Traveling safely and wisely with UnionBank CEB GetGo Debit Card

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Manila, Philippines - The relaxed quarantine restrictions have given us more room to navigate through the new normal. Travel bans are slowly being lifted but there is still a great need to stay careful, take precautions, and follow protocols. Here are some tips for traveling in the new normal.

Travel by land

Ready for a road trip? Here are some things you’ll need to know:

1. Consider the size of your car

The IATF ruling on passengers states that a privately-owned car can seat one passenger in the front and two passengers per row of front-facing seats. This means that if you and your barkada want to travel together, you may need a car with a bigger capacity.

2. Always wear your face mask and face shield

Yes, that means while riding the vehicle too! If you are carrying other passengers in the car, you still need to wear your face mask. However, if this is a solo trip, wearing a face mask is only mandatory when you open your windows. Plenty of establishments require you to wear a face shield too since this is considered to be part of basic protocols.

3. Find out destination protocols

Some cities and baranggays may have requirements for visitors. Make sure you know what to bring. Check for swab test or quarantine requirements that they may ask for.

4. Have a well-planned itinerary

Some locations may have strict operating hours or curfew. It is best to plan your trips so that you can maximize your vacations!

5. Use your CEB GetGo Debit Card for expenses

Whether you're buying some road trip snacks, gas, or paying for your restaurant bills, use your CEB GetGo Debit Card for cashless payments and earn points! Earn a GetGo point for every Php 100 spend and redeem for a flight to your dream destination. #FlyForFreeFaster

Travel by plane

As airports slowly open, we can now experience safe traveling in the new normal. This is coupled with guidelines and procedures to ensure safety for all passengers and employees involved.

1. Check which airports are open

Visit your airline’s website to see where you can fly.

2. Find exclusive deals via the GetGo Mobile App

Have you been using your CEB GetGo Debit Card? You may have accumulated GetGo points that you can use to score travel deals from flights.

Choose from our various selections of merchants for hotels, retail, food, wellness, etc. Earn more points and #FlyForFreeFaster! Check your account and visit bit.ly/UBPGG- GoPlaces.

3. Earn GetGo Points through Cebu Pacific flights

Earn 1 GetGo point for every Php 10 spend when you use your CEB GetGo Debit Card on your Cebu Pacific flights. Book your flights wisely!

4. Fill up the necessary travel documents

Each city has different document requirements to ensure safety. Visit https://bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders and find out what you’ll need to prepare when you go to the destination of your choice.

5. Be prepared to take a swab test

Depending on the baranggay and city you are coming to and from, you may need to take a swab test. Each location is different so it is important to research these beforehand.

6. Check for quarantine requirements

Certain destinations may require a quarantine period. To schedule your trip, find out if you need to set aside some days for quarantine and make sure to book your hotel accommodation in advance if needed.

7. Read departure protocols

Wearing a face mask and a face shield are necessary from your departure in the airport until you arrive to your destination. There are also other safety measures you need to brush up on such as checking in early and the various contactless procedures before and after you fly.

Travel restrictions have eased but being a responsible traveler is a must. Take note of these safety precautions so that you can wander wisely.

Bayanihan for WellBeing invites all families to join the Philippines’ first-ever Filipino Family WellBeing Virtual Conference

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The Bayanihan for WellBeing Initiative led by Unilab Foundation, Inc., is bringing us the first-ever Filipino Family WellBeing Virtual Conference happening on February 12 and 13.

With the theme “Pagsulong ng Pamilyang Pilipino sa Panahon ng Pagbabago”, the virtual conference is set to open and steer a discussion that offers various perspectives on family wellbeing.

Challenges of the Filipino Family

In 2020, Filipino families went through various challenges brought about by the pandemic and natural calamities, creating drastic changes in family dynamics, such as financial and economic concerns. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), 73.5% of Filipino households had at least one member of the family experience job loss or workload reduction. This resulted to financial instability, with 85% of households experiencing financial difficulty during the pandemic.

In terms of psychological impact, a study entitled “Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines (Tee, 2020)” showed that a significant percentage, ranging from 13% to almost 17% of respondents have rated the psychological impact of the pandemic, its effects on depressive symptoms and anxiety levels to be moderate to severe. Meanwhile, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) noted a significant increase in monthly calls from 80 pre-lockdown to nearly 400 during the quarantine.

