Metrobank Offers Exclusive Perks for Booklovers at Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2024

 For book lovers, it’s always a good time for a new read — which is why Metrobank is empowering your passion with exclusive benefits at this year’s Big Bad Wolf Book Sale from May 24 to June 2, 2024 at Parqal Mall, Aseana City, Parañaque.

Valued Metrobank customers can enjoy the following perks at the Sale: 

1.     Exclusive pre-sale access on May 23 for Metrobank cardholders and Metrobank App users 

Get first dibs on your favorite books during the exclusive pre-sale day for Metrobank credit and debit cardholders and Metrobank App users on May 23. All you need to do is present your Metrobank credit card, debit card, or your Metrobank App at the entrance. Doors open at 9:00 AM. 

 

2.     0% installment on your book haul!

Enjoy flexibility when you pay for your latest book haul! Avail 0% installment for 3 months for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000 with your Metrobank credit card.

3.     Easier checkout with Metrobank Exclusive Payment Lanes

Metrobank cardholders are entitled to dedicated payment lanes for an easier checkout experience. Just look for the Metrobank logo as you approach the counters.

With Metrobank, you can feel like a complete VIP with a great shopping experience at one of the world’s biggest book sales. The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale offers a diverse collection of over a million books, ranging from timeless classics to modern bestsellers across various genres, catering to readers of all ages and interests.

So make sure to drop by at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2024 at the 3^rd level of Parqal Mall from May 24 to June 2! exclusive Metrobank benefits.

With the Metrobank App, you can view your transactions, check your credit card balances and pay your bills safely and in real-time. Download the latest version via the App Store, Google Playstore or Huawei AppGallery to experience smart, simple and secure banking.

Follow our social channels to learn more:

Website: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetrobankCardPH/

Instagram: @metrobankcardph

Don’t have a Metrobank Credit card yet? No need to worry, because Metrobank will be accepting applications at a special booth located at the Sale. You may also visit https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard before the event to possibly enjoy the 

Smart and TNT Sweep Five Medals for Creative Excellence at the 16th Kidlat Awards

PLDT mobile services arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and its value brand TNT bagged five metals at the recent Kidlat Awards 2024, which recognizes the country’s most creative advertising campaigns and the minds behind them.

 

TNT and its partner agency GIGIL clinched a gold award under Classic Creativity for its SIM Registration film and a silver award under Creativity in Engagement for the same campaign’s public relations execution.  

On the other hand, Smart and GIGIL won a bronze award under Creativity in Engagement for its epic Smart MOA Ball installation for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. 

 

Meanwhile, TNT’s world record-setting PetmaloopChallenge with partner agency Ace Saatchi & Saatchi snagged two bronze awards for Creativity in Engagement – Influencer and Creative in Engagement - Brand Experience.

 

“We are honored by all these awards, which result from the creativity, hard work, and collaboration of our internal teams and agency partners,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Head of Prepaid at Smart.

 

“We dedicate these to all our customers, who always inspire us to come up with meaningful and creative ways to engage them powered by our superior mobile network," said Erika Apostol, Head of TNT.

 

The Kidlat Awards are the latest in several local and international recognitions Smart and TNT received for their memorable and viral campaigns.

 

Smart’s MOA Ball campaign, which transformed the iconic landmark into a giant basketball with a hoop, bagged a bronze award in the prestigious 2023 CLIO Sports Awards, which honors the best in sports advertising and marketing worldwide. It was also handpicked as Best Outdoor Ad by the global ad industry website, Bestads.

 

On the other hand, TNT’s SIM Registration campaign, which consists of a series of public service reminders encouraging subscribers to register their SIM, not only racked up millions of views and viral engagement, but also bagged awards at AdFest 2024, Boomerang 2023 Awards, and Korea’s MAD Stars 2023, among others.

 

Meanwhile, TNT’s Petmaloop Challenge set the Guinness World Record for the longest travel livestream, which lasted over 26 hours and covered 75 kilometers from Bustos, Bulacan to Rizal Park in Manila.

