging way yung Ya Cult trend to amplify my content. And ngayon, I’m making my content centered about sharing and teaching.” 

As a creator, Gyl would like to be known as someone who shares his knowledge and know-how freely, without being asked by anyone. He hopes that users who are just starting out on TikTok will be able to learn a lot from him, too. His ultimate tip for starting creators is this.

“Sipag and tiyaga lang. Kasi at the end of the day, kung kunyare nakaasa ka lang, parang you bank on it sa isang video mo lang, ito binuhos ko dito lahat, tapos nag-flop sya, sobrang masamang feeling. Sisipagan mo lang paggawa ng content, tiya-tiyagain mo lang mag-post araw-araw. Ayun, yun lang talaga.

Follow @gylisgod and other amazing creators on TikTok today. Simply download the app on your iOS and Android.

The best stores to go to for your daily essentials : Use PayMaya for safe, contactless payments and get great deals too!

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Safety is core to everything we do everyday and most especially these covid days.

One of the biggest priorities during this pandemic is ensuring that our families stay safe and healthy. Apart from following standard health measures like social distancing, online shopping has also been the go-to of most consumers when it comes to purchasing essentials to limit their contact. 

But if you can't avoid going out to buy your day-to-day needs, make sure that you stay safe by using contactless payments like PayMaya QR. 

Paying via PayMaya QR lessens the risk of transmitting the virus through cash-handling. By simply scanning the QR code at the counter, you can already pay for your purchases within minutes - no need to exchange cash and coins with the cashier. 

On top of giving you a safe and convenient payment option, PayMaya also gives you the most value out of your hard-earned money. 

#ScanToPay with PayMaya QR for your purchases to get 1%, 10%, or 100% Balik Bayad or a maximum of P500 Balik Bayad for your transaction until September 30, 2020!* You can enjoy up to P500 worth of cashback every month. 

Check out this list to see where you can #ScanToPay: 

1. Supermarkets

Groceries are an absolute essential during these times, especially when we’re all spending more time at home. Get all your favorite groceries at trusted places such as Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, Super 8, Robinsons Supermarket, San Roque Supermarket, and Waltermart, which offer the best prices for everything you need. 

For even better deals on a wider selection of items, especially for those looking to buy in bulk, check out Landers Superstore. For those in the provinces, you can still enjoy a safe and rewarding payment experience from PayMaya in your trusted LCC Supermarket, Gaisano Grand, Gaisano Capital, Gaisano Brothers, Metro Retail Stores Group, Prince Retail, and Felcris Supermarket. 

2. Drugstores 

When it comes to the medicines and health-related goods, there is always Mercury Drug and Watsons. They have a wide selection of medicines ranging from generics to well-known brands at reasonable prices, as well as a complete selection of grocery and wellness items. Customers can also enjoy PayMaya perks in Southstar Drug, GNC, Rose Pharmacy, Lorach Quality Drug Care, and Amesco Drug. 

3. Restaurants 

For take out food, there are so many good places to go to. For your chicken fix, you can order from McDonald’s, Jollibee, KFC, Popeyes and Gringo. If you want to go Chinese or Korean, try Mann Hann, Panda Express, Chow King and BonChon. You can also have an all-Pinoy feast at home with Ambers, Kuya J, Zubuchon, and Choobi Choobi Flavors. For your pizza cravings, there’s Shakeys, Domino’s, Gino’s Brickoven Pizza, Landers Central, and Pizza Hut. You can even pay via QR when you have pizza delivered from Yellow Cab. If you’re up to splurging a little, why not try Vikings or Wolfgang’s Steakhouse? Finish up your meal with a yummy dessert from Wildflour, Café Mary Grace, or Dairy Queen. 

You can also treat the family to something sweet or to popular Pinoy dishes from Goldilocks, no matter what the occasion is. Get a P100 cashback for a minimum purchase of P500 once per week until July 11! 

PayMaya users in Cebu and Davao can also enjoy up to 100% cashback when they order food at Bigby's, The Dessert Factory, MyJoy, The Fat Cow Group, Casa Verde, Grillers Steak House, Fat Jim's, Penong's, Annipie Bakeshop, and Pearl Farm Maranao Restaurant. 

