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Thursday, April 30, 2020

Eraserheads mini-reunion, 6Cyclemind & other OPM bands come together for Smart Music Live Online Sessions


Since the start of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), the public turned to live online concerts for entertainment. OPM bands were amongst the first group of artists to share their music for free and for a cause. This trend continues to bring meaningful connections with our loved ones during these hard times.

On cue, Smart also took this opportunity to go beyond bringing international acts to Manila to delight subscribers’ passion for music. To raise funds for COVID-19 frontliners, Smart Music Live (SML) Online Sessions brings a more relaxed version of the gig scene in a series of online streaming concerts on Facebook.



SML Online Sessions kicked off with Soupstar Velvet Live! Sessions presented by Smart, an eight-week jamming series headlined by OPM bands including Moonstar88, Pedicab, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, and Imago, and recently the Soup of the week which was hosted by Raymund Marasigan last April 29 and the Piano Show hosted by Eunice Jorge of Gracenote last April 30.

Up next, the Facebook live streaming concert will banner OPM bands, 6Cyclemind and a mini Eraserheads reunion in Ultra Combo, composed of Pinoy rock icons Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala. To make it more fun and interactive, fans can now have a chance to join in these calls and “hang out” with their favorite bands.

Check out Smart Communications official Facebook page for updates. In the meantime, here’s the remaining FB concert schedule: 6Cyclemind on May 4 and Ultra Combo featuring Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala on May 11.



Text-to-donate drive for COVID-19 Frontliners
You can also do your part and donate with a simple text message. Together with the PLDT-Smart Foundation and Smart, you can help frontliners and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simply text DONATE<Amount> to 3456. 

Every peso counts!
Your donation can help send out aid to the families of frontline health workers, checkpoint officers, emergency response teams, and communities in need during the quarantine period. Make a difference and donate now.
The Text-to-Donate platform accepts donations until July 16, 2020.

Check out http://health.smart for more details. #StaySmart, connected, and safe.

Tune into Smart Music Live Online Sessions
Don’t miss SML Online Sessions and get inspired by the performances of top OPM artists by tuning into Smart’s’ official Facebook account at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications.

Share your stories and messages of support with GIGA Stories, which now comes with Free Stories For All – an extra 1GB data every day for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Smart Music Live Online Sessions is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s undisputed fasted network as certified by independent network analytics firm, including Ookla and Opensignal. 


Metrobank rolls out Mobile ATMs to serve select communities during ECQ


In the time of heightened risks and financial anxiety, the daily banking chores of people are forced out of normalcy. The usual walk to the nearest ATM is now a challenge for areas covered by a strict lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Now, more than ever, accessible banking services are a necessity. Metrobank brings meaningful banking closer to customers with the Metrobank Mobile ATMs. 





Customers can do their daily ATM transactions through the Metrobank Mobile ATMs that are currently roaming around select communities in Metro Manila. The Mobile ATM allows cash withdrawal, account balance inquiry, bills payment, fund transfer to Metrobank accounts, prepaid mobile reload, and checkbook request.



This way, customers will find comfort and ease in managing their finances even under the Enhanced Community Quarantine. More importantly, to ensure that convenience and safety go hand in hand, the ATMs are regularly disinfected throughout the day. Customers are advised to wear proper face masks and to observe social distancing while waiting in line. Alcohol sanitizers and other disinfectants are also made available for their use.

Be informed of the latest schedule and location details of the Metrobank Mobile ATMs by visiting https://metrobank.com.ph/mobile-atm

COVID canceled your plans? Here are 3 steps to getting your money back!


Wednesday, April 29, 2020

World Vision and Shell Foundation distribute tons of fresh vegetables in Metro Manila and CDO


World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) today provides 16,800 kilos of vegetables to the residents of Quezon City, Malabon City, Manila City and Cagayan de Oro City, four of the hard-hit cities under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In collaboration with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the child-focused organization packed and distributed fresh vegetable packs containing okra, sayote, cabbage scorpio, wombok, potatoes, squash, eggplant, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bitter gourd, string beans, carrots and chili pepper to 5,750 households and 60 frontliners in Quezon City, Malabon City, Manila City and Cagayan de Oro City. 


