Puregold CinePanalo student filmmakers get extra boost with P100K grant from MFP Rentals

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The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival just announced another groundbreaking partnership set to support its student filmmakers participating in the Festival’s Student Shorts category.

MFP Rentals, an upstart local audiovisual equipment rental services company, has generously thrown its support behind the CinePanalo Film Festival, pledging to sponsor equipment rental services worth a total minimum value of PhP 100,000 free to use for all 25 student short film entries.

Puregold CinePanalo teams up with MFP Rentals to grant student filmmakers PhP 100,000 worth of free audiovisual equipment rentals. (L-R Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan Piedad, MFP Rentals Tech Director Tristan Cua, MFP Rentals Co-Producer Zsara Laxamana)

The partnership is a first for the CinePanalo Film Festival, as the inaugural event did not feature any equipment subsidy for the participants in the student shorts category. Now, through the partnership between Puregold and MFP Rentals, the 25 student filmmakers no longer need to shell out a part of their P150,000 grant on equipment, and can, instead allocate their funding towards perfecting their cinematic vision.

On this collaboration, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad shared the company's gratitude for allowing student filmmakers to give their all without worrying about equipment funding.

“The student shorts category of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival was designed to give an opportunity to passionate young directors itching for a chance to show the world their panalo stories. Thanks to MFP Rentals, our student filmmakers now have significantly more resources to make that happen,” she said.

Meanwhile, for MFP Rentals owner Mark Tristan Cua, the lease of the audiovisual equipment was a no-brainer given the advocacy of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival in supporting the dreams of student filmmakers.

“After seeing the success of last year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, we knew that MFP Rentals needed to be a part of the next one, and we believed that supporting the entrants of the students’ shorts category was the best way we could lend a hand,” said Cua.

MFP Rentals' partnership enables CinePanalo student directors to focus their P150,000 grant on perfecting their cinematic vision.

The CinePanalo Film Festival empowers 25 student filmmakers from universities nationwide with equipment and production support, with the help of MFP Rentals.

For Cua, the opportunity to help aspiring filmmakers has always been his personal goal. Outside of MFP Rentals, Cua is the proud founder of the Mobile Filmmaking Philippines online community, where filmmakers can learn from each othe, allowing young and aspiring filmmakers to find affordable equipment services.

“It’s difficult to be a student filmmaker in the Philippines, and having more space in one’s budget can go a long way” added Cua. “We hope that through MFP Rentals’ assistance, these talented young artists can focus their budget on making the film of their dreams, instead of spending a lot of money just on equipment.”

In addition to the equipment rentals, MFP Rentals will also engage in a technical discussion with the Director of Photography of each student short film prior to the submission of any technical equipment requests. This serves the purpose of allowing MFP Rentals to tailor its assistance to the unique creative vision of each student short film project.

Puregold recently announced the list of 25 student filmmakers who will be receiving the P150,000 production grant, as well as the assistance by MFP Rentals and all of Puregold’s other official production partners for the CinePanalo Film Festival. The upcoming film festival will feature student filmmakers from universities across the country including the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of Caloocan City, and even universities from outside Metro Manila like Central Philippine University, Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo, the University of San Carlos, and Faith Colleges, and National University Laguna.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to begin in March of 2025, with the Awards Night set for March 19, 2025. Each of the student short filmmakers will have a chance to compete for the festival’s top awards including the awards for best film and best director.

Send Love As You Shop with pandamart

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Support Persons with Disabilities Organization of Payatas Inc. (PAOPI) with your grocery donations and help brighten Christmas for Filipinos in need

It’s a time for joy, love, togetherness and happiness as foodpanda is giving everyone the chance to make a difference. 

By donating groceries to the Persons with Disabilities Organization of Payatas Inc. (PAOPI), you can help Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable, have food on their tables and smiles on their faces this festive season. With your help, we can bring joy and hope to those who need it most.