 

The Kidlat Awards is spearheaded by 4A’s Philippines, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of various advertising agencies that aim to promote the development of the advertising agency business and industry in the country. #

PLDT Home enhances customer protection against cyberthreats by offering all Fiber subscribers two years of Kaspersky Premium Security

Numbers show that the more time spent online, the more one becomes vulnerable. Filipinos spend an average of nine hoursa day on the internet with 3.75 hours scrolling through social media. Every time someone is online, their information can be left exposed to cybercriminals bent on accessing and misusing data for their own gain.

 

According to a study, 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily (1 in every 4,200 emails is a phishing scam). In 2022 alone, there were 5.7 million reports of fraud and identity theft worldwide – with consumers losing $8.8 billion to identity theft.

Men on a mission (L-R): Questronix President Mike Dionisio, PLDT SVP and Head of Consumer Business Home, and Kaspersky Co-Founder and CEO

 

When people click on links – even those that seem legit, most especially when sent by friends – malware can find its way into their laptops and their information may be exploited. This can result in data breaches that compromise personal information, including usernames, passwords, bank accounts, medical records, and other sensitive data – further leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and other damages once malicious hackers take control over anyone’s accounts.

 

The PLDT Group doesn’t treat this as new information, in fact, it has been investing billions of pesos to safeguard its customers from cyberthreats. As a result, in 2023, the company prevented 478 million SMShing messages from reaching PLDT and Smart customers and blocked more than 28 billion attempts at accessing malicious domains.

This year, the Philippines’ leading digital services provider PLDT Home levels up its cybersecurity efforts as it partners with premier global cybersecurity company Kaspersky. Starting June 2024, PLDT Home will grant a complimentary 24-month Kaspersky Premium Security license good for three (3) personal devices per active Fiber subscriber.

“When cybercriminals attack individuals, the inconvenience, financial loss, and potential embarrassment can be endless. That is why we believe that cybersecurity education and protection should start at home,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business - Home. “This partnership with Kaspersky allows our customers to gain another level of protection at home while enjoying the benefits of fast and reliable connectivity to enrich their lifestyle.”

Strengthened commitment to cybersecurity

Sixty-seven percent of Filipinos know about the importance of installing endpoint security apps, but only two out of every 10 Filipinos have one installed. Through this partnership with PLDT Home, customers will now have access to Kaspersky Premium Security, the brand’s “ultimate plan” – designed with award-winning antivirus, privacy and identity protection, performance boost, and other benefits such as unlimited VPN and password manager.

 

Kaspersky Premium Security employs a multilayered approach to cybersecurity, combining signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, behavioral monitoring, web protection, and automatic updates to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of malware threats, helping secure customers’ devices from cyber threats. In 2022, Kaspersky blocked 52,914 financial phishing incidents in the Philippines.

 

Kaspersky Premium Security also provides real-time protection while devices are connected to the internet 24/7. It scans all files that are opened, saved, or launched on the computer and all connected drives, as well as incoming and outgoing email messages. It also intercepts and blocks the execution of scripts on websites if they pose a threat; and monitors all web traffic and blocks access to dangerous websites. It also protects the customers’ data when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. It also enables users to remotely manage their computer from the My Kaspersky website.

 

Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky added: “The Philippines has been one of the countries with the highest number of online attacks detected and blocked by our experts since 2021. Our partnership with PLDT Home is a new step toward the Philippines’ cybersecurity, combining the expertise of a trusted and leading digital provider with our experience and advanced security solutions. Together, we are committed to enhancing digital safety and helping Filipinos navigate the online world with confidence, bringing on a safer future for their homes."

 

With the availability of Kaspersky Premium Security to all Fiber customers, PLDT Home helps Filipino homes mitigate online risks and fight against cybercriminals while enjoying the online world. 

 

To know more about Kaspersky Premium Security available through PLDT Home, visit https://pldthome.com/.

 

Celebrate Moms all month long this May at Shang Properties

Mother’s Day occurs only once a year but should be celebrated longer. After all, moms juggle many roles at home and work without expecting anything in return. This year, Shang Properties is proposing to honor these tireless heroes with a grand gesture to thank them for their constant efforts.