PSFI’s Ani Para sa Bayani (translated Harvest for Heroes) project aims to help struggling small farmers sell their produce and to also ensure that frontliners and the vulnerable communities have access to nutritious foods. 

"Nutrients in vegetables could help strengthen our body's immune system to fight diseases including COVID-19. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables," shared Carleneth San Valentin, World Vision's technical manager for health. 

San Valentin explains that while we continue to implement interventions on COVID-19, programmes that address undernutrition and malnutrition especially among children under-5 years old in the country, whether nutrition specific or nutrition sensitive, need to continue. 

Nanay Nerissa, a mother of two from Malabon City shares that since the implementation of the extended community quarantine, his husband is not able to drive his pedicab and even get extra work and earn a living because they cannot go out. She adds “Umaasa kami ngayon sa paminsang minsang kita dito sa ulingan. Mahirap din para sa dalawang anak ko na bata pa, 10 at five years old dahil kung walang kita, sa relief lang kami umaasa.” (We are currently relying on the irregular income from selling charcoal. It is especially difficult for my two young children, 10 and five years old, while we do not have a stable source of income, we rely on relief goods.)

Her 10-year old son Ric, who is a World Vision sponsored child says he misses going to school but since classes are suspended, he sometimes helps his mother repack charcoal aside from cooking rice and cleaning the house.

PSFI Executive Director Sebastian Quiniones Jr. says, "This pandemic is allowing all to show the best of humanity, especially during this season of Lent where we are commanded to love one another. We at PSFI have always believed in the power of unity and collaboration, and this successful partnership with World Vision and Filipino farmers has manifested that." While the collaboration begins by supporting farmers in Luzon and assisting vulnerable communities in Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro City, the organizations hope to extend their collaboration to other areas in need of assistance.

"Thanks to Pilipinas Shell Foundation for partnering with us in sending much needed help to families especially their children affected by COVID-19. We pray that God will continue to bless you even more as you generously give back to our communities," World Vision national director Rommel V. Fuerte said.

As of today, World Vision has provided 458 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits catering to 2,140 frontliners. It also helped install nine (13) tents to be used as isolation and triage areas for COVID-19 referral hospitals in Metro Manila, Misaims Oriental, Pangsinan and Bicol Region and two (2) huge mobile storage units each with an area of 320 sq meters for the Quezon City Risk Reduction and Management Council and Office of the Civil Defence. At least 2,000 families have also received sanitation kits that include bath soaps, alcohol, toothbrushes for children and adults, toothpaste, face mask and mouthwash. World Vision has also reached over 1.4 million people nationwide on awareness raising on COVID-19 including infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

In a recent advisory, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) gave the go signal to local governments to use a portion of their development fund to address the threat of the pandemic, which includes the provision of food assistance and relief goods for affected households.

Meanwhile to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the Philippine government has extended the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to May 15, 2020.

Alfamart continues Super Minimart openings to serve more communities


Amid the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, has resumed its expansion to cater to the needs of local communities.

What was once a simple and mundane task has been made more challenging and risky by the ECQ. Grocery shopping is now much more complicated than it used to be, as people now have to contend with curfews, checkpoints, social distancing, and quarantine passes to help stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To help address these concerns and alleviate the burden on individual households, neighborhood minimarts like Alfamart have become more popular destinations for these errands, as they are closer to home.




In the recent week, Alfamart opened eight new stores across Luzon; namely, in Tabun, Angeles, Pampanga; Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan; Poblacion, Floridablanca, Pampanga; Palico, Imus, Cavite; Silangan, Rosario, Cavite; Daan Sarile, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Saog, Marilao, Bulacan; and Grand Valley Subdivision, Angono, Rizal.




Ten more stores are opening in other locations in May.

Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey Ong pointed out that the expansion amid the ECQ is more about following through on Alfamart’s advocacy to improve communities. “The ECQ has been very challenging for everyone, especially those living in communities that are significantly farther from malls, supermarkets, and groceries,” Ong said. “We want to bring that safe, convenient, and comfortable shopping experience closer to home through our Super Minimarts,” he continued.

