Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for “Happiest Pinoy” Campaign Returns!

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The nationwide Search for the Happiest Pinoy returns and Cebuana Lhuillier continue to find and recognize the country’s most optimistic and passionate Filipinos who kept a good-natured demeanor while overcoming life’s challenges,

After a five-year break, Cebuana Lhuillier has officially relaunched one of its most beloved campaigns, the "Happiest Pinoy," marking the beginning of a new chapter in the search for joy and resilience among Filipinos. 

This year's revival of the campaign brings hope, inspiration, and optimism at a time when the need for such qualities has never been more apparent.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier's President and CEO, expressed his excitement for the relaunch, emphasizing the strength of the Filipino spirit, which has toughened despite the challenges of recent years. 

"The last few years have been challenging for all of us, but through it all, the unique Filipino spirit-the same spirit we celebrate in this campaign-remained unbreakable. We've seen time and again that, despite adversity, Filipinos always find a reason to smile, to be hopeful, and to spread joy,"

Lhuillier said. He added that the "Happiest Pinoy" campaign shines a light on those who uplift others through their personal stories of optimism and resilience.

The "Happiest Pinoy" aims to celebrate Filipinos who rise above life's challenges and continue to spread positivity. The competition is open to Filipino citizens aged 13 and above, excluding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This year, the contest features several categories:

Masayahing Gen Z (Youth); Happy at 60 (Senior Citizens); No Way Kapansanan (PWD); Inspiradong Champion (Manggagawa or MNGGW); Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla (OFW); Bibo sa Negosyo (Entrepreneur); Proud as Pride (LGBTQIA+) and Creative Pinoy (Creative Arts). This year, the competition has also introduced Special Awards: Katutubo (TRIBO) and Happiest Ka-Cebuana.

In 2019, Zaldy Bueno, a 37 year old public school teacher from Gumaca Quezon won Cebuana Lhuillier's search for the Happiest Pinoy. Zaldy, representing the Professional Category, bested other finalists from different categories by virtue of his advocacy to see more children's lives change through education.

The grand winner of the search will receive a cash prize of PHP 500,000, with category winners receiving PHP 35,000 each. Special awards' winners will, meanwhile, receive, PHP 25,000 each.

Applicants can submit their stories via three methods:

• Video Submission: Submit a video entry by downloading the form from the "Happiest Pinoy" social media pages, filling it out, and sending the form along with the video to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com 

• Google Form: Fill out the official form via the Happiest Pinoy's social media pages, providing the required details and sharing experiences of optimism and joy. 

• Cebuana Lhuillier Branches: Visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch to get a physical copy of the form, fill it out, and return it to the nearest branch.

The return of the "Happiest Pinoy" competition is a significant moment for Cebuana Lhuillier and the country. As Lhuillier emphasized, this comeback is about more than just finding a winner; it is a celebration of the strength and happiness that define Filipinos. He said, "This campaign isn't just a search for an individual—it's a celebration of the strength and happiness that define us as a people."

With this relaunch, Cebuana Lhuillier hopes to continue sharing meaningful stories that uplift the Filipino spirit, demonstrating once again that, no matter the adversity, Filipinos will always choose to find happiness

BingoPlus holds star-studded launch of latest digital perya game Pinoy Drop Ball

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BingoPlus, the country’s top platform for digital entertainment, introduces its newest perya game Pinoy Drop Ball in a star-studded launch on Sunday, September 29, at the Grand Hyatt Manila featuring performances from its endorser and TV host Maine Mendoza and celebrity guests Julie Anne San Jose and PPop idol Alamat.

Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., sharing the finer qualities of Pinoy Drop Ball and all DigiPlus products.

This thrilling addition is a homegrown creation, carefully designed to deliver a nostalgic perya experience that Pinoys know and love, but in dynamic and fresh ways that only BingoPlus offers.

Pinoy Drop Ball joins DigiPlus’ popular lineup of digital games, including Bingo, Tongits, and Perya Games. Notably, Pinoy Drop Ball is the first-ever live-streamed drop ball game in the Philippines, setting a new standard in digital perya gaming. But more than just another game, Pinoy Drop Ball reflects DigiPlus’ deep understanding of what Filipino players want—authentic and culturally resonant entertainment that fuses tradition with technology.

“As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino culture, it has been our mission to elevate traditional Pinoy entertainment and bring this experience to the modern age. Like our well-loved Filipino games Bingo Mega, Color Game, and Papula Paputi, Drop Ball promises to reignite your excitement and engage you further in the BingoPlus platform,” said DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco during his speech at the grand reveal. “Drop Ball is another leap forward in this mission, as BingoPlus continues to bridge offline traditions with modern technology, creating a more seamless and exciting experience for all.”

