Children and young people want a society that leaves no one behind

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World Children’s Day celebrates stories of vulnerable children

Landmarks around the Philippines turned blue last Sunday, November 20, today to celebrate World Children’s Day—a day by children, for children. The Rizal Monument, the SM MOA Globe, the Office of the Bangsamoro Chief Minister, the Provincial Capitol of Dinagat Island and major expressways under the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation were awash in blue to impart an important message: that every child everywhere has a story to tell, regardless of their gender, race, status, and capabilities.

In September-October 2022, nearly half a million young people around the world who took part in a UNICEF U-Report poll said that discrimination is common in their environments such as school, community or workplace, and almost half of them felt that discrimination had impacted their lives or that of someone they know in a significant manner. In the Philippines, the most vulnerable children include children with disabilities, children who belong to indigenous groups, children living in poverty, and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

To celebrate children and their voices, young people, and adults who support them came together in “Sigaw ng Kabataan, Walang Iwanan,” a World Children’s Day event that rallied the public to listen and amplify their views. This included a children’s event with SM Mall of Asia and a three-day Children’s Congress in cooperation with the Cotabato City Government.

“Regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other status, every child deserves to be included and celebrated, as well as protected against all forms of discrimination. Children must have a say in decisions that affect them. Listening to their voices is crucial for inclusive development,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

As a way to support children’s participation, UNICEF undertakes capacity building activities that enable children and youth groups to advocate for their own rights. For this year’s WCD celebrations, children from Southern Leyte, CARAGA, Cotabato and Valenzuela teamed up with creatives using dance, film and photography to allow others to view the world through their eyes.

Maya accelerates 'digi-palengke' thrust in Mindanao

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BSP-DILG’s Paleng-QR Ph launched in Davao City today

Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today.

Spearheading the "digi-palengke" program is Davao City Government with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Also supporting the launch are PLDT and Smart Communications.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the ceremonies held today at the city's Bankerohan Public Market.

"By promoting the interoperable QR PH national standard codes, Paleng-QR PH creates a simple but more powerful digital finance experience at the local community level. At Maya, we fully support Davao City's vision to build a stronger digital ecosystem," said Orlando Vea, Maya CEO and Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder.

“Basta QR PH, pwede kami sa Maya,” Vea added.

The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to digitalize transactions starting with public markets and local transportation. The program enables vendors and tricycle drivers to accept digital payments from customers regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts via QR Ph, the national standard for QR payment. Maya's QR codes are QR Ph-compliant, and its app can scan any QR Ph-powered transaction.

Creating digi-palengkes is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, Maya equips local governments like Davao City with business-in-a-box payment acceptance solutions and disbursement tools to enable faster public service delivery.

Maya is the first digital financial services platform to adopt QR Ph. More than 52 million users can enjoy a seamless experience using Maya's consumer platforms that can send and accept P2P payments from other QR Ph-participating financial institutions.

Meanwhile, non-Maya users can pay at over 800,000 QR Ph-enabled Maya merchants, which are present in 96% of the total cities and municipalities.

The BSP's OR Ph initiative is part of the overall financial services transformation roadmap of the Philippines. It aims to raise Filipinos' trust in digital financial services, as consumers and enterprises will get used to sending and receiving cashless payments for everyday transactions.

Maya's full support to QR PH is in line with the BSP's thrust to increase the share of Filipino adults with a financial account from 56% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 and grow the volume of digital payments from 20% in 2021 to 50% by next year.

"Digital payment is the entry point of Filipinos to the financial system. As they build their financial footprint, consumers and MSMEs can access more progressive digital banking services offered by Maya," said Vea.

Maya has made it easier for consumers to spend, save, get credit, and invest in crypto just by using its top-rated all-in-one money app. Its merchant partners, meanwhile, can open a business deposit account and access revolving credit lines leveraging their payment transactions.

