September 1, 2024

IKEA Celebrates Early Christmas with Its Biggest Price Drop Ever

With the Christmas spirit in the air, IKEA Philippines is marking the season with its largest price adjustment ever. True to its vision to “create a better everyday life for the many people,” IKEA Philippines continues to step up with the Swedish home furnishing brand’s proactive effort in making home life easier and more affordable for the many Filipino families.

According to the IKEA Life at Home Report 2023, 43 percent of Filipinos are most concerned about their household finances and disposable income. Additionally, 38 percent of Filipinos say that not having enough money to care for their home is a major reason that makes them feel less in control of their daily lives. In response, IKEA is committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people by offering affordable solutions that help Filipinos feel more in control and find joy in their homes.

Starting 1 September, IKEA will be bringing down prices on the things that matter most for the many Filipinos. Exactly 2,000 of 9,753 products, which is 20 percent of the IKEA product range, will now be available at even lower prices. Filipinos can expect the same great quality IKEA has been known for in the lower-price lineup which includes the SKOGSFRÄKEN pillow that ensures maximum comfort for better sleep, MURVEL shoe organiser which is a perfect solution for storing shoes in style and saving space, BESTÄMMA food container with lid offering a simple and reliable storage solution for packed meals or leftovers, fast-drying VAGSJON hand towel that adds a touch of softness and style to the bathroom with its pure cotton material, MIDDAGSMAT pot with lid makes cooking easier and more enjoyable with it fast-heating and lightweight design, and the AFJALL foam mattress that offers superior comfort and support for a restful sleep.


Along with this wide-ranging price reduction, on 26 August, IKEA Philippines reduced the cost of Truck Delivery nationwide to a fixed price of PHP 600, which is down from the previous maximum of PHP 1,990. Additionally, Click & Collect services are now free of charge (previously PHP 590) at all IKEA Collection Points nationwide located in Pasay City, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Misamis Oriental.

Moreover, customers who visit IKEA Pasay City can enjoy lower prices on select food offerings, such as meatless lasagna for just PHP 99 (previously PHP 199) and a hotdog with drinks combo for only PHP 59 (previously PHP 79).

“Our commitment to making quality home essentials more affordable is a reflection of our dedication to the many Filipinos,” said Gerard Jansen, Country Retail Director, IKEA Philippines and Singapore. “This early Christmas price drop is our way of helping families navigate the holiday season with greater ease and joy.”

As the Philippines now welcomes the ber months, you can think of these lowered prices as an early gift from IKEA to every Filipino home by making it easier for everyone to create a space they love with IKEA home furnishings that are now even more affordable.


Get into the Christmas spirit as early as September with new items from the beloved VINTERFINT collection, such as holiday decors, textiles, lighting, and Christmas trees. By letting you add a festive touch or helping you prepare for holiday gatherings, the VINTERFINT collection will bring the warmth and joy of Christmas in the homes of many Filipinos.

This holiday season, let IKEA transform your house into a home with great quality at even lower prices. Start creating the home you’ve always wanted—shop with IKEA today and bring joy and comfort to every corner of your home. Visit IKEA Pasay City or the IKEA online store at www.IKEA.ph.

Becky's Angel from Laguna celebrates as the vivo Y100 giveaway winner

In celebration of vivo's partnership with British-Thai actress and singer Becky Armstrong, the smartphone brand announced an exciting giveaway for Filipino Becky angels – a chance to win a vivo Y100 smartphone!
Many Filipino fans enthusiastically participated by commenting with green hearts on Becky's post on Instagram, symbolizing their support for Becky. The fan with the most engagements took home the vivo Y100 in the photochromic Breeze Green variant that changes color from light to dark hue in as fast as three seconds.

The giveaway sparked significant excitement and engagement among Becky’s fans and vivo’s community on both Instagram and Facebook.

Becky's fan won vivo Y100

On August 14, 2024, vivo proudly revealed Kenneth Despuig as the lucky angel to bring home the vivo Y100 through their official Facebook community page.
A brand representative reached out to him for an interview to hear his thoughts on winning the vivo Y100 smartphone.

The 24-year-old was thrilled as he revealed that he did not expect to win at all, exclaiming with joy upon discovering his win on Facebook.

When asked about his plans to celebrate, Kenneth shared, "I will celebrate this win by just simply sharing my excitement with my family and friends. As for how I intend to use the Y100, I plan to make it my main device for staying connected and organized."

The lucky fan also shared that the vivo Y100 will be useful for his ongoing job search as he just recently graduated. He believes that the smartphone will be more than just a gadget as it will surely enhance his daily life and support him with his goals.