Noted influencers Albert Nicolas and Jai Asuncion trying out the classic Pinoy Drop Ball game live on stage with BingoPlus hosts Lea and Ian.

What makes Pinoy Drop Ball stand out is the thrilling chance to win big from multipliers. Players can enjoy the classic feel of the perya game while competing for prizes. Pinoy Drop Ball follows a set of payout rules for the six betting areas. If a card has a single ball on it, players will receive a 2x payout and if there are two balls on a card, then there will be a 3x payout. 

Meanwhile, if three balls land on a card, the game will enter a special Pachinko round, where players are given a shot at bigger rewards. Once triggered, this bonus round opens up 15 slots filled with multipliers of 10, 50, 100, and even up to 200, pushing the stakes higher and creating a truly immersive experience. Triple cards can occur up to an estimated 40+ times in a day. With the game streamed live 23/7, players are right there in the moment, sharing the excitement of every move anytime, anywhere.

Developing a digital game rooted in Filipino culture requires significant effort, and BingoPlus has invested heavily in research and development to ensure that Pinoy Drop Ball truly captures the essence of a game reminiscent of the joy in local town fiestas, while bringing it to life in a convenient, mobile-friendly format.

 Maine Mendoza arriving as a special guest to the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (left), and Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus welcome Maine Mendoza to the stage of the Pinoy Drop Ball launch.

Left to right: BingoPlus host Lea, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio, special guest Maine Mendoza, and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco celebrate the release of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

BingoPlus assures that its efforts have paid off, with all its equipment tested and licensed by PAGCOR. The playing tables have been precisely measured to ensure stability throughout a game and the balls have been especially weighed and manufactured to ensure consistent gameplay all throughout. Each inspection of the equipment and playthrough have also undergone thorough observation by PAGCOR officers to guarantee players that every round gives honest results and follows strict regulatory measures. Additionally, BingoPlus will switch hosts every 30 minutes in consideration of the various ways they may throw the balls.

With the release of Pinoy Drop Ball, BingoPlus continues to revolutionize how Filipinos experience the games they’ve loved for generations, in new and more rewarding ways.

DigiPlus is the fastest-growing digital entertainment company in the country. It operates the country’s leading digital platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and Gamezone, with more to come. BingoPlus is a leading platform for various forms of entertainment for Filipinos where players can explore tongits, bingo, perya games and many other game choices to have fun at home. For more information, visit: www.bingoplus.com or download the app now from App store and Google Play.

More photos during the BingoPlus star-studded launch of latest digital perya game Pinoy Drop Ball 

Alamat gave a lively performance for the crowd at the Grand Hyatt Manila celebrating the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Julie Anne San Jose giving a rousing performance at the Pinoy Drop Ball launch event at Grand Hyatt Manila.

Julie Anne San Jose was one of several special guests that came to celebrate the official launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

 Alamat dancing their hearts out for the crowd present at the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Musical guests and stars came out to mark the grand launch of BingoPlus’ latest innovation, Pinoy Drop Ball.

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio, special guest Maine Mendoza, and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco introduce the public to the latest classic Filipino game on the digital BingoPlus platform: Pinoy Drop Ball.

Spirits were high thanks to the fun musical performances at Pinoy Drop Ball’s official launch at the Grand Hyatt Manila.

Guests were encouraged to try out Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus to experience its smooth performance and thrilling gameplay.

 

Influencers Jai Asuncion and Albert Nicolas get their first glimpse of Pinoy Drop Ball in action.

 The official launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus brought out many excited guests ready to enjoy the latest innovation from DigiPlus.

Goodie bags and good times both were enjoyed at the official launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

 

Excitement was high at the Grand Hyatt Manila as DigiPlus introduced their latest offering on the BingoPlus platform: Pinoy Drop Ball.

 

Fans of online gaming came out to see the latest release from digital entertainment company DigiPlus.

 

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio answering questions from the media about the exciting release of Pinoy Drop Ball.

5 reasons why the OPPO A3 is a great option for those prioritizing durability and reliability in their smartphone

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Filipinos who work long, tiring shifts and balance school with other responsibilities need to know their smartphone won’t fail them in their day-to-day activities. They should consider getting the OPPO A3 — a smartphone that exemplifies the A Series’ renowned outstanding durability and reliability and OPPO’s signature quality and seamless user experience. 

