DITO Telecommunity connecting Filipinos after Typhoon Odette onslaught in beleaguered localities

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Nothing is more crucial than staying connected in times of calamity and DITO Telecommunity has been a lifebelt for many Filipinos who have been massively affected by the recent onslaught of typhoon Odette in the country.

Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes, the coordinator of San Beda University-Graduate School of Business, joins relief operations to distribute 500 DITO SIM cards to local members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), students, drivers, and municipal employees in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Photos were taken by: Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes

While most mobile services were temporarily rendered unserviceable by the catastrophe, the newly laid out DITO cell towers stood resilient in the beleaguered provinces, except for only six of DITO microsites that were affected.

In particular, residents of Negros Oriental were able to rely on the continuous and strong connection provided by DITO.

One resident from Valencia, Negros Oriental who participated in the relief operations, Dr. Jobe Buling-Viernes, coordinator of the San Beda University - Graduate School of Business, started distributing 500 DITO SIM cards to local members of the Philippine National Police, students, drivers and municipal employees.

Using #DitoNaKamisaDITO, #DITONaKami, #DitoTayoSaDITO on social media, recipients expressed their appreciation to the telco for its strong internet speed and reliable connectivity while being economical for as low as PhP39 for 3GB, PhP99 for 10GB, and PhP199 for 25GB.

“What struck me the most is the idea of connecting people and lives during disasters – I’ve really proven that DITO was there,” shared Dr. Viernes.

As government and non-government relief and recovery work began in earnest in the Visayas, DITO also provided 1000 SIM cards to the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the AFP Visayas Command and another 250 to the regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management offices for the use of the responders.

This effort is in collaboration with Udenna Foundation's UCare, UShare initiative, a program that aims to feed, protect, and connect the community in the time of COVID, and DITO CME, a majority shareholder of DITO Telecommunity that provides telecommunications, multimedia, and IT services in the country.

Start the year right with these realme gadgets, available up to P8,000 OFF on January 15-17

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Shop your favorite realme smartphones and TechLife devices for as much as 55% OFF during Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale on January 15-17!

2022 is finally here and what better way to welcome the new year than with new gadgets to help you achieve your goals and resolutions. Be it for leisure, productivity or everything in between, realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for three consecutive quarters (according to Canalys and IDC sell-in data Q1-Q3 2021), has got you covered.

To kick off the year with a bang, realme is joining Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale on January 15 to 17, offering discounts of as much as P8,000 OFF on its well-loved smartphones and TechLife devices. This is in line with the brand’s commitment of providing quality tech and lifestyle products to cater to everyone’s digital-driven needs. 

Here’s a rundown of some of the discounted products you can expect during realme’s three-day sale on Lazada:

narzo 50A (Sale price: P7,289 from SRP P7,990)

If you’re looking to level up in mobile gaming this year, then the narzo 50A is for you! With a MediaTek Helio G85 gaming processor, a powerful 6000mAh battery, and a 50MP AI Triple Camera, among many other features, the narzo 50A is your best bet when it comes to mobile gaming, content creation and many others. Coming in the 4GB+64GB variant and in Oxygen Blue and Oxygen Green colors, the narzo 50A will be available on Lazada at P701 OFF!

realme C21-Y (Sale price: P5,989 from SRP P6,490)

A new year means a new set of memories to make and cherish. To help with content creation, the realme C21-Y is packed with a 13MP Triple AI Camera so you can enjoy taking vibrant and quality photos in different photo modes, whether landscape, portrait, or macro shot. If you wish to capture moments beautifully without breaking the bank, you can check out the realme C21-Y 4GB+64GB variant for only P5,689 on Lazada.

realme 8i (Sale price: P10,989 from SRP P11,990)

If you’re due for a phone upgrade, the realme 8i might be the ideal choice! It promises #infinitelySmooth capabilities with the powerful MediaTek Helio G96 chipset and a 120Hz Ultra Smooth display, allowing users to perform any task seamlessly. The realme 8i also comes with a 6.6-inch LCD display, and content creators get a huge level up with the realme 8i’s 50MP AI Triple Camera setup. Get this best-selling smartphone at P1,001 OFF on Lazada. 

realme Pad (Sale price: starts at P8,990 from SRP P10,990)

Got an exciting list of TV shows to binge-watch this year? Then realme’s first-ever tablet is perfect for you! The realme Pad is designed to be a portable entertainment powerhouse with a 10-inch high-resolution screen, crystal-clear Dolby Atmos quad speakers on each corner, a 7100mAh mega battery for all-day use, and a slim and lightweight body. What’s even better is it will be on sale for P2,000 OFF! Get it on Lazada for only P8,990 (3GB+32GB), P12,990 (4GB+64GB), and P14,990 (6GB+128GB).

realme Book (Sale Price: starts at P29,990 from SRP P37,990)

For those looking to boost their productivity this year, now is the best time to get realme's first-ever laptop, the realme Book with a huge discount of P8,000 for the i3 variant.  The i5 variant will also be available for up to P6,000 OFF.  This device is powered by the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor and equipped with 8 GB dual-channel LPDDR4x RAM, up to 512GB SSD storage, and a picture-perfect high-resolution 14” 2K Full Vision display.

realme Buds Air 2 Neo (Sale price: P1,490 from SRP P1,990)

Need a fresh pair of earbuds for your online classes or work calls? The realme Buds Air 2 Neo might just come in handy. It’s the ideal choice as it comes with  Active Noise Cancellation of up to 25dB, a 10mm Bass Boost Driver that makes for a richer audio experience with deep bass, and AAC high-quality audio technology for higher fidelity. It comes in two colors – Active Black and Calm Gray. Get these stylish earbuds at P500 OFF on Lazada.