This initiative is part of foodpanda’s  “Let’s Do Our Pau-rt” program, reflecting its continued efforts to fight hunger and donate meals to communities in need.

Give Back with pandamart

Here’s how you can join in and spread the holiday cheer: 

1. Open the foodpanda app and head to pandamart. Look for the "Donate to Charity Bundles" section. 

2. Select the bundle that speaks to your heart:

- Spaghetti Bundle – Perfect for a cozy, comforting meal. 

- Fruit Salad Bundle (Donate to Charity) – A sweet and refreshing gift to share. 

- Canned Goods Bundle (Donate to Charity) – Essential pantry items for those in need. 

- Hygiene Kit Bundle – Thoughtfully curated to provide care and essentials.

3. Go through checkout, select your payment method, and confirm your order. You’ll get an email letting you know your donation has been received and will soon make its way to the community. 

The program starts on November 22 until December 22. After the holiday season, foodpanda will consolidate all the donations and deliver them to the Persons with Disabilities Organization of Payatas Inc. (PAOPI), ensuring that the contributions reach those in need following the Christmas holidays. 

You can also shop for your own groceries with ease through pandamart. Skip the holiday rush, avoid the long lines, and have everything delivered straight to your doorstep—quick, hassle-free, and convenient. Every click brings you closer to spreading holiday cheer, one grocery bag at a time. 

Join us in making this season special and be part of a community that fights hunger and gives back. Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable.

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Youtube.

Facebook: foodpandaphilippines 

Twitter: foodpanda_ph

Instagram: foodpanda_ph

Powerful Camera, Powerful AI: OPPO Find X8 now available for pre-order in Philippines

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Fresh off its global launch in Bali, the highly-acclaimed OPPO Find X Series returns to the Philippines with the OPPO Find X8, now available for pre-order. Boasting an exceptional camera system and slew of impressive AI features that set new benchmarks among flagship smartphones, the OPPO Find X8 blends cutting-edge innovation with an ultra-modern design, premium durability, seamless performance, and a refreshed user experience with the new ColorOS 15.

Here’s everything you need to know about the OPPO Find X8 and how you can enjoy special  pre-order deals and perks:

Flagship Hasselblad Master Camera System

OPPO continues its partnership with Hasselblad to deliver renowned imaging technology to its latest flagship smartphones. Equipped with three 50MP lenses, the OPPO Find X8 offers stunning clarity with its Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras, while AI-powered Telescope Zoom ensures crystal-clear shots up to 120x zoom. Meanwhile, OPPO's HyperTone Image Engine elevates photo quality by combining multiple frames to deliver exceptional dynamic range and natural aesthetics.

A true concert-ready companion, the OPPO Find X8 is built with Stage Mode, a unique feature that allows users to capture performances at long range with impeccable detail. It also has a Lightning Snap feature that enables action shots at a burst rate of 7 frames per second, giving users DSLR-level control over every moment. 

 

Pro-Grade Editing with AI Photo Remaster

Building on the success of the AI Eraser, the OPPO Find X8 introduces a powerful trio of AI editing tools that takes your photos to the next level. AI Clarity Enhancer sharpens low-resolution or cropped images into ultra-HD masterpieces, while AI Unblur restores natural details for lifelike skin and hair textures. Completing the suite is AI Reflection Remover eliminates glare and reflections, letting your perfect shot shine through every time.

Slim, Strong, and Stylish Design

The OPPO Find X8’s slim profile of 7.85mm and lightweight 193g design offers a premium feel with a sturdy build with its IP68 and IP69 certifications, making it resistant to dust, water, and extreme environments. The Cosmos Ring camera setup further refines OPPO's iconic design, reducing the camera bump by 40% for a sleeker look.

Powerful Battery and Next-Level Charging

Running on a 5630mAh silicon-carbon battery, the OPPO Find X8 provides a full day of intensive use and recharges to 100% in just 48 minutes with 80W SUPERVOOC^TM. For the first time in the series, 50W AIRVOOC^TM wireless charging has been introduced, adding convenient power-ups to the mix.

