SM and Eye-Able® Pioneers Digital Accessibility in the Philippines

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SM Cares is taking a significant step towards digital inclusivity by launching Eye-Able® on the SM Supermalls website. Starting October 21, users will experience a more accessible, user-friendly interface designed to enhance browsing for individuals with visual impairments or those requiring digital assistance. This initiative underscores SM's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world.

SM Supermalls is proud to continue its efforts to make every platform, whether physical or digital, inclusive and accessible. The launch of Eye-Able® is part of the mall's ongoing initiative to support communities through SM Cares.

Eye-Able® introduces features such as text resizing, contrast adjustments, and screen readers, all designed to help users with special needs navigate the site with ease. By integrating Eye-Able®, SM Supermalls aligns with global standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), enhancing digital access and promoting inclusivity across its digital platform.

Eye-Able® is built upon the idea that digital accessibility is a fundamental right, ensuring that "individuals with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the internet.” Through this innovative digital solution, Eye-Able® envisions "An Internet for All."

By integrating Eye-Able® into its digital offerings, SM Supermalls is not only improving how individuals interact with its website but is also joining a broader movement towards making the digital world accessible to everyone. This reflects SM's commitment to inclusivity across all its platforms, aiming to ensure that every customer, regardless of ability, can enjoy a seamless and engaging online experience.

Super Grannies (Senior Citizens) using Eye-Able® feature of the website to help them see the locations using a bigger font

Eye-Able® is not only a tool for persons with disabilities (PWDs) but also benefits senior citizens and anyone who may find navigating the internet challenging. For example, “Super Grannies” (elderly users) can now easily adjust font sizes for better readability. Younger users and people with different accessibility needs will also find Eye-Able® helpful in creating a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience.

SM Employees using Eye-Able® Color correction feature – proving that accessibility is for ALL

“When we say SM Supermalls is a mall for all, we mean it in every sense—both physical and digital. We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, breaking down barriers and making the online world accessible to everyone” said Engr. Bien Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs and Senior Citizens. “We're proud advocates of digital accessibility as a fundamental right, ensuring that everyone can navigate and enjoy our online spaces with ease."

A customer viewing the SM website and using the Eye-Able® Read Aloud feature

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, championing programs that focus on communities and the environment. These include initiatives for Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, and the SM Bike-Friendly initiative.

Experience the newly accessible SM Supermalls website beginning October 21. Visit www.smsupermalls.com to explore our commitment to creating an inclusive digital experience for everyone.

Vitamin C and Zinc are Important in Battling ‘Immunity Gap’ Among Kids

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Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) strengthens children's immunity,

whether they're sick or healthy.

Here’s Why Vitamin C and Zinc are Important in Battling ‘Immunity Gap’ Among Kids

Constantly worrying over your child’s health is not an overreaction, but simply a natural manifestation of parental love. When there is more than one valid cause for such concerns, however, it may be time to check and see if it’s a case of “immunity gap.”

Studies suggest that more and more children deal with “immune debt,” also known as the “immunity gap,” or the state of insufficient immunity response regardless of their health condition. When sick, for instance, the gap refers to children’s decreased levels of essential nutrients like Vitamin C and Zinc due to infections, affecting their ability to naturally recover from illnesses. Meanwhile, when children are well, the gap refers to an underdeveloped immune system resulting from the lack of proper nutrition, timely vaccination, and exposure to pathogens. This results in children’s higher susceptibility to infections while hindering optimal growth and development across all key growth stages and milestones.

Several factors contribute to the “immunity gap” phenomenon. One of which is the deprioritization of vitamin intake, wherein parents instead give their children therapeutic medications when they are sick, and other perceived alternatives such as milk and probiotic drinks when they are well.

The drop in vitamin usage and the rise in "immunity gap" among kids point to one thing: Vitamins matter, and so does the right choice. As the #1 doctor-prescribed immunity vitamin for kids, Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) serves as a partner of moms in helping address children’s immunity gap. The brand aids in strengthening kids’ immunity for their overall growth and development while keeping them healthy when well, allowing them to recover faster when sick.

Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) helps provide children with strong protection with the powerful combination of Vitamin C and Zinc, which play important roles in nutrition and immune defense. A meta-analysis by scientific journal BMC Public Health shows that Vitamin C can reduce severe cold symptoms by 26%, while research by the United States National Library of Medicine found that Zinc helps kids with pneumonia recover faster and shortens hospital stays.

Moreover, Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) is the only brand made with patented unique ZincPlus® Technology that presents the stable combination of Vitamin C and Zinc, ensuring that kids get the right dose they need, regardless of how they are feeling. It also helps speed up recovery by boosting immune cells to fight viruses and bacteria when kids are sick. When they're healthy, it helps strengthen their immunity, supporting their growth and development during crucial stages.

