PLDT sponsors high-level decontamination services to RITM and NKTI

COVID-19 hospitals and their health workers have received a fresh dose of help in the form of decontamination services and packages of hygiene and food items from telecoms and digital services provider PLDT Inc. and the Makati Medical Center Foundation.

PLDT sponsored the provision of high-level decontamination services using Steramist Asia’s Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) for The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City.

BIT is a powerful disinfectant that has been certified by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) as being effective in eliminating the novel coronavirus.  This is applied in parts of the hospitals in need of specialized sanitation such the laboratories, COVID wards, ambulances and even the reprocessing of N95 masks and personal protective equipment (PPEs). 

Working with the Makati Medical Center Foundation, PLDT also turned over care packages containing hygiene and food items to the personnel of these hospitals including their sanitation team, maintenance staff and security officers.

The rest of the care packages will be distributed to the frontline staff of quarantine facilities of the National Task Force.

The company also donated 210 blankets to Paco Catholic School which serves as a temporary shelter for over 200 people. This includes street dwellers and stay-in volunteers and staff. PLDT also gave financial assistance to the school to procure some immediate needs such as medicines and food supplies. 

Moreover, PLDT is supporting the Kaagapay: Protect our Healthcare Heroes project.  This is a fundraising initiative that provides life-saving medical equipment which includes PPEs, test kits and ventilators for the healthcare sector. This is spearheaded by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Zuellig Pharma, ABS-CBN, Metro Drug and Go Negosyo.

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19/. 

Cebu Pacific offers flexible options for all travelers

Together with the World Tourism Organization’s #TravelTomorrow campaign, Cebu Pacific is calling on travelers to be responsible and stay at home amid the current health crisis. Even though the pandemic has put a temporary hold on vacations and travel plans, everyJuan can still do their part and take precautions now and for sure, #EveryJuanWillFlyAgain in no time.  

The country’s leading carrier is aware that these changing times have been very challenging for everyJuan—that is why CEB is offering flexible options and alternatives to ease the worries of passengers, especially those whose flights had to be cancelled due to the nationwide community quarantine. Among the self-service options that can be done conveniently online are: free rebooking, full travel fund, and full refund. 

Free Rebooking

By availing of this option, one can rebook their cancelled flight to any other travel date within three monthsfrom the original date, with no additional charges – both change (rebooking) fees and fare difference are waived. 

This is perfect for those just waiting for the skies to clear, and still need to travel at the soonest time possible. 

Full Travel Fund

Now should you choose to go for the full travel fund, the full cost of your ticket will be stored in a virtual wallet – said amount can be used to either book a flight up to one (1) year ahead, or pay for add-ons, such as baggage allowance and seat selection. If the travel fund is not used within one (1) year, passengers can instead apply for a full refund.

This can come in handy if you’re still waiting things out or if you are re-assessing your existing travel plans.

Full Refund

Finally, if you would opt to receive a full refund, processing of such requests will begin on May 18, 2020 should the ECQ be lifted and regular work schedules resume. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, Cebu Pacific appeals for kind understanding as the process will take as long as three (3) to four (4) billing cycles.

This is suited for those who might need the cash for other purposes, and are putting their travel plans on hold.

Additionally, Cebu Pacific’s commitment to its customers doesn’t end there. For added flexibility, passengers with booked flights from May 16 to September 30, 2020 who wish to voluntarily change their travel plans, have the following options, all free of charge:

Rebook to any other travel date within one (1) year from original date of departure, with change (rebooking) fees waived, but fare difference may apply; or opt to convert full cost of the ticket to a Travel Fund, which is now valid for one (1) year! This allows you to decide and book your travel within a year for flights as far as one year ahead – gives everyJuan added peace of mind in these unprecedented times.

Flights can be easily managed online via the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website: http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight. Customers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent for assistance. For more information on CEB’s policies, please read here: bit.ly/CEBCOVID-19FAQ.

End of an era? Who is to blame for the lapse of ABS CBN franchise?

While everyone else has been eagerly awaiting updates about the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine, there was another  big piece of news that grabbed headlines yesterday May 4.

I am of course talking about the expiration of the franchise of ABS-CBN.

Even before the ECQ the beleaguered franchise of the country’s largest television network has become controversial and divisive and we've seen a flurry of verbal tussles  from our lawmakers who'd eventually have to decide on its fate.