 

Make this year’s Mother’s Day more special with the following activities:

Indulge in a makeover. Treat your mom to a fabulous makeover at any of the beauty centers at Shang Properties. Pink Parlour, located at Assembly Grounds at The Rise, offers a wide range of beauty treatments like hair removal, eyebrow sculpting, weight management procedures, and nail services. Moms can update their look at the Basement Salon and then cap off the day with a relaxing massage at Travertine Wellness & Longevity at Shangri-La Plaza.

 

Get a refreshing drink. Summer calls for a rejuvenating drink, and Shang Properties is brimming with cafes, tea shops, and restaurants that offer the most delicious beverages. Moms can count on Yi Fang’s fresh fruit teas to cool them down on a hot afternoon at Assembly Grounds. Shangri-La Plaza, meanwhile, has a rich selection of cafes, like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Candid Coffee, UCC Mentore Coffee+Bar, Jack’s Lemonade, Mary Grace Cafe, Baking Therapy, Bake House Manila, and Toby’s Estate. Are they craving for ice cream? Arce Dairy Ice Cream and Morelli’s Gelato have many options, from classic favorites to distinctly Filipino flavors.

 

Catch the latest summer blockbuster at the Red Carpet. Hit two birds with one stone by catching a summer blockbuster at the Red Carpet. Plenty of must-watch movies are screening this May, like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Fall Guy, If, and Monkey Man. Shangri-La Plaza’s cineplex features a state-of-the-art sound system, digital projection equipment, and comfortable, reclinable seats. The cool atmosphere also offers a break from the heat outside.

 

Travel the world through food. Spoil your mom with an around-the-world trip at Shangri-La Plaza with its refreshed lookof its go-to alfresco dining spot, Streetscape. Explore Asia’s delicacies at Manam, Modern Shanghai,Pho Hoa, Tepanya, Bulgogi Brothers, and Via Mare. Experience the best of Europe at Cyma Greek Taverna, Duck & Buvette, Fish & Co, Italianni’s, Cibo, and La Creperie. Savor the flavors of American cuisine at The Texas Roadhouse, TGIF, House of Wagyu, and Kettle.

 

Go on a shopping spree. Moms deserve the best, and Shangri-La Plaza affords an unbeatable retail experience with international luxury brands and local favorites. Update their wardrobe with pieces from Harlan & Holden, Plains & Prints, Givenchy, or Yves Saint Laurent. Get them the latest bags at Fino Leatherware or Loewe and shoes at Gucci or Jimmy Choo. Cap off their look with new jewelry from Jewelmer, Manila Diamond Studio or Pandora.

 

Staycation at Shangri-La at the Fort. A day of pampering calls for a peaceful evening, and the finest way to do that is to stay at Shangri-La at the Fort. The luxury hotel boasts well-appointed rooms with sweeping city views and suites that evoke the pinnacle of sophistication. There are many dining options, such as modern Cantonese cuisine at Canton Road, grilled dishes at Raging Bull, Latin American treats at Samba, and a mix of everything at High Street Cafe. 

 

Lead the Shang life. Celebrate moms all year round with the above activities when you reside in one of Shang Properties’ curated spaces. The preferred premium developer creates Exemplary Life Spaces that are thoughtfully designed, uniquely personal, and marked with exquisite taste. Shang Properties is hosting two Mother’s Day Special Open House events to celebrate moms and showcase the Shang lifestyle this May. The first one will be held on May 18, 2024, at the Laya by Shang Properties Showroom from 3 PM to 7 PM. It will be followed by the second on May 19, 2024, at the Haraya Residences Sales Gallery from 3 PM to 7 PM.

 

The Laya by Shang Properties Showroom is at the Mid-Level 2/3, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza. Meanwhile, the HarayaResidences Sales Gallery is along Riverside Road, corner Bridgetowne Boulevard, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Brgy. Rosario, in Pasig City. Exclusive promos await when moms make Shang Properties their home.

 

Lastly, Shang Properties continues to offer exciting activities this Mother’s Day including the OK! Bicol, DTI from May 16 to 19 at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza. Mothers can also enjoy Strongholds: Gamers Fort from May 23 to 26 at the Grand Atrium and the Spanish Film Festival: Pelicula from May 23 to 25 at the Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet.

