Shopee Rolled Out its Vaccination Center Support Initiative with Makati City to Provide Filipinos a Comfortable Vaccination Experience

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MANILA, JULY 9, 2021 - Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, rolls out the Vaccination Center Support initiative starting with Makati City, and will also roll it out in other cities in Metro Manila. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan that aims to encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated and provide them with a more comfortable vaccination experience. 

Shopee launched its vaccination center support initiative in Makati City last June 28 by providing  Makatizens food and health kits from Shopee and its partner brands under Shopee Mall.  Shopee also turned over ten units of Symphony Air Coolers to Makati in the presence of Mayor Abigail Binay and Makati City Administrator Atty. Claro Certeza.

The package given to Maktizens and frontliners included snacks from Del Monte, Perfetti Van Melle, Dutchmill Soy, Monde Nissin, and Rebisco; bottled water from Hope in a Bottle; and health kits from Mighty Clean. 

According to Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines’ Director, “It is of utmost importance that we get as many Filipinos vaccinated in the soonest possible time and as always, Shopee finds ways to extend assistance where we can. At Shopee, it is our goal to encourage more people to get vaccinated and we are pleased to partner with the Makati City Local Government for providing its citizens with a comfortable vaccination experience. ” 

Mayor Abigail Binay said, “We are more than happy to team up with Shopee for the Shopee Bayanihan Vaccination Center Support initiative. As more Filipinos get vaccinated for their protection, we will continue to find ways to serve the people better through partnerships with organizations like Shopee.” 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play. Check out with ShopeePay to enjoy more great deals on Shopee.

Five saktong deals for your family of four! Check out these value-for-money ways to bring joy to the whole family

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Now that many families spend more time at home and finances are tighter than before, family promos and deals are like music to the ears. With family deals, you get your value-for-money times four—plus more bonding opportunities together!

You can find good deals left and right, but here are some which are tailor-fit to surely give you and your family a great time!

Gadget and accessory bundles

It’s no secret that gadgets have brought efficiency, convenience, and even entertainment to our lives. This is why tech brands occasionally release deals which bundle the main device like a smartphone with other accessories like headphones, speakers, smartwatches, and more. Watch out for these offers because for the price of one device, you get more items which your family can use as well!

Music and entertainment subscriptions

Who doesn’t love music and entertainment? With endless music, movie, and TV show streaming services present in the digital universe, you can definitely find packages which are ideal for you and your family. A subscription would normally allow more or less four gadgets in the household, so you and your family can each enjoy your favorite content simultaneously in your own devices!

Staycation promos

As some areas of the country ease quarantine restrictions, hotels and resorts are starting to reopen with the necessary precautions and bounce back with attractive room rates and perks. Now might be a good time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a relaxing staycation while complying with the standard safety protocols.

Insurance packages

Planning for the future is always a good idea, and insurance companies offer family packages which cater to you and your family’s specific goals, whether it’s for health, education, or finances. These packages are worth a look if they can help secure those goals.

Photo credit: @startermama (IG)

 

4-pc Chickenjoy Family Box

The list won’t be complete without food, and the country’s #1 fast food chain Jollibee has got you and your family covered. Its world-renowned crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy now comes in a 4-pc Family Box at a special introductory price of P249, more affordable and a great centerpiece for the dining table! It can also come with two servings of sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti, two large Jolly Crispy Fries, two beefy-saucy Burger Steak, or three langhap-sarap Yumburger each also at a special introductory price of P330.

“Family time is so special, which is why there are many deals out there aimed to bring out and even level up those bonding moments. But for us, there is nothing quite like gathering around and enjoying the Chickenjoy’s crispy well-seasoned skin, juicy and tender meat, and distinctly flavorful gravy together,” Jollibee Marketing AVP for Bestsellers Cathleen Capati said. “We hope that our affordable Family Box will allow more families to enjoy our best-selling product and will become part of their valuable family time.”

Have the 4pc-Chickenjoy Family Box safely delivered to your home via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Seth Dungca’s “Pangako” breaks world record for the most music videos made for a song

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Filipino singer-composer Seth Dungca’s single “Pangako” recently spawned a whopping total of 64 music videos, handily surpassing the standing Guinness World Record for Most Music Videos Made for One Song.

The official world record is currently held by British EDM duo Coldcut for their 1998 song “Timber,” which has a total of five different music videos. Dungca’s “Pangako” easily tops that record by 59 more videos.

“Pangako” generated a plethora of music videos when Dungca’s record label Insight Music launched a film competition in partnership with UFC to crown the official music video for the song. As of July 8, 64 people have submitted official entries, which may all be viewed for free on the YouTube Insight 360.