To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, TikTok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join the Maya Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

ANIMA, A+E Networks™ Asia Bring South Korea’s Most Watched YouTube Reality Show to PH

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PH version of ‘Nego King’ to stream on ANIMA’s YouTube Channel for FREE!

South Korea's most watched reality show, “Nego King,” will finally reach the Philippines as KROMA's ANIMA Studios partners with one of the leading global entertainment content companies, A+E Networks™ Asia.

A Philippine version of the reality show is coming soon and will be made accessible to viewers in the Philippines for FREE on ANIMA Studios’ YouTube Channel. Hosted by popular Filipino radio and TV personality Sam YG, the show will be produced in Taglish (Tagalog-English). With a following of 453K on Instagram, 21K on Facebook, and 1.6M followers on Twitter, the new Nego King PH host is sure to keep the viewers engaged, laughing and haggling through every episode.

Since the original South Korean “Nego King” premiered two years ago on YouTube, it has steadily gained fame. Now, the show, which has aired 60 episodes across 4 seasons, has amassed a total 135 million views, and the eyeballs keep coming.

In this popular web show, the host is “the king of negotiation,” interacting with ordinary customers through street interviews. The goal is to get to know the pulse of the people by asking for their opinion, critique, and wishes, especially on discounts and/or freebies on various “goods,” which may be an item or service such as beauty or cosmetic products, food, appliances or home items, and electronic gadgets, to name a few.

Later, the Nego King faces CEOs of the brands mentioned in each episode to leverage customer sentiment to get the best deals or discounts. This makes for highly relatable content in an era of belt-tightening due to inflation, especially among Filipinos who love a good bargain.

Now, with ANIMA’s newest partnership with A+E Networks™ Asia, the best Nego Show (Negosyo) of South Korea will soon be entertaining Filipinos with a local version in Taglish, bringing excitement and better deals for the Philippine audience, from clothes to food and various accessories and services.

Watch out because the Nego King may just pop in your neighborhood for ambush interviews.

Tara nang tumawa at tumawad sa Nego King PH!

To learn more about the Philippine’s Nego Show and other works of ANIMA, visit its official website at www.anima.ph

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About KROMA Entertainment

Kroma Entertainment is a TraDigital Entertainment company that brings together passionate content creators, the best talent, and innovative technology to produce fresh and engaging entertainment for the Filipino audience. KROMA offers entertainment across screens and formats, be it films, series, podcasts, TV shows, music, digital content, or events. Its brands ANIMA, Secret Menu, LIVE MNL, Paradise Rising, NYMA, Kroma PubCo and PIE form a unique ecosystem to create trailblazing experiences for its clients and audiences.

About ANIMA

Anima is a Philippine-based entertainment studio under Kroma Entertainment, composed of dedicated storytellers with expertise in film, series and podcasts.. Whichever story that moves you, makes you laugh, makes you cry, inspires, informs, or empowers you – count on ANIMA to represent and be present in every facet of Filipino life.

About A+E Networks™ Asia

A+E Networks™ is a global media and entertainment brand portfolio that creates, develops, and illuminates entertaining, purpose-driven content that is accessible and captivating to the most expansive, worldwide audience possible. A+E Networks™ Asia is comprised of HISTORY™, Lifetime™ and Crime + Investigation™. Globally, A+E Networks™’ channels and branded programming reach more than 410 million households in over 200 territories.

How Puregold's success led to Filipinos’ “panalo" stories in the past 25 years

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Over the last 25 years, Puregold has constantly affirmed its presence in the retail industry, crediting its endurance to the patronage and trust of everyday customers that walk through their storefront doors, as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that extend Puregold’s reach to different communities.

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Puregold wants to put the focus on the Panalo Stories of every Puregold patron.

Still, the retailer believes that even as it thrives in the unstinting support of its patrons, its legacy is one that involves enabling Filipinos to succeed.

It is this core value in the heart of Puregold that has inspired infinite “panalo” stories. The supermarket chain’s operations have paved the way to thousands of job opportunities, and have continuously served sari-sari store owners and SMEs that need a reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality goods supplier.