Don’t miss out on these incredible offers during Lazada’s Sulit Sweldo Sale starting on January 15 12 m.n. until January 17! To know more about the complete line-up of discounts and other deals, be sure to check out the realme Official Store on Lazada, follow realme on Facebook at www.facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit www.realme.com.ph. 

Keeping Safe Amidst the Spread of Omicron

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New year, new variant this is how we start our 2022. Due to the highly mutated Omicron variant, coronavirus infection will probably continue rising and will cause another “serious surge”.

As the country faces another variant of concern, it is important to know what Omicron is, how it starts and what are the symptoms of this new COVID-19 variant?

The multiple variations of Omicron may lead to more aggressive resistance to current vaccines. Triple mutations in the strain suggest a stronger immune capacity.

Since the first detection of this strain on November 09, 2021, it has spread to 106 countries and regions as of December 21, 2021.

On December 12, 2021, The WHO said that the Omicron strain is more contagious compared to the Delta strain, as suggested by early data obtained from relevant studies, and that it could undermine the potency of vaccines but cause less severe symptoms.

On December 15, 2021, A report issued by the WHO revealed that the Omicron strain has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and puts exposed individuals at a higher risk of contracting this strain.

On December 31, 2021, The Department of Health detected 10 more Omicron cases - three of which are local cases. According to the DOH, there is already a “high possibility” of local transmission of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the Philippines. Following the detection of the three local Omicron cases, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced last Friday, December 31, 2021, that Metro Manila will be placed under Alert 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022 - cutting short Alert Level 2 in the region.

Fr. Austriaco, a Filipino priest/microbiologist, says that a rapid increase in cases is to be expected. However, he is optimistic that Omicron might actually be a blessing and may signal the end of the pandemic. “We have to realize that Omicron is the beginning of the end of the pandemic because Omicron is going to provide the kind of population immunity that should stabilize our societies and should allow us to reopen,” he said speaking during a GoNegosyo Townhall. He followed saying the surge caused by Omicron will be mild cases with lesser hospitalizations and fatalities. “It’s milder, but if you’re unvaccinated, it’s still harder for you,” he added.

Getting infected by Omicron comes with its own symptoms and to achieve immunity from this strain once infected, recovery is still the goal

To date, the known symptoms of Omicron are as follows:

● Sore Muscles

● Fever

● Dry Cough/Sore Throat

● Extreme Tiredness

Reminders on health protocols

There are many treatments that were not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus. In China, there are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat COVID-19 and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines - Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.

Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus, as is getting a booster shot for more protection.

Following the preventive measures of social distancing, wearing of face mask, frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer alcohol, and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Early treatment is important. Do not wait until symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen. Take it at the onset of symptoms to recover quickly. Remember the importance of the Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy, which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate, and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off transmission chains. Of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.

Hopefully, all this information will be of good use to the community, companies & organizations, and on a macro scale for local and national governments as the country goes through a “serious surge” of the Omicron Variant. This is a war between an elusive virus and man. If everyone works together, there will surely be success in this war against COVID-19.

Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen is currently classified as a prescription drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase it in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).

For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.

Personal Collection's Recyclable-to-Biodegradable Transition Promotes Sustainable Opportunities in the Philippines

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Moving from recyclable to biodegradable packaging, a pioneer among Filipino companies, Personal Collection takes strides to reshape the future through green initiatives

Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc. (PC) has successfully transitioned from recyclable packaging to the newest biodegradable packaging, making it the first company in the Philippines to do so. PC is leading the drive towards ridding the world of plastics that are harmful to the environment by shifting to biodegradable packaging. Its new biodegradable packaging is estimated to decompose in landfills after only five to ten years, while regular plastic packaging may last for at least a thousand years.

The traditional notion that recycling alone could eliminate plastic waste is being questioned by data from the US Environment Protection Agency (FPA) that Americans, for example, recycle only 35 percent of more than 267 million tons of solid waste every year. According to a 2020 study of the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, at the national level, only 40% of packaging waste in the Philippines is collected, and only 9% of the plastic waste is recycled.

Keeping this in mind, PC takes a further step by not just going recyclable but also turning to biodegradable packaging. Through the launch of its “A Green Life is A Great Life” movement last June 2020, PC’s network of sellers has been mobilized to advocate for the advantages of biodegradable packaging as their contribution to helping protect the environment. 