4. Gas stations 

While most of us are staying safe at home, some can’t avoid going outside – especially for work or shopping for essentials. When you need to go out for a drive, make sure you fuel your car with gasoline that’s got the best value for your money. Top up at Petron, Total, Cleanfuel, Unioil, Metro Oil, Powerfill, SeaOil, RePhil, or Marz Fuel for more gas for your buck and a smooth ride. 

Enjoy the safety and convenience of PayMaya QR and these great deals with PayMaya! If you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, there’s always time to sign up and make the most out of your shopping—just download the PayMaya app for Android or iOS, register for an account, and find out what it’s like to shop with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for all your essentials, don’t pay cash, PayMaya! 

To find out more about all the exclusive deals you can avail of with your PayMaya account, visit www.paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, and government. Aside from providing payments acceptance for the largest e-Commerce, food, retail and gas merchants in the Philippines, PayMaya enables national and social services agencies as well as local government units with digital payments and disbursement services. 

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides millions of Filipinos with the fastest way to own a financial account with over 40,000 Add Money touchpoints nationwide, more than double the total number of traditional bank branches in the Philippines combined. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 30,000 partner touchpoints nationwide serves as last mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to services. 

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

*Until June 30, a minimum purchase of P500 is required to avail of this promo

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Real Estate Market in the Philippines

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The Philippine real estate industry is among the best in the world. Apart from the local investors, meaning, the Filipinos, few of the biggest investors to this industry in the country are people from mainland China, Southeast Asians, and of course the Westerners. With the threat of COVID-19 around the globe, how has this affected the local real estate market?

The Philippine Real Estate Industry

Philippine Star’s Mary Ann Reyes wrote, “Several developers have focused on incorporating green architecture in their developments, due to an increase in temperature and carbon emissions and to facilitate natural lighting and ventilation utilizing renewable energy.”

These are only among the recent developments that real estate developers and owners are placing in these homes. Yet, the pandemic is changing the way the world economy moves.

However, with the continuous impact of the deepening COVID-19 crisis, the real estate market is also being affected. Data from Global Property Guide revealed that the housing market will slow down this year, since potential buyers are expected to take on a different approach, the “wait-and-see” strategy, out of the health crisis. No one can blame them since, at the end of the day, great caution when investing is the best choice.

The Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting about 2.6 billion people, combined figures from deaths, infections, and recovered. This includes individuals under the lockdown and quarantine measures from the government. The impact in the worldwide economy cannot be denied, especially that people are advised to stay at home, offices, and shops. Under the “new normal,” the real estate sector isn’t spared.

News reports even say that it might take a year or two before businesses in the Philippines can recover. In the real estate market, the changes in the trends are already evident. For instance, the demand for online real estate shopping continues, but because of the work break, the scrutiny and inspection of these living spaces have come to a halt. In general, the demand for these real estate establishments is also being affected negatively.

Paying Rent

Part of managing real estate investments in paying rent. This is in part of the business owners who manage stalls in these condominium buildings, and unit owners who own spaces. The pandemic, coupled with the global meltdown has urged businesses to close down offices, and thus, it is more difficult to make these rental payments. Many individuals have submitted letters to landlords requesting waivers in their account, in lieu of the recent crisis. The responses are mixed.

The disease is adding a burden to the current status of the Philippine economy. While it remains lucrative for investors to pool in their investments, they know that the country’s economy is still, generally, risky. Widespread corruption is present, affecting stability.

In 2019, the economic growth of this Southeast Asian nation submerged to an eight-year low at 5.9 percent, after achieving 6.2 percent in 2018. The figures point back to the implementation of that year’s national budget and the impacts of the trade war between China and the United States. The International Monetary Fund is predicting a 6.3 percent growth rate for the Philippines in 2020, but the parties are yet to see.

In the country, the real estate industry is classified into condominiums, single-detached and attached houses, duplex houses, and townhouses.