Meanwhile, among the unprecedented social concerns that surfaced during the lockdown is families worrying over their children’s education when schools shifted to online, remote, or distance learning. Children who would normally play outside are required to stay within their homes and adults who have shifted to working from home now had to balance household and career responsibilities, according to a 2020 report by the Humanitarian and Social Research Center (INSAMER).

Role of Family Wellbeing

Family wellbeing is central to addressing issues associated with these challenges. The National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (NCPFCE) defines family wellbeing simply as the “safety, health, and financial security of the whole family”, which encompasses both physical and mental health.

The vision of the Bayanihan for WellBeing (BWB) Initiative is for mental health and family wellbeing to be holistic, inclusive, and empowering, targeting particularly families in the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to join the discussion. The BWB Collaborative is led by Unilab Foundation, Inc. through its Heads Up PH program with the support of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, Psychological Association of the Philippines, Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, and Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Executive Director of Unilab Foundation Lilibeth Aristorenas shared, “Months long after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Filipinos still experience the effects of social confinement, financial disruptions, and burdens of work-life integration. Amplified by different crises in the past year, these stressors continue to debilitate the youth, families, and communities from maximizing their daily life activities. “

“It is in uncertain times like this that mental health and wellbeing must be put at the forefront to address these stresses. Forming healthy familial relationships do not only help the youth cope with the effects of crises but are also essential helping them feel love and security, which impacts their brain development and sense of self and helps them grow up to become confident and resilient individuals,” added Aristorenas.

The 2-day conference will have three sessions that will be delving into different aspects of Filipino family wellbeing, raise awareness on its value and impact on the mental health of the family, which can hopefully build meaningful partnerships and cultivate a culture of family wellbeing promotion.

To kick-off the conference, a panel discussion on the challenges and strengths of the Filipino family during the pandemic will take place on February 12 at 9 AM.

The second session will take place on February 13 at 9 AM and will tackle how to provide a more active role in addressing family wellbeing through a panel discussion as well as activity-based target group sessions.

Lastly, the third session will happen on February 13 at 4 PM featuring a discussion of different types of Filipino families and their stories from young couples and single parents to OFWs to conclude the conference.

The Filipino Family WellBeing Conference is completely free and open to all from medical and health professionals and development workers to educators, parents, and the youth. 

To join the event, you can register at bit.ly/FFWC2021RegForm and watch the livestream at the Bayanihan for WellBeing Facebook page at facebook.com/BayanihanForWellBeing.

You can also support the event by donating a Bayanihan for WellBeing Resiliency Play Bag, which is composed of: (1) Toys like sipa and kickball, which are intended to help children release tension; (2) Cape and mask which they could design, allowing them to identify their strengths and make them feel like Superheroes; and (3) Writing and coloring sheets to encourage their creativity and help them express their emotions.

For as little as Php250 / $5.00, you can help raise a resilient child by providing them with materials to help them express themselves and develop coping strategies. Donations can be done via bank deposit with the details below:

Unilab Foundation, Inc. – BPI Mandaluyong – Account number 0181-0489-72 (Swift code: BOPIPHM). Please send a photo of your deposit slip to: headsup@unilabfoundation.org.

You may also donate via PayPal at healthierPH@unilabfoundation.org and send a screenshot of your transaction to headsup@unilabfoundation.org.

For suggestions and inquiries on the event including partnership and sponsorship opportunities, you may visit the Bayanihan for WellBeing Facebook page for more details. You may also contact Camille Mendoza at 0917-867-4169 or Jefferson Hilario at 0917-326-2092.

Together, let’s build a mentally healthy Philippines, one family at a time.

Datu Puti gets the spotlight in new Guinness World Records™ Title

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Datu Puti just kicked off 2021 by making history in setting a new Guinness World Records™ title for the most people dipping food into vinegar online simultaneously.

Visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/DatuPuti/posts/3983518118359955

On January 24, the brand hosted a large-scale online meeting via Zoom, dubbed as the Datu Puti Mukhasim Nation World Record Day, where nearly 200 “Ka-Datus” joined the attempt to set a new Guinness World Records™ title. Hosted by Sam YG, the official title attempt was led by Datu Puti’s celebrity Sukambassadors Tita Krissy Achino, Eric “Eruption” Tai, and Maymay Entrata.

The Datu Puti Mukhasim Nation World Record Day was led by host Sam YG, SukAmbassadors Tita Krissy Achino, Eric “Eruption” Tai, and Maymay Entrata, and Ka-Datu Facilitators JC Tevez, Nikki Viola, Show Suzuki and Cara Eriguel.

