Monthly Archives

April 2020

Lifestyle, News

Honda Motorcycle Service Heroes Amid The Pandemic

With the entire country on quarantine because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, mobility in the country is practically at a standstill. According to a report titled “Consumer Behavior During The Pandemic,” lockdowns and quarantines have reduced mobility by 80 percent in the Philippines and Malaysia, and 60 percent in Singapore and Vietnam. Traffic was reduced due to social distancing between people and encourage them to stay at home.

Other than some essential services remaining open such as food delivery and medical needs, the e-Commerce industry is booming since its services help people buy what they need online and have it delivered right to their homes, thereby making delivery couriers important frontliners as well.

Of course, couriers are allowed to operate and continue doing their jobs as long as they maintain safety precautions imposed by quarantine guidelines, like wearing facemasks and gloves, and being equipped with alcohol and other hygiene essentials, which were also a requirement by their own courier companies.

In the Philippines, riders from motorcycle taxi-hailing apps have shifted their services from providing transportation for people to delivering food and other essential goods allowing riders to continue making a living even in the face of the pandemic. But more than just providing a means of livelihood, these riders are providing an important lifeline to many people forced to stay home through the delivery of food and medicines, not to mention aiding in the government’s efforts in keeping human interaction as minimal as possible.

Honda Philippines, Inc. the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines joins the country as it works to meet the challenges posed by the global health crisis through the work of delivery riders in ensuring the transportation of essential goods and services.

“I am proud to see that our motorcycles have become indispensable and are being used with a great purpose. A purpose of keeping people safe at home and encouraging social distancing, during this crisis.  We also commend the effort of our Hero Riders as they offer courage and aid during this crisis.” said Susumu Mitsuishi, President of Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI).

The array of cutting-edge motorcycles busy on the streets, such as the Honda BeAT and Honda CLICK, signifies that Honda’s AT bikes are becoming predominant.  This shows that the company has been true to its “ONE DREAM” campaign, which is helping fulfill people’s dream while experiencing the joy of mobility and in today’s reality, provide a safer way for people staying home to still access badly needed necessities.

For more details about Honda products and promos, visit us at our website www.hondaph.com  and follow our Facebook page, Honda Philippines, Inc. and Instagram, @hondaph_mc.

 

Lifestyle, News

Cement Manufacturer helps in fighting COVID-19

Holcim employees have distributed food and hygiene products to assist communities and government workers in Bulacan, Lugait and Iloilo fighting Covid-19

The company, Holcim Philippines, cement manufacturer contribute to the nation’s in fighting against Covid-19 by providing medical supplies to hospitals assigned to treat coronavirus patients and relief items to its affected communities. Also allocated a substantial share of the budget for corporate citizenship program Holcim Helps to procure much-needed medical personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, respirators and face shields to be donated to the Lung Center of the Philippines (Quezon City) and Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (Caloocan City). These hospitals are among those assigned by the Department of Health to treat Covid-19 patients.

Holcim Philippines has also started to distribute food and hygiene products to communities hosting its facilities in Bacnotan, La Union, Norzagay and Calumpit, Bulacan, Tondo, Manila, Calaca and Mabini, Batangas, Iloilo City, Lugait, Misamis Oriental and Davao City.Approximately 1,500 families and government front line workers have benefitted from the first batch of distribution completed as of April 14.

Holcim President and CEO John Stull: “Holcim Philippines is one with the country in fighting Covid-19. We are very proud of our people who are actively contributing to their communities and the country in pushing back against this disease. Guided by our overarching value of Health and Safety, our company has taken actions to support the efforts to contain the spread of the disease and ensure the well-being of our people, partners and our communities. Holcim Philippines will continue to support the country’s efforts against Covid-19 and follow the guidance of health authorities on this matter. Our thoughts go to everyone affected by this. We wish everyone safety and good health in these trying times.”

Despite most its plants and terminals closed due to enhanced community quarantine, the goods were successfully distributed thanks to the company’s skeleton workforce led by its CSR teams supported by its partner suppliers and vendors. Holcim Philippines followed strict health and safety guidelines such as:

  • careful packing of goods to ensure people are safe during the distribution
  • close monitoring of the Covid-19 situation
  • enabled it to quickly tighten regulations on social distancing
  • personal hygiene
  • health screening in all its sites in line with guidelines set by Philippine health authorities
  • installation of new hand washing stations
  • strict enforcement of social distancing at all its sites
  • to limit human-to-human contact, it shifted to electronic means in dealing with business partners
  • encouraged use of digital platforms to provide customers a convenient way to continue transactions amid the quarantine
  • the company has implemented a Covid-19 information campaign focused on mental health to help its people and their families keep safe during the quarantine

Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 80,000 employees. *LafargeHolcim has signed an agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the divestment of its entire 85.7 percent shareholding in Holcim Philippines Inc. The process is still ongoing. You may get more information on this development at this link: https://www.lafargeholcim.com/lafargeholcim-divests-activities-philippines

 

News

BPI warns public about increasing COVID-19 scams

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is warning the public about the rising number of cybercrime cases amid the COVID-19 global outbreak.