He concluded the interview by expressing his gratitude to vivo, feeling fortunate to be the lucky one among thousands of Becky's fans to win the vivo Y100. He sees this prize as the ultimate birthday and graduation gift for himself.


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About vivo Y100

The vivo Y100 is equipped with 80W fast charging technology that enables users to power up to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes. It also has a 5000mAh battery that can last all day long.

Aside from that, vivo Y100 has a 120Hz refresh rate and a vibrant 1200nits 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED Dotch Display, certified by SGS Eye Care Display.

It also features dual stereo speakers and up to 300% audio booster, designed to deliver a cinematic experience.

Stay updated with the latest vivo news and announcements by joining their Facebook community page.

Visit the nearest vivo concept store or kiosk nationwide to grab the vivo Y100! Priced for as low as Php 10,999, the vivo Y100 has 8GB RAM, 8GB extended RAM, and up to 256GB storage (expandable up to 1TB).

You can also shop online by visiting vivo's official website, or by checking out these popular e-commerce platforms: Shopee, TikTok, or Lazada.

August 31, 2024

2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair Concludes with Record-Breaking Success, Championing Sustainability and Local Innovation

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully wrapped up its 2024 Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF), leaving a lasting impression of the nation's dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the promotion of high-quality Filipino products. Held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from August 21 to 25, the event, themed "Go Green! Go Local!" drew in thousands of visitors and generated impressive sales for participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Organized by the DTI through the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), this year’s NTF brought together over 270 exhibitors from across the regions, showcasing a diverse range of artisanal and non-food products crafted from sustainable raw materials such as bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass. In addition, the fair featured unique food items, Halal products, coconut-based innovations, novelty items, holiday decor, and home furnishings, providing a comprehensive showcase of Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity.


A major draw of the event were the special pavilions that featured curated selections of sustainable and innovative products. These included:
· The Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, highlighting eco-friendly products made from bamboo and natural fibers.

· The Coconut Philippines Pavilion, showcasing innovative coconut-based products.

· The Obra Pavilion, displaying creative outputs from design scholars.

· The KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, celebrating the rich coffee culture of the Philippines.

· The RAPID Growth Project Pavilion, promoting products from farmer-beneficiaries of the DTI’s Rural Agro-Industrial Project for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project.
Additionally, the Innovation and Services Cluster provided an information hub for both the MSMEs and visitors, offering free consultations by government agencies and private sector partners.




Key Accomplishments
  • Record-Breaking Sales and Attendance: The 2024 NTF was not just a showcase of Filipino creativity but also a resounding success in terms of sales and attendance. Attracting almost 28,000 visitors, the fair generated an impressive Php72.377-million in cash sales, booked orders, and orders under negotiation for participating MSMEs, demonstrating strong consumer interest in locally-made, sustainable products.
  • Business Matching and Networking: The event facilitated numerous business matching and networking opportunities, further broadening the market reach and collaboration potential for local entrepreneurs. This fostered an environment conducive to growth and expansion for MSMEs.
  • Promotion of Sustainability and Innovation: The fair successfully highlighted the Philippines' commitment to sustainability and innovation, showcasing products made from eco-friendly materials and featuring cutting-edge technologies. This emphasis on sustainable practices underscores the country's dedication to responsible and ethical business practices.
  • Empowerment of MSMEs: By providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and partners, the NTF played a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs. The event offered valuable opportunities for business growth and development, contributing to the overall economic progress of the country.
DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque expressed her gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and partners, underscoring the fair’s significant contribution to the growth and development of MSMEs in the Philippines. “Let this fair be a reminder that together, we can do great things. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, and where Filipino products are celebrated not just here, but around the world,” she stated.

Further, Roque reiterated the Bagong Pilipinas development agenda for MSMEs: “The government, the private sector, and the entire nation stand with you. We are committed to providing you with the support, resources, and opportunities you need to thrive.”

As the 2024 NTF closed, the theme “Go Green! Go Local!” resonated strongly, leaving attendees inspired by the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit that characterize Filipino craftsmanship. The DTI looks forward to building on this success in future events, continuing its unwavering support for the growth and prosperity of Filipino businesses.

For further information about national domestic trade fairs and other DTI initiatives, please follow the social media pages @BDTP on Facebook, @DTI_BDTP on X, and @dti.bdtp on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in participating in future DTI-BMDPO fairs can contact their local DTI office or email Director Marievic Bonoan of the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP at BDTP@dti.gov.ph.

