Monthly Archives

April 2020

Food, Health and Wellness

HEARTY BREAD IS ONE OF THE HELPFUL WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND TO FIGHT COVID-19

How can you strengthen your immune system now that we’re facing the Global pandemic CoVid-19? Well for me, your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle and eating a healthy food. Present danger to those who have low immune system, elderlies and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. With this data, steering clear of unnecessary social contacts as well as refraining from going out of your house while the region is on Enhanced Community Quarantine is more serious than ever.

While we continue to do everything we can to evade the virus, some of us inevitably have to go out on errands hence posing danger to our family members at home. In this situation, the only thing we can do is to strengthen our immune system by taking vitamins and consuming healthy food.

Hearty Bread, Gluten-free & Sugar-free bread is one with the nation in providing healthy food for the family and to help everyone with their healthy bread requirement, the brand is reiterating their commitment in providing your needs thru Grab food delivery in most of their branches during this time.

To know more about Hearty Bread and how you can order, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartybreadph/or  you may call their delivery hotline at 09178567313.

April 9, 2020 by
Lifestyle

Observe Meaningful Holy Week While on a Lockdown that BGC’s Brings Virtual Activities

BGC – Easter Expedition

Holy Week 2020 is totally different from the long held tradition in the Philippines. For most Filipinos’ practice of faith, personal reflection, and prayer. Now that we are all home due to the community quarantine, Bonifacio High Street provides us with different ways to still commemorate the Lenten season like Stations of the Cross, Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Concert and more

This year, celebrate Holy Week in a whole new light as Bonifacio High Street and Without Walls Ministries bring you, “Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ” — a virtual take of BGC’s annual Stations of the Cross at http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway. Through this interactive online platform, Filipinos can go through each of the 14 stations, reflect, and pray as we commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

There is also a Walkway Kids Edition that shows a special map that may help guide parents and kids as they go through the stations together. BHS will also be hosting an Easter Expedition on April 12 so you and your family can celebrate in the comfort of your own home. By visiting Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook page, you can enjoy a virtual Easter Egg Hunt and other fun activities!

BGC-Walkway 2020 Easter Concert

To cap off your Holy Week festivities, join us for a peaceful night of serenading and good music with Walkway: Journey to the Cross of Christ Easter Concert. This live-streamed concert will be headlined by none other than Concert King Martin Nievera plus other surprise guests. Tune in to BGC’s Facebook page on April 12, 8:00PM.

For more details and updates, check Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet/ and don’t forget to visit http://withoutwalls.ph/walkway for a meaningful Lenten Season celebration.

April 8, 2020 by
Food, Lifestyle

Ortigas Malls Holy Week Store Schedules

Ortigas Malls continues to serve its patrons through its essential services throughout the enhanced community quarantine and even during the Holy Week.

There is no need to worry about your Holy Week meals and drugstore runs because select Greenhills, Estancia, Tiendesitas, and Industria stores will remain open.

April 9 April 10 April 11

 GREENHILLS

 Bacolod Chicken Inasal

8am-5pm

 

House of Lasagna

9am-5pm

 

Mercury Drug Shoppesville

8am-5pm

 Bacolod Chicken Inasal

8am-5pm

 

House of Lasagna

9am-5pm

 Bacolod Chicken Inasal

8am-5pm

House of Lasagna

9am-5pm

 

LBC

9am-5pm

 

Mercury Drug Shoppesville

8am-5pm

 

Mercury Drug McKinley

8am-5pm

 

Mercury Drug Unimart

9:30am-5pm

 

Unimart

9:30am-5pm

ESTANCIA CAPITOL COMMONS

 Boteyju

9am – 5pm

 

Peri peri

10am – 6pm

 

Starbucks Drive Thru

8am – 6pm

 

Tim Hortons

9am – 4pm

 Boteyju

9am-5pm

 

Peri peri

10am-6pm

 

Starbucks Drive Thru

8am-6pm

 

Tim Hortons

9am-4pm

 Boteyju

9am-5pm

 

Peri peri

10am-6pm

 

Santi’s

8am-5pm

 

Starbucks Drive Thru

8am-6pm

 

Tim Hortons

9am-4pm

 

Unimart

9:30am-5pm

 TIENDESITAS

 Racks

10am to 12mn

 

Tenya

10am to 12mn

 Racks

10am to 12mn

 

SM Hypermarket

9am to 7pm

 

Tenya

10am to 12mn

 Racks

10am to 12mn

 

SM Hypermarket

9am to 7pm

 

Tenya

10am to 12mn

 INDUSTRIA AT CIRCULO VERDE

 Qiqi Mart

11am-2am

 Crystal Clear

9am-5pm

 

Qiqi Mart

11am-2am

 Bon Appetea

11am to 7pm

 

Qiqi Mart

11am-2am
*All banks will reopen on Monday, April 12

 

April 7, 2020 by
Lifestyle, News

Store Finder PH launches Facebook chatbot for free mobile internet users

When Store Finder PH’s map website went live on March 19 to help locate nearby establishments that are open during the COVID-19 community quarantine, families with no internet connection seem left behind.

