GCash, NBI sign agreement to run after cyber criminals

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and GCash, the country’s number one finance super app, have signed a memorandum of agreement to further strengthen their collaboration to go after perpetrators of online fraud, scams, and other cybercrimes.

From left: Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, GCash Chief Legal Officer, Atty. Gilbert Escoto, GXI Chief Legal Officer, Oscar "Renren" Reyes, G-Xchange Inc (GXI) President and CEO, Atty. Medardo de Lemos, NBI Director, Atty. Jose Justo Yap, NBI Deputy Director for Operations

Under the partnership, GCash will assist NBI in preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cyber crimes that involve the use of the GCash mobile app or the transfer or receipt of proceeds from any crime or unlawful activity. This will be done by providing relevant information and data under prevailing laws, rules, and regulations. The agreement also further solidifies the priority of GCash to secure the funds and data of its users.

The signing ceremony was graced by key officials from the government agency namely NBI director Atty. Medardo G. De Lemos, NBI officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the Deputy Director for Operations Jose Justo Yap, G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI) chief executive officer Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr., and GCash Group Head of New Businesses and Corporate Affairs, Winsley Royce Bangit, together with other key leaders from the bureau and GCash.

“As more and more Filipinos embrace the digital space for their daily transactions and investments, it’s critical for law enforcement agencies to have an active partner like GCash with whom we exchange technical knowledge and expertise on the latest cybersecurity measures. This partnership is a big milestone in our shared fight against scammers, fraudsters, and other cybercriminals,” said De Lemos.

GCash is also working actively with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and other law enforcement agencies to further employ up-to-date security technologies, and strengthen security measures, through continuous threat and intelligence sharing, and better ensure safer transactions for its customers. This also includes adhering to the strictest anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and anti-fraud standards. In line with this, GCash also reminds users to protect themselves when using digital wallets and become more attentive in the face of fraud.

“We’ve seen a concerning rise in online scams, investment fraud, and various cybercrimes in recent years. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we work together with authorities to protect Filipinos against perpetrators,” said Reyes.

As the country’s biggest digital ecosystem and a pioneer in inclusive digital finance, GCash continues to bolster its vision of “Finance for all” to allow Filipinos to have easy access to safe, secure, and convenient digital financial products and services – empowering communities across the nation.

Filipinos can download the GCash app for free on Google Play and the App Store. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph

NREA sets program to boost PH reality sector

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Envisioning a robust and vibrant real estate sector in 2024, the National Real Estate Association (NREA) is primed to launch a comprehensive set of initiatives to stimulate activity within the industry. Such was the objective laid out by Red J. Rosales, NREA’s new national president, following the association’s recent Strategic Planning Session and Board Meeting held at the Makati Sports Club on January 10, 2024.

Consultant Imelda C. Magtoto, NREA Chairperson, disclosed that the NREA’s upcoming year-round activities are expected to empower members and real estate practitioners in their quest to boost the country’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, which aims to see every Filipino have a home to call their own.

NREA STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION AND 1ST BOARD MEETING, JANUARY 10-, 2024, 1:00 – 5:00 PM AT DASMARINAS ROOM, MAKATI SPORTS CLUB.

Seated from left : Exec. Vice President Ma. Loren B. Sales; President Red J. Rosales; Board Chairlady Imelda C. Magtoto and Board Vice Chair Ruth Marie C. Atienza.

Standing from extreme left : Trustee and Education Chairman Rodolfo D. Leonen; Treasurer Nicole Lim Choa; Vice President for Chapter Affairs Zenaida S Fruto; PRO Christian Q. Mulingbayan; Vice President for External Affairs Ador Z. Tolentino, Jr.; Vice President for Internal Affairs Jovi Francis W. Tupaz; Member Lemuel B. Branal; Secretary General Lourdes Bernadette B. Carlos and NREA Metro Rizal Chapter President Cheryl Sanguyo.

Red J. Rosales, NREA’s new national president

All these projects will run under the overarching 2024 theme: “NREA Realizing the Dream of a Thriving Real Estate Industry”.