While YouTube provides proof of the song’s record-breaking achievement, Dungca and Insight Music still need to get official verification from Guinness World Records. Insight Music President and Chief Creative Director Chris Cahilig discloses that the label is currently in the process of applying for the record, but he is confident that they’ve broken the 23-year-old feat.

“It’s clear that we beat the current record by a landslide. Obviously, 64 is decidedly greater than 5,” says Cahilig. “Every single one of these entries is also officially published on our YouTube channel. And they’re all unique, so the proof is right there.”

The process of world record validation can take up to 12 weeks, shortened by the organization’s Priority Application scheme that may take only five days.

“We hope to get this verified as soon as possible,” adds Cahilig, “because as far as we’re concerned, Seth and Pangako have earned it.”

As for the artist himself, Dungca thinks earning a Guinness World Record would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that he earnestly hopes will push through.

“I would never say no to having something as prestigious as a Guinness World Record,” says Dungca, “and to receive it because of all these uniquely beautiful music videos for my song fills me with an infinite amount of gratitude.”

Dungca says more than just the bragging rights of being a world record owner, seeing all the creativity from the 64 videos has made Pangako his proudest work yet.

“It’s crazy how much effort people put into making these videos. It shows that something about my song compelled them to direct these personal, moving, sometimes wacky music videos,” says Dungca. “The world record is really just a bonus. It’s already a huge win for me just seeing how music and film can come together to express real human beauty. I’m happy we got to do that with Pangako.”

Dungca believes that choosing from the submitted music videos poses a tough challenge for the selection team. “I’ve seen all 64,” says Dungca, “and let me tell you, the judges are in for a frustrating time. Each video strikes a chord in the viewer’s heart in a uniquely artistic way.”

Insight Music recently announced the Top 20 music videos that will compete for the grand prize of 50,000 pesos and the distinction of being Pangako’s official music video. The label is set to announce the winner along with the People’s Choice Award for most YouTube views on July 30.

Filipino Unique Stays Hosts earned over P24 million since start of pandemic

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With travel restrictions easing, borders reopening and an increasing desire for unique stays, Airbnb data reveals now is the time for would-be Filipino Hosts to open their homes to guests

Manila, Philippines - Airbnb’s 2021 Release showed that travelers are booking unique abodes including cabins, tiny homes, and treehouses to break up the monotony of the past year spent in lockdown. Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a recent Airbnb survey indicated they want to be able to filter for unique stays when searching for trip accommodation.

According to latest Airbnb data, searches for unique stays have increased by 94 percent in 2021 compared to the same time period in 2019, and 55 percent of Airbnb's 100 most wishlisted homes in the last year fall into unique categories.* Notably, searches for certain types of unique homes have exploded by over 10x compared to just two years ago. Searches for yurts have spiked by approximately 1700%, while searches for earth houses and barns have increased 1,285% and 1,068% respectively.

In the Philippines, Hosts have earned over P24 million welcoming guests into their unique homes since the start of the pandemic. “Many of our unique stays in the Philippines are tucked away in the outskirts of large cities, within driving distance from the metro,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. “Uncovering these one-of-a-kind stays is now a whole lot easier with our new Flexible Destinations feature, which helps guests discover incredible properties in places they may not have thought to search for. Guests can simply enter the dates they want to travel or search with flexible dates, for instance, a weekend, week or an entire month, to search and book their unique stays.”

One of Airbnb’s most popular unique stays is the Domescape glamping dome house in Nasugbu, Batangas. The Domescape is the first of its kind in the Philippines -- an intricately designed geodesic dome perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Barangay Tumalim, a quiet neighborhood adjacent to a large river, the Domescape is tastefully styled with modern wood furniture and plush white beddings. It also comes complete with luxury amenities that allow guests to immerse in nature in full comfort, including an air conditioner, mini-fridge, kettle, microwave oven, and humidifier. Guests can spend the night stargazing from inside the dome, as well as enjoy private access to a natural swimming pool!

The dome is equipped with all the essentials you need for an ideal nature getaway

“Domescape was born out of our love for adventure and family,” shares Host Triccia Serafica. “It was on a family road trip in 2018 when we thought of having a second home tucked away somewhere remote, and away from our place in the city. We wanted to combine the rejuvenating experience you feel when you’re close to nature with the luxury you get when you stay in upscale accommodation.”

After the completion of the Domescape that same year, Triccia and her family began to invite friends over to stay. The following year, they began hosting on Airbnb and found great joy in sharing their second home with travelers who want to immerse in the great outdoors while spending quality time with their loved ones.