However with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the volunteer-initiated website is able to make its key content available on Facebook Messenger through a chatbot. A chatbot is a computer robot that replies to messages like a human being.

Currently, Facebook Messenger can be used even without a mobile data plan as part of the basic service of Smart, Globe, and affiliate providers, making the store finding-chatbot accessible to more than 44 million phone internet users in the Philippines at no extra cost.

Store Finder PH named its chatbot “Crowdy” to signify the project’s crowd-sourcing nature of collecting information. To use the chatbot, the user should open the project’s Facebook messenger.

After tapping “Get Started”, the user may pick the establishment category and type a location that the chatbot will scan through. A list of  search results including grocery shops, restaurants, pharmacies, banks, ATM centers, remittance centers, logistic hubs, and other essential stores  is then displayed within seconds.

Although the map feature is disabled when on free mobile data, crucial information including business hours are still delivered in text format.

“Our main contribution as millenials to the Enhanced Community Quarantine measure of the government is making tech solutions and life-saving information reach the doorsteps of every Filipino,” said Trinmar Boado, an award-winning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advocate and leader of the volunteer project.

He added the chatbot is getting a high volume of query for remittance centers, explaining this must be from parents of stranded students and other individuals sending out financial help.

On Store Finder PH’s  website version at www.storefinder.ph, users can see the map of their neighborhood and the exact location of open establishments. They can also chat with other active users within the vicinity to seek any assistance during emergencies.

To start using the Store Finder PH chatbot, open m.me/StoreFinder.PH or fb.com/StoreFinder.PH now. To support this community initiative,  email at [email protected] or call 0977-340-5736 (Globe).

 

 

 

April 7, 2020 by
Entertainment

BAYANIHAN MUSIKAHAN TULONG SA MAHIHIRAP LABAN SA COVID-19 RAISES MORE THAN 1M

 

Lea Salonga

Bayanihan Musikahan, Online Konsert-Fundraiser amounting to PhP 1.5 million additional  in 1 hour during the live concert-from-house of the broadway superstar Lea Salonga last April 2, 2020. She began and ended her hour with composition by the principal organizer of the project, Ryan Cayabyab, National Artist for Music. Emphasizing citizen action in the face of a pandemic, Salonga encapsulated an emerging dynamic of citizens helping citizens through small contributions and exercise of talent.

The unusual spike adds this amount to the total of PhP 22,373,178.00 already raised by April 2, 2020. Ms. Salonga announced this figure during her concert, while triggering a outpouring of support from Filipinos on lock-down, watching from their homes in the Philippines and overseas. The increased fund-raising momentum enables increased speed in delivery of food packs to the marginalized communities in Metro Manila facing the pandemic with extreme vulnerabilities.

The Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP), a 70,000-strong urban poor organization, began distribution of the Bayanihan Musikahan food packs from a few days after the launch of the marathon concert series, and is increasing pace and reach daily. Nearly 15,000 food packs have been provided families in dense, inner city pockets.

Filipino musical artists giving one hour concerts kick-started and sustain the Bayanihan Musikahan fund drive that enables this quick-response citizen action to stave off the possibility of worst case scenarios among communities compromised by poverty in Metro Manila. Among those who already performed are Martin Nievera, Ebe Dancel, Acapellago, Karylle Tatlonghari and Spongecola, Bullet Dumas, Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-in Park, and Morisette Amon.

Donations came in at an increasingly fast clip as the Lea Salonga concert proceeded, and it was immediately clear to an audience of tens of thousands that the surge was driven by the experience of virtual, communal bonding around an admired singer, and heightened awareness of the gravity of threat to impoverished communities.

The citizen-led marathon concert series, livestreamed on Facebook, is an unusal partnership between and among the significant talents of the Philippine music industry and the most trusted of civil society organizations. Philippine Business for Social Progress receives, accounts for, and disburses the funds. The SNPP hit the ground running because it has a complete database on its membership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 4, 2020 by
Entertainment

Powfu with “death bed (coffee for your head)” scores #1 viral hit in the Philippines

Powfu

Powfu, Canadian artist sets the Philippine music charts ablaze with the success of his latest single, “death bed (coffee for your head),” featuring UK singer beabadobee. Recently held the top spot of the Spotify Philippines Viral 50 for five consecutive weeks before it dropped to its current position of No. 4. Powfu’s “death bed (coffee for your head)” is now out on various streaming and digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music.

