Start your 2023 savings journey with Maya, the all-in-one digital bank app!

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Get up to 6% interest p.a. for your savings account

Now is the best time to save your Christmas bonus and kickstart your 2023 ipon goals as Maya continues to give up to a 6% interest rate p.a. on your savings account! 

Maya already offers a high interest rate of 4.5% p.a., with earnings credited daily. It's easy to boost this to 6% on your first P100,000 for the next 30 days! 

All you need is to make your everyday payments with Maya. Simply spend an accumulated amount of PHP 250.00 when completing these transactions until February 28, 2023:  

• Pay via Maya QR code, card, or mobile number 
• Settle your bills via the Maya app 
• Buy load via the Maya app. 

By using Maya to pay for your utility bills or your groceries conveniently, you can boost your savings interest to 6% by another 30 days – so you can grow your money faster! Customers can enjoy this offer until February 28, 2023.

"We want our customers to be able to grow their savings even more just by doing everyday transactions. This is part of our mission to make money management as easy and as rewarding as possible," said Angelo Madrid, Maya Bank President. "On top of offering one of the highest savings interest rates in the market, Maya bundles innovative features and top-notch security so that it becomes the only app you'll need to efficiently and conveniently manage your money." 

With e-wallet, savings, credit, and crypto capabilities, Maya goes by its promise to be 'everything and a bank' for Filipinos. Its latest feature lets you send and receive money via a @username, making transferring funds safer, more personal, and as easy as tagging friends on social media. You can even use GIFs when sending money to friends and family, which is a first in the local fintech app industry. 

If you have specific saving goals, Maya's Personal Goals lets you compartmentalize your savings based on different purposes, be it a dream vacation, emergency funds, or business capital. 

The digital banking services in the Maya app are powered by Maya Bank, a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-licensed digital bank. Deposits up to PHP500,000 are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation. The top-rated app also enjoys a 99.9% uptime rate - users can expect their transactions to be seamless with less downtime. 

Completely free to download and register, the Maya app packs a feature-rich e-wallet, an inclusive digital bank, and everything else you need to save, spend, grow, and manage your money—right from your smartphone. 

To learn more, visit maya.ph and follow Maya Center on Facebook and @mayaiseverything on Instagram. 

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About Maya 

Maya is the all-in-one money and digital bank platform bringing Filipinos bolder ways to master their money. It is powered by a unique integrated financial services ecosystem that addresses the ever-evolving financial needs of today's generation through cutting-edge technology.  

Maya leads millions of Filipinos — consumers, businesses, communities, and government agencies alike — into a digital economy that's more inclusive, transparent, and empowering. Maya is powered by the country's only end-to-end digital payments company, PayMaya Philippines, and Maya Bank for digital banking services. 

 

ARTBOX, Singapore’s largest lifestyle event, returns even bigger, better and cooler than before with a dose of cheekiness, thanks to SGAG collaboration

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• Event held indoors for the first time providing visitors with air-conditioned comfort, redefining the night market experience even in the daytime

ARTBOX, Singapore’s largest lifestyle event, is back after a three-year hiatus - bigger, better and literally cooler than before - with an all new line-up of at least 300 vendors from Southeast Asia providing retail and F&B experiences, and art installations by local artists at the Singapore Expo. Organised by Invade, the upcoming edition of ARTBOX will be held indoors for the first time since its inception in 2017, providing visitors with air-conditioned comfort while they soak in the festivities of the night market experience, even in the daytime, thanks to cleverly designed spaces and lighting installations in the 9,822 sqm space (equivalent to 1⅓ of a football field).

Next year’s ARTBOX is also co-organised with SGAG, one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing digital content producers for Millennials and Gen Zs. Visitors will be entertained throughout with local humour and activities provided by the funniest and cheekiest bunch from the SGAG team. Visitors who have been following SGAG online can now experience them in-person for the first time in an offline setting with wacky activities such as the National Shake Leg Championship, SGAG’s first ever fan meet-and-greet and roving mini games throughout the event.

Over two weekends in February and March 2023, visitors can also expect a showcase of gourmet creations from F&B entrepreneurs and brands from Southeast Asia, unique shopping experience featuring crafts and innovative products from local and global brands, and immersive structures and interactive experiences curated in collaboration with the region's best artists all under one roof.