The issue has become so divisive that there's been countless arguments even on social media as the networks celebrities and stars expressed their support for its continued operations.

But that was before the deadline, now the question at hand is: Can ABS-CBN  operate on the strength of a provisional authority issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pending the renewal of the network’s franchise by Congress or not?

Last Sunday, the government chief lawyer, Solicitor General Jose Calida  warned the NTC against issuing a provisional authority in the absence of a Congress-approved franchise. A mere letter from leaders of the House of Representatives nor a resolution from the Senate would suffice to save the telecommunications regulatory body from possible legal responsibility.

And Calida minced no words in his warning that NTC commissioners could be liable under the country’s anti-graft and corruption laws should they grant ABS-CBN the provisional authority to operate without a franchise from Congress.

Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has made it crystal clear in the past on what the law says—a law crafted by the same institution that wants to violate it or wants the NTC to infringe it.

“I don’t think the House or a committee of the House can compel the NTC to issue a provisional authority. There is no basis to give a provisional authority because there is no franchise,” Justice Carpio has said in his past interviews.

Every franchise is a law because Republic Act No. 3846 requires all broadcasters to obtain a franchise from Congress before they are allowed to operate. And a provision under the law says a recipient of a franchise must obtain permits and licenses from the NTC in order to operate. 

Another legal luminary, Congressman Edcel Lagman, said that only a full-fledged franchise for ABS-CBN can be allowed to operate. What does this mean?

It means that the only solution, is that  Congress, where all broadcasting franchises emanate, should begin hearing the franchise application of ABS-CBN if it wants the network to continue airing. 

So when you turn on your TV tonight and you dont see the your favorite news programs or tv shows on the Kapamilya channel, it only means that someone or some people didn't do their job.

Cardinal Cakes lets you continue celebrating life amid health crisis

Living life is about celebrating the special moments. Let’s continue honoring our happy occasions in fun and extraordinary ways at home. Cardinal Cakes brings us back to those carefree days, when the streets were filled with joy and smiles were all around. Now more than ever, Cardinal Cakes celebrate the special ways that connect us.

Their cakes hark back to those days, like the rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Cake, the delectable Walnut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and the sublime and luxurious Red Velvet Cake.

Cardinal Cakes deliver right to your doorsteps via Grab or Lalamove. Fuss-free and hassle-free, so you can concentrate on the precious moments full of love and laughter. Never miss out on enjoying a joyful and safe celebration with your family at home.

To order, please contact 0905-420-4030 or 8821-0057. 

You can also reach Cardinal Cakes via Facebook Messenger at m.me/CardinalCuisine. Keep up to date with Cardinal Cakes’ latest offering by following them on @CardinalCuisine on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrate at home with Mom

Mama, mommy, nanay, inay, Inang , Mudra, momshie--you may call her any way you want but she'll always be the one you look up to and the kind of woman you want to become. Wow her on Mother's Day by sharing meals together.

THE BISTRO GROUP has promos and  dishes that will make your Mother's Day celebration extra special, in honor of the most important woman in our lives  our mothers. Happy Mother's Day! 

FROM TGIFRIDAYS:  curb her cravings for Chicken Fingers, Liempo, Mozzarella plus complimentary nachos for P995 (from P1,420).

FROM ITALIANNI’S : Mom would definitely delight in Italian-American classics. Choose from two Mother’s Day Pizza and Pasta Combos or both!

You may either go for the decadent Truffle and Chicken Mushroom Pasta and the mouth-watering Margherita Pizza, and you get complimentary Focaccia and Tuscan Rolls. One  order is good for 3 persons for P999 (from P1,345). Another option would be the tomato-based Spaghetti Bolognese and the Pizza Tropical, again, with complimentary  Focaccia and Tuscan Rolls. One order is good for 3 persons for P999 (from P1,365).

FROM BUFFALO WILD WINGS : Mom will surely appreciate special. Wings with  two Buffalo Wild Wings’ Mother’s Day Offers. The award-winning and  handspun Wings and Sliders can be shared by 3 persons for P999 (from P1,220).

Plus there’s the MVP Platter for 3 to 4 persons. She'll surely enjoy meaty goodness of traditional wings with your choice of sauce or dry rub, honey bbq ribs and grilled pork belly and served with rice, also for P999 (from P1,695).  

