Top 5 Christmas gift ideas you can give via the GCash App

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This 2020 holiday season is unique because of the pandemic, community quarantines and lack of opportunities to socialize with family and friends. So it’s no surprise that consumers will find other ways to give gifts -- or even give non-conventional gifts -- for Christmas.

GCash, the undisputed leader and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, suggests that Filipinos go for digital gifts readily available within the GCash app for Christmas. This is not only very practical and usable, but will also keep consumers safe from the pandemic by being contactless.

“This holiday season is the first in recent history where some friends and families won’t be able to see each other because of the pandemic, preventing much needed social interaction. However, through fintech, we can still make our loved ones feel the Christmas spirit. This is possible with GCash,” said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

Here are some top recommendations users can check out for a Merry GCash Christmas:

Gift idea #1. Send aguinaldo to your inaanaks, family, and loved ones!

Physical aguinaldos on envelopes are a thing of the past. Go digital with GCash instead! Just navigate to the Send Money section of the GCash app, select Send Pamasko, and add the numbers of the recipients and the aguinaldo amounts you’re going to give them!

Users also have the option to customize their Send Pamasko through a variety of digital envelopes, and even add a holiday message to it, too! It will save everyone a lot of time and effort, plus your younger pamangkins and inaanaks will appreciate it more since it’s digital (because they’re the digital generation) with a dedication.

Gift idea #2. Gift prepaid load to others, and get the chance to win back load for yourself!

Sure, prepaid load isn’t something one thinks of immediately when it comes to Christmas gifts, but in this weird time of being contactless, having prepaid load is a key way to stay connected with family, friends, and loved ones.

Great thing is that GCash is also holding a promo this holiday season where you can win back the load you purchase.

Every regular, combo, or broadband load you purchase using the GCash app entitles you to one digital scratch card where you get a chance to win up to 100% of the load you bought back! Just enter the mobile number you used to purchase, and the transaction reference number you received from 2882 on www.load2win.com!

Gift idea #3. Getting your loved ones insurance is a great gift this Christmas

We have heard a lot of unfortunate stories about one’s health and well-being this year, especially relating to illnesses. That’s why having your friends, family, or loved ones insured is something that they will appreciate, knowing well that they can have something to fall back to regarding their health.

Powered by Singlife, GCash is offering medical coverage against dengue for as low as PHP 300 a year! The first 10,000 customers will also get free COVID-19 coverage when they avail.

If you want to have your immediate family protected with this gift, simply just log-in to the GCash app and go to GInsure. If you want to have your friends and extended family covered with insurance as well, you can use Send Pamasko and use the customized Singlife digital envelope to make sure they use it for purchasing insurance!

Gift idea #4. Pay someone’s bill for the gift of peace of mind

The pandemic has brought people to their knees physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have someone close to you that you know has been experiencing troubles and catching up with their monthly dues, why not pay it for them as a gift? Not only will they thank you for it for their peace of mind (imagine not having electricity for December because they weren’t able to pay their bill) , you’ll also buy them more time to get a better start for 2021!

To start, you can get their account number or bill reference details and the amount due, input it on the Pay Bills portion of the GCash app, and pay! The bill will be settled in as fast as 24 hours.

Gift idea #5. Donate to your favorite charity and make their beneficiaries’ Christmases a memorable one

People used to do feeding programs and other public social activities to celebrate their Christmas pre-COVID. Unfortunately, this is not really practical and safe to do anymore because of quarantine restrictions. However, there’s another way you can help -- by donating to a charity or NGO of your choice via the GCash app.

Through the GCash app, you can directly send funds to organizations such as the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Philippine Red Cross, Caritas, Childhope, Operation Smile, UNICEF, World Vision, and the World Wildlife Fund. Donations will greatly help their advocacies.

GCash is also holding its Merry GCash promo, where customers get a chance to win one of over PHP 30 million in prizes just by simply using the GCash app. For more information, visit facebook.com/gcashofficial.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

Don’t Eat Your Heart Out: Understanding the ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’

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This year, we have been faced with an unprecedented pandemic which has taught us never to take our health for granted. But as we near its end and gear up for the holidays, there are still plenty of things to watch out for when it comes to our health. 

“That is because while the holidays are a time for merriment and indulgence, it has also been linked to a high incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and rising blood pressure, leading to the phenomenon called ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome,” said Dr. Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, The Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. [1][2]

But what is it about the most joyous time of the year that causes this unfortunate spike in cardiovascular-related health concerns and how do we avoid it? 

Overindulging 

“During the holiday season, many of us tend to overindulge or consume food excessively. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these may be high in sodium content,” Amal forewarns. 

Why is this a problem? For some people, eating too much salty food may cause their blood pressure to rise. However, this shouldn’t deter you from indulging during the holidays, but just learning to be mindful of what you eat and avoiding excess salt can help minimize the risk for heart problems. 

Frequent binge-drinking 

With holiday get-togethers come frequent social drinking. Just like the overindulgence of food, the festive season is often marked by the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. 