If you feel your child suffers from an immunity gap, go for Ascorbic Acid + Zinc (Ceelin® Plus) to help strengthen their immunity to maintain overall health when they are well and quicken the recovery process when they are sick, together with proper diet and exercise.

Know more about Ceelin by following its social media accounts on Facebook,

https://www.facebook.com/UnilabCeelin; Instagram, @ceelin.ph; and TikTok, @unilabceelin.

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References:

● https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4949856/

● https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38082300/

● Calder, P. C., Berger, M. M., Gombart, A. F., McComsey, G. A., Martineau, A. R., & Eggersdorfer, M. (2022). Micronutrients to Support Vaccine Immunogenicity and Efficacy. Vaccines, 10(4), 568. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10040568

● Cohen, R., Levy, C., Rybak, A., Angoulvant, F., Ouldali, N., & Grimprel, E. (2023). Immune debt: Recrudescence of disease and confirmation of a contested concept. Infectious diseases now, 53(2), 104638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idnow.2022.12.003

● Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2013). Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2013(1), CD000980. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4

● Hemilä, H., & Chalker, E. (2023). Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis. BMC public health, 23(1), 2468. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8

● Qasemzadeh, M. J., Fathi, M., Tashvighi, M., Gharehbeglou, M., Yadollah-Damavandi, S., Parsa, Y., & Rahimi, E. (2014). The effect of adjuvant zinc therapy on recovery from pneumonia in hospitalized children: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Scientifica, 2014, 694193. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/694193

● Rerksuppaphol, S., & Rerksuppaphol, L. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children. Pediatric reports, 11(2), 7954. https://doi.org/10.4081/pr.2019.7954

● Zhang L. (2024). From imprecise "immune debt" to nuanced "immune shortage"?. Infectious diseases now, 54(5), 104894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idnow.2024.104894

Home Credit PH celebrates 11th anniversary, honors loyal customers and continues innovative financing services

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Home Credit Philippines (HCPH)  recently celebrates its 11th year of establishment marking over a decade of being the Filipinos’ financial ally and providing accessible and reliable financing services to its customers.

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Home Credit PH welcomes its anniversay celebration with its theme "Salamat sa tiwala"

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As it enters a new era of service, HCPH remains firm in its commitment to providing its customers with financing access. It continues to develop innovative financing solutions and credit opportunities to enable Filipinos to achieve their goals and to adapt to the changing financial landscape through various credit products and value-added services.

In its 11th year and having served 11 million customers, HCPH is dedicated to being the financial ally of every Filipino, empowering them at every stage of their lives. The company has diligently expanded its sales networks nationwide, reaching 75 out of 81 provinces to make its solutions accessible to those who need them the most.

A celebration of milestones and trust

As HCPH welcomed its 11th year of service, the company commemorated the occasion with an event highlighting its users’ tiwala for the brand. The affair showcased and thanked its customers who have trusted HCPH throughout the years and honored those who have remained loyal since the company was launched in 2013.

Eleven of the company’s loyal customers were recognized during a program held at Trinoma’s Activity Center on Oct 25. These patrons have availed of 11 or more products from HCPH. As a token of appreciation, they were each given a P20,000 cheque, had the opportunity to bond with HCPH’s brand ambassador Marian Rivera, and were serenaded by guest band Nobita.

“At Home Credit, we believe in building lasting partnerships with our customers. Our loyal customers are the heart of our brand, and their continued support has paved the way for our continued success in the past ten years. As we now welcome a new year of service, their trust serves as our fuel to grow and their support propels us to continue innovating our financial solutions,” Sheila Paul, HCPH Chief Marketing Officer, remarked.

A partnership built on trust

One of HCPH’s guests during its anniversary event was the Kapuso Primetime Queen herself, Marian Rivera, who, apart from bonding with the crowd and HCPH’s 11 loyal customers, was there to announce her partnership renewal with the company.

A brand ambassador for more than a year now, Marian agreed to continue her reign as the face of the country’s leading consumer finance company for two more years. Her return isn't just a routine endorsement—it's a bold statement about trust and her unwavering commitment to a brand that empowers Filipinos.

“A trusted brand ambassador is more than just a face—they are a reflection of the values and integrity that drive one’s brand’s growth. When a respected individual endorses our company, it sends a powerful message to our customers that their trust is valued, and their well-being is a priority.

This renewal of the partnership with Marian, who is known for her credibility and longevity in the entertainment industry aligns with Home Credit’s drive for trust and our commitment to being the Filipinos’ financial ally,” Paul added.

A financial ally in times of need

As the Filipinos’ trusted financial ally, and as part of its commitment to empowering them at every stage of their life, HCPH also recognizes its role in standing by its customers and communities in times of need.

As part of its immediate response to the recent typhoon that has impacted many lives across the country, HCPH also announced during the event that it will be making a financial contribution to a trusted charity close to Marian’s heart, the GMA Kapuso Foundation, to support relief efforts for those who were affected.