FROM EL POLLO LOCO:  Have a Fire-Grilled Day with Mom courtesy of El Pollo Loco!  Sink your teeth into eight pieces of juicy, slow-cooked citrusy chicken plus 4 sides (P945). Mom would surely agree how fun it is to celebrate her special day with the famous handspun wings.

FROM DENNY’S:  Who doesn't like Denny’s slammin’ dishes? Definitely  Denny's is one of your mom's favorite go to menu!  Go all out on her with the  Original  Grand Slam (fluffy buttermilk pancakes, eggs, bacon strips and sausages); All-American Slam (eggs, bacon, sausages and toasted bread) and the  Waffle Slam (waffle, eggs and bacon)--which you can eat for lunch, breakfast, or dinner.  All these for P999 (from P1,215)

Available for curbside pick-up, take out  orders and delivery via Grab at the following branches:

TGI Friday’s Bonifacio High Street

8856-2997 | 0995-481-4847

Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street

0916-461-2182 | 0977-628-4515

Italianni's Greenbelt

0995-095-1002/0961-7560728

Denny’s Eastwood

7720-9337 | 0919-604-6366

Denny’s Robinsons Manila

7234-3132 | 0927-392 0798

Denny’s Uptown Parade

8625-6361/0927-392-4442

El Pollo Loco

Inside Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street

(8856-3890/0935-860-4544)

Buffalo Wild Wings Uptown Parade, Taguig City

(8625-6361/ 0917-629-4442)

PhilCare posts 21% income increase as company banks on smarter healthcare to drive growth

Philhealthcare, Inc. (PhilCare), one of the Philippines’ most preferred health maintenance organizations (HMOs), posted a net income of P130.6 million for the 12-month period that ended on December 31, 2019.

The amount is 20.9 percent or P22.6 million higher than the P108 million it earned in the same period in 2018.

Based on the company’s annual financial statement, the HMO’s revenues went up to P2.68 billion, 15.8% or P367 million higher than the previous year. Benefits, claims, and expenses also increased to P2.5 billion, 15.3% or P332 million year-on-year.

“We are really happy that our efforts in 2019 bore fruit, from the aggressive sales of our innovative products like our prepaid healthcards to the new partnerships we formed and the new sales channels that we have opened. All these have contributed significantly to the increase of our bottom line,” said PhilCare president and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

“I’m particularly proud that PhilCare has pioneered prepaid healthcards in the market. This was the result of our 1st Wellness Index done back in 2014. We learned back then a lot of Filipinos did not have access to healthcare coverage because they didn’t have corporate health benefits. We, then, decided to develop sachet-type products that are more accessible and affordable, and it truly made a difference,” he added.

Apart from prepaid cards, PhilCare is taking on new innovations by banking on technology that improve the way healthcare is delivered.

Among these is the DigiMed service, which is a form of medical teleconsult, which should make a more pronounced impact as the nation embraces the new normal. 

The DigiMed service on the HeyPhil app has so far received around 1,500 digital consultations a month. It has also recently launched DigiMed PLUS, a web-based telemedicine application that allows members access to numerous specialists through video call.

“It is with great confidence that we assure our members, partners, and stakeholders that regardless of the present economic condition, PhilCare has remained resilient and we continue to be steadfast in our commitment to provide the quality of healthcare and service that we have been known to deliver,” Tanco said.

“PhilCare has always been a company that takes pride in being at the helm of innovation. As the nation gradually prepares itself for the new normal, we continue to gain momentum, seeking for opportune possibilities to leverage change to our advantage, as we dedicate ourselves in fulfilling our mission of making quality healthcare services available to every Filipino,” he added.

Ultra Combo, 6Cyclemind and other OPM bands come together for Smart Music Live Online Sessions

Since the start of Enhanced Community Quarantine, 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 livestreaming concert will banner OPM bands, 6Cyclemind and 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 full 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 SML Online Sessions

Don’t miss SML Online Sessions and get inspired by the performances of top OPM artists. 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.

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

#StayConnectedWithMom with the HUAWEI Mother’s Day Promo this May 1-31, 2020!

You can give the best gift this mother's day even if youre staying at home.

#StayConnectedWithMom with the HUAWEI Mother’s Day Promo this May 1-31, 2020! Scroll down to see our special bundles and store availability!