Kathryn Bernardo is the newest face of Gatorade Ion

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Gatorade Ion, the drink that’s best for everyday hydration, takes a step further into promoting this important hydration reminder to all Filipinos by officially welcoming popular young Filipino actress, host, and celebrity Kathryn Bernardo to its ranks as its newest brand ambassador in a catch-up session on Instagram Live last June 20.

Bernardo is the perfect personality to endorse Gatorade Ion—with her showbiz schedule, hobbies, and interests keeping her busy and regularly exposed to heat all the time, she always needs fluids to make sure she performs her best. Gatorade Ion’s optimal amount of fluids and ions and formula of low sodium, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and colors are what keeps non-stop go-getters like her hydrated. 

“I’m so happy and very honored to be the newest endorser for Gatorade Ion,” said Bernardo. “I believe hydration is very important for anyone, especially in a warm country like the Philippines where everyone is always on-the-go. Gatorade Ion is the best way to help us avoid the dangers of being dehydrated. It is in citrus quench in flavor, which makes it so refreshing on a hot day. It’s my new favorite go-to drink, I swear.”

“We’re really excited to have Kathryn aboard for Gatorade Ion,” said IC Sta. Maria, PepsiCo Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration. “Regular hydration every day is a must, and with her lifestyle, Kathryn is the ideal person to promote the benefits of staying hydrated.”

The catch-up session with Bernardo, hosted by her good friend and fellow celebrity Robi Domingo, revealed that she had taken advantage of the quarantine to pursue new activities, such as baking, watching K-dramas, and learning to play the piano, just to name a few.

And she also even gave a special message to boyfriend Daniel Padilla, who takes care of Bernardo and her family during the quarantine by bringing them goods and groceries. “Hindi enough ang thank you. Grabe lang yung alaga niya [sa aming lahat]. Hindi siya nagkulang—siya talaga yung nagse-set ng bar. I’m really thankful.”

No matter what we do and what we’re into, one thing that’s a must for everyone from all walks of life is the need for everyday hydration. The risks and dangers of dehydration, especially in a tropical climate such as the Philippines, are all too real—which is why we need to constantly hydrate.

To keep up with everything about hydration, everyday life, and Gatorade Ion’s newest partnership with Kathryn Bernardo, follow @gatoradeion on Facebook, IG, and Twitter. Stay hydrated with Gatorade Ion! Available in convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide. #GatoradeIon #EverydayHydratION

Enjoy Greater Cost Savings and Convenience with ShopeePay Day! On June 25, users can enjoy exclusive discounts, free shipping, and vouchers

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Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches ShopeePay Day, to offer greater convenience and cost savings as more Filipinos turn to cashless payments when they shop online. On June 25, ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive limited-time deals and promotions, including free shipping and coins cashback.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “Many Filipinos rely on e-commerce to meet their everyday needs as they live, work, and play from home. We are pleased to introduce ShopeePay Day to meet this trend, and offer our users greater convenience and savings as they shop with us.  As e-commerce takes on greater importance in people’s lives, Shopee will continue to innovate and introduce initiatives to enhance the online shopping experience for all.”  

On June 25, ShopeePay users can enjoy the following benefits as they shop from home: 

● One-day Exclusive Free Shipping: Users can enjoy free shipping with no minimum spending on ShopeePay Day.

● Exclusive Limited-time Deals and Promotions: ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive promotions, including ₱125 off with every ₱500 minimum spend and further discounts when they purchase physical and digital products or pay their bills via ShopeePay. 

● Special Lucky Draw: From June 25 to 27, regular ShopeePay users stand a chance to win exciting prizes via a special lucky draw when they top up their ShopeePay wallets . This includes ShopeePay credits, Shopee coins, and vouchers. 

First-time ShopeePay users can easily activate their ShopeePay accounts in three simple steps:

1. Users need to log in to the Shopee platform, click on the ShopeePay tab, and then click ‘Setup ShopeePay’. 

2. Users should fill up the personal information form. They will receive a one-time password on their mobile phones after they complete the form.

3. Users need to create and re-confirm their ShopeePay pin. 

Visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay for more information about ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee application for free through the App Store or Google Play and activate ShopeePay.