“True to next year’s theme of Vision, we would like our visitors to manifest their wildest visions in our refined night market experience – to create brand new memories, take part in unique experiences, and to enable them to connect with the world once again,” said Kent Teo, Founder and CEO of Invade. “We are also co-organising the event with SGAG to inject their dose of cheeky humour to the festival and at the same time provide an interactive offline space to the local and regional creator economy.”

“We are excited to be co-organising ARTBOX with Invade for the first time and welcome visitors back to everyone’s favourite festival with SGAG’s brand of cheekiness that’s guaranteed to crack Singaporeans up,” said Adrian Ang (Xiao Ming), Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of SGAG. “Expect hilariously difficult obstacle courses, entertaining challenges, roaming activities and fan meet-and-greets throughout the whole event. We are going to pull out all the stops to bring the unconventional to a conventional space like the Singapore Expo.”

ARTBOX will be held on 24 to 26 February and 3 to 5 March 2023, from 12pm to 11pm at Hall 6 of Singapore Expo. Tickets to the event cost $5 per person per entry with early-bird pricing of $4.50 per person, available till 31 December 2022. Visitors looking at attending all six days can opt for a Season Pass at $30 per person with priority entry. More information can be found at https://www.artbox.sg/.

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Kwentong Kumunizen: Spiking Numbers and Building Bridges

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Volleyball star Tots Carlos connects with friends and fans on Kumu, and wins more than just trophies.

Some might be astonished to learn how popular volleyball is in the Philippines when it’s often overshadowed by other sports in most conversations. They would be even more shocked to hear just how fierce the fandom is, spurred by a longing to connect with players and get to know them. But, when armed with that knowledge, it comes as no surprise at all that players from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) regularly stream on Kumu to do exactly those things.

Cheerful and unassuming, 24-year old opposite hitter Diana Mae “Tots” Carlos actually discovered Kumu long before PVL entered a partnership with the social entertainment app. What started as cheering her friends on from the sidelines of their stream, she soon began to guest and host streams herself, talking about the ins and outs of her sport.

Hailing from Lubao, Pampanga, she traveled to the metro specifically to do what she loved, and quickly became a highly sought-after recruit over UAAP Season 78. Landing in the University of the Philippines’ varsity team as an outside hitter, she has since bagged the title of Most Valuable Player several times over—in 2018, 2021, and 2022—clearly a force to be reckoned with. But her one frustration with the game has been the lack of interaction with fans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding Her Tribe

“Wala akong kilala noong talagang nagstart ako magstream sa Kumu, apart from my friends,” she recounts, “and hindi man ako humingi ng tulong, people I didn’t know wanted to help me!” Soon enough, she bridged the gap between herself and her avid supporters, and made those interactions the highlight of her streams.

“In my hometown, athletes get the same treatment,” says Tots, “banners, tarpaulins, a warm welcome when you come back. Ngayon, online posters and messages of congratulations, ganon. Being on Kumu feels the same, but these are my fans, people I would never meet if not for Kumu, who really want to support me. Kaya I really take care of that relationship.”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

“Ang gusto ko talaga sa Kumu is it’s safe,” says the athlete on what differentiates Kumu from other digital spaces. “May rules, may good censors, kaya may respeto. Pwede kong ipakita kung ano at sino talaga ako and I’m safe, and more importantly, the fans are safe.” This contradicts what most of us know to be true about the internet—don’t speak to strangers who offer you gifts—but the watchful eyes of the moderators, also known as the Kumu Police, allow those new connections to flourish with minimal, if any, risk. Apart from these important duties, they keep interactions positive in every stream.

This unique feature of the app is one of the biggest pillars of its success, especially for users who would otherwise be marginalized. As a woman who is open about who she is and who she loves, Tots is a perfect example of how someone can thrive even outside of that identity when they are given the space to show their truest self.

Diamonds Are a Girl’s (Other) Best Friend

But it just wouldn’t be Kumu without the campaigns, or the contests that almost turns live streaming into an extreme sport all its own. Creators go live and earn virtual gifts from those watching, and get the chance to win prizes that range from a little bit of cash to having one’s face on a billboard. And while Tots doesn’t necessarily need to join them—she openly admits that her status as a volleyball player has boosted her numbers on more than one occasion—she sees the fun and takes the opportunity to spread the joy.

