Protecting the growing freelancer and gig worker sector with Igloo's gadget protection

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As the Philippines grows into a formidable digital economy, the increasing connectivity and digital infrastructure have empowered individuals to offer their skills and services globally. Freelancing or gig working allowed Filipinos to participate in the global workforce while contributing to the country’s economic resilience and competitiveness in the digital era.

Regional insurtech Igloo, whose mission is to provide insurance for all, believes in protecting this growing workforce segment. Payoneer’s 2022 report on the Philippine freelance market estimates that 1.5 million Filipinos are engaged in freelance work such as content creation and customer service for local and global clients.

Igloo and its partners safeguard freelancers and gig workers by protecting their essential work devices such as phones, laptops, and other electronics through its Gadget Protection and Cracked Screen Protection products.

“Freelancers provide services that go beyond geographical limitations and with the added benefits of being able to work anywhere, choose flexible times, and the opportunity to showcase and hone their skills to global clientele, it’s easy to see why it’s a growing and attractive sector,” said Roberto Vea, Commercial Lead at Igloo Philippines.

The growing freelance sector has led to the Philippine government's initiative to pass the Freelance Worker Protection Act (HB 67183) in 2023. This bill aims to provide protection and incentives to freelance workers, including night differentials and hazard pay.

“We echo the government’s call to protect freelancers and gig workers and, with our partners, we do so by protecting the tools they use as with much of these jobs happening online, it’s crucial to protect these devices as without them, they can’t work effectively or earn income. Our gadgets and electronics products are designed to protect these devices that power the freelancer economy, ensuring they can continue their work smoothly and maintain their livelihoods,” Vea explained.

Gadget Protection ensures extensive device protection–from accidental and liquid damage and the added benefit of professional repair and service at authorized centers. The product is available via GInsure and Lazada.

Cracked Screen Protection covers screen damage caused by accidental physical impact for up to 12 months. This product is designed for phones and phone accessories purchased on Shopee, providing peace of mind for users concerned about screen damage.

To date, over 15.8 million policies of these two products have been sold in the Philippines across various distribution partner platforms since January 2023.

These products empower freelance and gig workers to boost productivity, efficiency, and career growth. Gadget Protection and Phone Screen Protection are some products that highlight Igloo’s mission to make insurance accessible and beneficial for everyone, including those in the rapidly growing freelance industry.

Learn more about Igloo’s Gadget Protection and its other protection products by visiting iglooinsure.com

Rizal Microbank-Franklin Baker partnership to benefit coconut farmers through quick loans

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Rizal Microbank, Inc. (RMB), a subsidiary of Yuchengco-led RCBC, has introduced an innovative financing mechanism with coconut suppliers of Franklin Baker, one of the largest global suppliers of desiccated coconuts. The new scheme seeks to streamline and expedite loan application process for coconut suppliers and farmers.

The partnership enables Franklin Baker suppliers to have access to a reusable source of funds for their business through the Revolving Credit Line (RCL) product offering under the framework of RMB’s Agricultural Value Chain Financing (AVCF) Program. RCL enables verified suppliers and borrowers to loan up to Php10 million.

Loan processing time for Franklin Baker suppliers has been significantly reduced to just one to two working days from the previous one to two weeks. Requirements for loan application have been simplified to include the following: one form of identification for credit report access, a barangay clearance or mayor's permit where applicable, and a statement of account (SOA) for existing loans and/or deposits if available.

“Our commitment goes beyond partnerships. It's about serving the underserved and making banking truly inclusive for all. By forging collaborations like this one with Franklin Baker suppliers, we're breaking barriers and ensuring that financial opportunities are accessible to every micro and small business, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant economic landscape,” said RMB President Raymundo Roxas.

Roxas added that through RMB's proactive approach, underpinned by its core value of malasakit or "compassion," the bank aims to be closer to the market and the realities faced by small entrepreneurs in the coconut farming industry.

“By prioritizing empathy and understanding, the bank fosters a financial inclusion initiative in the coconut industry, ensuring that the benefits of the partnership extend to the underserved,” Roxas said.

As of December 2023, RMB has successfully approved 32 suppliers in Franklin Baker’s Mindanao plants under this program. This year, RMB is expanding the initiative’s reach to Luzon to provide a similar level of financial assistance to coconut suppliers in the region.

RMB is a thrift bank of RCBC and a financial partner of micro and small entrepreneurs. It is focused on making financial services accessible and convenient for the unbanked and underserved communities. To learn more, visit www.rizalmicrobank.com.

"Hello, Love, Goodbye" with Kathryn, Alden , soon in “Hello, Love, Again”

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• Star Cinema and GMA Pictures team up for "Hello, Love, Again"
• Kathryn, Alden to reprise iconic roles as Joy and Ethan

In another historic collaboration, ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures are teaming up for the first time to produce “Hello, Love, Again,” the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit "Hello, Love, Goodbye."

Kathryn Bernardo of ABS-CBN and Alden Richards of GMA will be reprising their well-loved characters, Joy and Ethan, in “Hello, Love, Again.” Box-office hit film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, who helmed the original film, returns to direct the sequel that will be shot in Canada.

The film’s theatrical release begins on November 13, 2024 in the Philippines, with international releases following thereafter.

The announcement was made on Sunday (May 19) with key officers from ABS-CBN and GMA present. They were ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN chief operating officer Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Film Productions head Kriz Gazmen, and GMA Films president and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.