August 30, 2024

OPPO, Bea Alonzo showcase the all-new OPPO Reno12 F 5G at SM City Dasmariñas

Continuing to make the AI Smartphone experience accessible to more Filipinos, leading global smart device brand OPPO along with its brand ambassador Bea Alonzo welcomed OPPO's most accessible AI smartphone, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G (Php 18,999), in a fun-filled afternoon in SM City Dasmariñas.
OPPO Philippines Brand Manager Gab Espedido, Brand Ambassador Bea Alonzo and Assistant PR Manager Mark Ordoñez

Fans and tech enthusiasts alike gathered to have a firsthand experience of the remarkable and intuitive AI features of the newest addition to the renowned Reno Series through interactive booths that showcased AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Studio and BeaconLink.

Bea Alonzo, who took SM City Dasmariñas by storm, shared how she enjoys using the OPPO Reno12 F 5G and its features for her everyday life, including its 50MP Main Camera, AI imaging and productivity features, sleek design and outstanding durability. "The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is true to its promise of taking true to life and realistic-quality photos na nakakaproud na i-share sa social media. With the AI features such as AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Studio that comes with it, taking photos and videos have been much easier and enjoyable," Bea shared with the crowd.

Beyond the camera capabilities, Bea also highlighted how she loves having zero worries from any potential damages when using the OPPO Reno12 F 5G with its durability due to its All-Round Armor that offers unmatched protection. "One of the things I love about this phone is how durable it is. The OPPO Reno12 F 5G doesn’t just look good, pero super tibay din nito with its all-round armor that keeps the phone safe. With the OPPO Reno12 F 5G, I don’t have to worry about scratching or denting my phone kasi it is very sturdy."
Bea Alonzo poses for the camera as she flexes the stylish Amber Orange colorway of the 
OPPO Reno12 F 5G

As a well-rounded actress and an entrepreneur, Bea finds herself in a lot of meetings on the daily, and the AI tools of the OPPO Reno12 F 5G like the AI Summary and AI Recording Summary come in very handy especially during busy days. “Amazed din ako sa ibang AI tools of my OPPO Reno12 F 5G dahil mas napapadali ang everyday life ko. Whenever my team and I are caught up during online meetings, madali na lang ma-summarize yung mga pinag-usapan because of AI Summary” Bea shared.

Adding more excitement during the mall show, Bea took time to participate in fun and exciting games and a meet and greet portion where her fans had the chance to interact with the box office queen.

She also announced a special collaboration between OPPO and her own bag brand, BASH, which is a part of the exclusive perks awaiting new OPPO Reno12 F 5G users. "I’m proud to introduce this special collaboration between OPPO and BASH! You can be one of the first 150 OPPO Reno12 F 5G users na pwedeng magredeem ng customized Billow Mini Pocket made especially for the newest OPPO AI Phone through the MyOPPO app!" Bea added.

Bea also made a special visit to the freshly-renovated OPPO Brand Store in SM City Dasmariñas to check out the latest OPPO products on display. The new-look OPPO Brand Store promises to level up the customer experience of loyal OPPO users in Southern Luzon.

Grab your OPPO Reno12 F 5G and experience the power of AI

Start your journey to AI with OPPO’s more accessible AI phone! The OPPO Reno12 F 5G is priced at Php 18,999 and comes in two trendy colorways - Amber Orange and Olive Green.

Pre-order is ongoing until August 30 on all OPPO authorized offline stores nationwide and comes with a free TJ654 Bluetooth Speaker.

On top of the exclusive OPPO x BASH Billow Mini Pocket*, MyOPPO App users can also redeem other perks for OPPO Reno12 F 5G until stocks last:
● 4,500 Mabuhay Miles

● P1,000 Happy Skin Gift Code

● P300 Zalora Gift Code for those who create a new My OPPO account and redeem the code within 30 days

*deliveries start September 22

If you want to add an extra layer of protection for your OPPO Reno12 F 5G, you can purchase an OPPO Care for a discounted price of PHP 999 until September 30. It offers one-time free screen replacement for accidental impact, crash, or collision damage within the first 12 months, and extending the warranty by another 12 months for performance issues from factory defects, excluding screen damage.

For more information on the OPPO Reno12 F 5G’s availability, MyOPPO App benefits, exclusive promos and OPPO Care protection plans, please visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.

Visa collaborates with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Cebu and Mandaue City modern jeepneys in first transit project in the Philippines


Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is collaborating with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer. This collaboration has enabled the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, the second biggest city in Cebu.