Unmatched Display and Smooth Interface

The OPPO Find X8 also stands out for its 6.59-inch, 4500-nit bright display and new ColorOS 15 interface, offering faster touch response and up to 40% improved stability with OPPO’s in-house Luminous Rendering Engine. The OPPO Find X8 also sets the benchmark for bezel-less design with the thinnest bezel ever seen on an OPPO device, at just 1.45mm on all sides.

Photo by Magic Liwanag

Experience the new benchmark for flagship smartphones with the OPPO Find X8

Be among the first in the country to experience the elegance and excellence of the OPPO Find X8, priced at PHP 54,999, and comes in Space Back and Star Grey colorways.

Pre-order the OPPO Find X8 now at all OPPO authorized stores. Customers who will pre-order get freebies worth PHP 9,000 - an OPPO Enco Air3s and a Black Tape Bluetooth model for record player MDY.

Comprehensive Protection for your OPPO Find X8

Avail of OPPO Care’s Protection Plan with one-year extended warranty for PHP 1999 for all purchases until November 30. With the extended warranty plan, customers can now have up to two (2) years of unlimited free repair services for any performance malfunction caused by factory manufacturing. This offer is available only for purchases at the OPPO authorized stores.

Official OPPO E-Commerce Stores

The OPPO Find X8 will be available on OPPO’s official Lazada page starting November 22. It will also be available on OPPOs official Shopee and TikTok Shop pages starting November 29.

All purchases on OPPO’s official e-commerce channels will include the following until November 30 only:

●     Free OPPO Enco Air3 Pro

●     100% Free Shipping

●      PHP 200 GCash Product Review Cashback

●     OPPO PHP 2000 off Product Voucher

Operators

You can also purchase the OPPO Find X8 via your preferred operators and available device plans and get the following benefits:

Globe	●     First Sale starts on November 22 ●     OPPO Find X8 will be available via Plan 2499 with Php 17,000 cash-out ●     Comes with free OPPO Find X8 Textured Magnetic Half-Pack Case, OPPO 50W AIRVOOCTM Magnetic Charger, and an OPPO Enco Air3s until stocks last
Smart	●     Pre-order starts on November 22, First Sale starts on December 8 for postpaid plans ●     First sale starts on November 22  for prepaid ●     OPPO Find X8 will be available via Signature Plan+ 999 (with cashout) ●     Comes with a free OPPO Find X8 Textured Magnetic Half-Pack Case, OPPO 50W AIRVOOCTM Magnetic Charger, and an OPPO Enco Air3s until stocks last

Credit Cards and Home Credit

The OPPO Find X8 will also be available in installment plans via  Credit Card in 6- month or 12-month and 24-month installment plans at 0% interest in select OPPO stores. It is also available via Home Credit in all partnered OPPO stores nationwide with lowest monthly payment of Php 2,289.

You can make your Christmas even merrier when you purchase your all new OPPO Find X8 by participating in OPPO’s Maligayang PaskOPPO holiday campaign where you can win discount vouchers and prizes in all authorized OPPO stores nationwide.

For more details and updates on the OPPO Find X8, MyOPPO App benefits, and OPPO Care plans, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

DEWALT Launches "Outdoor Power Revolution": A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence in Power Tools

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DEWALT Panel Discussion on Environmental Preservation, Beautification, and Sustainability led by DEWALT Vice President for Southeast Asia Kevin Lowe (2nd from right), DEWALT Philippines Product Manager for Outdoor Tools Joanne Mercado (extreme right), Eco-Architect James Hao (extreme left) and Architect Richard Manlulu Garcia (second from left).

