Join “The Pop Stage” to win Php1M and talent contract

Dreaming of becoming the next big pop star?  Well, even in quarantine, you might just get the big break that will change your life forever.

Singer-actor Matteo Guidicelli will be setting up an online talent reality competition titled "The Pop Stage" to discover the next idol in the entertainment industry. The show will be presented by Popeyes in partnership with Viva Artists Agency.

"There are so many talented Filipinos, a lot of viral videos, a lot of crazy performances going around, but we want to make it legit. We want everyone in the world to see your skills and what you can do," Guidicelli said during the online launch of Central Delivery, a new delivery service that also offers food items from Popeyes Philippines.

To join “The Pop Stage,” just visit www.thepopstage.ph and send a video of your audition piece. You may sing, dance, play instruments, do magic, or perform whatever talent worth showing off.

Of course, this once in a lifetime opportunity also comes with the most amazing prizes. The winner of "The Pop Stage" will receive a cash prize worth Php 1 million and a one-year contract with Viva Artists Agency.

Guidicelli explained that the entries will be deliberated by a panel of judges. Those who will be chosen will be featured on a weekly show that will be streamed both on The Pop Stage’s Facebook Page at @thepopstage and Matteo Guidicelli’s Facebook page at @matteog. No need for selected contestants to leave their homes for the weekly show - arrangements will be made so they can stream from their current locations. 

All individuals or groups (maximum of 4 members) who are ages 13 to 25 years old are encouraged to send their audition tapes from May 9 to May 27, 2020.

For more details, you can check out www.thepopstage.ph and follow The Pop Stage’s Facebook and Instagram at @thepopstage and the hashtag #thepopstage.

Feel good this Mother’s Day with this tribute to moms and frontliners

This Mother’s Day may feel a little tougher than usual because of the challenging times we live in, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cancelled this year. 

NutriAsia, the leading producer and distributor of sauces and condiments in the Philippines — home of well-loved brands Datu Puti, Silver Swan, UFC, Mang Tomas, and Papa, decided to pay tribute to the wonderful moms who have always been there for us through a funny but heartwarming Mother’s Day video of a son asking his mom for some help in cooking.

In the video, a son calls his mom up because he needs her help in cooking some ulam with some limited ingredients. The mom adorably does her best to teach her son even though using new technology can be challenging for her.

Showing that a mother knows exactly what to do with what she has, the mom shows her son that even with simple ingredients like a can of luncheon meat, a couple of carrots, and some potatoes in the fridge he can cook a Masarap at Masayang menudo, especially with the help of a pouch of UFC Ready Recipes Menudo Sauce she left in her son’s apartment.

UFC Ready Recipes Sauces are a range of ready to use cooking sauces, made from ingredients such as real tomatoes, selected spices and meat flavors. UFC Ready Recipe Sauces are convenient and easy to use. It is pre-mixed and pre-seasoned, and all you have to do is to pour the sauce and let it simmer. It’s available in different variants like Afritada, Menudo, Caldereta and Mechado.

At the end, it’s revealed that she raised a great, caring kid who looks out for others, as it turns out that he was cooking some food to give away to our brave frontliners! 

The video is definitely inspiring and perfect for Mother’s Day, as it shows us that our moms do know best and we can always turn to her for help whenever we need it—and, of course, that the best children are raised by the best mothers.

You too can show your mom some love on Mother’s Day! Easily make a Masarap at Masayang meal for her at home this Mother’s Day! 
You may visit https://nutriasia.com/recipe/ for recipe ideas!

#BDOAntiScam:BDO will NEVER send you links through text messaging or email and ask you to provide your personal information

Clicking on a link, no matter how harmless the link looks, is like opening your house’s front door to robbers. Once you click a link, you are letting scammers do all sorts of harm, not only to your computer, but to your life as well.

Scammers send links to gather your private data and using your identity, access your savings, credit card, or online shopping accounts to make transactions on your behalf.

Remember this: BDO will NEVER send you links through text messaging or email and ask you to provide your personal information or complete a transaction.

