IKEA Philippines donates P1.2M soft toy sales to Better World Smokey Mountain

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IKEA Philippines recently donated over P1.2M to Better World Smokey Mountain (BWSM), a community center managed by San Miguel Foundation, to benefit more than 1,500 families and children in Tondo, Manila.

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Proceeds will help more than 1,500 families and children in Smokey Mountain, Tondo

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The proceeds of the donation drive were from the Swedish home furnishing brand’s Better World, Better Toys campaign wherein P50 from every purchase of any soft toy will be donated to Better World Smokey Mountain. Customers chose from wide variety of irresistible cuddly companions, ranging from the KRAMIG panda bear to aquatic mammals of the BLAVINGAD collection, and space creatures and aliens from the AFTONSPARV collection.

More than 24,000 IKEA soft toys were sold in the duration of the drive from November 13 to December 16, 2023.

“We are extremely grateful for the continuous generosity of IKEA Philippines. From the ideation phase of BWSM to now furthering the cause of our centers, IKEA has been there with us not only in terms of financial support but in other aspects as well,” said Mark Rebucan, Program Associate, San Miguel Foundation

The funds shall be utilized in the implementation of additional extra-curricular activities that will allow members of all ages to hone their creative skills including dance, music, and arts. Additionally, the funds will help procure other materials needed for the establishment of another playground that will cater to babies and toddlers. Income-generating projects for its members such as livelihood programs of nanay leaders will also benefit from the donation.

In September 2023, IKEA Philippines provided and assembled home furnishings for the classrooms and library of Better World Smokey Mountain community center that serves as a learning and skills development center for 2,500 families or roughly 12,500 individuals from the historically underserved communities in Tondo.

Creating partnerships for positive impact in social communities is one of IKEA Philippines’ sustainability commitments. Currently, IKEA is also working with R2R (Rags2Riches) as their sewing service provider in IKEA Pasay City.

Find out more about the IKEA mission of building a better everyday life for the many people. Visit IKEA Pasay City or www.IKEA.ph/FY23SustainabilityReport for more details.

Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier’s impact on uplifting Filipino lives through learning initiatives

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Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier continue its commitment to uplifting Filipino lives through its impactful educational initiatives. With education at the forefront of their advocacy, these initiatives represent a transformative journey toward a brighter and more educated future for the Philippines.

Through its corporate social responsibility arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Inc. (CLFI) leads the charge with its Nationwide Scholarship Program, providing support to intellectually gifted yet financially constrained students. Aside from the annual scholarship grant, the program offers employment opportunities in Cebuana Lhuillier’s parent company, PJ Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI), and provides additional learning resources to its scholars and learning sessions. In collaboration with 14 academic institutions all over the country, close to 1,000 graduate scholars have emerged nationwide. This not only opens doors for the scholars but also creates a ripple effect as they contribute to uplifting others through education.

Another of its initiatives is the Alternative Learning Program, which addresses the needs of out-of-school youth and adult learners across the Philippines. These ALS community learning centers (ALS-CLCs) empower individuals to complete basic education, transforming them into competent and productive members of society. Since it was established in 2013, 155 ALS-CLCs have been built across 70 provinces, reaching almost 60,000 ALS learners.

Jean Henri Lhuillier 

“I have always been a staunch advocate for education. At Cebuana Lhuillier, it is our firm belief that the journey of learning holds the key to transformative change, shaping destinies and creating a profound impact on individuals. Through our initiatives and programs, we strive to improve lives and contribute to the growth of a country built on the foundations of knowledge and empowerment,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

A shining example of success is Atty. Pia Faustino, a Ka-Cebuana who has been with the company for over 20 years now. Faustino was a CLFI scholar during her undergraduate years. Upon completing her degree, she received a job offer as the Administrative Assistant in the Legal Services Group (LSG) of PJLI. It was within this role that she discovered her passion for law, and with the unwavering support of her colleagues and bosses, she decided to pursue further studies.

Embracing the challenge, Faustino embarked on her remarkable journey through law school and in 2023, her dedication and hard work culminated in passing the Bar, earning her esteemed title of a lawyer.