BPI noted a 50 percent increase worldwide in online scams, as cybercriminals tap into various digital platforms to capitalize on coronavirus fears by way of phishing scams and impersonating legitimate organizations, including banks.

“We see phishing emails that feature COVID-19 themes that have links to phishing sites. These scammers do take advantage of our dire situation and the emotions of people,” said BPI’s Enterprise Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer, Jonathan John B. Paz.

In a span of 10 days—from March 17 to 26—BPI already detected 24 COVID-themed phishing emails. “We have also seen 212 phishing websites in the same period and all these were taken down,” Paz added.

BPI is therefore warning its clients to take the necessary precautions to protect them from becoming the latest victims of coronavirus-related cybercrimes.

“As you enjoy the convenience of banking through our online channels, make sure that your every log-in is safe and secure,” explained Paz adding that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, especially during these critical times.

To protect one’s bank account in the time of COVID-19, BPI encourages its customers to use the Bank’s mobile and online security features to help keep their accounts safe. These include activation of one’s Mobile Key, enabling biometric login, linking a device to one’s account, using One-Time PIN (OTP), and setting up login notifications and email alerts, among others.

For its part, BPI said that they have taken both technical and non-technical measures to combat COVID-themed social engineering attacks.

“We ramped up collaboration with threat intelligence services to gather information on the emerging modus operandi, indicators of compromise, phishing websites and attacks, particularly COVID-19-themed cyberattacks, to improve the Bank’s defenses and help us better secure our clients personal data and financial assets” Paz said.

All these – the Bank’s sustained awareness campaigns and continued deployment of security features – form part of BPI’s wholistic approach towards cybersecurity and its fight against the various scams that are perpetrated by fraudsters, especially during this time of a global pandemic.

 

 

Lifestyle, News

SM Cares celebrates Earth Day 2020

In line with the 50th celebration of Earth Day on April 22, SM Cares has partnered with Earth Day Network Philippines for a social media campaign that aims to promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices among Filipinos.

SM Cares’ #LoveEarth campaign is a social media initiative centered around the message of “Healing the Earth” that calls for positive change in behavior and mindset in caring for the environment. The campaign encourages individuals to be more appreciative, mindful, and moderate in their consumption of Earth’s resources such as food, water, and energy, even while staying at home for the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through this campaign, we want to encourage everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle and work together toward caring for the only planet that we all call home, even in our own little way,” said Liza B. Silerio, VP of Corporate Compliance of SM Supermalls.

#LoveEarth campaign supports Earth Day Network’s recently launched digital campaign Earthrise, a youth-led digital movement whose goal is to mobilize organizations, communities, and individuals all over the world on Earth Day to demand immediate action on climate change from the world’s leaders and policy makers.

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

For this year’s celebration, Earth Day’s theme centers on climate action. “The enormous challenge – but also the vast opportunities – of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic of the 50th anniversary,” Earth Day Network says in its website. “Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.”

The #LoveEarth campaign is just one of the numerous ways that SM is promoting sustainable living among Filipinos, and the company has other programs aimed at helping care for the environment. These are the Regular Trash to Cash Recycling Market that is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month; daily water recycling systems, and environmental campaigns such as the Green Film Festival and Green Retail Agenda, just to name a few.

To learn more about the #LoveEarth campaign and other environment initiatives by SM, visit the SM Supermalls official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls/.

 

News, Tech

OPPO Find X2 Pro Fully Supports HDR on YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video

Today OPPO is proud to announce that its latest flagship Find X2 Pro, equipped with a stunning 120Hz QHD+ Ultra Vision Screen which fully supports HDR videos across YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, brings first-class video streaming experience in countries where each service is available by portraying rich colors, sharp contrasts, and refined details.