The following committees were formed to implement NREA’s programs and projects this year: (1) Network Expansion, headed by VP-Chapters Zenaida Fruto; (2) Revenue Generation, led by Treasurer Nicole Lim Choa; (3) Engagements, led by VP-Internal Jovi Francis Tupaz along with Vice Chair Trustee Alma Grace Sarra; (4) Education, led by Trustee and Education Chairman Rodolfo Leonen; (5) Advocacy, led by VP-External Lawyer Ador Z. Tolentino, Jr.; and (6) Public Relations, headed by PRO Christian Mulingbayan along with Vice Chair Christopher Cahilig.

President Rosales also announced his five-point plan for the NREA:

First, the enhancement of member engagements and benefits. The NREA hopes to develop a comprehensive engagement strategy that will drive members to participate in organization activities and decision-making processes. Part of these will be the establishment of a mentorship program and the creation of exclusive perks and benefits for NREA members.

Second, the promotion of industry research and thought leadership. The organization is set to establish an NREA Research Center to spearhead research initiatives, analyze and study industry data, and generate actionable recommendations for the sector’s growth and development.

Third, the expansion of global partnerships and market access by establishing an international presence for NREA through overseas offices and representatives that can provide localized support and services to Filipino real estate professionals operating abroad.

Fourth, the acceptance of social responsibility and sustainability. A NREA Sustainability Task Force will be mounted to develop and implement sustainable practices within the organization and encourage members to adopt environmentally conscious real estate strategies.

Lastly, the empowerment of the next generation of real estate leaders. A NREA Youth Council will be created to provide a platform for young members to engage with the organization, share their perspectives, and contribute to NREA’s growth and innovation.

Indeed, the year 2024 is looking bright for the NREA. They hope to build on their reputation and goodwill within the industry and continue working with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development as a longtime partner and collaborator. With their focus turned to these objectives, President Red J. Rosales is confident that the NREA will affirm its status as the “One-Stop Trade Organization”.

Stream Hollywood’s biggest awards shows of 2024 live and on-demand in one subscription

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Viewers from the Philippines can watch the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice exclusively on Lionsgate Play powered by PLDT Home

The start of a new year means the start of another awards season honoring the best of the best in Hollywood, and 2024 has already hit the ground running. The great thing is screen buffs in the Philippines get a virtual front-row seat to all the ceremonies, thanks to the live broadcasts and on-demand streaming on Lionsgate Play.

Get ready to cheer on big silverscreen hits like Barbie, Oppenheimer, and Killers of the Flower Moon, as well as TV gems such as The Bear, Ted Lasso, Succession, House of the Dragon, and so much more at the 2024 Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards this January.

The 81st Golden Globe Awards, which already aired on January 8, 2024, saw the finest masterpieces from cinema and television score monumental wins. Prestigious director Christopher Nolan’s historical drama Oppenheimer won Best Motion Picture, with its lead actor Cillian Murphy playing the eponymous physicist winning Best Actor, among numerous other awards. Barbie led the show with nine total nominations, taking home the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award. Over on TV, HBO’s Succession won Best Drama, Netflix’s Beef won Best Limited Series, and FX’s The Bear won Best Musical or Comedy. The Golden Globes ceremony is now available to stream on-demand on Lionsgate Play.

Coming up on January 15, 8AM Philippine time, is the Critics’ Choice Awards, hosted by comedian Chelsea Handler. Barbie continues to lead the nominations with 18 total, and Apple TV drama The Morning Show leads television with six total. Powerhouses such as Emma Stone starrer Poor Things, recent Asian favorite Past Lives, Disney’s Loki, Netflix’s The Crown, HBO’s The Last of Us, May December, American Fiction, and more are competing for various awards.

Capping off the awards slate in January is none other than the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, celebrating the crème de la crème ontelevision. Succession leads the way with 14 total nominations, while contemporary favorites The Bear, Ted Lasso, Barry, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, Beef, as well as HBO dark comedy The White Lotus, ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary, AMC’s Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul, Amazon comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel allvying for major awards. The Emmys will air on January 16, 9AM Philippine time, and will be available on-demand afterwards.