The explosive new track also continues to rack up impressive numbers on Spotify Philippines Top 200 with a No. 5 peak, while also achieving incredible momentum on iTunes Philippines Top 100 Charts, reaching as high as No. 8.

With its relatable and timely lyrics, easygoing vibe, and low-key appeal, “death bed” currently enjoys enormous attention on video-sharing platformTikTok with over 3 million videos to date—thanks to countless of challenges, memes, covers, and renditions from various Filipino artists including a “Chinarot” version that gained more than 8 million YouTube views, and a “Tagalog” version by upcoming Filipino rapper Cesar Semento.

April 3, 2020 by
News, Tech

SERVICE WARRANTY AND EXTENDED TERMS IMPLEMENTS BY OPPO IN TIME OF COVIC-19 PANDEMIC

Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic, OPPO is offering a warranty extension program for all OPPO users and dealers affected by the COVID-19 quarantine period. The extended terms and service warranty cover provisions on repair services and device and accessories replacement policies.

Since Filipinos in actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic, OPPO values the health and safety of all its employees and customers, and this remains the top priority of the brand in order to serve everyone better. Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine period, OPPO has temporarily ceased operations of the OPPO service centers and concept stores in the affected areas in the Philippines.

“We understand the difficulties that the Filipinos are going through at this period. As a way of helping, we’ve made adjustments in our business by offering a warranty extension to all OPPO users affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope that this will somehow aid our consumers during this trying time,” said Kent Zhang, Head of Aftersales of OPPO Philippines.

OPPO Adjustments as follows:

1) Repair Service Warranty

Devices with warranty expiry dated March 9, 2020 until the last day of the quarantine period will be granted an extension of two months that will immediately take effect after the last day of the quarantine period. The repair covers services such as screen repairs, hardware and software tune ups, and other parts malfunctions.

This extension applies to both OPPO devices and accessories repairs.

2) Device Replacement Warranty

Devices purchased between March 1 – 20, 2020 will be granted an extended replacement term of 7 days effective after the quarantine period. However, the customer shall provide required documents and proofs for the claims on factory defects for the consideration of the extension.

Inspected and approved device replacements handled by an OPPO service center representative with an official issuance of Inspection Order starting February 20 until March 20 are also covered by the extension. Dealers affected will be able to return the devices to OPPO by May 20, 2020.

To know more about the latest news and updates about OPPO, visit its official website at www.oppo.com.ph or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

 

 

 

April 2, 2020 by
Entertainment

Kang Daniel finds true colors on No.1 K-Pop album, Cyan

Kang Daniel

Kang Daniel had a massive breakthrough last year with the release of his debut EP, Color on Me, which peaked at No. 1 in Korea and entered the Oricon albums chart in Japan at number 23. After a successful tour in six cities across Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Seoul, the Korean pop sensation returns with a highly anticipated follow-up EP called Cyan, released by Konnect Entertainment and distributed by Sony Music Korea.

As part of the three-part project, Color, Kang Daniel’s latest release reveals a more confident musical direction that, according to Forbes, “has an understated sense of pop sophistication to it.”  It also marks his personal journey to find his own true colors before the fans’ eyes, an attempt to unmask his story of dreams, passion and struggle as an artist navigating the global music scene.

Shortly after it debuted on iTunes, the K-pop idol’s new EP hit No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums charts in nine countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. The mini-album also made a splash in Russia and Japan, where it reached the top 10. Lead single “2U” is produced by Chancellor, a Korean-American singer-songwriter and producer whose notable work for A Pink, SISTAR, Lee-hi, and Girl’s Day earned him numerous chart-topping hits in Asia.

The track’s music video, which arrived on March 24, features a simple but infectious choreography that goes well with its laid-back pop sound.  Other songs in the mini-album offer a refreshingly cool vibe that fits the summertime theme: “Adulthood,” is a witty take on adult’s wishes to stay young and free, while “Jealous” evokes the feelings of people waiting for the warm spring sun to come during the cold winter. “Interview” shows the best of Kang Daniel’s vocal performance, with its chill R&B beats running smoothly against groovy bass, jazzy piano lines, and minimalist synths. Final track “TOUCHIN” seamlessly blends a variety of music genres without sacrificing its immediacy and catchiness.

 

April 2, 2020 by
News

BPI extends public service, relief in the time of COVID-19

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has stepped up efforts to provide service and relief to Filipinos to ease difficulties brought by the COVID-19 situation, while at the same time ensuring the safety of clients and its employees.

“As a bank, we have to help ensure that the financial system continues to operate efficiently, no matter how trying the circumstances. We have to do our part to minimize the chances that a health crisis becomes an economic crisis. And we have to do this in a way that minimizes the health risks to the people that we have deployed,” said Cezar Consing, BPI President and CEO.

