#KuwentoNgTagumpay: How borrowed ref, own recipe launched actor-model JM Magalona’s tapsi business

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The entertainment business has been hit hard by the global health crisis but actor-model JM Magalona still triumphed over many trials with the help of a tapsilogan business and digital tools from Globe.

Taking advantage of vast online opportunities, JM was able to pivot from being a showbiz personality cum fitness owner, to a food entrepreneur selling products online.

For his “Kuwento ng Tagumpay”, JM turned to his love for the popular delicious Filipino dish “silog” as well as to available technology in order to start anew after his career and gym business suffered due to strict community quarantine measures.

He studied the “eatery” idea which was long stuffed in his back pocket and revised it to fit the current times. With an initial capital of P6,000, a borrowed refrigerator and his own culinary chops, JM launched “Project Tapsi.”

“Sabi ko this is it, bubuhayin ko ‘to, irerevise ko ‘to na para kayang gawin sa pandemic. Ginawa ko siyang delivery,” narrated JM. “Nagpost ako online para makita nila ng produkto ko,” he added.

For his business, JM uses his LTE-powered Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi which allows customizable, high-speed, plug and play internet connection; and GCash for cashless transactions via the mobile phone, making it easier, safer, and more convenient for customers to pay for their orders.

Many Filipinos like JM are looking towards digitalization to bridge the gap between how things were versus what they are now, which is why Globe continues to reinvent itself and find new ways to serve the changing needs of the people.

“Ganda-ganda ng pasok ng income. May events at commercials ako, and yung gym, maraming tao. Smooth lahat. Tapos nung mangyari ang COVID, nawalan ako ng pag-asa. Devastating talaga. Hindi ko naisip na sa pagsubok na to, mayroon palang pag-asa,” said JM who went from stressed to blessed in just a few months of putting up Project Tapsi.

Bring My Pet to the Vet (BMPV) campaign: Royal Canin connects pet owners to trusted veterinary professionals, champions improved healthcare of pets in the Philippines

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MANILA, Philippines — Global leading pet nutrition manufacturer and provider Royal Canin recently launched its Bring My Pet to the Vet (BMPV) campaign as part of its commitment to champion responsible pet ownership among Filipino pet parents. Pet owners across the Philippines can now access over 20,000 free pet checkups and 4,000 BMPV care kits for their furry friends through the Royal Canin Club mobile application, as well as other pet rewards made available on the platform.

Over the past year, more Filipinos are turning to pets as their trusted quarantine companions. However, a survey by Kantar shows that 93% and 50% of cat and dog owners, respectively, do not get their pets checked regularly. The survey also highlights that most owners only bring their pets to the veterinarian for vaccinations and medical procedures, reflecting how wellness checkups are not common in the Philippines.

With this, Royal Canin introduced the BMPV campaign to encourage both new and old pet owners to bring their pets to the vet as early and as regularly as they can, and understand the importance of pet preventive healthcare and medicalization. The campaign also underlines the role that veterinarians play in Filipinos' pets' lives, as it provides a platform for pet owners to connect with their trusted vet partners and clinics, ultimately building a more connected and engaged pet community in the Philippines.

This year, Royal Canin leverages its mobile platform, the Royal Canin Club app, to strengthen its 2019 Bring My Dog to the Vet (BMDV) campaign and relate to more pet owners nationwide. To claim the free checkup, pet owners just need to claim the free consultation voucher under the mobile application’s rewards, find the nearest clinic in the store locator by selecting the Vet feature, and reach out to the clinics directly to book their appointments for consultation. On the day of their appointment, pet owners need to present their generated checkup QR code on their Royal Canin Club app to avail of the free consultation. Afterward, users are encouraged to complete their post-checkup survey for more amazing perks and rewards in the application.

Royal Canin’s BMPV campaign seeks to redefine its previous campaign, which gave away 3,000 free consultations for Filipino pet owners through the company’s website. Now made available on the Royal Canin Club app, it becomes a culmination of two purposeful pet preventive healthcare campaigns. It hopes to further educate pet owners about the signals to watch out from their pets to guide them and encourage them to work closely with their vets in achieving optimum health for their beloved furry friends.

