PRSP grows network with VisMin chapters, announces upcoming 27th PR Congress

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Manila, Philippines. January 22, 2021 – The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country’s premier association of PR and communications professionals, PRSP is expanding its network to the Visayas and Mindanao with the creation of regional chapters.

As the pandemic puts industries and businesses under immense pressure to adapt to the new normal and recoup losses, PRSP underscores the crucial role of communication and hopes to help synergize the efforts of communications professionals across the country. The newly instated chapters will provide more avenues for collaboration and learning through shared knowledge, technology, training and best PR practices.

Jones T. Campos, APR, former PRSP president and proponent of the chapter creation, said: “Aside from strengthening relationships among PR practitioners nationwide, having PRSP chapters in Cebu, Davao and other key cities in the Philippines will open more opportunities and integrate a common aspiration to professionalize the industry. Likewise, it will enable a nationwide way of combatting fake news, disinformation and misinformation while inculcating competence and ethical practice among PR and communications professionals.”

The new chapters will be created initially through a partnership with VisMin PR agencies PR Works, Selrahco and Bigseed. Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, founder and managing Director of Bigseed, gladly accepts the idea of having a PRSP chapter in Cebu: "We welcome this opportunity to connect and collaborate with other agencies and practitioners from around the country. With public relations evolving as the world around us changes, an organization such as the PRSP opens opportunities to set industry standards and provides an avenue for us to support and learn from one another.”

The same sentiment is echoed by Doris Mongaya of PR Works, who stated that the creation of regional chapters will result in greater cooperation between VisMin-based PR professionals and their Metro Manila counterparts, which could in turn lead to the faster development of the whole Philippine PR industry. “We recognize the efforts of PRSP in congregating PR professionals and agencies in a national scale. Through this, we have more avenues for collaboration, which is especially apt in these times. We’re looking forward to what’s to come,” Charles Lim of Selrahco adds.

PRSP President Norman Agatep, APR shares, “We appreciate how receptive our fellow PR practitioners in VisMin have been when we brought up our intention to create regional chapters of PRSP. These challenging times further highlight the importance of good communication both for brands and their audiences. With this new development, we reaffirm PRSP’s commitment to uphold ethics and elevate the PR practice nationwide.”

 

PRSP’s First 3-day Digital PR Congress

The biggest and most-awaited annual event of PRSP is the National Public Relations Congress. Now on its 27^th year, the upcoming PR Congress is marking several firsts -- the first to go full-digital and the first to run for three days. These changes, particularly the shift to digital, reflect how the PR industry is adapting to the new normal and embracing new technologies to continue telling the story of brands and organizations.

The Congress, which will be held on February 17 to 19, 2021, will be headlined by topics such as the post-pandemic Philippine PR landscape, industry recovery efforts and pressing issues such as mental health in the workplace. With the theme “Transcend”, the 27^th PR Congress hopes to inspire PR and communication practitioners across the country to go beyond conventional thinking and step out of their comfort zone to address pressing issues and collectively move forward to create a better normal for all.

Ana Pista, Congress chairperson, shared: “As the PR Congress has done since it started, we are bringing together a powerhouse roster of local and international speakers and delivering a lineup of timely and relevant topics this year. This year, more than ever, the Congress will highlight the role of PR in building a society that works for all.”

PRSP expects to welcome more than 1,000 PR and communications practitioners to this year’s Congress. For more information about PRSP and the upcoming 27^th National Public Relations Congress, please visit the event’s website or official Facebook page or contact Lessa Azcarraga at lessa.azcarraga@ardent.com.ph.

 

Make Every Meal Feel Like a Feast with Fiesta to Go

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There are more reasons to celebrate and feast this 2021 with Fiesta to Go.

A delivery and carry-out food service, Fiesta to Go is the newest business of Hortaleza Group of Companies, the same people behind Barrio Fiesta Foods. 

Fiesta To Go answers the call of the new normal where food delivery and carry-out has become the next best thing for families and corporations for their events and other celebrations. It will be serving the commonly sought and typical food fares loved by most Filipinos, but infused with creativity.

What's the story behind this new business venture?  

