December 2021

Everybody there yearns for the pleasure that the holiday season brings, especially in a country where Christmas is celebrated as a family affair. For the past year, holiday shopping at bazaars and fairs, Christmas carols around the neighborhood, homecoming reunions, pamamasko, and gift-giving may have been limited to a dose of nostalgia, but GCash informs us that we are going for brighter days this time!

GCash, the Philippines’ top e-wallet platform, is taking these well-loved Filipino Christmas customs to life this Christmas, giving us further reasons to rejoice and be joyful. GCash, the country’s undisputed #1 financial app with over 40 million users, is welcoming everyone to Merry GCash, the country’s largest and brightest Christmas festivities, with promised daily rewards and an opportunity to become the first GCash millionaire, digitizing your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions.

Showing that Life Is G during the most awaited season of the year, GCash enables users to share these well-missed holiday experiences with their loved ones, wherever they may be, and delighting them with exciting rewards and deals over the holiday season.

Mag-Enjoy sa Christmas GLife Tiangge

GCash invites users to experience a more rewarding thrill of fulfilling wish lists and Christmas shopping. No more going through the dreaded Christmas rush, as GLife merchants will offer exclusive discounts and promos open for all users to enjoy!

Simply click on GLife on the GCash app, select the MerryG category and shop from featured brands and MSMEs.

• Globe at Home
  • Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE advanced modem and get a free TP-link extender
  • Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE Black Pink themed modem and get a free TP-link extender
  • Get 50% off when you purchase a TP-link extender
• Auntie Anne’s

Save as much as P115 when you get the Holiday Bundle, which includes a box of pretzel and 1 liter of lemonade for only P550

Food & Drink: Cafe Calypso, CiderBears, Dream Coffee, Mayani, Taste and Tell MNL

Health & Wellness: EYEPRO, VPharma, Other Options Lifestyle

Home: Shibui, Hamlet Kids Room, Magnificent Marketing, Orion

Retail & Fashion: Aug3 Clothing, Baby Cuddle PH, Bibs Manila, FanLife, Milkwear, Skinni

Mamasko When You Send Love, Send Pamasko

The tradition of aguinaldo will continue to live on even if we can’t physically visit our ninongs, ninangs or inaanaks. With Send Love, Send Pamasko, GCash gives us a convenient and safe way to send love to our loved ones and share blessings with partner charities. Even OFWs who can’t make it home can send their pamasko from anywhere across the globe to anywhere in the country with GCash.

It only takes a few taps to make a difference and make Christmas more meaningful. With Send Pamasko, users can donate in GLife for participating charity partners. Sharing the spirit of goodwill, GCash is partnering with ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Save the Children, OFW Family Club, UNICEF and WWF. To send love to these causes close to your heart, select GLife on the GCash app and click on GCash For Good.

If you are thinking of adding a special Christmas touch to your pamasko for your family and friends, Send Pamasko and Send with a Clip features allow you to use special themes created by partner charities and the GCash Barkada. Simply fill in their GCash number and total amount, add a thoughtful message, select from holiday themes and confirm the transaction to show them how much they mean to you.

Magsaya With A Chance To Win 50 Million Worth of Prizes

Brighten up your holidays with more chances of winning just by using your GCash app. Catch up and connect with your loved ones this holiday season with the Lucky Load promo. For every PHP 50 worth of transaction through Buy Load on your GCash app, you get a Lucky Load ticket. With each ticket, you get to pick 6 out of 30 icons, and when you match at least 3 icons, you get a share of the pot prize of up to PHP 100,000.

Traditional Christmas parols are available at GCash, and they’re not only fun to look at but also enjoyable to brighten up. Users can gather as many parols as they can through the GCash app and light them up for daily discounts and rewards with Shake it Up, Light it Up!

Users get one unlit parol per feature every day for a minimum GCash spend of Php 100, which will show the next day on their Merry GCash tab on the app. Users can further increase their entries by using GCash Padala, GSave, GInvest, GInsure, GLife, and GCredit, which operate as multipliers, allowing them to obtain two unlit parols in one purchase. To light these parols and disclose their goodies, simply shake them. The first parol will grant the user a guaranteed merchant voucher, while the second parol will grant the user an entry into the Merry GCash raffle for a chance to win one of 5,000 prizes.

Aside from giving away different packages, GCash will give away a Sari Sari Store Showcase to 3 GCash users. During the Grand Draw on Dec. 21, one lucky winner will be the first GCash millionaire.