Order the HUAWEI P40 Series and get a HUAWEI Band 4 for free! In addition to that, consumers also get to receive 50GB worth of storage in HUAWEI cloud valid for 12 months, Members Center Benefits Huawei Video free 3 months TVB Bonus, and AppGalleryBenefits from the following partners:

Kumu App: Get 10% discount on Kumu Coins. And get virtual gifts, too! Promo is valid from May 1-15.

GCash: Get a 70-peso voucher, promo valid from April 25-May 31.

PayMaya: Get P50 worth of PayMaya credits, promo valid from April 25-May 31

GMovies: Get a P100 discount on your tickets, promo valid from April 25-May 31.

Booky: Get a Booky Prime Membership for 3 months worth P597 for free, promo valid from April 25-May 31.

You can give the best gift this mother's day even if youre staying at home.

#StayConnectedWithMom with the HUAWEI Mother’s Day Promo this May 1-31, 2020! 

Scroll down to see our special bundles and store availability!

 The MatePad Pro comes with a FREE flipcover and 50GB Cloud storage. Also, this comes with a HUAWEI video bonus too--get 3 months worth of TVB!

With the HUAWEI Matebook D 15, you get a free HUAWEI laptop bag and gift package worth P2080 for every order.

With the HUAWEI nova 7i at just P13,990, you also get to bring home a free HUAWEI bluetooth speaker worth P990.

For those purchasing the HUAWEI Y7, you get a free HUAWEI umbrella worth P500

  

The HUAWEI T3 8 comes with a free HUAWEI Gift package worth P690.

  

And to stay on track with your fitness goals, get the HUAWEI GT 2e! It comes with a free watch strap worth P990.

Storelist (please note this is constantly being updated):

· Lazada: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/huawei-Intophilippines/?spm=a2o4l.home.search.1.239e6db4Yj3UC4&_keyori=ss&from=suggest_sis&sis_suggestion_click=Huawei%20Flagship%20Store%2Chuawei&sugg=huawei_0_1

· Shopee: https://shopee.ph/huaweiofficialstore?utm_campaign=s127208192_ss_ph_fbca_mothersday&utm_content=homepage&utm_medium=seller&utm_source=facebook-ca

· MemoXpress: https://www.facebook.com/107414525956397/posts/3238148026216349/

· Abenson: https://www.abenson.com/brands/huawei/

· Bluelite: https://www.facebook.com/115571289825464/posts/253964289319496/

· Intogadgets: http://www.intogadgets.com.ph/ 

· Silicon Valley: https://www.siliconvalley.com.ph/product-tag/mothers-day/

· FLW.PH: https://www.flw.ph/plugin.php?id=aljbd&act=view&bid=29

· Aerophone: https://www.aerophone.com.ph/index.php?category_id=86+&search=&submit_search=&route=product%2Fsearch

Get exclusive gadget deals and freebies at the Smart Online Store

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is celebrating Mother’s Day in a big way as it brings its Signature Sale on the Smart Online Store (www.store.smart.com.ph)  from May 6 to 15, 2020.   

With exclusive freebies and huge discounts of up to 50% off on select Apple, Huawei, Samsung and OPPO devices, the Smart Signature Sale offers a wide range of gift options to make Mother’s Day even more special.       

Exclusive Apple offers            
The Smart Signature Sale gives subscribers up to 50% discount on the iPhone XS, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad 6, and, which they can use to enjoy the latest Apple TV+ shows or Apple Arcade games.

Exclusive Huawei offers         
The Smart Signature Sale also offers the Huawei Mate20 Pro with a FREE Huawei Watch GT (worth P12,990) and Huawei AM61 BT Sport Headset (worth P1,540).           

During the sale, Smart subscribers can also get the Huawei P20 Pro comes with FREE Huawei Freebuds Lite (worth P4,990) and a Huawei M2 Speaker (worth P2,990); while the Huawei P20 comes with FREE Huawei Freebuds Lite.  

Exclusive Samsung offers       
The Smart Signature Sale also offers the Samsung Galaxy S10+ with a FREE Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (worth P7,990).

During this period, the Samsung Galaxy S10 comes with FREE Galaxy Buds (P6,990) and the Samsung Galaxy S10e with a free Samsung AKG Speaker (worth P4,000)

Exclusive OPPO offers            
The Smart Signature Sale also offers the OPPO Reno2 Series with a special discount.