Dr. Rolando Hortaleza said:  “We have been eyeing to expand our food business from packaged/processed foods, and the series of lockdowns have validated our track that the dine-in restaurant business would eventually be taken over by delivery and carry-outs.” He added that “we are very excited to add Fiesta To Go to our portfolio and we choose the City of Pasig for our first branch because of the vibrant economic activities in the area.”o

As their tagline says ANYTIME IS FIESTA TIME, as they hope to make every customer feel the Fiesta vibe with the tastes and textures of Filipino cuisine. Take a bite of their delicious and to-die for Fiesta Sisig, Soy Garlic Chicken, Lumpiang Shanghai and Pork Barbeque. Complement it with their rich-tasting noodles like Pancit Canton, Malabon and Spaghetamis. Another item on the menu which has enticed quite a loyal following as early as now is their Fiesta Halo-halo Shake.

Dr. Hortaleza envisions Fiesta To Go “To be the TOP choice for food delivery for every Filipino household” and plans to have 15 company owned branches and 35 to 50 franchise stores in the next 5 years. 

The Pasig Kapitolyo store is open from 10 am to 8 pm and is located at 4K Plaza Bldg. 677 Shaw Blvd, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.  Check out their Facebook page for a sneak peak on their food offerings https://www.facebook.com/fiestatogoph/

HBO’S EUPHORIA SECOND SPECIAL EPISODE TO PREMIERE EARLY EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO GO ON 23 JANUARY

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Episode Is Co-Written And Co-Executive Produced By Hunter Schafer

Watch new trailer here 

The second special episode of the Emmy®-winning HBO drama series Euphoria will receive an early premiere on HBO GO same time as the U.S. on Saturday, 23 January at 10am in advance of its HBO premiere on Monday 25 January at 11pm. Stream or download the first episode of Euphoria Special, titled “Trouble Don't Last Always,” and the entire eight-episode first season on HBO GO.

The second special episode, directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and titled "F*ck Anyone Who's Not A Sea Blob,” follows Jules (played by Hunter Schafer) over the Christmas holiday as she reflects on the year. Schafer serves as co-executive producer on the second special episode, which she co-wrote with Levinson. Both special episodes were produced under COVID-19 guidelines.

Euphoria received three Primetime Emmy® awards this year, including Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series (Zendaya), Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) and Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.

Euphoria is created and written by Sam Levinson, who also serves as executive producer; executive producers Kevin Turen, Ravi Nandan, Zendaya, Drake, Future the Prince, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, Tmira Yardeni, Mirit Toovi, Yoram Mokady and Gary Lennon; Will Greenfield serves as a co-executive producer. Produced in partnership with A24 and based on the Israeli series of the same name, which was created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin, from HOT.

Follow Euphoria on social and use #Euphoria to join the conversation:

Instagram: @euphoria

Twitter: @euphoriahbo

Download the HBO GO app AT the App Store or Play Store and get a free trial. You can also access HBO GO via Cignal or at https://www.hbogoasia.com/. HBO GO is available via Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

Looking back and looking forward: How Mekeni powered through the COVID-19 crisis with Bayanihan and malasakit

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Mekeni Food Corporation is no stranger to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the food manufacturing brand was able to turn these challenges into opportunities to uplift communities and innovate their services.

Looking back: Embracing the new normal in business

At the onset of the pandemic, changes in the supply chain and consumer behavior have knocked many companies off balance. Mekeni, however, was able to navigate through the challenges and make these difficulties into a meaningful change that benefited everyone in and beyond their circle.   

“Wading through uncharted waters over the past few months have been extremely difficult, but we have remained steadfast and resilient because of our people and communities that we serve. We have established programs and implemented agile operations to keep the business afloat while we prioritize our people’s welfare in the face of the crisis,” said Mekeni President Prudencio Garcia.

 

Last 2020, Mekeni has become one of the beacons of hope. The company came up with several long-term solutions to augment the livelihood of those who have been displaced and crippled by the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. Among these programs include the Mekeni Home2Home Delivery, reseller programs for distributors and employees, and the Bayani product line.

 

“We wanted to ensure that our customers will have access to quality food from the safety of their homes, so we launched our online delivery service. Also, we ought to find viable ways for our aspiring micropreneurs to continue earning their livelihood that’s why we strengthened our reseller program and diversified our product lines to cater to them,” said Garcia.

 

Mekeni is among the first companies that made delivery of frozen processed goods possible. The reseller program, on the other hand, is a manifestation of the company’s commitment to empowering its communities. Mekeni was able to embrace the new normal in business by enabling micropreneurs, which eventually helped revive the country’s MSMEs.