 

To learn more about Shang Properties, visit the website at shangproperties.com and follow Shang Properties on its official social media pages: @ShangProperties on Instagram and Facebook, @ShangPropertiesOfficial on YouTube, and Shang Properties on LinkedIn.

 

Don't Let Busy Days Ruin Your Vibe: Perk Up with Fun Activities

Doing schoolwork can get overwhelming at times, so it’s important to recharge whenever you can. Whether it’s in between your summer classes or a no-school day, you can definitely find fun ways to perk up your days. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to do so.

 

Here are some tips you can explore for that much needed perk-up moment:

A few episodes of entertainment

Nowadays, it’s easy to watch your favorite shows on the go. If you have your phone and/or laptop with you, you can sneak in a few episodes to recharge your brain before classes. You can do this in school or at home if you’re taking online classes. Just make sure you don’t get too invested and be late for your next class.

 

Play it out

If you and your “blockmates” have a lot of idle time, you can play some games to keep yourselves occupied. UNO is a relatively fast card game that can bring out your fun, competitive side. But if you’re into mobile games, there are a number of team games you can play together as well. These activities are not only great for killing time and waking up your senses, but can also be a way to bond with you peers.

 

Dance like your K-pop bias

The hallyu wave is still thriving, and many K-pop fans want to learn every dance by their all-time favorite idols. You can definitely do this during your break while listening to your K-pop playlist. Let your blockmates join in the fun, so you can recreate popular performances of K-pop groups.

 

Study date while enjoying Great Taste Cream-O

Exams week can be pretty stressful for students, so a lot of them use their breaks to study with their college friends instead. But you can make this an enjoyable perk-up moment with a delicious drink like Great Taste Cream-O. It’s a delicious combination of Great Taste’s “tamang timpla” of smooth and creamy coffee, and Cream-O’s real cookie crumble. 

 

This delicious combo can not only give you the energy you need, but also help put you in a good mood to continue with your studies. The twin pack sachet is only P15 (SRP), so you can share this with a friend while going through your reviewers.

 

It’s always important to squeeze in some fun and recharging activities from time to time. Give yourself a delicious mug of Great Taste Cream-O for that much needed perk up. Add more variety to your days with other flavor-sarap variants of Great Taste, such as Great Taste Choco, with its creamy chocolate and coffee combination; and Great Taste Supreme, with its delicious Toffee Hazelnut and Black Forest Latte flavors, both with mallow toppings. 

 

Great Taste Cream-O is available at leading supermarkets and convenience stores. For more information, like and follow Great Taste. 

Negosyo Convention 2024 Welcomes Over 12,000 Tindahan ni Aling Puring Members for 20th Anniversary Celebration

Key multi-channel retailer Puregold has again solidified its positioning as the country’s go-to retailer for micro, small, and medium enterprise owners. 

 

The highly anticipated Negosyo Convention 2024, currently taking place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City until May 18, has welcomed a record-breaking number of over 12,000 members of the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program, now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“This year we are commemorating significant milestones, because first, we are just four (4) doors away from reaching 500 Puregold stores. And second, because 2024 marks the 20th year of our Tindahan Ni Aling Puring program! Mga Ka-Asenso, dalawampung taon na tayong magkasama sa ‘Always Panalo’ na pagne-negosyo!” said Susan Co, Chairman of Puregold Price Club, Inc.  

 

The annual convention stands as a testament to Puregold's dedication to supporting and empowering its nearly one million MSME members, who own small businesses such as sari-sari stores, karinderyas, bakeries, mini groceries, food catering services, and other food service enterprises.

 

“‘Panalo’ is not just a goal to be achieved, but a mindset to live by. Be assured that Puregold will continue to innovate and inspire all Ka-Asensos in the next decades to come,” Susan concluded.

 

Supported by more than 120 partner brands, including Monde Nissin, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Universal Robina, Alaska Milk, Century Pacific Food, Coca-Cola Beverages, Colgate-Palmolive, GCash, Nutri-Asia and Rebisco, the Puregold Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Convention is a must-attend event for Aling Puring members. Commodities and goods are offered in exclusive value deals and bulk promotions, allowing business owners to maximize their budgets and enhance their operations.

