Empowering Communities: BingoPlus Foundation kicks off Barangay Bigayan Program

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BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of Digiplus Interactive Corp, continues to multiply the good with the launch of the Barangay Bigayan Program as part of efforts to uplift lives and contribute to a digitally-advanced and resilient Philippines.

The BingoPlus Foundation hands over a public tricycle to District 2 in Lemery, Batangas 

The Barangay Bigayan Program provides immediate support for target sectors and long-term capacity-building investments across four pillars: Technology Education, Accessible Healthcare, Community Resilience, and Responsible Digitalization.

Multiply the Good

Barangay Bigayan kicked-off at Barangay District 2, Lemery, Batangas where BingoPlus Foundation handed over a public tricycle. The tricycle serves as vital transportation support for senior citizens, pregnant women, parents with young children, and persons with disabilities, providing easier access to local health and daycare centers. It is also used for evening security checks, ensuring the safety of residents.

The tricycle transports target sectors during the day and aids in security checks at night.

Meanwhile, BingoPlus Foundation joined in the fun at Barangay Pitogo in Taguig City during their Foundation Week celebration where the foundation provided ambulance services and critical support to the community. Nearly 50 senior citizens and the local health center received a grant comprising wheelchairs, nebulizer kits, blood pressure monitoring kits, and glucose monitoring kits. This donation has made accessible healthcare a reality for the elders of Barangay Pitogo

Fun and safety go hand-in-hand as BingoPlus Foundation supports Barangay Pitogo’s Foundation Week with medical services. 

Nearly 50 senior citizens receive a grant of medical equipment to assist in making healthcare more accessible.

BingoPlus Foundation aims to “multiply the good” by partnering with the public sector in bringing needed services, equipment and infrastructure closer to communities.

“With collaborative efforts with our local community partners, we are looking forward to making a lasting impact through addressing pressing needs of the communities we serve through the Barangay Bigayan Program,” said Andy Tsui, President of DigiPlus Interactive and Chairman of BingoPlus Foundation.

For 2024, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. allocated over P100M to support BingoPlus Foundation’s various projects and initiatives that provide support to important causes under its key pillars.

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About BingoPlus Foundation

BingoPlus Foundation is the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp, one of the fastest growing digital entertainment companies in the country. BingoPlus Foundation aims to multiply the good to its partner communities through technology education, accessible healthcare, community safety and resiliency, and responsible digitalization. For more information, visit https://digiplus.com.ph/bingoplus-foundation/.

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.