“The danger of binge-drinking as frequently as we do during the holidays is that it can lead to atrial fibrillation which is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm that may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure,” she warns. 

Festive fatigue 

The holidays bring with it added excitement and fatigue. For some, this can mean going from one party to another, night after night, until the wee hours of the day, leading to very little sleep which adds extra stress on their hearts. Combined with binge-drinking and overindulging, and one can be very susceptible to an unhealthy mix of triggering factors. “That is why moderation is key, especially when it comes to indulging in salty foods, alcoholic beverages, or knowing when to call it a night,” the Sanofi country lead explains. 

Know the risks 

Going into the holidays, it is definitely crucial to be aware of any potential risk factors or pre-existing conditions that can affect your health. If you are currently overweight and/or a heavy smoker or have a history with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease then you or your family may be at a higher risk of experiencing heart problems, so it is best to be mindful of your health and keep watch of your holiday activities. 

When should you get help 

In the event that you start feeling symptoms such as chest pains, you should already start calling for help. Don’t forgo treatment just because you don’t want to spoil the holiday mood. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your health. 

“The greatest gift that you can give to your family is the gift of health so we must encourage everyone to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Amal intimated. “This is why we continue to educate Filipino families to have a better understanding of the disease, beyond the medicine, to empower every single person for self-monitoring and the improvement of their lifestyle. This is our commitment to building a healthier Philippines." 

[1] https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/316938/beware-of-the-holiday-heart-syndrome/

[2] https://www.webmd.com/heart/features/the-truth-behind-more-holiday-heart-attacks#3

Capturing the beauty that flows from within, one selfie at a time

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Although selfies are somehow seen as an expression of vanity, studies show that snapping a photo or two could potentially boost your self-esteem. Of course, this type of confidence does not mean that validation should come from external influences. But sharing photos on social media and getting positive feedback from your trusted community can be a powerful instrument to reaffirm the self-worth that already exists within you. 

Selfies — whether shared or kept private — have been linked to stronger, more tenacious moods. Experts say that taking photos of oneself can help make them feel comfortable in their own skin, which then leads to the improvement of their overall frame of mind. 

So, grab your phone, ring light, and selfie stick and have fun exploring your best angles with these selfie tips from Bobbie Cosmetics! 

Master the art of tilting 

Look up to the camera or slightly turn your phone sideways. Then, think of something that cheers you up to put a genuine smile on your face. This can help capture a flash of happiness that will shine through your photo. You can also take this opportunity to show your contouring flair with the Bobbie Cosmetics Gleam Squad Contour & Strobe (P399) to add a better definition and highlight your best assets. 

Practice your ‘smize’ 

By this time, you have probably heard about the term ‘smize’ — which basically means “to smile with your eyes”. Copping the perfect selfie means nailing it all, from the smile on your face to the powerful expression in your eyes. And with the advent of face masks, communicating with your eyes goes a long way, too! To help you capture your perfect smize, you can use light makeup by applying the Bobbie Cosmetics StylEYES (P75) and get dolled up to give a sophisticated glare. Feeling a little extra? You can also give more life to your stare by putting on the Bobbie Cosmetics Diva Lashes (P100)! 

Give it a good lighting 

Whether you are shooting outdoors or inside, make sure that there is enough light. This is one of the biggest factors that will determine how one looks in photos. You can do it facing a big window when indoors, or under the shade of a tree when outdoors. To capture a more glowing look, you can add a subtle sheen by using the buildable and easy-to-blend Bobbie Cosmetics Glow Obsession Liquid Illuminator (P299). They say the golden hour gives off the best lighting, too. These are the moments just before sunrise and right after sunset. 

Pick a good background 

A tree, a white wall, a bathroom mirror, you name it. It doesn’t need to be a full-scale set design, but it helps to have a background that matches your selfie mood. 

Wear your favorite makeup 

What’s a better way to have a more creative take with your selfie than exploring your best angles with your favorite beauty products? Choose a feature you’d like to highlight and make a statement! The Bobbie Cosmetics Pucker Up Duo Lipstick & Lip Tint Bundle (P165) is a combination of two versatile beauty staples that brightens up any look. Released in three shades — Cherry & Bomb, Love n’ Lilac, and Diva & Glam — this new duo from Bobbie Cosmetics can give the perfect wash of color that can make one glow naturally as they shoot their selfies. Being confident barefaced has its merits, too. Caring for the skin is important to help banish breakouts. This is why many beauty gurus swear by the method of double cleansing. Just before washing your face with a cleanser, removing makeup using the Bobbie Cosmetics Bare With Me All-In-1 Micellar Cleansing Water (P99) can up your beauty regimen. This gentle solution will help remove the build-up of oil, dirt, and cosmetic products residue which can clog pores and cause acne and breakouts. 

By double cleansing on a day-to-day basis, people can improve their skin complexion and up their selfie game as they exude the confidence that flows from within. 