DEWALT, a global leader in power tools, proudly unveiled its latest line of outdoor power tools at an exclusive launch event held on October 23, 2024, at the Grand Ballroom, City of Dreams in Manila. This launch marks DEWALT's ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, catering to the rigorous demands of professionals and industries while also appealing to dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

The event brought together industry professionals, influencers, retail partners, dealers, and key members of the United Architects of the Philippines. Attendees experienced firsthand the groundbreaking features of DEWALT’s new outdoor power tools. The tools showcase advanced technology, including energy-efficient motors, ergonomic designs, and durable materials, all crafted with a focus on reducing environmental impact.

In his keynote address, Kevin Lowe, Vice President for Southeast Asia at DEWALT, emphasized the significance of this launch: “Today, we celebrate not only our 100 years of excellence but also our commitment to sustainability. With our advanced cordless technology, we empower our customers to reduce their carbon footprints without compromising on performance and reliability.”

Joanne Mercado, Product Manager for DEWALT Outdoor in the Philippines, showcased the innovative range of cordless outdoor tools designed to meet the diverse needs of Filipino consumers. This new product lineup includes powerful pressure washers, lawn mowers, and trimmers engineered for efficiency and ease of use. Mercado emphasized the versatility of the tools, which are available in both 20V and 60V options.

“DEWALT is committed to providing sustainable solutions that enhance the user experience,” Mercado stated. “Our cordless outdoor tools eliminate harmful gas emissions and prioritize user well being and comfort, all while maintaining the high standards of quality and performance our customers expect.”

Mercado elaborated that end user-driven innovation inspires DEWALT to redefine what’s possible with the latest power tools that enhance efficiency and boost productivity. Consumers get the most out of their tools especially with Dewalt’s proprietary battery technologies such as DEWALT XR® or eXtreme Runtime & eXtreme Reliability, Flexvolt® battery featuring DEWALT’s patented technology that automatically switch voltages when you change your tools and the latest battery technology available in the country DEWALT Powerstack™ battery that utilizes breakthrough pouch cell battery, instead of traditional cylindrical cells. This latest battery technology generates less heat and resistance, resulting in batteries that deliver more power for longer, and have a longer lifespan.

Reflecting on the Company’s confidence on its line of products, Mercado stated that DEWALT has the longest (3 year) warranty protection for all its power tools backed by the SERBILIS program. With SERBILIS, pickup and delivery of tools for repair are handled directly with customers in partnership with DHL.

The event also featured a panel discussion on Environmental Preservation, Beautification, and Sustainability, led by industry leaders, including eco architect James Hao and architect Richard Manlulu Garcia.

James Hao is a recognized Eco Architect known for his sustainable designs and innovative projects featured in various media outlets. He holds a Master’s degree in City Design & Social Science from the London School of Economics.

Richard Manlulu Garcia is a co-founder of GARCIA LEE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (GALA Architecture), specializing in mixed-use developments. As a Green Architect, he has contributed to multiple LEED-certified projects and has held several leadership positions in the United Architects of the Philippines.

Jao underscored the importance of harmony between function, design, and the environment. He noted that there is a growing demand from companies and homeowners to address the need to protect people and planet through the use of sustainable materials and tools that support green architecture.

On the topic of profitability versus sustainability, Garcia emphasized that sustainable architecture adds value to real estate and that long-term financial gains are partly the result of cost-effective measures ingrained in green design. Energy-efficient buildings have lower operational costs, reduce utility bills, and increase savings for property managers, occupants, and owners.

Lowe highlighted DEWALT’s commitment to listening to users. With its end user obsession, DEWALT continues to transform the industry by proactively looking ahead to meet the needs of the trades for sustainable and cutting-edge power tools that offer greater efficiency and productivity, and contribute to a greener future.

Mercado addressed concerns on affordability. Her advice was to start small when investing in outdoor power tools and to consider the long-term value and extended lifespan of the tools.

As part of the Outdoor Power Revolution, DEWALT invites customers and industry partners to join its commitment to a greener future. This launch serves as a testament to DEWALT's ongoing efforts to empower individuals with cutting-edge tools while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

DEWALT team headed by DEWALT VP for Southeast Asia Kevin Lowe together with SBD team and business partners: Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc. headed by Mr. Wesley Cobankiat & Mr. Jackson Ong, and Limson Marketing, headed by Mr. Carl Lim at the DEWALT launch of its latest line of outdoor power tools.