OPPO believes the ultimate visual experience encompasses three facets:

  1. Ground-breaking performance for hardware
  2. Software
  3. Content

These are qualities embodied by the Find X2 Pro and all three video-streaming services have strict HDR  smartphone screen requirements. The Find X2 Pro passes the test, with a screen that is the most advanced one OPPO has developed to date. OPPO Find X2 Pro’s 120Hz ultra high refresh rate ensures smooth and clear display. The screen,covering 100% film industry-grade P3 WCG, also supports QHD+ and is capable of displaying over 1 billion colors, with HDR 10+ certification. The high-quality screen has been well received by the industry, receiving A+ score from DisplayMate, and Eye Comfort certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Besides the excellent screen display quality, the Find X2 Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 flagship chip and a chip that supports Widevine L1 hardware encryption and HDCP2.2.The OPPO Find X2 Pro ensures that users are provided with the technical backing required to enjoy high-quality HDR content while protecting the video copyright. And to complete the package, Find X2 Pro is also equipped with a dual Dolby Atmos speaker system ensuring the best immersive viewing experience unlike any other.

The OPPO Find X2 series signifies the brand’s firm step into the high-end market. Besides bringing users a better screen experience, the OPPO Find X2 Pro also promotes the HDR screen in the smartphone industry, bringing forth a brighter tech future for all.

 

 

News, Tech

UP-PGH, PLDT upgrade Action Center with Telemedicine Program

Since the establishment of the University of the Philippines Manila-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Bayanihan Na! COVID 19 Action Center on March 30, 2020, PLDT Enterprise has served as its backbone through its connectivity infrastructure, Hotline 155-200.

The hotline service, a joint effort between UP-PGH’s in-house IT Team and PLDT Enterprise Business Group, aims to provide assistance to the public and manage the influx of patients to its COVID health care center, by consulting with professionals regarding their symptoms, without having to visit the hospital.

As the center evolves to allow for a faster and more efficient response against COVID-19, University of the Philippines President Danilo L. Concepcion commissioned Unexus Medical Solutions, Inc. through NowheretogobutUP Foundation to create a more flexible and user-friendly helpline solution that adapts to the MedAlert platform.

Through joint efforts with Unexus, PLDT Enterprise will be powering up the said platform by leveraging on its business-grade fiber optic network, which today spans 322,000 km across the country. They will also be providing phone lines for the program to ensure seamless communication between doctors and patients. The platform will be used for UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! COVID 19 Action center to triage, queue patients and ensure accurate medical record-keeping.

“Technology has always improved the way we live, work, and play. During this difficult time, we must harness its use to make processes more efficient in order to save more lives. In the end, technology must be inclusive to improve the quality of life for each and every Filipino,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

As an additional layer of support to callers, the UP-PGH Bayanihan Na! COVID 19 Action Center offers a Telemedicine Program, also through the MedAlert platform. This will allow the Action center to escalate patients who require more in-depth assistance to volunteer doctors in different locations.

The platform will save and send medical records, prescriptions and other necessary documents through tablet devices with sims and SMS notifications. In response, PLDT Enterprise has committed to provide these volunteer doctors with the necessary support by giving them unlimited data, unlimited calls and texts for six months.

 

 

News

Epson named number one projector brand in the Philippines and worldwide for 19 consecutive years

Epson named number one projector brand in the Philippines

Epson has been named the number one projector brand in the Philippines and SE Asia, as well as worldwide by Future source Consulting, having held the leadership position for 19 consecutive years. The milestone reflects Epson’s continued market leadership and constant innovation in the visual imaging industry.

Epson’s worldwide market share for projectors have increased consistently over the last 19 years to maintain its continued dominance. The latest findings from Future source indicate that Epson continues to dominate the Philippine market as the number one brand, with 62.4% market share for projectors 500 lumens and above for 2019, an increase from 47.6%in 2018.

Within Southeast Asia, Epson continues to maintain market leadership, with market share increasing to 44.4% in 2019 from 37% in 2018. Globally, Epson has the largest market share worldwide for projectors, at 41.4% for 2019, which is an increase from 37.4% in 2018. Likewise for the home projectors segment, in 2019, Epson has achieved the largest market share worldwide at a remarkable 35%.

A key factor to Epson’s continued dominance is in its continuous innovation. New launches in Southeast Asia include the launch of its new retail, education, corporate and home projectors, including the EB-U50/EB-W50 for digital signage applications, the EB-1485Fi ultrashort throw interactive laser projector and the EB-1070U/1060Useries of business projectors respectively. The launch of its home cinema projectors, the EF-100 series, EH-TW7000 and EB-LS500 contributed to its growth in the home projector segment.

At the heart of Epson’s projectors is its proprietary 3LCD technology, which enables Epson projectors to deliver the most vibrant and true-to-life images with up to 3 times higher colour brightness compared to 1-chip DLP projectors in the market.In contrast to 3-chip 3LCD projectors, 1-chip DLP projectors use a rotating color wheel that spins at a rapid speed, only displaying colors sequentially, which can result in color break-up or the “rainbow effect”.

