Enjoy the latest offers from DITO! Get 2GB FREE data when you avail of DITO's 25GB for 199 and 10GB for 99 promos

Tweet

Check out the growing list of covered cities by DITO Telecommunity

In continuation of DITO's 2M subscriber milestone celebration, DITO announced its exclusive offer to reward subscribers with an additional 2GB data once they avail of the 25GB High Speed Data and DITO 99 promos from August 12 to 18, 2021.

The additional 2GB data will be received by subscribers the next day after activation of the 25GB High Speed Data or DITO 99 promo. This special, value-for-money offer is available via the DITO App, MyDITO, DITO Experience Stores, and retail partners.

"Every success we celebrate at DITO is something we want to share with our subscribers. Their trust and support allow us to reach more Filipinos to provide stronger connectivity through reliable and affordable high-speed data services," said DITO Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Adel Tamano.

Aside from this exclusive reward, DITO also announced 7 new cities where its services will be commercially available:

• San Manuel, Tarlac

• Guiguinto, Bulacan

• Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija

• General Tinio, Nueva Ecija

• Licab, Nueva Ecija

• Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental

• Claveria, Misamis Oriental

For any questions or additional information on coverage areas, point of sales, or phone compatibility, check out your DITO App, DITO's website (www.dito.ph) and @DITOphofficial social media pages.

Five Inspiring Local Sellers to Discover at Shopee Pili Pinoy

Tweet

Find products made with love from homegrown shops such as Abubot PH, Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing, Via Christi, Tazanna, and Tala by Kyla

It’s Buwan ng Wika, and what better way to showcase some Pinoy pride than supporting local businesses? This August, Shopee Pili Pinoy puts the spotlight on proudly homegrown enterprises and their lovingly crafted products.

Jhoanna Paula Tabije and Lemuel Tabije, Joy Marcelo-Ginto, Valentina Patriarca, MJ Sia, and Kyla Cañete’s stories and wares differ, but they all share one thing in common: passion, be it for their family, community, or fashion. Read on to learn more about their entrepreneurial journeys and how that makes these sellers’ products so special:

Abubot PH by Jhoanna Paula Tabije and Lemuel Tabije

In 2018, Paula lost her job due to cutbacks. To continue providing for their family, Paula and her husband Lemuel began selling on Shopee. Starting with just a 20 sqm room at home and a meager capital, the couple found success, thereafter becoming one of the leading women’s fashion sellers on the platform.

Paula and Lemuel take pride in providing work for their employees despite the pandemic. “‘Yung employees namin galing from all walks of life. We have students, we have teachers, we have professionals. Very thankful kami kasi in some way nakakatulong kami sa kanila, pati na rin sa suppliers namin, ‘yung mga local manufacturers in Taytay.”

Support Paula and Lemuel’s goal to provide for fellow Filipinos and patronize local manufacturers. Shop for trendy and affordable clothing at Abubot PH to find preppy pieces like this Colette Coordinate or comfy loungewear like these Jogger Pants.

 

Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing by Joy Marcelo-Ginto

Before finding success on Shopee, Joy was working a below minimum wage job with a child on the way. Once she gave birth, she told herself that life needed to change for the better. With a capital of just ₱1,500, Joy joined Shopee to sell ready-to-wear clothing and soon found success for her humble shop.

As a fashion lover, Joy recognizes the industry’s problem with inclusive sizing. “Ang hirap hanapin ng malaking sizes. Ang sizing dito sa Pilipinas talagang pang-slim.” This is why she wants to expand her line with even more sizes to cater to consumers.

Find a wide range of styles and clothing at accessible price points for all body types at Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing. Their Short Sleeve Top and Backless Halter Top are both perfect for plus-sized ladies.