Looking forward to capturing your best selfies? Share them online and tag @bobbiecosmetics on Instagram! 

Save the Children Philippines launches eSave Natin ang Pasko

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Christmas is the most awaited season for most Filipinos, especially children, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way the upcoming holidays will be celebrated—it’s going digital!

Save the Children Philippines is launching eSave Natin ang Pasko, an online fundraising campaign that encourages everyone to unite in saving the Christmas spirit through a series of joyous and meaningful activities to provide joy and hope to children. These include 22 million learners, who have been experiencing major challenges such as the lack of access to learning materials and internet connection, as they struggle to learn from home.  

The proceeds of the Christmas fundraising campaign will support the learning needs of children in poor households in Metro Manila, typhoon-stricken places in Eastern Visayas, and the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It will also support children with disabilities, those from indigenous communities and from hard to reach areas.

“Even if classes are conducted through distance learning or will resume via face-to-face, millions of children will still need our support as they continue to be deprived of their right to education since their families do not have the means to support their learning needs,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

eSave Natin ang Pasko also promotes the importance of a nurturing home through the “Mapagkalingang Tahanan” advocacy – where every member of the family, especially children, receives the support they need so they learn, survive, and are protected.

“Mapagkalingang Tahanan” emphasizes the critical role of parents, guardians, and caregivers in the continued learning of children and aims to provide them the knowledge and skills to facilitate their children’s learning. 

Also, in keeping with the tradition of Christmas caroling, eSave Natin ang Pasko features “Namamasko po!” – a fun group activity by schools, families, and companies showcasing their musical talent and creativity.

eSave Natin ang Pasko will be highlighted by a digital concert entitled “Awit Para Sa Mga Bata” on December 18 where Gary Valenciano, Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Arnel Pineda, Bamboo, Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue, Kayla Rivera and Sam Shoaf will serenade the audience in the Philippines and those living abroad with Christmas songs. The digital concert will be produced by prominent theater artists Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Michael Williams, together with Save the Children Philippines’ Bianca Elizalde. Catch Awit para sa mga Bata online on December 18, 2020, starting at 7pm. If you can’t catch the concert live, the video link will be active until December 19, 2020.

To watch the concert, make a donation through https://ticket2me.net/e/32182.  Each ticket is P800. Your donation will provide one family with a Family Learning Kit to help children learn during the pandemic. 

Donors and participants who will pledge their support to eSave Natin ang Pasko will receive tokens of appreciation and a chance to be featured on the social media pages of Save the Children and its Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez, Xia Vigor, and Ria Atayde. 

“Education empowers children especially those in dire situations, and supporting their learning needs will save their lives and their future,” said Muyot.

You can read about all the projects under eSave Natin Ang Pasko and how you can help here: https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/get-involved/esavenatinangpasko/

 

UNIQLO Brings LifeWear Shopping Experience to the Sucat community with its Store Opening on December 18

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Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO will open its store at SM City Sucat on December 18. The store provides 1,041 sqm of new shopping space to bring UNIQLO’s LifeWear clothing and unique shopping retail experience closer to the community of Sucat and nearby areas.

“In strengthening our LifeWear philosophy to improve the lives of everyone, we hope to give shopping convenience to locals and encourage new customers to experience UNIQLO and LifeWear,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines. "We aim to make our core products more accessible to locals to help them with their everyday clothing needs."

Located at the ground level of Building B of the mall, the new store will showcase the latest line-up of UNIQLO LifeWear — including a wide selection of LifeWear pieces for men, women, kids and babies.

On the opening weekend, from December 18 to December 20, 2020, customers can receive two (2) Eco Friendly Bags – one Medium and one Large - with a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 3,000.

Shoppers should also check out these exclusive limited offers from December 18 to December 24, 2020:

	Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt Made with durability and versatility, the Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt is the ultimate basic t-shirt that has a simple and modern design to give the outfit a casual and sophisticated look. Now available at Php 390 from Php 590
	Women’s Cotton Relaxed Ankle Pants The Women’s Cotton Relaxed Ankle Pants is updated with a new design. This season features a slightly different silhouette to provide a more relaxed feel and new fashionable drawstrings to keep one comfortably stylish, whether outside or at home. Now available at Php 590 from Php 790
	Men’s Chino Shorts The Men’s Chino Shorts has been updated to give a relaxed silhouette feel—perfect for creating a casual and trendy look. Now available from Php 790 from Php 990
	Men’s Dry Stretch Easy Shorts Made with pre-washed twill jersey fabric, the Men’s Dry Stretch Easy Shorts can be comfortably worn either indoors or outdoors. Also made with sweat-drying technology, this item is perfect to keep an all-day fresh feeling. Now available at Php 590 from Php 790

Visit UNIQLO in SM City Sucat, located at Building B, Dr. Santos Avenue corner Carlos P. Garcia, Parañaque City, Metro Manila. Mall Hours are from 10:00AM to 9:00PM. 

For more updates, download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store and Apple Store. Visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and follow social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).