Don’t share your personal information with anybody, online and offline.

Personal data should always be private. Information like our names, birthdays, anniversaries, home and office addresses, passwords, ATM pins, One-Time Pins (OTPs), social security, bank or credit card numbers, and even data related to our education and schooling or our workplace—these and more can be used by hackers to break into our bank account.

With that level of potential harm, we should never carelessly share our personal information to a website, or send these to someone via text message, email, or chat.

Nowadays, scammers are able to create fake websites that pretend to be BDO’s, online shopping sites, or other legitimate institutions. Once we get tricked to log-in to these fake websites, they will be able to get more of our data and use it for illegal transactions.

So, never click on any links to websites if these are sent through email. Instead, check on the supposed sender of the email and type the web address of the bank, institution, or agency.

For example, if the sender is supposedly BDO, do an online search of the bank’s official website. BDO’s one and only website, www.bdo.com.ph, will provide you with the genuine and official email address.

But, let’s say you’ve already opened a website that looks genuine; just remember this rule of thumb: BDO will NEVER ask you to give your bank account numbers; credit card numbers as well as its expiry date and CVV; online banking login information, such as username and password; or even OTPs.

If you encounter a website that asks you to input such personal information, you can be sure that it’s fake. Don’t share your data.

We Filipinos believe that “sharing is caring.” But that doesn’t apply for usernames, passwords, OTPs, and other sensitive personal information. In this case, it’s best to keep such information only to yourself. And yes, even from your loved ones.

Eye on the ball

Remember, you are the first line of defense against scammers. If you do your part, we can reduce the cases of bank fraud and other illegal online transactions, and save each other from heartache, stress, and financial losses. If you have concerns regarding bank fraud and related matters, go to www.bdo.com.ph for more information.

Maxi-Peel Encourages the Community to ‘Keep Fighting’ As a Beautiful Tomorrow Awaits

How is everyone coping? I have high respect to all our frontliners as I have one, my daughter a bank employee who keeps on serving clients amid the pandemic. Its not an easy job, lets pray for all of them to keep safe and well. 

Everyday, we battle with different challenges that life throws at us. This time, the battle is not one of those daily stumbling blocks, rather, a global health crisis that has altered life’s normalcy. During these challenging times, a call for encouragement and a message of gratitude may come a long way, especially to those who work in health care, food, freight, and finance services among many other industries. These frontline workers risk their lives to keep the community going and functional amid the pandemic. This time, the fight they’re trying to overcome is for the common and greater good, in order to wake up to a beautiful tomorrow, not only for themselves and their families but for the whole country.

With a mission to boost the morale of our frontline workers, Maxi-Peel took on the initiative to become the bridge between our modern heroes and their loved ones who they might not have seen over the past weeks or maybe even months. With an online video with a title that sheds hope on its own - “Gaganda Muli Ang Bukas” - they were able to reach individuals whose moms, dads, aunts, and even friends are continuously fighting for a better tomorrow through their unwavering commitment and service as frontliners. This offered an opportunity for these people, who are close to the hearts of our frontliners, to send them messages and reminders to take a rest when they can, to also look out for themselves, and also to express how much they are missed. But moreover, through a short speech, these loved ones were able to share the pride and happiness of knowing that their family member is able to help a significant amount of those who are in need. 

Hope has always been something that Maxi-Peel believed in, and just like our brave frontline workers and their families who remain strong as they keep fighting, Maxi-Peel also urges us to not give up, reminding us na dapat #WagMongIsukoAngLaban, a message they stand for that has inspired women across the Philippines, which now they hope inspires the entire country. They understand that a simple push for encouragement may affect the lives of many in a positive way and they have taken this chance to cheer on every single one of us facing this battle to continue to fight, as we, as a nation come together to rise above the situation and welcome a beautiful tomorrow that awaits.

To watch the full video, click on this link, as we all remember, “Gaganda Muli Ang Bukas”.