Ong also highlighted how Alfamart is doing everything it can to reduce health risks, and inconveniences, for both employees and customers. “Our stores follow strict sanitary and hygiene protocols. We also provide PPEs for our frontline and backend staff,” he said. “Also, as part of our walk-to-work philosophy, we hire our store crew locally. As much as possible, we prefer our employees to be within walking distance of their assigned stores. This helps manage their travel time,” he further explained.

Ong enumerated other measures that ensure the store staff are taken care of such as free shuttle rides, proper coordination with checkpoints for expedited supply chain deliveries, proper scheduling and shorter operating hours.

“In these trying times, everyone is called to be vigilant and serve. Alfamart will do its part to help the community by keeping as many of our existing stores open and reaching out to more communities so we can serve more people,” he concluded.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Tara lafang tayo with Boki



If youre matakaw or masiba like me. Then most probably fan ka ni Boki . I have been religiously following her videos eating all kinds of food na bawal sa ken, hahaha the past month. 

Moon Bok-hee or Boki to you is a popular YouTuber with 1.56 million subscribers as of November starting from first video. 

She is currently one of the most popular Korean Mukbang hosts. She has over 2 million subscribers on her Youtube channel. 




Since we are on quarantine. I have been torturing myself every night watching her eating giant prawns, 3 kinds of noodles in one seating via mukbang vids. 




Sobrang torture. Alam nyo yan. But the one thing that puzzling me is bakit di sya tumataba. How did she maintain her weight. Di ko din alam ang sagot dyan. But one thing is for sure. I am a fan and is updated po ako sa mga vids nya. 

What is your favorite Boki mukbang video? Let me know =) 



BDO Life gives additional benefits to policyholders amid COVID-19


As the country faces the global COVID-19 pandemic, BDO Life Assurance Co., Inc. keeps its promise to protect by providing additional insurance benefits to those who are covered by its individual life plans and afflicted by the virus—at no extra cost.

The life insurance arm of BDO Unibank, Inc. commits to pay an additional P20,000 in the unfortunate event that the insured individual passes away from COVID-19 between March 1 to July 1, 2020. If the insured individual is covered by any Critical Illness product—Health Secure, HealthFlex Advanced, or Dread Disease Rider—BDO Life will release this additional benefit immediately upon diagnosis from an FDA-approved test conducted within the abovementioned period.





Moreover, insured individuals who are qualified to receive Daily Hospital Income Benefits from BDO Life’s Hospital Income Rider will receive an additional P2,000 per day of confinement for a maximum of 14 days, if they are confined between March 1 to July 1, 2020 due to COVID-19.

“Amid the daily challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to find ways to reach out to our customers, particularly those who have been exposed to and afflicted with this virus. We believe that these additional benefits will help reduce the financial burden on our customers and their loved ones,” said Renato Vergel De Dios, president and CEO of BDO Life.

To further assist customers during this time, BDO Life previously announced an extension of its grace period from the usual 31 days to 91 days, for all policies with premiums due from February 1 to June 1, 2020.

BDO Life will accept claims for this additional benefit from its customers until December 1, 2020. For inquiries, contact your BDO Life Financial Advisor, email BDO Life through we-care@bdolife.com.ph, or call the Customer Care Hotline at (632) 8885-4110 or Toll Free Hotline 1800-1888-6603 (PLDT).

Get fit and healthy at home and win Php 50,000 from Century Tuna

Being quarantined at home may have limited us from doing what we’re used to do, but it also presents a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and develop good habits such as eating healthy and exercising daily. Not only will these habits help you get fit and put you in a good mood but it will also boost your immune system to help fight off the ongoing virus. 

Fortunately, Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, makes it all possible to achieve as it brings the workout in the comfort of your home and even offers a chance to win Php 50,000 with Century Tuna Superbods At Home.




The Century Tuna Superbods At Home is a 60-day fitness activity where Century Tuna will serve fitness challenges and tips to participants. Every week, participants will get a chance to win a participation prize of Php 5,000, and at the end of 60 days, take home the grand prize of Php 50,000.

To get started, click on Century Tuna’s Facebook Messenger chatbot (found on the top right corner of Century Tuna’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna/) where the participant will be prompted to join the Century Tuna Superbods at Home. Users will need to provide the following details: Agreement of Privacy Act, full name, contact number, and email.