Vincent Co, President of Puregold Priceclub Inc., believes that Puregold’s biggest accomplishment has been giving back to the community and helping local businesses blossom.

That Puregold helps Filipinos achieve their everyday wins is something the company takes a lot of pride in, says Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club, Inc. “You have to celebrate the wins,” Vincent asserts, “and for us, there is no greater win than giving back to our customers who have helped us get to where we have been these last 25 years.”

Vincent hopes that with over 440 branches nationwide, and more than 700,000 sari-sari store members behind them, Puregold will continue to generate more panalo stories for the Filipino people.

Puregold is the retailer of choice for many small and medium enterprises, all of whom have built their own individual Panalo Stories.

“As we look back on the last 25 years, and look forward to the next 25 years, we want Puregold to be a permanent symbol of support for the Philippines,” Vincent states. “We will strive to keep expanding and continue helping local communities and SMEs.”

ASUS puts incredible in innovation, launches award-winning Zenbook 17 Fold OLED

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OLED laptop global leader rolls out the world's first 17.3" Foldable OLED Intel Evo-certified laptop with multiple modes for a unique user experience.

ASUS announced its groundbreaking Zenbook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702), the world's first[i] 17.3-inch foldable OLED[ii] laptop. This ultra-compact and light 12.5-inch Foldable OLED laptop unfolds into a versatile 17.3-inch device with six modes, pushing the boundaries of innovation today. Redefining work and entertainment user experiences, this futuristic device packs a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16 GB RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe SSD. Breaking many technological glass ceilings, Zenbook 17 Fold OLED has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious iF Design, Red Dot Design Awards, and TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2022.

Unfold the incredible

This groundbreaking foldable laptop offers users two sizes of OLED display in one device: a large 4:3 17.3-inch 2.5K NanoEdge touchscreen that folds in the middle to create two seamless 3:2 12.5-inch 1920 by 1280 displays[iii]. When folded fully closed along the precision-engineered 180-degree hinge, it's an ultra-compact and portable 12.5-inch device. Users can choose from Zenbook 17 Fold OLED's multiple versatile usage modes, namely the Desktop, Laptop (with Bluetooth keyboard), Laptop (with virtual keyboard), Tablet, Reader, and Extended.

Desktop mode

In Desktop mode, the unfolded 17.3-inch screen — propped up in landscape orientation using the built-in faux leather kickstand — can be used with the ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad attached wirelessly to create a powerful large-screen PC. This allows for all-day, non-stop productivity in the office or at home.

Laptop mode with Bluetooth keyboard

For Laptop mode (with Bluetooth keyboard), the keyboard attaches magnetically when placed on the lower half of the folded display. Alternatively, in Laptop mode (with virtual keyboard), the lower display can be turned into a virtual on-screen keyboard. These modes are perfect for on-the-go users who want a device they can easily clutch from one meeting to the next.

Tablet mode allows users to exploit the full touch capabilities of the fully opened 17.3-inch touchscreen, ideal for team collaboration and presenting big ideas. Reader mode — with the hinge aligned vertically — turns Zenbook 17 Fold OLED into the perfect reading device for that much-needed alone time studying or reading e-books.

Extended mode

Finally, in Extended mode, propped up in portrait orientation, the folded two 12.5-inch screens are perfect for users to scroll seamlessly on the upper and lower displays. Thus, Zenbook 17 Fold OLED can be connected to an external monitor via one of the two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports.

In each mode, the easy-to-use window management tools — such as Mode Switcher — in the ScreenXpert 3 app allow multiple split-display configurations and flexible app layouts for enhanced productivity. Users can seamlessly transition to each mode as its innovative hinge is engineered with ultimate durability. It is tested to withstand over 30,000 open-and-close cycles for total peace of mind.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED also comes with a full-size ASUS ErgoSense Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad to support multiple user modes, providing a brand-new typing experience. The Bluetooth keyboard has a desktop-grade 19.05 mm key pitch and a long 1.4 mm travel on the dished mechanical keys, ensuring comfortable and accurate typing. The ErgoSense touchpad has a new silky-smooth surface for easy navigation, protected by a durable anti-fingerprint coating.