Via Christi by Valentina Patriarca

Like many Filipinos, civil engineer Valentina had to find alternative sources of income when the pandemic struck. Since she is based in Rizal, an area known for textile manufacturing, Valentina decided to sell face masks. As her business began to grow, Valentina saw an opportunity to provide jobs for out-of-work seamstresses in her neighborhood. What started out as a venture for herself evolved into a source of livelihood for the entire community.

Valentina believes that businesses should not be solely driven by personal gains, but also by community empowerment. “Kailangan from the heart. Kailangan your intention is pure, na gusto mong makatulong. Ang gustong-gusto ko lang talaga magkatrabaho yung mga kababayan ko, kasi dito ako lumaki.”

Help out Valentina’s community by stocking up on loungewear basics such as Halter Tops, Dolphin Shorts, and more from Via Christi.

Tazanna by MJ Sia

 

As a shoe enthusiast, MJ believes that finding affordable and good-quality shoes shouldn’t have to be hard. This inspired the creation of Tazanna, her very own shoe store. It wasn’t easy in the beginning—she’d travel for hours to look for suppliers and manually deliver packages to couriers, all to sell just a couple of pairs. Now, however, her store is a well-known Shopee favorite for classy and durable everyday footwear.

As her brand’s name, which means princess, denotes, MJ’s goal was to make customers feel like royalty whenever they wore her products. “With the name Tazanna, I wanted a brand name that would link to something medyo girly. Our mission was really to provide the market with beautiful shoes na affordable pero okay pa rin yung quality.”

Get locally made chic and classy footwear that won’t break your budget at Tazanna. Show off your gams with Isla in Nude, or go for Dean Braided Flats if you want to forgo the heels. 

 

Tala by Kyla by Kyla Cañete

As a self-proclaimed maarte girl, Kyla has always loved jewelry. Her jewelry store Tala by Kyla started as a passion project during her summer break. When classes started, Kyla was doing everything herself: taking and packing orders, sending invoices, collecting payments, and shipping. Her Shopee store has grown exponentially since then, amassing a following of more than a million people in just one year.

Kyla wants her customers to feel like a star with her products. “Sabi ko, gusto ko when they wear my jewelry, feeling nila na nagshi-shine sila,” she shares. She offers a wide range of gorgeous pendants and rings to suit her customers’ varying tastes.

Check out Tala by Kyla for cute, affordable jewelry that’ll add a little sparkle to your look. Food lovers will adore this Pizza Pendant, while Disney fans will enjoy this Rapunzel-inspired Tiara Necklace.

Support Abubot PH, Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing, Via Christi, Tazanna, Tala by Kyla, and other local businesses this Buwan ng Wika by visiting Pili Pinoy on Shopee: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pili-pinoy. You can also enjoy exclusive deals,  products under ₱99 and exciting vouchers.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Ben&Ben and Munimuni team up for the very first time on “Sugat”

Tweet

In a history-making turn of events, critically adored group Ben&Ben have finally teamed up with indie-folk outfit Munimuni on “Sugat,” a heartfelt ballad that offers moments of solace and healing in a time that badly needs it.

While both award-winning acts have released songs that explore the pain of loss and the path towards self-care and recovery, “Sugat” allows space for reflection. The song acknowledges the importance of looking back and learning from the past, while refusing to be defined by the choices and mistakes people make.

According to Ben&Ben, the intricately produced song is percussionist Toni Muñoz’s love letter to herself during a difficult period in her life, when her confidence is weighed down by self-doubt. “When Toni first presented the song as it was at the time to the band, Paolo immediately thought of a chorus section to address and accompany the message of the verses,” the nine-piece band reveals in a statement. “It was the deeply personal experiences of both Toni and Paolo that made Sugat such a powerful song of self-healing and overcoming past wounds.”