“We, at Royal Canin, recognize the value of preventive pet healthcare and the important role that our veterinary partners and clinics play in one’s pet’s life. Through our new Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, we hope to instill this mindset and become a platform for pet owners to build a stronger bond with their veterinarians as we work together to safeguard the health of their pets even during such unprecedented time,” says Adriann Eusebio, Royal Canin Philippines’ Country Director. “We want to highlight how important it is for pet owners to have access to credible and reliable pet information, as we continue to improve our services with our loyal customers and partners giving us actionable insights about pet healthcare along the way.”

As the vet checkups require physical visits, Royal Canin ensures everyone that their partner veterinarians and pet shops follow the strict safety protocols of the government when taking in patients and customers. The company works closely with vet clinics to ensure that all pet owners secure appointments first before their visit to avoid overcrowding in their establishments.

“We understand the safety concerns of our partners and customers about going out to visit their vets amid the pandemic. With the lockdowns still in place, our BMPV campaign also ensures to encourage pet owners to become responsible citizens, as much as they are as pet parents, and abide by proper COVID-19 protocols of their vet partners and clinics to avoid the spread of the virus, “ adds Eusebio. “At Royal Canin, we aim to enforce extra precautions to address our customers’ concerns and are committed to improving our services by opening our lines of communication for improvement.”

For more information on Royal Canin’s Bring My Pet to the Vet campaign, pet owners may download the Royal Canin Club application, read about pet healthcare information, and claim their voucher through the platform. One may also visit the Royal Canin Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @RoyalCaninPH for more details about the Royal Canin Club app and other updates about the brand.

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About Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a top provider of a complete line of premium Health Nutrition products specifically formulated for cats and dogs based on size, age, lifestyle, breed, as well as jaw length, dental health, ingestion speed, and stool quality to address specific needs. Its standards remain on the cutting-edge of pet nutrition, partnering with pet experts such as vets, breeders, and others professionals to tailor precise nutritional formulations. Royal Canin products are available in almost 1000 specialized stores, pet shops, and veterinary clinics nationwide.

There’s No Mom Like You! PLDT Home releases new video series that celebrates every parenting style

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Parents only want the best home for their families. But what if the home that they tirelessly build is constantly challenged by criticisms and judgments? In a new video series, PLDT Home reveals the most pressing issues that many parents face today and calls on families to speak up, connect, and celebrate each other’s uniqueness.

A perfect home is not defined by the bigness of its structure, intricate interiors, art-decorated walls, and the sturdiest roof one can buy. Ultimately, the home is a place where people build relationships and make meaningful memories with their loved ones. But for many parents, there has always been a constant challenge of being at the receiving end of unwanted remarks and shaming for the way they raise their families. 

Andi Manzano-Reyes, Marie Lozano, and Camille Co

 

Starting this month of May, PLDT Home introduces a new video series tackling real stories of parents who continue to overcome parent-shaming, the struggles of parent guilt, and the challenges of raising young children in this pandemic. Frontlining the series are parents and content creators Andi Manzano-Reyes, Camille Co, and media personality Marie Lozano.

For Andi Manzano-Reyes, a mother of two girls (Olivia and Amelia), while pandemic parenting has been tough, the solid support system of her loved ones helped her get through and overcome parent guilt. “Stop second-guessing yourself, go by it daily and be focused. I’m thankful for the support system I have at home: the whole pandemic has made me realize the core people I need in my life,” she said.

 

Media personality Marie Lozano shares, “Pre-pandemic, I was out a lot for work and I missed out on a lot of things with my son. This situation where we are now has made me realize what really matters. We have such high expectations for ourselves in how we parent but what matters most is we show or remind our children that we love them.”