Participants will be given one workout every Wednesday for 60 days led by celebrity coaches Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards who will guide them with endurance, cardio, legs, abs and core exercises. Participants will also be served with additional fitness content every day for the whole duration of the challenge, which include healthy recipes, inspirational quotes, fitness tips, and many more!

Each time a content is served, participants are encouraged to submit one photo or more of themselves per week. Photos must also be related to the challenge like performing the given exercise, Century Tuna recipes, or progress photos. One (1) submitted photo will be randomly chosen every Wednesdays to win the participation prize. Previous winners are eligible to win again the following week. To qualify for the grand prize, participants must submit a total of four (4) photos from different weeks.

However, only those who signed up for the challenge during the sign-up period from April 13 to April 23, 2020 will be eligible to win the Grand Prize at the end of the 60-day program. Those who were unable to opt-in during the sign-up period may still join the program activities, but will not be eligible to win the Grand Prize. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on Century Tuna’s Facebook page on June 17, 2020.

Make the most out of your freetime and get a chance to take home Php 50,000 by participating in Century Tuna Superbods At Home now. For full mechanics or to know more about the challenge, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/centurytuna/notes/.


King FU Express now delivers Orange Chicken and other California-style Chinese dishes!


            We really can’t get enough of Chinese cuisine, especially during quarantine when we need comfort food that makes staying in more manageable.





             King FU, the only California-style, quick-serve Chinese food cart in the country, serves its bestseller,  Orange Chicken (bite-size chicken fillet, fried until crispy and golden brown and served with a citrusy-sweet orange sauce).   Then there are two other quintessential Oriental recipes:  Black Beans Fish Fillet (pan-fried fish served with a salty black bean sauce) and Broccoli Beef (tender beef and broccoli florets in a rich, brown ginger and garlic sauce).   You can now enjoy all three viands right in your own home!


            

Choose from the following menu options:

Bowl with Plain Rice - P89
Bowl with Shanghai Fried Rice - P99
A la carte (for 2 to 3 persons)  - P159
Tray a la carte (for 6 – 7 persons) - P399
Tray  Shanghai Rice (for 3 – 4 persons) - P125



Delivery charge applicable within Mandaluyong (P49);  San Juan (P49); Makati (P69) and Pasig (P69).  Outside of the trade area, delivery is possible via Grab or LalaMove (charges vary).


Orders can be made from 9 am till 5 pm (last call) via call, text, viber, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.  Call (02) 7500-0019 or 0917- 8084885.


Payments can be made via COD, BDO, Gcash and PayMaya.


Monday, April 27, 2020

Bayad Center’s BAYADnihan campaign makes bills payment more meaningful



While most utility and loan companies have announced extended due dates for bills payment in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, those who are able to still pay on schedule can contribute to the spirit of bayanihan and help their fellows in need while still managing their finances responsibly.

Even the simple act of paying bills can be a way to help disadvantaged individuals and communities through Bayad Center’s “BAYADnihan, Tulong-tulong para sa Bayan” campaign.



This is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative where a portion of payments settled from March 1 to April 30, 2020, at any Bayad Center branch or using the mobile app is donated to One Meralco Foundation.    

The funds raised will be used to distribute food for the homeless and underprivileged families whose plight has become more challenging with the threats of the health crisis and economic impact of the enhanced community quarantine. 

In support of the endeavor, Bayad Center employees are also pledging a part of their salaries to generate funds and further the cause. 



Through the “BAYADnihan” campaign, settling and managing their monthly financial obligations has become more meaningful as it opens up an avenue for the paying public to make a positive contribution to communities in their own humble way.



The biggest and most trusted multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines, Bayad Center stays true to its mission of making payments convenient and accessible to all, and more meaningful, in this time of crisis. In fulfilling this commitment, it also fuels communal solidarity among Filipinos. 

Foster family ties and safeguard your well-being during the ECQ


Being confined to your home does not mean being constrained in your daily activities. With your flexi-unit, you can transform every corner of your home into a play, de-stressing or hobby zone. And what’s more, you can get the members of your family to join in the fun.