With “Sugat,” Ben&Ben and Munimuni let the arrangement breathe, simmer, and linger around the moment before arriving at transcendence. The song was produced by Jean Paul Verona and Keifer Cabugao and, whose vision for the song leans towards that big and deep atmospheric sound while balancing the sense of intimacy that the instrument and vocals bring. Cabugao explains that the song requires special attention to which the music elements would be more evident. “We wanted to include only the right instrument that the song was asking for and so when we got the ’yes’ from Munimuni, it only became clearer how we would move forward. Marrying the soul sounds of Ben&Ben and Munimuni can be described as almost effortless, meant-to-be, and long overdue.”

Munimuni’s flute texture, in particular, not only balances the musical motif with soothing calm, but also gives it a freeing, meditative touch. “When we thought of the flute, it was an instant light bulb moment for all of us to think of Munimuni,” Ben&Ben disclose in an interview. “Not only was the flute texture a perfect fit, Munimuni was the perfect collaborator for such a delicate song about healing, and we couldn't imagine how we could have pulled it off without them.”

The collaboration came to fruition sometime this year when Ben&Ben invited Munimuni over to their studio to record “Sugat.” As longtime fans of their music, Ben&Ben have always wanted to work with Munimuni, and somehow the opportunity presented itself when Munimuni announced a comeback from their hiatus a few months ago.

During the recording session, the acclaimed band behind the hits “Pagtingin,” “Leaves,” and “Lifetime” offered a fairly blank canvas in which Munimuni infused their brand of introspective musicality. This resulted into a sonic poetry that is in itself an admission of vulnerability. “The very first time Adj and Owen sang the chorus, it was so much better than we could have imagined, and we couldn't believe just how perfect of a fit their voices were to support and carry the message of the song,” the chart-topping group recalls. “As for the flute solo, Owen of Munimuni really poured his heart into it, with several takes all of which we were so blown away by, but he wanted nothing less than perfection. When it was finished and we heard the final take, we were floored by the sheer depth and emotion the flute solo had, and we consider it now to be an integral part of the song.

https://youtu.be/LprUESAcasw

Munimuni, likewise, returned the favor by saying that they’ve learned so much from Ben&Ben and their creative process in making songs. “We’re grateful that Ben&Ben gave us the freedom to experiment with sounds and convey the mood of the song on collaborative terms,” the alt-pop quartet shares. “We also connected with the song on an intimate level, despite it being written by someone outside of the band. Paolo and Toni’s lyrics are written beautifully that it touched us, and gave us a new perspective on love and healing.”

Ben&Ben and Munimuni’s “Sugat” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music. Check out the music video on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube page.

 

realme retains no. 1 spot in the PH for Q2 2021, becomes fastest brand to sell 100M smartphones globally

Tweet

Global research firms Canalys, Counterpoint Research, and IDC recently confirmed realme’s no. 1 ranking in the local smartphone market for Q2 2021.

realme Philippines continues to dominate the local smartphone industry as it claims the no. 1 spot in the market once again, according to international research firms IDC, Canalys, and Counterpoint Research in their respective Q2 2021 reports.

With this milestone, the fast-growing tech and lifestyle brand has now managed to hold the top spot for two consecutive quarters—an impressive feat the brand attained in less than three years. The brand first held this position in Q3 of 2020, just less than two years since its entry to the Philippine market in November 2018.

According to Canalys, realme accounted for 26% of the local market share, besting four other smartphone brands in the category. It also reported a 51% year-over-year growth for the brand during this quarter.

The brand also ranked first in a separate report by Counterpoint Research, with a 21% market share. Similarly, realme also showed leadership in e-commerce channels. “realme continued to lead the Philippines online market with a 32% share”, according to the report.

In addition, realme’s industry leadership for Q2 2021 is further validated by IDC as the research firm also reported a number 1 ranking for the brand.