“Home Credit is committed to assisting those in need. Apart from our donation, we hope that our products, such as Home Credit Protect, will provide some relief during this difficult time. Whether it’s through home coverage plans or loan flexibility features, we want our customers to know that we are here to support them through every challenge,” Zdenek Jankovsky, HCPH Chief Business Development Officer, concluded.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Lite Up Your Life with Primetime Queen and her vivo V40 Lite on October 26 at SM North Edsa

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Looking for an exciting weekend plan? vivo is hosting its Lite Up Your Life with vivo V40 Lite event on October 26, 2024 at SM North Edsa Annex Activity Center, and it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the latest vivo V40 Lite while enjoying fun-filled activities and exclusive perks!

Discover vivo V40 Lite through interactive booths

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of the vivo V40 Lite through four exciting interactive booths designed to showcase the smartphone’s top-notch features. These booths will let you experience firsthand how the vivo V40 Lite complements your lifestyle and style.

As early as 10 AM, head to the event and grab your event passport. Complete all the activities and collect stamps from each booth to redeem a special giveaway. It’s vivo’s way of thanking you for joining in the fun, so don’t miss out!

Meet vivo’s new brand ambassador

Here’s another reason to attend: vivo is set to introduce its newest brand ambassador at the event! Want some clues? She’s a celebrated actress and commercial model who starred in a top-rated TV series in 2007, which made her the Queen of Primetime.

 https://www.facebook.com/vivo.philippines/videos/545134008247439]

Be among the first to meet vivo’s latest face and find out how she embodies the style and innovation of the vivo V40 Lite.

Exciting pre-order offers for the vivo V40 Lite

If you’re planning to upgrade to the vivo V40 Lite, there’s no better time to do so than now! Pre-order the vivo V40 Lite from today until October 31, 2024 in a vivo concept store or kiosk near you.

 https://www.facebook.com/vivo.philippines/videos/432799976521691/]

Enjoy a Php 1,000 discount from its original price. Plus, you’ll get a free vivo TWS 3e worth Php 1,999 and a limited-edition vivo Plus Care VIP Card that comes with a 50-month battery warranty!

With prices starting at just Php 13,999 for the 4G and 5G variants, the vivo V40 Lite offers unbeatable value for those looking for a stylish, high-performance smartphone. Check the full features of vivo V40 Lite at vivo website.

Find Your Style with vivo V40 Lite!

Mark your calendar for October 26 and visit SM North Edsa to Lite Up Your Life with the vivo V40 Lite. Explore its amazing features, win exciting giveaways, meet a surprise celebrity ambassador, and take advantage of exclusive pre-order promotions.

This is an event you don’t want to miss, so be there early and enjoy everything vivo has to offer!

realme Partners with Honor of Kings and brings back Regional Wars

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The comeback of realme Regional Wars will be powered by the soon-to-launch realme 13 Series 5G

The realme Regional Wars makes its comeback following the announcement that the realme 13+ 5G is the Honor of Kings Championship 2024’s official gaming phone. This time, the smartphone brand brings Limitless Speed to Victory with the realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings.

realme’s Partnership with Honor of Kings 2024 Championship (HKC 2024)

The partnership fosters realme’s deeper connection with the mobile gaming ecosystem. It also reinforces the brand’s commitment to empowering the gaming community and creating unbeatable gaming experiences where greatness can be achieved. realme VP and Marketing Officer Chase Xu shared, “The partnership marks a key milestone as we know how much our young users in Southeast Asia enjoy playing Honor of Kings and are in need of a powerful smartphone that satisfies their gaming moments; we are glad for the opportunity to showcase a cutting-edge smartphone that can let young users enjoy tech experiences that exceed expectations.”

During the playoffs, two teams represented the Philippines in the HKC 2024, namely, BOOM Esports and Blacklist International. The latter is set to play against Team Secret on October 25. Meanwhile, the HKC 2024 Grand Finals will commence on October 27 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings

Similarly, the realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings will be powered by the realme 13 Series 5G. Arriving in the local market on October 24, users can maximize their potential and blend their passion for competition with creativity with the latest smartphone series from realme.

The qualifiers started in SM Cyberzone Challenger Series at SM City Clark where Eureka Esports qualified in North Luzon. Meanwhile, the NCR qualifiers will commence on October 24. The realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings qualifiers will be reaching key cities in Visayas (Iloilo City) on October 26 and Mindanao (Davao City) on November 9. Meanwhile, the qualifiers in South Luzon will happen on November 10.

A total of 12 teams play against each other per qualifier, where the top eight (8) teams proceed to the Quarter Finals on November 16. The Semi-Finals is scheduled on November 17 where the best four (4) teams will battle it out for the realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings Grand Finals. The realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings offers a prize pool worth P200,000 cash and products.

For more information and announcement on the realme Regional Wars: Honor of Kings, head to the official realme Facebook page.