For many years, Star Cinema has been telling heartwarming stories of Filipinos and shedding light on the realities of Filipinos living and working abroad through silver screen features. Among its remarkable films from the past decades are “Anak,” “Barcelona: A Love Untold,” “Caregiver,” “Dubai,” “In The Name of Love,” and “Milan.” Star Cinema, along with APT Entertainment and Agosto Dos Pictures, also produced the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, “Rewind.”

Meanwhile, GMA Pictures has produced notable films that touch on key social issues in the Philippines. It led the production of critically acclaimed movies “Muro Ami” and “Deathrow,” the historical drama, “Jose Rizal,” as well as blockbuster hits like “Let The Love Begin” and “Ang Panday.” Last year, it released the movie “Firefly” which earned the Best Picture award in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Get vivo Y03 with Globe GPlan

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Affordable gaming phone vivo Y03 is now free for as low as Php 599 per month with Globe GPlan. This Globe postpaid plan offers convenience and affordability, making the vivo Y03 within reach for every gaming enthusiast and smartphone user.

The available variant of the vivo Y03 boasts 4GB of RAM paired with 128GB of ROM, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage for all your gaming and multimedia needs.

Under Globe GPlan 599, subscribers can avail of the vivo Y03 without any cashout. Additionally, the plan includes 2GB of data and 100 all-net calls and texts, enabling users to stay connected with their loved ones online every day. As a bonus, subscribers will receive a free adaptor with their purchase.

The vivo Y03 is packed with features that cater to both gaming and everyday usage. Its impressive specifications include a spacious 128GB ROM, expandable up to 1TB, ensuring users never run out of storage space for their favorite games and media files. The device is powered by a robust 5000mAh battery with 15W fast charging support, guaranteeing uninterrupted gaming sessions.

Furthermore, the vivo Y03 sports a 90Hz refresh rate display with high brightness and low blue light, providing users with a smooth and comfortable viewing experience. Equipped with an octa-core Helio G85 chip enhanced with Hyper-Engine Gaming Technology, the vivo Y03 delivers optimal gaming performance without compromising efficiency.

Other notable features of the vivo Y03 include IP54 dust and water resistance, multi-style portrait mode with a night filter, and an audio booster for a 150% volume increase. Running on Android 14 OS, users can enjoy the latest software innovations and updates.

With its 6.56-inch screen size and impressive camera setup featuring a 13MP main camera and a 5MP selfie camera, the vivo Y03 offers a complete multimedia experience for users.

For more information on how to avail of the vivo Y03 on GPlan 599, visit any Globe Telecom store nationwide or check out the Globe website. Meanwhile, you may check the full features of Y03 on the vivo website.

Take Sharper, Clearer, and More Vibrant Images with the OnePlus 12R

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OnePlus has always been committed to creating devices designed to deliver the best  in performance and smooth user experience. And the release of the OnePlus 12R is no different.

While it is a phone that’s “Smooth Beyond Belief”, thanks to its Trinity Engine, 5,500 mAh battery and Oxygen 14 OS, the OnePlus 12R also features an impressive camera with a flagship-level sensor and advanced imaging capabilities.

Flagship-level Main Camera
The OnePlus 12R  is equipped with a 50-megapixel flagship camera that uses a Sony IMX890 sensor, which is known for producing great all-round photography.  The camera boasts faster image processing, speed boost for quicker switches and zooms, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring clear, and detailed shots no matter the lighting conditions and movement.

RAW HDR Algorithms
OnePlus photography is all about capturing the natural brilli
ance of your shot, with an extra boost from its RAW HDR algorithm. These in-house developed algorithms enhance HDR photography by taking multiple HDR photos simultaneously, including under-exposed and overexposed shots, and combining them into one brilliantly clear image. Using AI, the algorithms reduce noise, optimize white balance, correct contrast issues, and bring a new level of clarity to your photography efforts – all in the blink of a shutter lens.

Tone Mapping Control
Not everything is black and white, and that’s definitely true in the world of photography. That’s why OnePlus 12R’s photography package includes tone mapping control, a unique HDR algorithm that helps capture the subtle intricacies of light, dark, and gray shades in your shots, ensuring they’re processed perfectly. It’s just like a traditional DSLR, except without needing to carry a heavy camera bag. Combine this with the ProXDR screen and your photos will look as real on the OnePlus 12R as they did when you first took them.

Selfie, Ultrawide, and Macro Ready to Go

The main camera isn’t the only outstanding camera on the OnePlus 12R. At the back of the phone is an ultra-wide camera with a Sony IMX355 sensor that captures wide landscape shots, allowing to fit more scenery into each picture. In addition, the ultra-wide camera covers an impressive 112-degree field of view that is perfect for group photos or breathtaking nature shots.For those times when you want to get really close to your subject, like capturing the intricate details of a flower or a small object, the OnePlus 12R includes a macro camera. This camera lets you take clear, detailed close-up photos that showcase every tiny detail.

On the front of the phone, there’s a 16-megapixel camera designed for sharp and vibrant selfies and video calls. Whether you’re snapping a quick selfie or chatting with friends and family over video, this front-facing camera ensures you look your best.

The OnePlus 12R offers more than just powerful performance – it’s a complete package that ensures you can capture every moment brilliantly.

The OnePlus 12R is now available in the Philippines for PHP 43,990 and comes in two colorways - Cool Blue and Iron Grey. It is available at all authorized Digital Walker,  OnePlus and OPPO stores nationwide or via Shopee and Lazada where you can enjoy 0% interest installment via Shoppee’s SPay Later and Lazada’s LazPayLater.

For more information on the OnePlus 12R, its features, and availability, visit OnePlus Philippines’ official website or OnePlus Philippines’ official Facebook page.