Exclusive Smart Prepaid Device Offers         
Smart subscribers can also enjoy up to 50% off on the iPhone 6s Plus, Samsung Galaxy A10, and Huawei P20 Lite up, which all come with a Smart Prepaid SIM with FREE 1GB data.      

Support for COVID-19 frontliners      
The Smart Signature Sale gives subscribers the chance to help COVID-19 frontliners as a portion of their purchases will go the PLDT-Smart Foundation, which has mobilizing efforts to support health workers, emergency response teams, and communities affected by the pandemic.

All Smart, TNT, and Sun customers can also donate to the PLDT-Smart Foundation using their prepaid load, or charged to their postpaid account by texting DONATE<Amount> to 3456. This Text-to-Donate platform accepts donations until July 16, 2020.       

Powered by the country’s fastest network  
Smart subscribers can make the most of these devices and data plans powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile network, as certified by global internet testing firms, including Ookla and Opensignal.        

Mark your calendars and prepare to get the perfect gift for your mom during the Smart Signature Sale on www.smrt.ph/moveoutsale.

Careline and Andrea Brilliantes show support to PGH frontliners

To boost the morale and help keep healthcare frontliners safe while on duty, Careline Cosmetics, together with Andrea “Blythe” Brilliantes, donated protective personal equipment (PPEs) and self-care kits to the medical staff at Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

In an Instagram post, Andrea said, “Thank you to all frontliners out there who continue to fight for all of us in this pandemic. I hope these PPE suits will help keep our dear frontliners in PGH safe. Maraming maraming salamat po.” 

Careline is also holding the “Sale for a Cause” to help provide the needs of PGH. Customers can enjoy five percent off on Careline and Blythe bundles. For every bundle sold, a hygiene kit will be donated to the hospital.

Careline bundles on sale include Eye Favorites (P712.5), Multi-Tasking Favorites (P969), all shades of Soft Suede Lipstick (P940.5), all shades of Multi Pot (P470.25), all shades of Multi Sticks (P1,852.50), Lip & Cheek Tint (P451.25), all shades of Oil Control Blush (P722) and all shades of Shadow Palette (P470.25).

Meanwhile, Blythe bundles include Blythe's Favorites (P1,292), all shades of Majestic Matte Lipstick (P627), all shades of Stellar Satin Lipstick (P627), all shades of Perfect Brow Trio (P755.25), all shades of Starlight Eyes (P555.75)

Sale is exclusively available until May 15 at Careline’s Lazada online store (https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/careline/ShoptoSave). Add new make-up products to your collection and give back to our medical front liners with “Sale for a Cause”!

Central Delivery lets you order your favorites from Kuya J, Popeyes Chicken and Landers Pizza!

Is quarantine making you miss the taste of Popeyes’ juicy chicken and biscuit? Does the summer heat make you crave for a serving of Kuya J Ube Halo Halo? Well, you are in luck!

A new online delivery website called Central Delivery has launched so that customers can indulge in their favorites and get their cravings delivered. Central Delivery is determined to deliver only the best food you deserve as the featured restaurants only offer the best-tasting dishes.

Order your favorite Popeyes famous fried chicken or Kuya J's succulent Crispy Pata and Lechon Baka, Landers Central’s New york-style pizzas, burgers, and hot dogs, and Da Gianni Cucina Italiana ‘s home-cooked Italian meals for people in the Alabang vicinity.

Central Delivery is available every day in selected areas in Metro Manila.

If you are looking for something else, Central Delivery will have more choices and areas that will be up and accessible really soon. You can look forward to mouthwatering seafood dishes from Isla Sugbu Seafood City, which was awarded the Best Seafood Restaurant of 2019, sweet delights from Dough and Co., and timeless Chinese flavors from Majestic.

Want to enjoy a feast at home? Your favorites are only a few clicks away! Simply visit centraldelivery.ph to order.

Watch Central Delivery’s Grand Launch live @CentralDeliveryPH on Facebook on May 1, 2020 at 7pm to catch your favorite celebrities: Jericho Rosales, Matteo Guidicelli, Rhian Ramos, Sam Concepcion, Kyline Alcantara, Kyle Echarri, Ylona Garcia, Ryan Bang, AC Bonifacio and many more surprise guests on a night of musical, performances, laughter and prizes! You can also follow @CentralDeliveryPH on Instagram to get the latest updates.