“I’m very grateful to the Lhuillier family and all LSG Group Heads. Everyone has been so supportive, even my colleagues. Just last year, I passed the bar. Law school was not a walk in the park, I had my ups and downs, but I was determined to finish it and to pass the bar. Now, just fresh from passing the bar, I still crave learning and opportunities. I hope and pray to become a good lawyer,” said Faustino.

Faustino's trajectory from scholarship recipient to accomplished lawyer exemplifies the transformative power of educational support and the opportunities for growth that Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier provides.

As Cebuana Lhuillier and Jean Henri Lhuillier continue to spearhead impactful initiatives, the vision for educational empowerment echoes far beyond the programs themselves. It resonates in the lives changed, the communities uplifted, and the promise of a brighter future for the Filipino people.

HONOR and Nokia Just Signed a 5G Patent License Agreement, bigger innovations soon

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 The Toughest Smartphones Join Forces. 

Global tech giants HONOR and Nokia recently signed a new patent cross-license agreement in pursuit of significant inventions in 5G and other cellular technologies.

“We are delighted to have concluded an amicable patent cross-license agreement with HONOR, one of the leading players in the Chinese smartphone market. It is the fourth major litigation-free smartphone agreement that Nokia has concluded over the past twelve months and highlights once again the strength of Nokia’s patent portfolio and decades-long contributions to cellular standards and other technologies,” Nokia Chief Licensing Officer Mobile Devices Susanna Martikainen said.

Two tech gians HONOR and Nokia just signed a patent agreement for bigger innovations soon

“As both 5G SEP holder and implementor, HONOR highly respects IP rights and strongly believes that reasonable value of IP is important to the development of mobile industry. The conclusion of the patent cross-license agreement shows HONOR's commitment on innovation to enabling a smart life across all scenarios and all channels, for all people,” HONOR Head of Global Intellectual Property Wenyu Zhou also shared.

It is very recent that HONOR launched an Ultra-Tough smartphone HONOR X9b 5G shadowing the legacy of the classic Nokia 3310. HONOR takes pride in providing solutions to consumers’ everyday dilemma and bridge affordability and quality together.

Experience the HONOR X9b 5G now and get yours at HONOR Experience and Partner stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease).

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store!

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9b 5G, you may visit: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_X9b_Pressrelease and head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Nadine Lustre and Bea Alonzo feature in behind-the-scenes film of OPPO’s nature-inspired Reno11 Series 5G TVC

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Offering an exclusive first look at the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G, brand ambassadors Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre create anticipation for the groundbreaking phone as seen in the behind the scenes of the TVC for the newest addition to the Reno series, providing a sneak peek into the new Portrait Expert features that make it stand out.

Watch The Making of the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G TVC here.

Filmed amidst the vibrant greenery and sparkling waters of Batangas, the natural visual treat accentuated the impressive camera capabilities of the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G. “Shooting against a windy green backdrop was a poetic experience,” said Bea Alonzo expressing how the Reno11, held against her hair, made her feel like a character in a painting. The 32MP telephoto lens, a standout feature of the phone, is lauded for its ability to capture these moments perfectly, adding a magical touch to the visuals.

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G debuts as the latest Reno series offering from OPPO, inspired by nature as reflected in the phone’s design with the hues of Pearl White and Wave Green. A captivating behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the journey of Bea and Nadine into nature, which highlighted the OPPO Reno11's Telephoto Camera, is revealed in the TVC-making film video.

Rooted in the elegance of pearl white and the vibrancy of wave green, the phone’s design philosophy sets the stage for a visual masterpiece to capture the essence of the natural world. As seen in the video, scenes outdoors are presented, echoing the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G's deliberate integration of natural textures into its design. “Holding the Reno11 Pro 5G while walking on the beach, it felt like I was an explorer uncovering the secrets of pearl white.” Nadine excitedly shares.

The telephoto lens emerges as a signature weapon, capturing a moment within a moment. Bea emphasizes how the lens enhances the vividness of every performance, particularly in capturing interactions with the green scenery of nature. She also shared how the phone captured every subtle movement without disrupting her natural state, allowing the photographer to frame every smile and gaze, revealing her raw, standout emotion.