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Visa cards can be used to pay on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, creating a seamless transit experience and inclusive acceptance for daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines
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The initiative kicked off today with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) working in partnership with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City. The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments. This initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa's commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.
Jeffrey Navarro Talking: Visa Philippines Country Manager Jeffrey Navarro at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines. The pilot signifies Visa’s commitment to promote transit acceptance in the country with plans to expand to more modes of transit in the coming years.

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: "We are thrilled to unveil Visa's inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options. As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have observed a growth in inbound tourism and this partnership will make the transit experience more seamless for tourists. The future of transit, both globally and within the Philippines, is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit, and will be centered around providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.”
Visa Card on Contactless Machine: Visa cards can now be used in select Cebu City and Mandaue City modern jeepneys, providing commuters with more seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.

In February 2024, Cebu experienced a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors, welcoming 104,439 tourists, according to the Department of Tourism[1]. Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular tourist destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022[2]. With such strong tourism growth, the ability to use Visa cards on public transit significantly enhances convenience, as travelers increasingly prefer secure, contactless digital payments. Visa's Global Travel Intentions Study highlights this shift, revealing that 97% of Asia Pacific travelers plan to use card payments (credit, debit, or prepaid) on their trips, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency (cash)[3].

Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), said: “We are proud to partner with Visa and GHL to bring the first-of-its-kind contactless payment solution to the Philippines’ transport sector through our Transport Mobility Solution, the Bus Revenue Tracker System (BRTS). This groundbreaking collaboration not only revolutionizes fare collection with enhanced efficiency and security but also redefines the commuter experience. By leading the way in transport innovation, we are making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a new standard for public transport in the country.”
Ceremonial Tapping: [L-R] Gary Lauriano, BOD, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Randolph Ian Clet, DOTr Project Manager; MS. Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, DOT 7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer; MR. Jeff Navarro, Country Manager, Visa Philippines; Ceasar Michelena, Chairman, Good Transport Solutions, Inc; Jay Tirona, CEO of GHL Systems Philippines Inc., at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines in partnership with GTSI and GHL Systems Philippines. The project enables contactless payments in 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu City and 20 in Mandaue City.

Jay Tirona, CEO, GHL Systems Philippines Inc, said: “This partnership is an exciting example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can come together positively for the private and public sectors, and ultimately, for the benefit of Filipinos who ride these jeepneys every day. These efficiencies drive social and economic change and we need to start with a focused approach, which I believe will eventually and inevitably be adapted across public transport systems nationwide.”
Event: Visa Philippines, together with its partners GTSI, GHL, and representatives from the local government at the launch of Visa’s first transit project in the Philippines that aims to simplify public transit payments by introducing a contactless payment option on select modern jeepneys in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Faster and more seamless travel through a cashless, open-loop system

The rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific, with 120,000 people moving to cities daily, has underscored the need for efficient public transit systems. Governments, including the Philippines, are investing in these systems as part of their strategies to mitigate road congestion, with a focus on simplifying public transit payments and increasing digital payment options.

Visa’s Global Urban Mobility survey found that 58% of commuters favor a unified payment method for all transport modes, as currently half of them use four or more different methods each month[4]. Meanwhile, another Visa survey[5] showed that implementing open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit agencies creates a faster, safer, and more hygienic payment experience. Such a system promotes inclusivity and accessibility in public transit, even for those without access to traditional banking services, with modern payment systems simplifying fare processes for transit agencies, reducing costs and mitigating financial risks.

“With Visa making access to payments more inclusive, we are glad to be moving the needle in embracing innovative systems such as the open-loop payment system which significantly enhances the commuting experience for all,” Navarro added. “This approach not only makes urban mobility more efficient and secure but ensures that everyone, especially those underserved by traditional banking services, has access to seamless and reliable public transportation.”


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[2] “Cebu’s tourist arrivals reach 1.8M in 9 months”, December 2022. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/cebus-tourist-arrivals-reach-18m-in-9-months

[3] “Contactless payments, experiential travel top Asia Pacific travel needs”, November 2023. https://www.visa.com.sg/about-visa/blog/bdp/2023/11/27/contactless-payments-experiential-1701068432525.html

[4] “Choice, Convenience, Contactless: Future of Public Transit in Asia Pacific”, October 2023. https://www.visa.com.sg/about-visa/blog/bdp/2023/10/01/choice-convenience-contactless-1696130103907.html

[5] Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI) and ThoughtLab. “Reimagining ridership: Open-loop payments and the future of urban mobility”, 2023. https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/regional/na/us/sites/documents/veei-reimagining-ridership.pdf

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