Some of the Bank’s initiatives that are currently being rolled out include:

1. Branch network. Select BPI branches as well as those of its subsidiaries BPI Family Savings Bank and BanKo remain open to attend to clients basic banking needs with all Over-the-counter (OTC) fees temporarily waived. For its skeleton staffing, BPI is providing special food and transportation allowances, and arranging carpooling or transportation to help employees get to their workplace assignments. Soon, all branches will have acrylic screens, which are currently being delivered to the first batch of branches, to help protect clients and employees.

2. 90-day grace period. Front liners–such as those in the medical field including doctors and nurses, as well as policemen and soldiers who are on duty or called on by the government to deliver service during the enhanced community quarantine period– are given the option to avail of a 90-day deferral in their existing auto and housing loan payments, interest-free.

3. 30-day grace period. BPI clients can avail of a 30-day grace period payment option applicable to personal loans, home loans, auto loans, SME loans, and microfinance loans. All are subject to certain terms and conditions. Credit card holders also have the option to defer payment for 30 days without incurring late payment charges.

4. Waived fees. Transfer fees to other banks using InstaPay and PESONet are waived, as well as transfer fees to other BPI accounts using its mobile app for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine period. BPI’s remittance partners also either waived fees or offered discounts for overseas Filipinos: Kookmin (discounted fees until December 31, 2020), i-Remit (waived fees from March 21-22, 2020), and Remitly (waived fees and higher FX rates from March 25 to June 30, 2020).

5. Corporate citizenship. BPI, together with the Ayala Corporation and Globe Telecom, donated PhP 5M to Philippine Red Cross for the procurement and distribution of 50,000 face masks and 2,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical front liners who are in critical need of protection in hospitals, local government units, and airports.

As the need for social distancing becomes more critical, BPI is also advocating online banking to minimize the need for branch visits during this time. BPI clients are encouraged to do their everyday banking with BPI Online and Mobile App, conveniently and securely at the comfort of their homes.

 

April 2, 2020 by
Food, News

MGC LAUCHES THE MEGA MALASAKIT KITCHEN FOR FRONTLINERS AND PLEDGES 50M IN AID FOR COVID 19

Private sectors are the one helping the government to combat Covid-19. Just like Mega Global Corp., makers of Mega Sardines, has extended a helping hand in undertaking various initiatives intended to ease the burden of its employees, local communities, healthcare institutions, and the government amid the pandemic.

Since the start of the Corona Virus Pandemic, the Philippines’ largest sardine fishing and canning operator has taken steps through the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation to provide around PHP50 million in aid to the community and to its employees. Internally, Mega Global has implemented a safety net to ease the struggles of its workers who have kept company operations running smoothly despite the challenges and risks posed by the enhanced community quarantine to the mobility of people and raw materials.

Mega Global also recognizes the selfless efforts of our country’s frontliners during this time of crisis. From health care professionals, security officials, public servants, supermarket staff, to those working tirelessly to provide our basic needs, heroes come in many different uniforms. As a staple brand, Mega Global relies on the unseen frontliners, the merchandisers and supermarket staff to help them continue to keep shelves stocked with essential food products. To help support these frontliners, they provided care packages for merchandisers and for those who work tirelessly from different groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

Mega Global opened Mega Malasakit Kitchen which provides 500 meals daily to support the unseen frontliners like those manning checkpoints, supermarkets, and barangay health offices. This program is partnered with different groups such as Lin’s Kitchen, Doña Maria, Ideal Macaroni, Lemon Square Lava Cake, 3J Plasticworld and Mtg. Corp., Fishta Seafood, Fish ‘n Chix, and Rizons ICA Batch ’97.

“These are very difficult times for the whole world, but Mega Global recognizes that it has a moral responsibility to provide support to the greater community. We have been busy with our own efforts and in helping others with their initiatives. We are making sure that our frontliners are taken care of, our logistics is still unhampered, and we are calibrating operations for maximum output. Through our humble contributions, we are confident that we can keep the Bayanihan spirit alive. In good times and in bad, Mega Global will always be here to keep the Filipino community strong. Rest assured, that no matter how uncertain times may seem, Mega Global will always be one with the Filipino as they face and overcome any challenge. We commit to do the best we can to keep on catching, producing and distributing our canned food products to the Filipino people in these times”, said William Tiu Lim, CEO of Mega Global Corporation.

There is no telling when the CoVID-19 pandemic will end, but Mega Global believes that each day is an opportunity for everyone to do their part. The company has donated canned goods to various charity drives, LGUs, and other organizations. Aside from the current programs of the company, it pledges to help hospitals with medical equipment in Metro Manila and Zamboanga.

 

 

April 2, 2020 by