For Nadine, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is a game-changer, blending harmoniously with its surroundings, creating a magical and unforgettable feeling. To beautifully sum it up, it all goes back to embodying the Reno11 Series 5G's design philosophy – to stand out and make every portrait an extraordinary expression of an individual’s most natural and authentic self captured in the frame.

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is launching in the Philippines on February 1. Stay updated on the latest Reno series news by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Client: OPPO Philippines

Broadcast Producer: Miele Dungo (Slingshot Manila, Inc.)

Production House: Two Fold

Executive Producer: Mara Bernaldo

Director: Timothy Axibal and Tey Clamor

DOP: Tey Clamor

Cam Op: Rocky Morilla

Production Staff: Kaye Atienza

Colorist: Mikhail Von Asmuth (Barebones Inc.)

Editor: Timothy Axibal

Live Sound: Danjo Galapon, Jacob Guce (Eelectric Studio)

Sound Engineer: Philip Jarilla (Hit Productions Inc.)

How Your Designer Bags & Luxury Watches Can Fund Your Dreams

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Nothing quite makes a statement like luxury items. Designer bags and luxury watches, in particular, can signal to the world that you've achieved a certain level of success and sophistication. But what if these high-end items could do more than just make you look good? What if they could actually fund your dreams?

It's possible, and here's how:

How to Understand the Value of Your Luxury Items

Designer bags and luxury watches are often seen as status symbols, but can also be seen as investments. These items retain their value over time and, in some cases, even increase in value.

The value of designer bags and luxury watches is determined by a range of factors. First, the brand plays a significant role in determining the value. Renowned luxury brands like Rolex, Cartier, Hermès, and Chanel typically hold their value well over time. The item's condition is also paramount — items in excellent condition, preferably with original packaging and certifications, are likely to fetch a higher price. Limited edition pieces or those with historical significance can also command high value due to their rarity.

But even mid-range designer bags and watches like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Fossil can retain a good portion of their value. This means that even if you decide to sell these items after a few years of use, you can still recoup a significant amount of your initial investment.

How to Turn Luxury Items into Cash (Without Selling Them)

You don't have to sell your treasures to reap the benefits of their value. Instead, you can pawn them for cash. This allows you to keep ownership of your beloved items while still being able to access the funds you need.

Many pawnshops specialize in providing loans against designer bags and watches. These shops have expert appraisers who can determine the value of your item, and then offer you a loan based on that value. The best part is that you'll still get to keep your item while using its value to fund your dreams.

How to Choose the Right Pawnshop for Your Luxury Items

When choosing a pawnshop, look for competitive interest rates, convenience, and security. Pawnhero, the Philippines' first BSP-regulated online pawnshop, ticks all those boxes.  With interest rates as low as 3.5%, a hassle-free online process, and secure storage for your items, Pawnhero makes it easy to turn your designer bags and luxury watches into cash.

How does pawning with Pawnhero work?  Simply upload photos of your luxury item and complete a form on their website. Then, you'll receive an initial appraisal and loan offer. If you're satisfied with the amount, you can schedule a free pickup or drop-off for your item for further authentication and appraisal. Once finalized, the funds will be transferred to your bank account.

So, what can you do with the money from pawning your luxury items? The possibilities are endless! You can use it to fund your education, invest in a business, or even take that dream vacation you've always wanted. With Pawnhero, your luxury items can genuinely become the key to unlocking your dreams. So why let them gather dust in your closet when they could fund your future?  Keep dreaming big, and let Pawnhero help make those dreams a reality.

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About PawnHero

PawnHero (PawnHero.ph) is the first online pawnshop in the Philippines. Regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, PawnHero is leading the modernization of the pawnbroking industry in the country. PawnHero's mission is to provide the most convenient and reliable financial service to all Filipinos in need of quick cash loans. Through the use of advanced technology, PawnHero is able to provide instant cash loans to its customers in a hassle-free and discreet manner.