“We are truly grateful for the continuous support of our Filipino fans because without them, this success would not have been possible. Achieving the top spot for two consecutive quarters is no easy feat for a young brand, but we managed to achieve this milestone because of the love and trust of our Squad. Rest assured, this only drives us to reach greater heights and dare to leap with trend-setting innovations and better services for our community,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

realme reaches 100-million mark worldwide

On the global scale, realme also achieved a milestone of 100 million smartphones sold. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, realme still managed to become the fastest global smartphone brand to reach this milestone in three years, according to market research consultancy firm Strategy Analytics. In addition, realme is also the fastest growing major smartphone brand globally in Q2 2021 with a year-over-year growth rate of 149%, as data from research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) showed.

This achievement further validates realme’s sales and business strategies across the globe. Established only in 2018, realme is now the 7th largest smartphone brand with presence in 61 different markets worldwide.

This 100-million milestone is the latest in line of realme’s spectacular global rise, as the company adds another ‘first’ to its name. “The past three years have really been about an entrepreneurial spirit and untamed growth for realme”, said realme’s CEO, Sky Li. “Thanks to the huge support from our young users, we have been able to reach our goal of shipping 100 million smartphones and have gained significant ground in the smartphone market. We will continue to provide young consumers around the world with products that have premium performance and trend-setting designs at affordable prices.”

Li added that realme's next goal is to achieve a dual-100 million target - shipping another 100 million handsets by the end of 2022 and completing the same milestone within the 2023 calendar year.

To achieve this, realme is counting on a comprehensive product development strategy that will see it expand its offerings in two ways. With the recent launch of its flagship GT Series devices, dubbed as ‘flagship-killer’ phone, realme is poised to compete at mid-to-high-end segments. The company is also evolving its vision of building out a full-fledged AIoT ecosystem for global users within the next five years. To this end, realme has unveiled its1+5+T strategy: 1 being the mobile phone, 5 for True Wireless Stereo earphones, wearables, TVs, tablets, laptops, and T stands for realme’s AIoT brand TechLife. realme believes in its ability to lead users to a technologically enhanced lifestyle in a way that is affordable and sustainable at the same time.

With an audacious vision and courage to take on the world, realme is poised to break down barriers in a competitive environment.

realme GT Master Edition Series to launch globally on August 18

In celebration of the brand’s recent achievements both locally and globally, realme will launch its 100M-milestone product: the realme GT Master Edition Series, along with new categories on August 18.

The realme GT Master Edition Series is designed by famous Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, who explored new smartphone design elements in smartphone history. realme sees GT Master Edition Series as the most high-end flagship to celebrate its 100M sales achievement.

Apart from smartphones, realme is also set to announce its new product categories at the event, aiming to become the fastest-growing brand and disruptor in these new categories. These upcoming launches are a testament to realme’s mission of providing global young users with more trend-setting and leap-forward performance products.

The launch event will be held online on realme official social media platforms, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook.

For more info and updates from the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #realmePH

Whisky and Watches: Rediscover the finer things in life with Federal Land Conversations

Tweet

Fine watches and excellent whisky. These are two of the most popular choices of sophisticated people with discerning taste.  

To rediscover the world of time and spirits, Federal Land hosted a webinar series titled Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life. The webinars showcase lifestyle and investment workshops aimed at reigniting passions and appreciating finer things in life.

 

The three-part webinar series is hosted by Carl Cunanan, Editor-in-Chief of Calibre Magazine and C! Magazine. As a prominent watch connoisseur, Cunanan also shared his expertise on watches during the first featured Federal Land Conversations. This was followed by a virtual whisky appreciation with whisky professional Kris Ong, founder of dramboxph and the Philippine liaison of Scotch Malt Whisky Society.  The third webinar will be all about the creation and appreciation of luxury cars airing on August 18. Carl Cunanan and Lexus Philippines Brand Manager Jade Sison will share the story of how to first-rate craftmanship and cutting-edge technology in every Lexus vehicle.

Watch connoisseur Carl Cunanan tackles the intricacies of handcrafted luxury watches at Watches 101, the first installment of Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life webinar series

 

It is time

In the watches webinar, Carl Cunanan walked the audience through the wonderful world of watches, why they are considered a significant part of history, how they bond generations together, how they are prompting people to go back to the touchpoints of physical craftsmanship and attention to detail.  