You can make use of items that are found in your home. And even if they aren’t, there’s always an easily accessible store open in your SMDC property, where you can get your supplies.

            It’s time to get creative! 


Turn your living room into an art zone.
Whether you like mixing watercolors or sculpting with clay, you can set up the living room to start an art project with the kids. Getting creative is a great way to pass time and de-stress, both for you and for your little ones. You can use the finished product as a decorative item -- frame the artwork and hang on your bedroom wall, or place the clay sculpture on your display cabinet, and make it a conversation piece with your post-quarantine guests.



Meditate in your bedroom.
With the constant barrage of news about the virus, no one can blame you if you’re feeling a bit anxious or scared. Turn away from the negativity and start meditating in your room and give your mind a much-needed break. Tune in to sounds of nature from Spotify, sit still, listen to the rustle of the waters, breathe in, let go and relax.


Bring out the chef in you.

You know you’ve been wanting to try cooking that dish that you saw online. This is your chance to be your own masterchef! Storm the kitchen and whip up a feast with your mom or grandmother. Who knows, you may even get some handy tips from them to level up your cooking game! You can even create a food diary to document your culinary adventure. When your friends come over after the ECQ, they will be in for a gastronomic surprise.



DIY your own spa.

Bring the spa home by transforming your bathroom into a relaxation haven. Soak your feet in a warm bath mixture of soap, a few drops of essential oil and a potpourri of scented petals. Complete the spa feel with soothing sounds and scented candles, and you’ve got your own home spa!


Transform your dining area into a workshop center for a cause.
Get everyone in the family involved in a home workshop for creating improvised face shields, face masks or antibacterial wipes. SMDC’s Facebook page has several easy-to-do DIY activities that you can follow. Not only will this keep you de-stressed and productive, it will also teach your kids the value of kindness and compassion. Donate these products to your community or to our frontliners.



Bring a sense of calm to your neighbors through music.
Do it like the Europeans. Step out onto your balcony and share your musical talent – whether it’s singing or playing a musical instrument. Or put on a show with your kids dancing and entertaining your neighbors. A little live entertainment will be a welcome respite from the melancholy prevailing over the current situation. 

            The times may be saddening and challenging. But with the right attitude and a little creativity, you can make the most of the situation and make it productive, fulfilling and fun. Right in the comfort of your home.


Saturday, April 25, 2020

Tyrone Tiaga Tickles Your Funny Bone on TikTok

A little laughter can go a long way in relieving stress and improving a person’s mood. For this reason, comedians thrive on-screen, on stage, and recently, on TikTok, too. This platform has proven to be a great place for creators to showcase their humorous sides, and bring joy to their viewers and followers.

One must-see comedy creator on TikTok is Tyrone Tiaga. He creates simple, no-frills videos that feature amusing skits, witty one-liners and clever dialogue. The rawness of his posts along with his use of ordinary, everyday things as props and costumes actually enhance the humor in his videos. Both the characters and situations you can see in Tyrone’s clips are very relatable, too, especially to his Filipino followers, adding significance and charm to his feed.
 If there’s one thing we can learn from watching Tyrone’s videos, it’s this – We may not always get what we want in life, but sometimes a little humor can help make a bad situation better. This is precisely what we see in Tyrone’s Anong Kailangan Kong Gawin (What Do I Have To Do) Series. In these videos, he places himself in various negative scenarios, from the embarrassing and disappointing ones to some which are downright painful. Each video ends with “Anong kailangan kong gawin” as this character seems to be unable to get a break.
Check out Part 6 of the Anong Kailangan Kong Gawin Series, which now has over 250,000 likes and more than 2,000 comments. 

Now with more than 1,000 videos shared on TikTok, and 1.6M followers as of April 2020, Tyrone Tiaga is able to bring humor to more people online. He has proven to be a must-follow creator, particularly for those looking to add some extra happiness and laughter to their days.
Follow Tyrone Tiaga and other comedy creators on TikTok today. Simply download the app on your  iOS and Androiddevices to get started.

"Under a Piaya Moon" and "Last Shift" Triumph at First-Ever Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

“ Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respe...