For more information about DEWALT’s Outdoor Power Revolution and its innovative product lineup, please visit https://www.dewalt.com/products/outdoor.

Empowering resilience: Home Credit PH champions cybersecurity with Risk Compliance Audit Week 2024

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Annual event equips employees with essential skills in data protection and compliance amid rising cyber threats

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, has underscored its dedication to data protection, data security, data privacy, and compliance by hosting its annual Risk Compliance Audit (RCA) Week. This initiative aims to foster a culture of vigilance and responsibility among employees, empowering them with essential skills in safeguarding sensitive information and mitigating potential risks.

Under this year’s theme, PAOER! Prepare, Adapt, Overcome = Empowering Resilience, HCPH’s RCA Week engaged employees in a series of events and training sessions designed to strengthen the company’s protective risk culture. Through dedicated information hubs set up across offices, employees accessed interactive resources and reviewed policies on data security and compliance, enhancing their readiness to protect against risks in real time.

“Building a protective culture is fundamental to who we are as a company. By equipping our people with a proactive mindset toward risk, we are not only protecting Home Credit but also reinforcing the trust our customers place in us. Our RCA Week is a concrete step in empowering our workforce to handle today’s complexities with confidence." Ihor Kruchynenko, HCPH Chief Risk Officer, said.

Leveraging experts’ insights in mitigating risks

Among the highlights of this year’s RCA Week was the virtual Expert Insights series, which featured leading voices in data security and compliance.

Meralco Vice President and Data Privacy Officer Atty. Francis Acero opened the series with a session on secure data handling practices to mitigate breach risks. Meanwhile, Vanguard Screening Solutions Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jan Michael Espino followed with insights on the role of data protection in fraud prevention, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and compliance in safeguarding assets.

Rounding out the series was Atty. Rainer Anthony M. Milanes, former Chief of the Compliance and Monitoring Division at the National Privacy Commission, who discussed the necessity of protecting sensitive personal information within the finance sector to maintain trust and regulatory compliance.

In addition to expert sessions, employees received daily email briefings on key risk and compliance topics, reinforcing takeaways from each session and promoting a continuous learning environment. This comprehensive approach enabled employees to develop a robust understanding of risk mitigation strategies and the critical role each team member plays in maintaining a secure, compliant workplace.

Data breaches in the finance sector

The latest Data Breach Notification Management System report from the National Privacy Commission points to a worrying trend in data security within the financial services sector.

In the Philippines, financial services ranked among the top five sectors reporting security incidents in 2023 and 2024. By September 2024, at least 25 personal data breaches had been reported in this sector, underscoring the high stakes involved in protecting sensitive financial information.

Human error stands out as a major factor, responsible for nearly half of these breaches. This suggests that, while technology may provide strong data protection tools, the human component is often a weak link. Simple mistakes, whether due to inadequate knowledge or minor lapses in judgment, can inadvertently expose sensitive information, leading to serious consequences for both the company and its clients.

This data serves as a clear call to action for financial service institutions to prioritize data protection training. With the rapid digitization of financial services, it is more important than ever for employees to be equipped with practical skills in data protection, privacy, and security to prevent these kinds of incidents.

In response to these alarming findings, HCPH’s RCA Week demonstrates the company’s proactive commitment to addressing these risks head-on. By educating employees through practical training and fostering a culture of responsibility, RCA Week directly tackles the root causes of human error in data breaches, bolstering HCPH’s defenses and enhancing its reputation as a trusted consumer finance partner.

“For us at Home Credit, this initiative is more than a series of trainings. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to a protective risk culture that drives sustainable growth and resilience. By fostering a workforce skilled in navigating risks and committed to data security best practices, we not only strengthen our defenses but also set a high standard of accountability and trust in the industry,” Kruchynenko 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).