Here’s a list of the most practical reasons on why consumers should get the OPPO A3:

1. It can withstand sudden falls and multiple impacts with its Military Grade Shock Resistance

If your work requires you to be out and about or if you’re shooting content for social media, it puts your device at risk from falling out of your pockets or slipping from your hands. The OPPO A3 guarantees to remain intact and still operational when such incidents happen.

With its Military-Grade Shock Resistance, there’s no need to panic when your phone falls, even on hard surfaces. The reinforced build can handle falls from a height of up to 1.6 meters and from 1.2 meters for up to 20 times. The OPPO A3 also received a 5-star rating for overall drop resistance from a performance test conducted by SGS, making it officially the most rugged phone in its price range.

2. It can endure unpredictable and messy situations with its Multiple Liquid Resistance and Splash Touch technology

If you are at risk of getting wet from the rain when riding public transportation or getting your hands wet at work most of the time like a chef or a kitchen crew in fast food outlets or restaurants, the OPPO A3 is built perfectly for these environments, making it certain that your device is well protected and still usable even when it gets wet and soiled from time to time.

The OPPO A3’s Multiple Liquid Resistance allows you to stay productive even if the device encounters accidental spills of water, soda, or even hot coffee, tea or soup. All you have to do is rinse the phone off with water and you can go on as if nothing happened. Additionally, the Splash Touch technology ensures that your prompts on the screen will still be accurate and continues to be functional even with smudges of water or oil.

3. BeaconLink is now available in this device, allowing you to stay connected at all times.

There are areas that have low, or even, no signals which makes it difficult to stay in touch with loved ones whenever you go on a trip together. The OPPO A3’s latest software update grants access to OPPO’s industry-leading BeaconLink, a feature that was launched in the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G. This allows users to stay connected through beacon signals. Even if you find yourself in a totally disconnected environment, you can still make calls with supported devices via Bluetooth from distances of up to 80 meters in open and unobstructed areas and about 10 meters in crowded places.

4. The Ultra-bright screen, 5,100mAh Large Battery, and 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge provide long hours of play and productivity.

With all the fuss from work or school, it’s nice to make time for rest and relaxation. If you’re someone who’s into binge-watching movies or TV series, the OPPO A3 is the perfect device for you. Its Ultra-bright screen, with a max 1,000 nits peak brightness, provides the perfect setting for quality entertainment. For uninterrupted use, the 5,100mAh Large Battery can provide 13.2 hours of video playback while the 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge can charge your phone back up to full capacity in just ​​85 minutes.

5. Its sleek design and vibrant colorways are attainable for its budget-friendly price.

Don’t be fooled by the OPPO A3’s durability and reliability because it is equally stylish and premium-looking. Its sleek colorways are perfect additions to your OOTDs or your pop of color when dressing casually.

Available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black, with Starlight White to be released soon, these colorways make for an eye-catching device. OPPO A3 provides a stylish smartphone that’s budget-friendly.

Built to face the rigors of day-to-day tasks, the OPPO A3 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM variant is priced at only Php 8,999 and is available at all official OPPO stores nationwide. It is also available on OPPO’s ecommerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

Flexible payment terms are also available via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,079 or via credit cards in select dealers at 0% interest for six (6) months. You can also download the SM Malls Online app to see SM’s latest deals on the OPPO A3.

For more information, visit www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.

Are You Getting the “True 5G” Experience? Everything we need to know about 5G and wireless broadband

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The bandwagon rollout of fifth generation (5G) wireless technology has paved the way for a new era of connectivity in the digital landscape. While the earlier generations like 2G up to 4G have advanced network connectivity and ushered in groundbreaking HD streaming and video conferencing capabilities, the advent of 5G, by far, a monumental leap forward.

Compared to its 4G predecessor, 5G is indeed 20 times faster and 100x better in capacity and reliability. 5G allows for faster speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps), reduces latency, and provides better network reliability and capacity. 5G has radically changed the game from speed to reliability and has become the new golden standard in the telecom industry across the globe.

In the 5G spectrum, there are two types of networking systems which operators can run with- a basic 5G Non-Standalone Network (NSA), and then there’s the more advanced 5G Standalone Network (SA). 5G NSA can be found in the early deployments of 5G, wherein operators used their existing 4G and LTE towers as springboards for 5G technology. 5G NSA is deemed as the most basic and more affordable way to roll out 5G; however, this NSA architecture doesn’t truly capture the full promise and potential of the 5G spectrum.