While waiting for the raffle draw, GCash users who participate in the Shake it Up, Light it Up will get daily discounts and prizes from partner merchants.

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

60PHP off with a min spend of 300PHP when you order from Jollibee via foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

FREE DELIVERY with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

40PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x SHEIN

15% off when you purchase from SHEIN (no min spend)

• A+ Rewards x TeraBox

2-week free trial with TeraBox

• A+ Rewards

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you spend on Alipay+ Store

• A+ Rewards x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang In-Game Voucher

30PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you make an in-game purchase on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Available for both Google Play Store & App Store)

• A+ Rewards x Steam

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you purchase from Steam

• DITO

P20 load voucher to buy DITO Regular Load or High Speed Data Promo, Min. Spend P199

Even though the ways we celebrate Christmas have evolved over time, particularly since the pandemic, we all recognize that the finest present we can offer is to interact and share joy with our family, friends, loved ones, and kababayan in need of love. With all of the holiday surprises and incentives it has to offer, GCash is joining Filipinos in keeping the Christmas spirit alive. Are you ready for a #MerryGCash? Visit https://go.gcash.com/merrygcash to learn more about why GCash is the best way to #GPaRinAngPasko!

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.

It Takes a Village — With the help of friends and advocates of Smile Train and his mother’s dedication to ensure he receives surgery at the soonest possible time, Baby Mao finally received free cleft surgery at Philippine Band of Mercy, a partner of Smile Train Philippines (photo on left from Cristalle Belo’s IG)

Every day, 540 babies are born with a cleft palate, a critical health problem that can lead to life-threatening problems such trouble eating, breathing, hearing, and communicating. Individuals born with a cleft palate and their families can receive full cleft care from Smile Train. Smile Train continued to provide free cleft surgery and care for individuals in need, including baby Mao, despite the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novalyn, Mao’s mother, had initially given up hope. Mao was underweight and unable to have surgery during his first check-up at another institution. The pandemic broke out soon after, causing even more delays in seeking treatment. Novalyn was referred to Smile Train by Cristalle Belo, Tim Yap, and Javi Martinez after more than a year. Mao had surgical treatment his cleft lip in September 2021.

“This life changing procedure of baby Mao is truly such a blessing to their family, and we can’t thank Smile Train enough for making this dream a reality. Can’t wait to see the results after baby Mao has healed,” said Cristalle Belo on her Instagram post.

Baby Mao

In 2019, Cristalle Belo met baby Mao during one of her family-owned Belo Medical Group’s outreach activities. Baby Mao was not allowed to receive surgery then as he was not strong enough at the time.

Chef Xavier Btesh, who was there to support the outreach activities, also took an interest in Baby Mao’s case, helping to ensure he goes to his pediatric check-ups and gets his vitamins to be healthy enough for his eventual surgery through Smile Train.

“Para sa mga magulang, huwag pong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandyan ang Smile Train laging naka suporta para sa atin at para sa mga anak nating may cleft. Pero hangga’t maari, bilang isang magulang, bilang isang nanay, isa sa mga responsibilidad natin na alagaan ang sarili natin lalo na pag tayo ay mayroong anak na may cleft,” said Mommy Novalyn.

(“For all the parents out there, do not lose hope, Smile Train will always be there to support us and for our children with cleft. However, as much as possible, as a parent, as a mother, one of our responsibilities is to take care of ourselves especially when we have a child with a cleft,” said Mommy Novalyn.)

“Through Smile Train’s sustainable model of partnering with local hospitals and empowering local medical professionals, we are able to provide cleft care throughout the year. This model has allowed us to continue to carefully provide safe, quality and timely surgeries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kimmy C. Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

During the epidemic, Smile Train provided approximately 3,000 telehealth sessions for speech therapy and nutrition counseling, in addition to cleft operations. Smile Train has also released the first-ever Filipino language mobile  speech app designed for those born with a cleft lip or palate to keep learning at home. Despite present hurdles, Smile Train is devoted to its vision of a world where everyone has access to adequate and thorough cleft care and may live a full and healthy life. Smile Train has financed over 65,000 cleft operations in the Philippines in just over 20 years.

Visit smiletrain.org for more details and to donate to Smile Train’s global projects. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to discover more about Smile Train’s local activities in the Philippines.

The Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the country’s most active communities of bloggers and influencers, conducted its first-ever Thanksgiving Party in a hotel in Quezon City after a decade. .

This coming December 12, FBN will hold its 10^th Annual Thanksgiving Party virtually to reacquaint with fellow members around the country and reminisce 120 months of challenges and cheers; 3,650 days of networking; countless stories and priceless memories.

Although the gathering will still be online just like last year, FBN members anticipate the annual get-together as an opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old pals they have not seen for a while, not to mention the chance of winning some exciting prizes from the games and raffle draws. Representatives of different PR groups and brands will also grace the event to personally thank members of the online community who have supported them in the past years. .

FBN currently has around 2,000 members across the country and abroad and continues to expand as it provides a venue for Filipino bloggers to interact with other members, even those based overseas. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from several brands are co-admins Divine Reyes and Richard Mamuyac and Lariza Garcia.

This year’s celebration is supported by the following generous sponsors:

BRANDS

PR PARTNERS

BLOG SPONSORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC SERVANTS:

1. Rep. Eric Yap, ACT-CIS partylist
2. Rep. Joey Salceda, 2nd District of Albay
3. Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, 1st District of Samar
4. Rep. Mike Defensor, Anakalusugan partylist
5. General Guillermo Eleazar
6. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte
7. Deputy Commissioner Randy Escolango, Insurance Commission

FBN expects bigger, better, and double prospects and events in 2022, thanks to the outpouring of support and opportunities it received this year from many companies and even fellow members!

Follow Filipino Bloggers Network on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoBloggersNetwork

Starting November 17, 2021, Cleanfuel will have its Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo to mark the Christmas season. Cleanfuel VIP cardholders can win a year’s worth of fuel, a motocross training course at Cleanfuel Motocross Park, mountain bikes, full-faced helmets, and air purifiers.

For every Php 500 spent on fuel products, such as AutoLPG, Diesel, Clean 91, and Premium 95 or any Motul engine oil products, Cleanfuel VIP members may earn one (1) e-raffle entry. For customers who are non-VIP card holder, Cleanfuel encourages the customers to apply to have a validated raffle entry.

After purchasing, Cleanfuel VIP card members can automatically scan the QR Code (Paskong Panalo wobbler design) attached at every Cleanfuel dispenser that will lead them to Cleanfuel’s Paskong Panalo Sign Up Page (https://cleanfuel.ph/raffle/) to fill out the necessary information needed. Once completed, the VIP card member will receive an SMS notification stating that their entry has been approved.

The Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel promo is applicable to cash, credit card, or any e-payment transactions.

The promo runs until January 26, 2021 and the electronic raffle draw will be held at Cleanfuel Head Office in the presence of a DTI representative scheduled on January 28, 2022. Winners of the raffle draw will be notified via SMS or email that is registered to the system of Cleanfuel.

Raffle winners may redeem their prize within sixty (60) days upon receiving the notification of their prize. Winners must physically visit the head office of Cleanfuel at Marcos Highway, Sitio Daan Cainta, Dela Paz, Pasig City to claim the prize and must present a valid ID, a Cleanfuel VIP card, and a screenshot of the SMS Notification.

The offer cannot be used with any other Cleanfuel promotions or discounts.

“As the Christmas season approaches , we’d want to show our gratitude by spreading joy to our valued customers through the Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo. We appreciate your continued commitment to Cleanfuel. We’re also urging our consumers to join our VIP program in order to receive benefits and raffle prizes,” added Atty. Cleanfuel’s president and CEO, Jesus Suntay.

The Paskong Panalo ng Cleanfuel e-Raffle Promo is licensed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under Fair Trade Permit No. 2021 FTEB 130937 Series

Sa pagkalat ng epidemya sa buong mundo noong nakaraang taon, marami ang buhay na naapektuhan. Hindi ito inaasahan kaya malaki ang naging epekto nito kagaya nalang ng mga namatay, nawalan ng hanapbuhay, nabaon ang negosyo at natigil ang pagtuturo sa mga paaralan. Pero sa ibang banda malawak man ang pinsala na na dulot ng pandemya sa ating pamumuhay ay nagbigay naman ito sa atin ng pagkakataon upang baguhin ang nakasanayan. Marami ang nag isip upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang kabuhayan. Ang mga negosyante ay umangkop sa makabagong teknolohiya upang ipagpatuloy ang kanilang ikinabubuhay.