 

Buying a watch may sound simple, but there are many things to think about before getting one, specifically the “complications.” Complications involve anything past the hour, minute, and second hand. The word complication includes functions such as the day-date, perpetual calendar, chronograph, power reserve, moon phase, repeater, tourbillon, to name a few. These all add value to the watch depending on how one wants to use it.

 

While some may prefer a simple wristwatch, others would choose a handcrafted luxury watch that serves as a legacy or investment. However, Mr. Cunanan cautioned that these expensive timepieces require a different level of understanding—from the brand, product, model, source, and future valuation if they are bought with an expectation of financial return.

 

“Treat watches as an investment, but if you want to know the value it will have in the future, you must do your homework. Not because it came from one brand, its price will skyrocket,” Cunanan said. “Watches as an investment are not only an investment in money. They are an investment in time, an investment in passion, an investment in your soul. Spend wisely,” he advised.

 

Just like property investments, watches are not only about the price but what one is buying them for, the value in the future, and the experience that can be received from them. The precision craftsmanship and unparalleled design are also the very pillars of Federal Land’s properties.  

 

In the same way that the market for high-end condominiums like Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower and The Seasons Residences is different from those who want a simple corner home, watches also cater to different market segments. 

 

“If you look at the whole pyramid of needs thing, the further up you go, it’s more about you and what defines you than it is about the basics. But neither is right or wrong. It’s a matter of preference,” Mr. Cunanan said.

Whiskey professional Kris Ong explains the secrets behind the world’s beloved barreled spirit at A Virtual Whisky Appreciation, the second webinar under the series Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life 

 

Water of life

Kris Ong took the audience through the whisky tasting process and explained the various influences of one of the world’s favorite barreled spirits known as “the water of life.” 

 

Whisky was first used as an internal anesthetic and external antibiotic. It originated in Ireland and Scotland and was made from different types of grain such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat. 

 

To pair whisky with food, Mr. Ong said it should be with complementing or contrasting flavors to create a balance or a proper counterbalance. For instance, a bourbon (whisky with 51% of grains made up of corn) tends to be on the sweet side and would be best paired with a saltier meal like a steak. A cream-based dish like Laksa, a whisky on the lighter side, or a bit more acidic would help cut through the fat. Adding a few drops of distilled or bottled water to some whiskies may also unleash more flavors.

 

When buying a whiskey, Ong stressed to never leave it under the sun for too long as the heat can diminish the drink. He also explained that a newly opened bottle of whisky could last for more than a year, but the air in the bottle creates oxidation. It will not ruin the whisky but may change the flavors, sometimes for the better. To preserve its original taste, an opened bottle should be consumed within a year. The contents may also be transferred to a smaller container to lessen the air.  

 

Whisky-tasting opportunity is available at The Peak of Grand Hyatt Manila, located at Federal Land’s Grand Central Park community in Bonifacio Global City.

 

Luxury living 

The next webinar under the Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life will be all about vehicles, particularly Lexus Philippines’ line of luxury cars. It will be held on August 18, 2021, via Zoom Webinars.

 

Federal Land has lined up webinars to air in the following months. One will be about learning the basics of real estate investing considering your life stage. Another webinar will explore interior design for modern living, the latest design trends and hacks, and how to create live-work spaces at home to balance personal and professional life. There will also be a webinar that will show how to cook delectable dishes and take appetizing shots for posting and sharing online.

 

To join Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life webinars, visit www.federalland.ph to register.

 

 

 

ABOUT FEDERAL LAND

Federal Land, Inc. is under GT Capital Holdings, a listed major Philippine conglomerate that is the primary vehicle for the holding and management of the diversified business interest of the family of Dr. George S.K. Ty. For more information, visit the Federal Land website at www.federalland.ph.