On the other hand, 5G standalone (SA) systems are dedicated infrastructures or towers built specifically for 5G, unlocking the full potential and capabilities that 5G can offer, such as high speed, lower latency, increased capacity, and maximum reliability. Essentially, 5G SA is the “true 5G” experience.

In the Philippines, DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco provider in the country, prides itself on being the only telecom operator at this time to have the more advanced 5G SA technology bringing to our shores the real power of “true 5G.”

During the recently concluded 5G Core Summit in the United Arab Emirates, DITO also received the "Best Network 5G SA Core Network Construction Award" by Informa, recognizing the young telco’s outstanding contribution to 5G Core construction ideas and execution.

DITO now has over 7,000 cell sites covering over 830 cities and network coverage at 84 percent.

“Our strength lies in our standalone 5G technology that brings forth greater capacity, wider coverage, and internet connection speeds that are 20 times faster than 4G. This allows us to deliver minimum average broadband speeds (MABS) of 639 Mbps for 5G for all sites,” said Retired Major General Rodolfo Santiago, DITO Chief Technology Officer.

“I believe we are on track in targeting around 87 percent network coverage before the year ends, strengthening our current coverage, providing more reliability, and capacity,” Santiago added.

DITO Home’s wireless broadband: The standard of true 5G

As mentioned, not all 5Gs are created equal. Powered by true 5G, DITO Home launched into the market with wireless broadband offerings for prepaid and postpaid, boasting speeds of up to 500 megabits per second (Mbps). In today’s fast-paced world, DITO’s wireless broadband advantage is a big step up from wired connections, offering faster speeds and greater reliability versus Fiber, which is prone to rampant fiber cuts and prolonged downtimes.

Globally, the demand for wireless broadband is also on the rise due to its high speed, flexibility, and mobility. Data from Credence Research, a worldwide market research and counseling firm, showed that the 5G wireless broadband market is projected to grow from USD 30,128.47 million in 2023 to USD 224,474.59 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the fastest growth rate due to the increasing technological adoption of 5G technology.

This positive trend in 5G wireless broadband’s growth rate can be associated with the increasing demand for faster, more convenient, and more reliable broadband internet systems, especially in underserved rural areas,

5G wireless broadband provides fiber-like speeds or even faster in some instances, without messy wires and heavy installation – cut the cord, again, just plug and play! Such connections make a better choice for densely populated urban areas where wired connections are no longer feasible, and going wireless presents itself as the most practical and hassle-free connectivity solution, given its plug-and-play advantage.

5G wireless modems are also very resilient, especially in disasters and physical calamities, eliminating the fear of disconnection due to damaged wires or cables and fiber cuts that take hours and even days to fix.

With DITO Home, Filipino households can now enjoy affordable, high-speed true 5G connectivity with greater convenience, allowing faster uploads and downloads, more gaming, streaming, and browsing- without interruptions- paving the way for a more connected and empowered future for the Filipino people.

For more information about DITO Home and its wireless broadband products, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.

Shanne Dandan announces the release of her debut album, Kung Iyong Mamarapatin

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The indie-folk singer-songwriter will be launching her album with a special live set on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City

Filipino singer-songwriter Shanne Dandan has announced the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Kung Iyong Mamarapatin—officially due out on October 25, 2024 via Viva Records.

The 10-track album serves as both an elegy for the unrealized self and a hopeful anthem for what is yet to come. Shanne penned and recorded the upcoming release after experiencing profound sadness and struggling to give herself the grace and acceptance she deserves.

“Growing up, I’ve always sung what my mother and grandmother listened to,” says the indie-folk act. The way a singer uses their voice to tell a story has always resonated with me. Kung Iyong Mamarapatin is about saying goodbye to my broken dreams in hopes of creating new, brighter ones.”

To celebrate the release of her debut album, the "Iyakin" recording artist will perform the new songs for the first time, with some live sonic surprises and a bigger backing band. The album launch will take place at Sari-Sari Cocktails in Makati City on October 25, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. Joining Shanne Dandan are some of her music peers in the local music scene, including syd hartha, Coeli, jikamarie, and ALYSON.

“I think there will be a lot of crying to expect from my album launch,” Shanne adds. Be it happy tears or not, I want to make people feel however they want to feel through my music and just let all their emotions flow. For that night, I will be performing with a bigger band than usual. I’ll be playing all the songs from the album with the people I recorded the album with.”

Shanne Dandan: Kung Iyong Mamarapatin Album Launch is presented by NYOU. Early bird tickets are available at PHP500 via bit.ly/shannedandanalbumlaunch.