Mabuti at marami ang nag “adapt” sa takbo ng sitwasyon, naging “innovative.” Dahil bawal lumabas, marami ang sumabak sa “e-commerce” kung saan ang negosyo ay lahat online. Marami man sa mga batikang negosyante at yung mga nagsisimula pa lamang ay natutong gawin ang negosyo online. Medyo mahirap sa umpisa ngunit noong lumaon ay nakasanayan din. At marami sa kanila naging matagumpay. Kaakibat ng “convenience” ng online business ay hindi pa din mawawala dapat ang sipag at tiyaga.

Iyong mga nawalan ng trabaho, sumabak naman sa online delivery. May mga online delivery platforms, partikular pagdating sa pagdeliver ng pagkain at iba pang bagay, ang nakapagbigay trabaho sa mga unemployed. Basta may motorsiklo o kahit bisikleta man, pwede na sa online delivery. Maraming nagtiyaga kahit mahirap kaya marami din ang nakinabang at kumita ng maayos para sa ikabubuhay ng pamilya.

Naapektuhan din ang sektor ng edukasyon dahil natigil ang “face-to-face” classes. Mabuti na lang din at nauso ang “online classes” para sa mga may internet at kung wala man, ginawan ng paraan ng Department of Education (DepEd) na matuloy ang pag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng “blended learning” o paggamit ng “modules” kung sakaling walang internet sa bahay. Maraming naging pagsubok, pero hindi nagpadaig ang mga Pilipino sa hamon, guro man or mag-aaral, kaya tuloy ang pag-aaral. At kamakailan ay nagsimula na din ang “limited face-to-face classes” sa kung tawagin ay “low-risk areas” o yaong kakaunti ang kaso ng Covid-19.

Ang mga tao ay nagbago sa kanilang gawi dahil na rin sa pandemya. Nag “ adapt” sa “digital technology” ang karamihan na hindi naman ginagawa noon. Ito rin ang nagsilbing motibasyon ng mga Pilipino upang maging malikhain. Ang nakasanayang “manual” na ginagawa sa pang-araw-araw ay unti-unting napapalitan ng pagbabago dulot ng makabagong panahon. Madalas ng gamitin ang internet lalo na sa negosyo at ito ang pangunahing kinakailangan ng mga estudyante sa kanilang online class. Sa pandemiyang ito minulat ang mga tao na umangkop at yakapin ang digital technology upang mapagaan ang pang araw-araw na pamumuhay.

Subalit sabi nga ng isang superhero, “with great power comes great responsibility.” May kapangyarihan na ang tao gamit ang “digital technology” subalit may kaakibat itong mga responsibilidad. Dapat ang mga aktibidad online ay naaayon din sa batas. Sa pagbugso ng paggamit ng internet at digital technology, napapanahon na pagukulan ng pansin ang mas masidhing paggamit nito at may kaakibat na mga batas na magbibigay proteksiyon sa mga gumagamit nito para sa kabuhayan at iba pang aktibidad, at karampatang parusa din para naman sa mga aabuso nito.

Isa sa mga layunin ng “CLICK” o ang “Computer Literacy, Innovation, Connectivity and Knowledge” ay ang mabigyang-proteksiyon ang maraming sektor sa lipunan, yaong mga nagne-negosyo online, mga guro at mag-aaral para sa online classes, at pati na din ang mga konsyumer na bumibili online. Sa pamamagitan ng batas, maisusulong na ang abot-kayang internet para sa lahat kahit saan man lugar nakatira, lalo na sa may gustong pumasok sa “e-commerce,” makipag-“network” sa iba pang negosyante na may karanasan na dito, o yung may gustong mag-aral online at kahit sa mga empleyado na nais ipagpatuloy ang “work from home setup.”

Salamat sa mga panukalang batas at nagiging maayos na ang usapin tungkol sa mga gawain “online” lalo na sa aspeto ng “online privacy” at “data security”. Dahil dito mas napapabilis na ang mga gawain at pamumuhay ng mga tao. At unti-unti pa sana itong lumabong hanggang sa susunod na henerasyon.

Upang magkaroon ng impormasyon at malaman ang detalye tungkol sa CLICK, maari silang sudan sa kanilang mga social media pages. Facebook, Instagram,Tiktok, Twitter, Youtube: CLICK Partylist. LinkedIn: Partylist CLICK