 

As a new mom, Camille Co reveals that there’s a whole lot more about parenting that people don’t see on social media. She says, “Being able to grow a human inside you and sustain the baby once you give birth is the most special thing that a mother can experience. But it’s not all peaches and cream. Sometimes you get so sad and frustrated and it’s okay. We need to trust the process and enjoy this experience as parents.”

 

Indeed, there is no one-size-fits-all in parenting. And to honor parents for their relentless efforts and unique ways to raise their children the best way they can, PLDT Home fosters a movement that inspires them to embrace their own parenting styles and support one another to do the same.

 

As the country’s fastest fixed network, PLDT Home enables families to enjoy the strongest connections that allow them to do all things better and together at home. PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Home Business Butch G. Jimenez shares, “Digital connectivity has always been at the core of every home. PLDT continues to innovate and provide the most reliable digital services so that families can stay strongly connected and do better at home with our fastest home broadband.” 

 

In the new video series, PLDT Home emphasizes that “there’s no time like this and there’s no parent like you.”

Watch the latest heartwarming digital video series in this link: PLDT HOME and join the movement by posting online with the hashtag #NoMomLikeYou.

 

Safe and seamless online payments via GCash’s QR on Demand

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Passengers can now enjoy safe and seamless online payments using personal QR code

These days, social distancing is one of the best and consistent safety measures implemented to prevent further  transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Because of this, businesses and individuals are now forced to shift their transactions online, be it to buy goods, pay bills, send money, and even donate.   

To provide small businesses with a faster and more secure mode of  payment for their products and services,  GCash  has launched the Personal QR or QR on Demand as a safe and effective alternative to send/receive money without inputting one’s mobile number. 

Since its launch last February 2021, GCash has seen more than 100,000 users who transacted using the Personal QR. By March, the superlife app has managed to convert at least 10,000 informal sellers to generate their own QR codes.

Without a doubt, the Personal QR has been a game-changer in the pandemic, as it allows users—from online sellers and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) to individuals like doctors and taxi drivers—seamless transactions with their customers. 

Now, they are sharing their Personal QRs on their websites, social media accounts, and print outs by their stalls, without the need to share their mobile numbers. What’s more, they can personalize the QR by indicating the amount that their customers should be paying them.

Like them, you too, can generate your own QR code. Simply download or log-in to the GCash app. Tap Receive via QR option on the Send Money icon.

Download the GCash app for free on Google Play for Android, Apple Store for iPhone and iPad users, or Huawei Gallery.Funding a GCash account is easy and can be done through multiple cash-in kiosks in partners stores like Globe Stores, Ministop, 7-Eleven, Alfamart, and Villarica Pawnshop or supermarkets including Puregold, Robinsons Supermarkets, SM Supermarkets.

With social distancing becoming the new normal, and everyone shifting digitally to minimize face-to-face transactions, using a Personal QR code via GCash is the most convenient and safest payment option for individuals, online sellers and even SMEs, without having to input one’s mobile number.  

To know more, or create a GCash account, visit https://www.gcash.com/

Organique launches #ImmunoStrongPH campaign for a stronger immunity amid the pandemic, Introduces its newest ambassador, cancer survivor Vlogger Wil Dasovich

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In its effort to create a stronger community by promoting stronger immunity, Organique Inc. virtually launched its #ImmunoStrongPH campaign with leading content creator and cancer survivor Wil Dasovich as a fitting ambassador. The virtual presser highlighted health as the top of mind concern among the millions of Filipinos today as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and as the whole nation moves toward recovery.

Aside from Dasovich, also present to discuss the important relationship between immunity and lasting health were Organique, Inc. CEO and President Catherine Salimbangon; DOH Director IV of the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho; and featured COVID-19 survivor Lawrence Lee and hypertension survivor Marielle Vergara.

Clockwise: Organique Brand Ambassador Wil Dasovich; Organique, Inc. CEO and President Catherine Salimbangon; Department of Health Director IV of the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho; Host Kurt Dueñas; and featured survivors of COVID Lawrence Lee and Hypertension Marielle Vergara at the virtual launch of Organique's national health awareness campaign entitled '#ImmunoStrongPH: Protecting the Community through Immunity.'