Participants were divided into six Tribo Breakout Rooms, namely Tribo Sukang Puti facilitated by JC Tevez, Tribo Sukang Sinamak with Maymay Entrata and Cara Eriguel, Tribo Pinoy Spice headed by Eric “Eruption” Tai, Tribo Sukang Tagalog with Tita Krissy Achino, Tribo Sukang Iloko with Show Suzuki, and Tribo Spiced Vinegar led by Nikki Viola.

The breakout rooms ensured that Guinness World Records™ official adjudicator Brian Sobel, who joined the call all the way from Australia, and six other independent witnesses were able to monitor and check if all the guidelines of the attempt were followed.

At the sound of the Sawsaw Signal, all Ka-Datus and Sukambassadors simultaneously showed their best “Sawsaw-Tikim-Mukhasim” move on camera. Participants simultaneously dipped their choice of food into their favorite Datu Puti Vinegar before tasting its naturally fermented goodness that brings out the best Mukhasim reaction.

As the undisputed leading vinegar brand in the country since 1975, Datu Puti has consistently provided a satisfying nuot-asim sarap that makes great-tasting dishes a lot more enjoyable. Also known as the pambansang suka, Datu Puti now comes in five distinctly Filipino flavors that celebrate the diversity of our cuisine and culture: Datu Puti Sukang Sinamak, Datu Puti Sukang Iloko, Datu Puti Sukang Tagalog, Datu Puti Pinoy Spice, and the classic Datu Puti White Vinegar.

Participants were divided into six Tribo Breakout Rooms namely Tribo Sukang Puti, Tribo Sukang Sinamak, Tribo Pinoy Spice, Tribo Sukang Tagalog, Tribo Sukang Iloko, and Tribo Spiced Vinegar. This is to ensure that everyone is seen during the Official Guinness World Records™ Attempt.

Guinness World Records™ adjudicator Brian Sobel congratulated all Ka-Datus for participating in the historic event, which was also witnessed live by thousands of viewers through the Datu Puti Facebook Page.

“After a thorough review of all the footage from the Datu Puti Mukhasim Nation World Record Day, which took place on January 24, I am very happy and proud to announce that you have managed to set a new Guinness World Records™ title of the most people dipping food into vinegar online simultaneously. I congratulate Datu Puti and all the Ka-Datus for this ‘officially amazing’ feat. I hope that this new record will not only make Datu Puti and the Ka-Datu’s proud of their achievement, but also help inspire more people in your country and all over the world to explore their own limitless possibilities.” said Sobel.

Not only is this feat remarkable for gathering a large number of participants online, but also because of its symbolism. At a time when we are unable to gather physically, the Filipino resilience shines through by finding ways and means to celebrate as a community, even at a distance.

“Datu Puti’s new Guinness World Records achievement is more than just a show of power or capacity to gather the most people dipping food into vinegar online. It is a representation of how we Filipinos are able to come together to find joy at a time of despair,” said Nutriasia COO and President Ms. Angie Flaminiano.

A vibrant, vintage shopping experience in Palacio de Memoria’s Flea Market

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The new year meets the golden age of the past as Palacio de Memoria holds "Flea Market at Palacio de Memoria," exciting and colorful art, antiques, and artisanal fair, this February 6 and 7, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Featuring a wide variety of must-have art and decorative pieces, the Flea Market at Palacio de Memoria takes inspiration from the El Rastro de Madrid flea market. A weekend of affordable antiques and art all for the taking, the fair will be selling unique and curated products from Rue Angelique, Archivo 1984, Gallery of Prints, and more. You’ll feel like you’re walking along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores in Europe as you explore beautiful artifacts that reflect Euro-Filipino history and aesthetic.

The Flea Market at Palacio de Memoria will also be holding art-related activities outdoors for the fairgoers. These include connoisseur talks by renowned collectors, film screening by ABS-CBN Film Restoration, Inc., Cigar Night by Tabacalera Incorporada. There will also be exquisite dining by Cibo di Marghi by chef Margarita Fores, as well as an open bar by Don Papa and Remy Martin.

To help ensure the health and safety of everyone, Palacio de Memoria will be implementing strict safety measures throughout the duration of the fair. Palacio de Memoria is located at 95 Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.

The event is open to the public for free, but registration is required. To register, interested attendees may email directly at john@casadememoria.com.   