Personal Collection President and CEO Jerome Tuguin said, “We endeavored the shift from recyclable to biodegradable packaging because we believe that this is a sustainable solution that will not only address the major plastic pollution crisis, but will also mitigate many other environmental issues. And we are very enthusiastic to have pioneered this groundbreaking move that also aims to impact the future of every Filipino household.”

PC is also one of the few companies around the world that continues to manufacture the greatest number of biodegradable bottles that are viable for preserving the quality of our environment. Just this December 7, 2021, the company received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, for its invaluable work, strategic measures, and active participation to advocate for environmental protection and sustainability amidst the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jerome Tuguin expressed, “We continue to look into more programs and initiatives to support our #GreenLifeGreatLife movement. Last October, we started our coastal cleanups in some parts of the country, and just recently, we planted more than 70,000 mangroves in over 27.5 hectares of reforestation sites in Pampanga and Bataan.”

DUMAGUETE. Before concluding the cleanup drive, PC employees and dealers from the PC Dumaguete branch invite more volunteers to join PC’s mission.

BAYAWAN, Negros Oriental. PC employees and dealers from the PC Bayawan branch are shown collecting trash and other debris along the shoreline of Villareal Beach.

MACABEBE, Pampanga. Volunteers stand 1 meter apart from each other while planting mangrove propagules.

As part of PC’s primary environmental advocacy, a long-term partnership with Marine Conservation Philippines was made to conduct coastal cleanups in different areas of the country. Last October 26, 2021, PC facilitated its first coastal cleanup at Albiga Beach, Siaton, in Negros Oriental. Subsequently, the Siliman Beach cleanup in Dumaguete on November 16, 2021 took place, followed by the coastal cleanup in Villareal Beach, Bayawan on December 14, 2021. In all these cleanup activities, tons of plastic waste and other toxic materials were collected.

Create a Pine-tastic, worry-free Holidays at home with Pine-Sol Original

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Last year, the pandemic stole our Christmas as if the COVID-19 virus was the Grinch. But this year, due to people’s continued compliance with safety protocols, as well as the ongoing rollout of the nationwide vaccination program, quarantine restrictions have now been less stringent, especially since health authorities record a lower number of COVID-19 cases every day.  

 

While everything is, in a way, now slowly going back to normal, with the holiday season just around the corner, welcoming Christmas guests is inevitable. And yes, it does not mean that we need to let our guards down since the sickness-causing virus still lurks around.  

 

Aside from continuously following health protocols, what more can you do to ensure that your home remains free from the harmful COVID-19? Here are some tips as listed by Pine-Sol, a trusted cleaner for the home since 1929, to keep your home safe and clean so you can have a merry, worry-free, and Pine-tastic Holiday season. 

 

Start to declutter 

Admit it. There’s nothing that feels homier whenever you see your house organized—no dirty dishes in the kitchen, no traces of shoe dirt on your walkway, no dirty laundry on the floor, and no random food wrappers sitting under the sofa.  

 

So, unleash your inner Marie Kondo, and start tidying your space as the first step to make your home clean. Also, be sure to throw away the garbage. Remember, less mess, less stress. 

 

Wipe down your home 

Regularly cleaning your home after welcoming guests reduces the risk of spreading the virus. So, with a mixture of water and Pine-Sol Original, the No.1 pine-scented dilutable cleaner, always remember to clean the places your guests visit at your home.  

 

As it has no rinsing requirement except for rubber or asphalt tile, you can just wipe down your entryway, floors, tables, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, windows, and other high-touch surfaces. And while it powerfully cleans your home and is safe on surfaces, it also deodorizes terrible odors and gives you a fresh and longer-lasting pine fragrance to enjoy this Christmas season.  

 

Always disinfect 

Isn’t cleaning the same as disinfecting? For the books, cleaning uses a mixture of water and soap for surface dirt and impurities, while disinfecting uses products to kill germs and viruses. 

 

We don’t want our home to be the mutation ground of bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases, like the COVID-19 virus. That is why it is also necessary to disinfect your spaces thoroughly by using Pine-Sol Original to kill viruses on high-touch or exposed surfaces. 

 

With the power to kill 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus, pour a concentrated portion of Pine-Sol Original in a sponge or cloth and wipe it on a wet surface. To effectively disinfect and help control the spread of the coronavirus, let it remain for 10 minutes on hard and nonporous surfaces, such as finished hardwood, cement, ceramic tiles, glass, plastic, carpet, linoleum, and granite, then wash it off.  

 

“This holiday season, we at Clorox want to make sure that everyone is safe from the COVID-19 virus. Even if the country is slowly going back to normal, we must protect our loved ones from sickness. That’s why it’s important always to keep our home safe and clean so everyone can have a merry and worry-free Christmas,” said Monique Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Clorox Southeast Asia. 

 

To learn more about Pine-Sol Original, visit the website at https://www.pinesol.com/products/original-pine-cleaner/.