Epson’s vertically-integrated business model means the company creates its own core technologies and manufactures and sells its finished products, maintaining control over the whole process and ensuring quality down to the smallest detail in the manufacturing of its projectors.

Epson continues to innovate in its projector offerings for its range of business, interactive, high brightness and home projectors, catering across segments from corporate to education, rentals, staging and large entertainment venues and home entertainment.

“We aim to continually deliver new innovation and bring new value to our customers as we focus on driving growth in the B2B segment, and to further engage customers in the education, corporate and rental and staging space,” said Eduardo Bonoan, General Manager for Marketing said.

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 8441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://epson.com.ph/contact.

 

Entertainment

Online Concert for the Benefit of Music Venue Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Group-18 by Karen de la Fuente

On May 1, Friday at 8:00 pm, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, and Kitchie Nadal are teaming up with GNN (formerly known as Gabi Na Naman Productions) and Smirnoff Mule for a special digital concert to raise funds for the employees and workers of live music venues in Metro Manila. The Facebook show will serve as the third installment of their critically acclaimed, sold-out concert, Secrets and will be streamed live on the trio’s official Facebook page.  The star-studded fundraiser and concert will also feature never-before-heard collaborations among the three award-winning singer-songwriters, as well as individual performances featuring their Greatest Hits and rarities.

 “Deprived of operating to serve people with live entertainment, music venues have temporarily shut down, and are struggling to manage their overhead expenses. Thanks to the girls, we’ll be given a chance to cover some of the funds needed to support employees and workers of independent music venues and bars. We cannot imagine a vibrant, bustling music scene without these people who have dedicated their lives in helping run the gigs. The waiters, cooks, kitchen helpers, cashiers, parking attendants, food servers, tech guys, security personnel and other employees deserve our help too,”  says Gabi Na Naman Productions’ MilleyHabito, one of the executive producers of Secrets III: An Online Concertfeaturing Aia, Barbie and Kitchie.

 

Group-19 Photo by Karen de la Fuente

The beneficiaries of the concert is part of the alternative rock icons’ ongoing efforts to help the music community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a primer to GNN’s 5th anniversary celebration. Also include the independent music venues such as Route 196, Mow’s, Saguijo Café & Bar, Jess and Pat’s, ‘70s Bistro, 123 Block, Social House and more to be announced.

 

Lifestyle, News

Is my Package Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

J & T Express – How to safely receive your package during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Deliver services is very important to millions of Filipinos, especially those in areas under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), are changing their buying behaviors. With the country’s response to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), retail stores, malls, and even restaurants have been closed until further notice.

Since we are under the ECQ the government encourages people to do physical distancing and stay in their homes unless they need to go out to buy food, groceries, and other essential items in grocery stores, markets, and pharmacies, among other establishments that are still allowed to be operational. So one of the solution is to buy online much easier and more practical way to stay away from the crowd and contribute to stopping the spread of the virus. With this it will help the growth in the e-Commerce industry.

According to a report by Google, Bain & Company, and Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, Southeast Asia’s e-Commerce industry is the biggest factor for the region’s growth as it has grown from a GMV value of US$5.5 billion dollars in 2015 to US$38 billion in 2019. Now, the sector is on track to exceed US$150 billion by 2025.

Since online shopping is helping both the people and the economy, J&T Express, the number one e-Commerce delivery company in Southeast Asia, believes that delivery couriers are the “Unsung Heroes on Two Wheels” during this pandemic because it would not be possible for food, groceries, and other essentials to be delivered to people without them.

Delivery couriers will always ensure that they keep their client’s trust and safety when it comes to their services. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) obliged delivery couriers to strictly follow ECQ guidelines such as:

  1. social distancing
  2. ensure that they are equipped with facemasks, gloves, alcohol and other protective
  3. precautionary equipment

According to a new study by MedRxiv, COVID-19 lives for 24 hours on cardboard and 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, thus giving you the option of letting the virus die out first before taking out your package, however that would only be good news for non-perishable goods.

Whether you choose to wait for the virus to die or not, you should always wash any surfaces that the outer packaging touched then throw away the packaging and wash your hands. Sanitize your package immediately, or if it’s perishable goods, immediately put it in a Tupperware and put it in the refrigerator.

Of course, delivery couriers are still vulnerable to the virus, despite the safety precautions, so you must keep minimal contact with the courier, as much as possible. Always practice social distancing, even in situations such as receiving a package; think of it as maintaining the safety of the courier, as well.