Stronger immunity, stronger community

According to Salimbangon, “Health is wealth, which is why we are promoting a deeper level of care for Filipino families and medical frontliners by advocating a conscious effort towards holistic health and overall wellness. Everyone, especially those at risk or are continually exposed to health hazards, can live their lives to the fullest with their loved ones for a long time.”

The #ImmunoStrongPH national awareness campaign was designed to generate awareness on the multitude of ways that Filipinos can protect themselves and their communities by strengthening their immune system. Chief of this is a healthy lifestyle, supported by clean eating and complemented by natural and organic superfoods such as the Organique Acai line of premium nutritional supplements. Being immunostrong can help Filipinos prevent the onset of diseases.

In support of DOH’s BIDA+ Solusyon

A collaboration between the private and public sectors, the #ImmunoStrongPH campaign complements the BIDA+ Solusyon campaign guidelines set by the DOH, which calls on the public to strictly adhere to health and safety protocols to prevent the continuous spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Ho said, “Practicing minimum public health standards is another layer of immunity. We request everyone to perform the BIDA+ Solusyon by wearing face masks, washing hands, sanitizing frequently, and practicing social distancing.” She also stressed the importance of investing in one’s health, saying, “The body remembers assaults done to it, and assaults can come in the form of bad food, smoking, lack of exercise. Bodies are vessels of investment.”

The #ImmunoStrongPH campaign also pays tribute to the country’s medical frontliners and community health workers for their dedication and hard work in protecting the Filipino people from illnesses.

Overcoming cancer and other illnesses

During the virtual launch, Dasovich narrated his experience as a colon cancer survivor at the tender age of 25 and how he was able to overcome it in a year’s time. He also spoke about the importance of keeping the immune system strong to be able to fight off diseases and recover quickly from them.

“I am so driven to make a difference in how people approach their health and wellness through my own personal cancer survival story,” Dasovich shared. “I cannot overstate the importance of being mindful of one’s physical health by staying fit, exercising regularly, and eating the right kinds of food for the nourishment of your body, especially in this day and age when we are exposed to many allergens and bacteria on a daily basis.“

“Throughout my journey as a cancer survivor, I’ve always believed in the power of taking antioxidants and ingesting super foods like Acai berries. The top Organique products like Acai freeze-dried capsules and Acai premium blend don’t only help you become healthier and live longer, but they also taste amazingly good,” Dasovich added.

Organique Acai Premium Blend Drink and ImmunoCare Kits sent by Organique to support frontliners and medical societies which include essentials like alcohol, face mask, face shield, and Department of Health BIDA+ Solusyon poster for information dissemination.

A campaign for the public good

His sentiments were echoed by COVID-19 survivor Lee and hypertension survivor Vergara, who shared their thoughts about the importance of having a strong immune system especially during a pandemic.

“Life begins at 60. At my age when I have about 10 years more, I can still accomplish more and I want to live with strength, stamina, and energy. Organique has been helping me through the years. You cannot take care of others without taking care of yourself,” Vergara said.

This was magnified by Lee who said, “Iisa lang ang buhay natin. Mas kampante ka kung alam mong mas healthy ka. Paano ako mag-p-provide sa family ko kung hindi ako healthy. Physically, tayo nag-suffer pero mentally, family natin ang nag-suffer.”

Medical societies and organizations —The Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists (left), and the Department of Health (right), receive the ImmunoCare Kits from Organique representatives.

Organique, Inc. pledged to donate Acai Freeze-dried capsules to selected hospitals and community centers in partnership with the Department of Health.

Salimbangon concluded the virtual event by saying, “We take care of our health, so that we can also take care of the health of those we love. #ImmunoStrongPH is about protecting the community through immunity. We are also strengthening our commitment as a health and wellness partner of the DOH by spreading awareness via our brand ambassador, Mr. Dasovich, and through our continued distribution of IMMUNOCARE KITS.”