“If I do win something, I share it with my loved ones,” says Tots. “And what I earn there is a big help. Noong nagtuloy-tuloy na ako, pinapadali niya ang buhay ko. You don't even have to spend the whole day streaming, just once in a while. Talagang inaabangan ka ng followers. Just keep doing the streams, and you’ll build your audience.”

For Tots, Kumu is a platform ripe with opportunities not just to earn through live streaming, but to connect with people she otherwise would never get to know; people who can truly enrich someone’s day-to-day. Follow her on Kumu (totscarlos_) to get insider volleyball knowledge, meet other players, or just to see Tots flourish in her own digital habitat. Otherwise, experience it for yourself; download the app now through the App Store or Google Play. Your community awaits you, so get ready to show what you’ve got and start your live stream soon!

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About Kumu

Kumu is a powerful social media platform that brings the voices of Filipinos from all over the globe at the forefront. Aside from presenting users with real-time earning opportunities as a live streamer, chances to win prizes in various game shows, and engagement in campaigns, Kumu also fosters communities that ignite relevant discussions among Filipinos. According to mobile-app performance company App Annie, Kumu is not only the first Filipino app to be the #1 top grossing social app in the Philippines, but one of the highest grossing social apps in the world, ranking top 10 in multiple markets including Canada, Australia, Middle East, Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore app stores. Visit www.kumu.ph and follow @kumuph on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest events and surprises from the favorite Pinoy live streaming platform.

Home Buddies gives back in Paskong Mayo Puso 2.0

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Gift-giving celebration aims to raise funds for SPED classroom makeover

To usher in the holiday season and recap an incredible year, online community Home Buddies celebrated with PASKONG MAY PUSO 2.0, a gift-giving treat held through a variety of online activities for all beloved kapitbahays and ka-hangouts!

The celebration was kickstarted by Home Buddies founder, “Mayora '' Frances Lim Cabatuando, and Q Radio’s Ysa Chong as hosts. To add to the fun, Quest and Kitchie Nadal entertained the kapitbahays and ka-hangouts with their performances, along with a series of games that brought fun prizes, sponsored by its partner brands: Bet On Your Buddy (sponsored by Dakki), Around The Globe: Guess The Movie & Country (sponsored by Globe Roaming), Read My Lips (sponsored by All Home), and Zoomba (sponsored by Irish Spring). Present also at this event was Kevin Pueblo as the guest tanod.

Through PASKONG MAY PUSO 2.0, Home Buddies raised funds for the makeover of a SPED (Special Education) classroom at the Pasay City North High School.

In line with their advocacy of giving back to the community, Cabatuando and Pueblo shared their gratitude for the overflowing support.

“We are one kapitbahay, we are 3-million strong, and we are here to support them. Thank you dahil sa pagsali ninyo sa mga events tulad nito, we are able to raise funds for the benefit of the people who are in need,” Cabatuando said.

“Kaya hindi lang talaga siya Paskong May Puso di ba, it’s not just for us the kapitbahays but also for those who need help,” Pueblo said.

Home Buddies, initially started in September 2020 by “Mayora” Frances Lim Cabatuando, is an online community and safe space for over 3.1 million home enthusiasts who want to achieve the home of their dreams. In this community, members engage with each other and share helpful tips, interesting finds, and inspirational stories about their home improvement journey. It also holds regular activities, such as the Monday Market, where group members can buy and sell home-related items.

But the festivities don’t end there. Home Buddies kapitbahays and ka-hangouts are still in for a merry ride this December with more activities.

There’s Globe Brand Week, where exciting games were held every noon until December 15 in the Hangout Buddies group. There will also be games until December 18 in the Home Buddies group. The fun doesn’t end there as a variety of brands will also be celebrating the joy of this Christmas season with us: Dakki Brand Day and Live Selling to be held on December 20 at noon, followed by Irish Spring Brand Day on December 21, Globe Roaming's live segment at 12 noon which will feature another round of fun games & raffle for the kapitbahays and Violeta’s Curtains Live Selling at 7 p.m. on December 22, and All Home Brand Day on December 23. Watch out for these events from the comfort of your own home through the Home Buddies Facebook group page.