For big screen buffs, the kickoff of the 2024 awards season is absolutely can’t-miss. Thanks to its partnership with Lionsgate Play, PLDT Home provides unlimited entertainment as customers get an exclusive rate on a Lionsgate Play subscription at only P79/month. On top of the prestigious awards shows, Lionsgate Play’s full roster of TV and movie offerings are available to stream at any time on the platform, giving Filipinos the ultimate in streaming they want and deserve at home.

Find out more about Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and subscribe now by visiting https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

New product alert: Optimize your living space for the healthiest air possible with the CHERRY Smart Air Quality Sensor

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For parents, having a safe and healthy environment for their families is a top priority. In the quest for ensuring the well-being of their loved ones, CHERRY Smart Air Quality Sensor is your indispensable ally.

CHERRY Smart Air Quality Sensor offer more than just data; it provides cautious moms with valuable insights and the added peace of mind that comes with knowing their homes are havens of clean, breathable air. Moreover, dads can also see a real-time data on key indicators such as particulate matter (PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and more.

Navigating the device is also a breeze as it seamlessly connects to your smartphone through the CHERRY IoT Solutions App. You can receive instant updates on your smartphone when the air quality deteriorates, allowing you to take prompt action.

Create a healthier living environment with the CHERRY Smart Air Quality Sensor for P4,999.

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

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Cosmic Technologies Incorporated is a Philippine-based company that carries the brand CHERRY which offers a comprehensive selection of products from Internet of Things (IoT), home, personal and wellness essentials, pet needs, travel necessities to mobile phones. Since 2009, CHERRY continues to build an equilibrium to create one ecosystem.

Capturing 2023: Memorable moments with vivo phones

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Discover the heartfelt stories of Filipinos in 2023, as they share their most cherished memories captured through vivo smartphones. From new releases like the vivo V29 5G and vivo Y36 to earlier models, these devices have become storytellers of Filipinos' lives.

Immortalizing Holiday celebrations with loved ones

Ella Tamayo from Pasig City used her vivo V29 5G to capture the joy of welcoming 2024 with loved ones on New Year's Eve. The vivid snapshot made that moment unforgettable.

Jergens Alvarez from Laguna also shared a photo taken during Noche Buena, when she felt thankful for being at home for Christmas.

Jay Ilagan from Laguna chose the vivo Y36 to capture the essence of family bonding during New Year's Eve. The vivo Y36 perfectly preserved the togetherness of that special moment.

In 2023, vivo introduced cutting-edge smartphones, including the vivo V29 5G and vivo Y36.

vivo V29 5G in Magic Maroon

vivo Y36 in Glitter Aqua

These devices, equipped with advanced camera features, proved instrumental in preserving the most cherished moments for users like Ella and Jay.

Timeless memories with earlier vivo models

Even with earlier vivo models, users created lasting memories. Jonas Apatan used the vivo V21e to take a photo during their first Luzon trip as a family, emphasizing the enduring quality of vivo phones.

Jose Ma. Enriquez, using the vivo Y95, immortalized his Christmas decorations, showcasing how vivo phones document personal achievements and creative endeavors.

"I just love this photo because I was able to decorate our home with my best handmade Christmas decorations," Jose shared.

Chadz Antonio, a #vivo4Christmas Instagram winner, shared his extraordinary Christmas journey to Siquijor Island with the vivo V15 Pro. The device not only captured his moments but also inspired him to blend work and travel, making 2023 an unforgettable adventure.

Chadz said, "This trip made me eager to explore more in 2024, learn about new cultures, try different foods, and keep this incredible journey going. Remembering this adventure fills me with joy, and I'm thankful to vivo V15 Pro for capturing these priceless moments that mean so much to me."

vivo smartphones are truly enablers of cherished memories. As Filipinos continue to use vivo to capture and share their special moments, these devices play a vital role in preserving the essence of their lives.

Explore, capture, and relive – vivo ensures that every moment becomes a memorable story. Get the latest vivo vivo V29 Series 5G or a budget-friendly Y Series phone on vivo website, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, or vivo concept stores, kiosks, and dealers nationwide.