“With Domescape, we have witnessed several beautiful celebrations with our guests,” added Tricia. “Whether a marriage proposal, surprise birthday celebrations, and even pre-wedding photoshoots - we always look forward to these celebrations and are beyond happy to be a part of the moment. Hosting has allowed us to meet people from all walks of life - we’ve even hosted celebrities for their pre-wedding shoot, not to mention numerous shoots for magazines and music videos!”

Awake to picturesque views of lush greenery outside the dome

Spend the afternoon dipping in this sustainable outdoor swimming pool

For those interested in hosting with Airbnb and opening their unique homes to guests, Airbnb’s new platform upgrades have made it easier for anyone who wants to host. Find out more about how you can become an Airbnb Host here: https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.

*Based on Airbnb internal data of unique stay searches as of April 30, 2021.

J&T Heroes awards outstanding delivery frontliners

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Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon campaign honors contributions of riders

J&T Express Philippines honors Edison Awa as J&T Hero of the Year

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear helmets and ride motorcycles.

From hundreds of nominations for outstanding delivery riders nationwide, e-commerce logistics leader J&T Express Philippines recently awarded its top three “hero riders” last July 2 during the Facebook and Youtube livestream of J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon which was watched by more than 190,000 viewers.

J&T Express Philippines Vice President Zoe Chi said the event is part of the company’s bayanihan spirit that aims to uplift the dignity of delivery riders as frontliners and modern heroes by recognizing their hard work, dedication, and contributions on the field every day.

“They have shown valor, creativity, ingenuity, and resilience in every parcel delivered. We are honored to have them in our J&T family. May you continue to serve as inspirations to every person you meet on the road,” she said.

Edison Awa, a J&T delivery rider based in Muntinlupa for two years now, garnered the top spot out of the final seven nominees and was named J&T Hero of the Year. According to his branch supervisor, Awa could deliver 100-300 packages in a day, or five or sometimes six days a week, making him one of the top couriers in his branch.

“Lahat naman kami deserve na maging J&T Hero,” he said. “Napakahalaga po ng delivery riders kasi kami ang nagdadala ng pangunahing pangangailan ng mga tao sa panahon na takot pa silang lumabas. Kahit natatakot para sa sarili, tinataas ko na lang sa Diyos ang aking kaligtasan para hindi bumigay sa hamon ng buhay."

As a breadwinner for his aging parents and siblings in the province as well as his own family of four, Awa used to rely on uncertain odd jobs in construction and agencies, but now finds fulfillment and steady income from being a J&T delivery frontliner. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa J&T,” he added, “Ang mensahe ko sa aking co-riders, kahit gaano kahirap ang trabaho sa araw-araw, kahit gaano karami, isipin na ginagawa natin ito para sa ating mahal sa buhay.” As J&T Hero of the Year, Awa received a brand-new motorcycle and smart phone.

J&T Heroes recognize Daryl Ocenar from Tacloban City and Ricky Frias of J&T Taguig Branch as J&T Heroes second and third placer respectively.

Daryl Ocenar from Tacloban and Ricky Frias representing the J&T Taguig Branch won second and third place respectively. They also received smartphones and corresponding prizes to include wireless earphones, Php5,000 worth of gift certificates, and an action camera. Other J&T Heroes finalists which include Raniel Pawilan (Quezon City), Russel Agullo (Makati City), Alan Guillen (Cebu City), and Jecel Beniga (Davao City) also took home gift certificates and special items from J&T.

Vice President of J&T Express Philippines Zoe Chi congratulates and thanks everyone who participated in the first J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon.

J&T’s celebrity campaign ambassador Xian Lim captivates the audience as host of the first J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon with singer Gigi de Lana and the GG Vibes Band.

Aside from the awarding ceremony, the livestream engaged viewers with games facilitated by J&T’s official celebrity host Xian Lim while the performance of singer and former Tawag ng Tanghalan contestant Gigi de Lana with the GG Vibes Band was equally anticipated by fans. Local leaders also sent their special messages of support including Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, Cebu Mayor Edgardo Labella; Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sylvia Austria, and Cabanatuan Mayor Myca Vergara.

The event is supported by J&T’s brand partners HINO, FOTON Motors Philippines, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Realme, Prestone Philippines, Clorox Philippines, Gcash, Shopee, and Pocari Sweat. Secondary local business sponsors include BELO Essentials, Gfoxx International, ELITE Sales, Tink Custom Print, Seek Shine, Organic Skin, K-COOL, Leupp Watches, KUMU, and Jane Secret.

J&T’s bayanihan spirit empowers and prioritizes customers and employees. Early this year, the company released a second tranche of groceries and essentials as employee “ayuda” to help team members affected by the lockdown. J&T has also extended help through various logistics services for COVID response and immediate disaster relief. The company is also dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by providing quality delivery services.

To know more about the company’s services, visit https://www.jtexpress.ph/.