Some delivery couriers offer the option of having contactless delivery, where you don’t have to see the courier face-to-face and they leave your package at the doorstep or somewhere you choose, then the payment would be settled online. If not you can simply request the courier to have such an option and come to an agreement.

J&T Express reopens branches nationwide

J&T Express, the number one e-Commerce delivery company in Southeast Asia, offers their services with fast deliveries and affordable rates! They also ensure the safety of your products with real-time tracking for you and your customers, as well as provide insurances and other safety precautions for it!

J&T Express is dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by providing quality delivery services. Today, they have over 400 branches across the Philippines.

To know more about J&T Express and its services, visit their official FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/jntexpressphilippines.

 

 

News

Mixed Martial Arts World Title: Stamp Fairtex Happy to Let Friend Go First

Just 19 seconds into her mixed martial arts debut at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series (OWS), Stamp Fairtex had scored an explosive knockout victory to earn herself a contract with ONE Championship. A master of Muay Thai, the young starlet unleashed a stunning head kick that would be seen by millions around the world. She made a statement. Given her background, it was not surprising that she brought her immaculate striking into mixed martial arts. What’s perhaps impressed onlookers even more though, is her rapid evolution in the other facets of the sport.

A second statement was swiftly made after her ONE debut. This time she would cement the victory using her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sinking in a textbook rear naked choke to defeat India’s Asha Roka in the third round at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD in Bangkok. Having already established herself as a trailblazer by winning both the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Titles, she is widely touted to win another golden strap in mixed martial arts competition. Having recently lost her kickboxing championship to the USA’s Janet Todd, the young Thai might zero in on conquering another discipline.

Stamp’s mixed martial arts record currently stands at 4-0, but despite the excitement surrounding her performances so far, she believes she still needs time before she’s ready to take the belt from current champion Angela Lee. “It is still a long way for me. I’ll need to practice my ground game and learn more techniques to use in my next fight,” says Stamp.

In recent months, ONE’s atomweight division has begun to really heat up. And Stamp’s path to the belt is not without complications. She is not the only young star currently making a run at the gold. Back in February at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE in Singapore, Fairtex teammate and friend Denice Zamboanga (7-0) put on a career-best performance to defeat former two-time ONE World Title challenger Mei Yamaguchi via unanimous decision. In overcoming the Japanese veteran, the 23 year-old reportedly earned herself the next shot at Lee.

“In my opinion, Denice is a fantastic and well-rounded athlete – especially in striking, and showed she’s better than Mei. I look forward to seeing her fight for the title soon,” says Stamp. Both training out of Fairtex Gym in Pattaya, the pair often share social media posts of themselves training hard and showing off new dance moves. With both women holding strong title ambitions, Stamp insists that their friendship is strong enough to withstand the competition.

“I think it’s ok for both of us, because it means we are both the top athletes in this weight class who can compete with Angela Lee. I think Denice will be the right opponent (for Angela) having beaten Mei in her last fight. If she beats Angela, I would be proud of her, but if she loses, then no worries, I’ll get revenge for her,” says Stamp.

Further still, Stamp believes their bond could also overcome the prospect of having to face each other in the Circle, should it come to that. “If one day me and Denice compete against each other, we both know that we’re going to try our best on stage, and once we’ve done our job, we’ll always remain best friends,” says Stamp. The atom weight plot thickens further. There is one more talented young gun on the edge of the title mix. Perhaps a little further back in the pecking order but arguably just as talented is ferocious Japanese star, Itsuki Hirata. The 20 year-old has looked mighty impressive since making her pro debut in ONE last year and finished all her opponents. Stamp has been impressed with her performances and likes the potential match-up.

“Hirata is strong and the way she fights is actually like Denice. If I fight her it could be fun as our styles are very different,” says Stamp. The current global situation has put a pause on things at present, but both Stamp and Denice are in isolation now in Thailand still training, albeit whilst practicing social distancing measures.

ONE Championship recently teamed up with international advocacy organization, Global Citizen, to air the live ‘ONE World: Together At Home’ global special which saw some of the world’s leading artists perform in a virtual, no-contact concert last Sunday, 19 April (SGT). The event drew in millions of viewers from around the world in a show of unity to battle the coronavirus pandemic, which raised over US$127.9 million for the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

ONE Championship athletes like Stamp have also participated in Global Citizen’s #TogetherAtHome initiative to provide fans with home workouts, and health and fitness tips through a series of online videos.

You may find the One World: Together at Home broadcast replay here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Igx-5Kej8k&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR064ERtANGrk7xt9OKFz4BX1Drf_fwXMj352iKoGc8tF2vCMePR-LOOCTU