 

Leave no one behind: Helping Filipinos get through the pandemic

Apart from keeping the business afloat, Mekeni has always been keen on extending help to its communities may it be through donation drives or outreach activities.

The company has continued to deliver donations to select beneficiaries through various non-government organizations (NGOs) since mid-March when the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon was implemented. Mekeni has donated to several organizations all over Luzon. They’ve assisted frontliners in Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) Quezon City, Saint St. Luke’s Medical Center BGC in Taguig City, and Lugud Balen, a movement initiated by Kapampangan chefs, restaurant owners, and private individuals.

Mekeni also helped non-medical frontliners in Pampanga and has partnered with Caritas Manila and pledged food donations to over 700 families until year-end through its program Mekeni Bayanihan Pack.

Aside from helping their nearby communities during the pandemic, the company extended its efforts to far-flung areas devastated by natural disasters. Mekeni employees have spearheaded donation drives and turned over boxes of essential items to the displaced communities across the country.

 

Looking forward: The path to recovery continues

Despite the negative impact of the pandemic, Mekeni continues to adopt a bullish attitude in doing business in the new and better normal. Their commitment to innovation allows the company to continue changing the game for the food manufacturing industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking forward, Mekeni hopes to continue being every household’s partner in earning money by delivering quality products and services. The company promises to be the steady hands behind every aspiring entrepreneur, guiding and supporting them to fulfill their dreams.

 

“Our path to recovery is clear: we will continue prioritizing our people and our community’s welfare with malasakit and Bayanihan engraved in our services,” Garcia ended.

 

Top Up and Transfer for a Chance to Win ₱10,000 at the ShopeePay Cashless Festival

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ShopeePay users can also redeem exclusive rewards such as free shipping, coins cashback, and more this January 21-28, 2021

MANILA, JANUARY 21, 2021 - ShopeePay, an integrated mobile wallet that offers users easy access to digital payment services, launches its first-ever ShopeePay Cashless Festival this January 21-28, 2021. Shoppers who use ShopeePay can enjoy free shipping, coins cashback, a chance to win ₱10,000, and more exclusive rewards during the promo period.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “With the launch of our inaugural ShopeePay Cashless Festival, Shopee encourages more consumers to adopt digital payments for a safer, more rewarding, and seamless shopping experience. Filipinos are slowly embracing a more cashless lifestyle, and Shopee is excited to be at the forefront of this evolution. We remain committed to providing easy access to a wide range of digital payment options such as ShopeePay to cater to Filipinos’ evolving needs.”

Key highlights of the ShopeePay Cashless Festival:

From January 21-28, ShopeePay users can redeem these deals and rewards when they activate and top up their e-wallet:

● Free shipping: During the promo period, users who activate their ShopeePay wallets for the first time can enjoy a free shipping voucher with no minimum spend. New free shipping vouchers with a minimum spend of ₱149 will also be released daily. 

● Coins cashback from participating shops: Shoppers can look forward to 20% coins cashback on categories such as gadgets, home and living, mom essentials, and sports and motors. 

● Bills payment coins cashback: From January 21-27, ShopeePay users get 15% cashback capped at 120 coins when they pay their bills with a minimum spend of ₱800. On January 28, they can get 20% cashback capped at 160 coins with a minimum spend of ₱800.

● Deals Near Me: ShopeePay users get to enjoy ₱1 deals, up to 50% off on e-vouchers, and up to 15% coins cashback capped at 60 coins.

● Flash deals on mobile load and data: Throughout the week, shoppers can buy ₱100 worth of load/data for only ₱90. On January 25 and 28, users should be on the lookout for flash deals such as ₱10 load/data for ₱6, ₱15 load/data for ₱9, and ₱20 load/data for ₱12.

● Grand prize worth ₱10,000: There are two ways to win ₱10,000: users simply have to either top-up at least ₱300, or transfer ₱1. All users can also get rewards in the form of Shopee coins or vouchers.

● Play & Win on Shopee Live: Score up to ₱20,000 worth of ShopeePay credits by joining Play & Win ShopeePay Edition on weekdays, every 5:00-6:30 PM.

● Tutok to Win: All successful callers on Wowowin’s Tutok to Win will receive ShopeePay credits worth ₱5,000 each, on top of the usual cash prize of ₱20,000.

For more information on the ShopeePay Cashless Festival, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.