 

"The solid participation of global and local brand partners, along with the impressive turnout of Aling Puring members at our annual Sari-Sari Store Convention, reflects the trust and confidence our suppliers and members place in us," said Ferdinand Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club, Inc. 

 

"We will aggressively equip and supply our Aling Puring members with the best prices and assortment of goods so they can serve their communities better," Vincent added.

 

Through aggressive cost-saving initiatives and first-to-market programs, Puregold remains true to its promise to help Pinoys across the country grow their businesses every step of the way.

 

DigiPlus Transforms with a Fresh New Look

DigiPlus Interactive Corp, one of the country’s fastest growing digital entertainment companies, recently unveiled its new look and overall branding to align with its pivot to digital transformation.  

 

With its vision to be the number one diversified entertainment and leisure hub in the Philippines, DigiPlus tapped globally renowned brand specialist Landor for its brand transformation journey. Landor brings in its rich experience in brand architecture and visual design to fully unlock the full potential of the DigiPlus brand.

Multiply the Fun 

 

DigiPlus’ new look is rooted on its new brand purpose: to reimagine the wonderful new possibilities when we bring things together. The new DigiPlus logo features interlocking shapes brought together by an intersection - two simple pieces that create something new to showcase the essence of DigiPlus.

 

Meanwhile, the new brand colors that feature shades of blue and purple gives the new DigiPlus icon a younger, tech-forward look that fits company's position as a leader in digital entertainment. DigiPlus is behind the country’s leading digital entertainment platforms including BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, BingoPlus Poker, Tongits +, and many more. 

 

The refreshed logo also comes with the new tagline - Multiply the fun.  DigiPlus’ new tagline translates to multiple ways that the brand impacts its stakeholders. 

 

The company multiplies the fun by creating digital entertainment platforms where people can enjoy and have fun anytime, anywhere. At the same time, it is also committed to multiplying the fun and the good through social development projects under BingoPlus Foundation.  

 

“We are thrilled about this latest chapter in our company’s history. Our new brand exercise is a testament to our commitment to continuously evolve and innovate,” DigiPlusPresident Andy Tsui. “Our new visual identity better reflects our continued drive to be most innovative digital entertainment company in the Philippines that combines cutting- edge technologies to multiply the fun and happiness in people's lives.”

Discover the Next-Gen ID of Ateneo De Manila University, Powered by Maya

Have you caught sight of the latest innovation making waves at the Ateneo de Manila University? Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, has unveiled its cutting-edge ID card at the Ateneo de Manila University, redefining campus experiences and revolutionizing security and cashless transactions for students, faculty, and staff alike.

 

Photo courtesy of Veronica Baguio on Facebook

Featuring a sleek design and an embedded RFID chip, this Maya-powered ID card provides seamless access to vital university points, ensuring convenience and security not only on campus but also beyond. But here's the kicker—it's not just about identification. Maya's collaboration with Ateneo goes beyond mere convenience—it's about revolutionizing the entire campus experience by linking this innovative ID card to the Maya app. Together with Maya’s end-to-end cashless ecosystem, it simplifies identification, empowers students, faculty, and staff to make secure payments across the campus, and drives adoption of financial services.

 

Additionally, the Ateneo community can experience smooth transactions not just within campus establishments like Kitchen City and Macroasia, but also at nearby off-campus establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks. And there’s more—this ID card offers exclusive offers and promotions through the Maya app, in addition to enabling users to purchase load, pay bills, open savings accounts, and invest in Funds and Stocks, among other features.

 

With Maya leading the charge, the groundbreaking partnerships established with UP-Diliman in 2019, UP-Cebu last year, and this year’s collaboration with Ateneo are reshaping the educational landscape through cutting-edge technology. Say hello to secure, efficient, and modern campus environments, welcoming a new era of university experiences across the Philippines.

 

To dive deeper into the Maya experience, head over to maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Don't forget to follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @mayaofficialph on Twitter for the latest updates.