Despite its versatility and large screen size, the device weighs just 1.5 kg without the keyboard or 1.8 kg with it.

Performance that matters

The Intel Evo-certified Zenbook 17 Fold OLED is powered for effortless multitasking by high-performance components, including a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16 GB RAM, and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The long-lasting 75-watt-hour battery features USB-C Easy Charge[iv], so it can be charged quickly with most USB-C chargers, power banks, or any Power Delivery-certified charger, including the bundled 65 W fast-charge adapter.

It's easy to connect Zenbook 17 Fold OLED to peripherals too. There are two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are up to eight times faster than USB 3.2 Gen 1, and feature support for fast charging or connecting external displays. A USB-C to USB Type-A adapter is also supplied.

Entertainment like no other

Experience immersive entertainment like no other with the foldable OLED touchscreen in Zenbook 17 Fold OLED. It has a stunning Dolby Vision-certified display with 100% DCI-P3 and PANTONE validated for color accuracy. It is TÜV Rheinland-certified for reducing harmful blue light and is accompanied by a powerful quad-speaker Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos sound system.

Zenbook 17 Fold OLED includes several smart AI-powered features for added privacy and security and a superb online video calling experience. These include user-presence detection using an HD IR camera, which locks the laptop when the user is away, and unlocks it upon return, an integrated color sensor for automatic adjustment of screen brightness and color temperature, and a 5 MP AI webcam with ASUS 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) technology.

ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED (UX9702) comes in a premium Tech Black color with a free lifetime license to Office Home & Student 2021. With a limited quantity of only 100 pieces in the Philippines, get it today for only PHP 219,995.00. 

Check out this laptop in ASUS Concept Stores and authorized resellers today. Here is the complete list of where to buy https://ph.asus.click/PRWTB. Users can also score Zenbook 17 Fold OLED with up to 12 months of 0% installment via Home Credit.

ASUS PH Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asusphilippines

Specifications

Variant	Color	Specs	SRP
UX9702AA-MD007WS	Tech Black	17" 2560x1920 4:3 500 nits touch FOLED / i7-1250U / 16GB LPDDR5 / 1TB PCIE4 SSD	PHP 219,995

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[i] As of April, 2022 based on internal ASUS market analysis comparing Zenbook 17 Fold OLED to competing convertible laptops with an OLED screen measuring 17.3 inches from vendors including Acer, Apple, HP, Huawei, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft and Samsung.

[ii] The visual appearance of OLED displays may change over the product’s lifetime. This is expected behavior that can include image persistence or burn-in, where the display shows a faint remnant of an image even after a new image appears on the screen. This tends to occur only in extreme use cases, such as when a static, high-contrast image is continuously displayed for prolonged periods of time. ASUS laptops with an OLED display minimize this risk by setting Windows’s Dark mode as default, as well as shortening the idle time before the screen is turned off — both on mains (AC) and battery (DC) power. This dual approach minimizes the potential for burn-in to maximize the lifespan of your OLED display lifespan, and also reduces unnecessary power draw for optimal battery life. We also recommended adjust the brightness of your OLED display to complement the ambient lighting in your environment, rather than keeping the screen at maximum brightness at all times. You should also ensure that you have an animated, dark-background screensaver enabled in the Windows Settings tool.

[iii] In 12.5” scenarios (Laptop mode) panel resolution is always 1920 x 1280.

[iv] USB-C Easy Charge ensures 4.5-watt charging when connecting to a non-Power Delivery chargers, including portable chargers or USB Type-A to USB-C chargers. When using a Power Delivery charger, the charging speed will match the connected adapter's power output, up to a maximum of 65 watts.