HOME BUDDIES PASKONG MAY PUSO 2.0 is co-presented by Globe. Special thanks to major sponsors Irish Spring, IKEA, Dakki, and All Home; minor sponsors NYMA, Anker, and Omni; Kapitbahay partners Dunsk Kuhner and Oasis Sauna; and media partners FreebieMNL and PIE Channel.

Merry Christmas, mga Kapitbahays and Ka-hangouts!

Xiaomi Rings in the Christmas Spirit with Xiaomi Pop Concert, New Store, and More!

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Loyal Xiaomi fans enjoy big discounts, freebies, star-studded entertainment

 The holidays just got brighter with the opening of Xiaomi’s new flagship store at BHS. Xiaomi Country Manager Kenny Cheong and Blue Lite Gadgets Inc. executives Leandro and Edwin Poblete were at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by Xiaomi brand ambassador and TV star Gabbi Garcia. The opening was made more special with a dragon dance performance and an in-store tour. Customers who purchased top-of-the-line phones like the Xiaomi 12T Series, Redmi Note 11S, or 10 Pro were rewarded with various freebies, including a RoboVac, Vacuum Flask, umbrella, ceramic mugs, and more.

The holidays are here and Xiaomi has made sure to ring in the festivities with a bang! From a star-studded Xiaomi Pop 2022 holiday concert, a cozy community Christmas party, and a smorgasbord of products at discounted prices at the grand opening of the Xiaomi flagship store at Bonifacio High Street in BGC.

As the main highlight of the festivities, the Xiaomi Pop 2022 Concert did not disappoint. Fans were treated to an evening of performances by some of the hottest names in the music industry. P-pop boy band BGYO kicked off the main show with their hit singles, and they also picked a lucky fan to dance on stage with them. Next up, Singer and actor Darren Espanto serenaded fans with his version of popular Christmas songs.

Closing the night was multi-awarded singer Moira Dela Torre, who gave a beautiful and emotional performance of her ballads. She also shared a special moment with fans as she took a selfie using her Xiaomi phone.

The atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm as the audience sang along to their beloved tunes. Fans cheered on as Xiaomi devices were given away as prizes during the fun games, making for an unforgettable night.

Prizes galore

The BHS Amphitheater was packed with over 300 Xiaomi fans who gathered for the community Christmas party. It was an afternoon of fun and laughter, with plenty of games, Xiaomi prizes, and special performances from both the Xiaomi team and the fans themselves. 

New flagship store

The opening of the new flagship store located at B3, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City, was made even more special with the presence of Xiaomi Country Manager Kenny Cheong, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Blue Lite Gadgets Inc. executive Leandro Poblete. Also present was Xiaomi brand ambassador and TV star Gabbi Garcia. Guests were treated to an exclusive in-store tour of the new Xiaomi concept store, giving them a first-hand look at the latest products from the global tech brand.

The opening of the new store saw shoppers take advantage of the discounts and freebies offered by Xiaomi. Depending on the purchase, customers received a variety of bonuses, such as a RoboVac, Vacuum Flask, umbrella, ceramic mugs, and more. Those who bought any of the top-of-the-line phones like the Redmi Note 11S, or 10 Pro were rewarded with an even bigger selection of freebies.

To learn more about Xiaomi’s new store at Bonifacio High Street and the company’s ongoing holiday promos, please visit the company’s official page.

High spirits, high notes, and high fives! Xiaomi fans cheered as the likes of Moira Dela Torre, Darren Espanto, and BGYO graced the stage with their high-energy performances, bringing the house down with music and fun at the Xiaomi Pop 2022 Concert.

Darren Espanto spread the holiday cheer with his signature upbeat tunes at the Xiaomi Pop 2022 holiday concert. With some of his most popular songs, the Canadian-Filipino singer and actor had the crowd singing, dancing, and feeling the holiday spirit.

BGYO lit up the stage and left the crowd starstruck with their electrifying setlist at Xiaomi Pop 2022. The group made sure to show love to fans by taking selfies and singing their best hits like “Magnet” and “Tumitigil Ang Mundo”.