For more information, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com or follow @thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio.de.memoria on Instagram.

#FightingHunger: Globe, Walang Iwanan Alliance raise P4.9M for poor communities

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Globe and Walang Iwanan Alliance (WIA) gave at least 14,000 food and rice packs to disadvantaged and underserved communities in Mandaluyong, Paranaque, San Juan and other cities and municipalities in Luzon recently.

 

Through the support of Globe customers, the company and WIA were able to raise more than P4.9 million, with more than P650,000 coming from customers’ donations through Globe Rewards and GCash apps, which in turn was used to provide and deliver the food assistance.

 

The partnership helped spark a collective action against hunger and effectively contributed in reducing hunger in Metro Manila in a few months. Food packs were given to communities in Addition Hills, Hi-way Hills, Barangka Drive, Barangka Itaas, Namayan, Plainview, Buayang Bato and Hulo in Mandaluyong; and in Marcelo Green, La Huerta, San Dionisio, Moonwalk, Don Bosco, San Antonio in Paranaque. Residents of Little Baguio in San Juan also received food assistance.

 

“With the continued and unwavering support of our customers and the Walang Iwanan Alliance, we are able to help address the most pressing needs of the underserved communities, such as hunger.   We are glad to enable our partners and customers to raise funds in a safer way through our digital platforms,” said Joey Kilayko, Head of Globe Rewards.

 

Globe and WIA also brought rice subsidies to Rizal, Cagayan, Albay, Quezon and Camarines Norte provinces as well as in the Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas and Manila.

 

“We are happy to partner with Globe which shares our advocacy to support families in need of immediate assistance during this pandemic. Involuntary hunger is a pressing issue and we can’t do it alone. By enabling us with a resource stream via Globe Rewards and GCash donation facility, Globe helps us sustain these efforts and at the same time empower the public to contribute to efforts in addressing hunger,” said Jose Maria Montelibano, Spokesperson, Walang Iwanan Alliance.

 

With the enhanced community quarantine imposed at the end of Q1 in 2020, disadvantaged families were placed in a more vulnerable position as limited mobility has diminished their livelihood options. A study from Social Weather Stations (SWS) released in September 2020 showed that 7.6 million Filipino households experienced involuntary hunger amidst community quarantines due to poverty - almost a million families coming from Metro Manila alone. Government subsidies, while available, were not enough to serve all affected families.

 

“Hindi natin maiwasan na maramdaman ang hirap. Di (ko) inaasahan, siyempre masayang masaya ka na makatanggap ng biyaya na hindi mo inaasahan at makakatawid na sa pang araw-araw,” said Angie Abrasado, a Paranaque resident.

 

Spearheaded by the ADMU616569 Foundation, Inc., the Walang Iwanan Alliance is a citizen-led initiative to build a platform that unites all efforts to mitigate hunger in the most vulnerable communities across Metro Manila during the pandemic. Its goal is to set up a vast network of food distribution systems, starting with the establishment of Food Banks (physical and virtual) in key locations to create new and support existing efforts on the ground.

 

Globe, on the other hand, empowers every Filipino to support underserved families within Metro Manila by providing advocacy platforms such as Globe Rewards and GCash.  At the end of 2020, the initiative has resulted in the provision of food supply to over 6,000 families in Paranaque and Mandaluyong. Beyond this, almost 10,000 families affected by the recent typhoons were provided with relief in the form of rice subsidies. All in all, the partnership has reached 14,600 families in Luzon.

 

Globe also enabled customers and various institutions to do a Globe of Good by providing tech solutions.  Digital fundraising platforms such as Globe Rewards and GCash coupled with communications campaigns were able to raise the following:

 

*Php 57M for #OneGlobeVsCovid, #FightCovd19, Rewards campaign for Covid

*Php 21.2M for #RollyAidPH, #UlyssesAidPH, ##TulongCagayan

*Php 1.5M for Rewards campaign for Rolly and Ulysses

 

All in all, Rewards and GCash donations reached Php 79.7M in 2020.

 

Globe urges its customers to donate their Globe Rewards Points to Walang Iwanan Alliance. Each point donated is equivalent to Php 1. The collected amount will be used to purchase food packs for low-income families. The WIA will take care of identifying the most vulnerable communities within Metro Manila while working with the respective barangays, LGUS, and the members of the Alliance which are the organization's existing ground support.

 

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals specifically UN SDG No. 9 which calls for enabling partners via mobile tech such as Globe Rewards. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.