Jollibee, McCann World Group Philippines pay tribute to mothers through our COVID-19 heroes

A mother’s nurturing love indeed leaves a lasting impact on her children’s lives. From teaching them their first lessons at home, instilling values that help shape their attitude and personality, to providing unending support and encouragement, the heroes of today have learned how to draw their character from the example of their mothers.

This May, Jollibee and creative agency, McCann World Group Philippines, pay tribute to strong and brave mothers as they release a touching Kwentong Jollibee Mother’s Day special that shows how a mother’s earnest parenting can determine how far a child can go in life.

Inspired by true stories, the special Mother’s Day tribute presents the realities in the lives of front-liners who are helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows the stories of front-liners and volunteers who, even in these trying times, continue to fulfill a higher purpose by carrying out their duties to those they serve. Despite their own circumstances, they set their heart on bringing joy to people, with a love that’s deeply anchored on the nurturing care they received from their moms.

“Our front-liners go out every day, braving different challenges that help flatten the curve and provide aid to those in need. As a brand that is one with the nation in recognizing our front-liners, our Mother’s Day tribute pays homage to their dear mothers — the first person who molded them to be the kind-hearted and noble people they are today, said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand CMO, JFC Philippines Country Business Group and concurrent PH Marketing Head.

Through the guidance and example that mothers have set, many COVID-19 front-liners are able to fulfill their duties not only in their respective families, but also in the communities they lend a hand to. The material brings to light a powerful truth about how a mother’s love can enkindle a hero out in all of us.

Watch the special Mother’s Day tribute on Jollibee’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Jollibee Studios’ YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1. 

New guidelines for LRT-1 passengers

Preparations are in full swing as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) anticipates the resumption of the LRT-1 operations. This is after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released new safety guidelines for mass public transportation once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) enforced in Metro Manila is lifted.

To ensure the welfare and protection of both passengers and employees, LRT-1 private operator LRMC will implement the following health and safety measures to fight the spread of COVID-19 once it re-opens its trains to the public.

Passenger guidelines

1.     No mask no entry.

2.     Thermal screening done upon entry of LRT-1 station. Those with temperature greater than 37.6˚ C will not be allowed to enter the station.

3.     Physical distancing will be strictly enforced at the stations and trains, with floor markings as guidance.

4.     Passengers are encouraged to use Stored Value Cards for contactless payment. 

5.     Placement of foot bath or disinfecting mats in all LRT-1 station entrances.

6.     Passengers will still be requested to open their bags for verification, but LRT-1 security will be using a hand-held metal detector, and no frisking will be conducted.

Increased sanitation and safety promotion

1.     Alcohol sanitizer dispensers will be available at all ticket booths, while liquid soap dispensers will be available in restrooms.

2.     Trains are to be disinfected upon reaching the ends of the line at Roosevelt and Baclaran stations, and deep-cleaned at the end of each day. The driver’s cab is to be cleaned before each handover. 

3.     Commonly touched areas such as ticket booths, ticket vending machines, handrails, elevators, escalators, platform benches, and comfort rooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes.

4.     Safety video reminders from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization will be played on the LCD screens, while posters and signage will be displayed prominently at each station and in each train. Staff and train drivers shall remind passengers to follow physical distancing at all times.

As the company leverages on the use of technology, passengers are encouraged to go digital and use the ikotMNL mobile app to easily get updates and announcements, plan their trips, check the LRT-1’s schedule and crowd status at the stations ahead of time. They can also relay their COVID-19 related concerns or inquiries through this mobile app. LRMC uses an automated system in the deployment of its trains, which provides better flexibility to match passenger volume for the day and avoid crowd build-up.

LRMC is working with partners to develop innovative sanitation technologies and methods to be more efficient and effective in keeping the railway safe for passengers. In addition, LRMC is looking out for its employees by providing them with face masks, hygiene supplies, regular health checks, and modified work arrangements. 

“We look forward to serving once again our passengers who rely on the LRT-1 for their daily commute. We are committed to keeping you safe and giving you peace of mind as you ride our trains and return to your routine. Now more than ever, we appeal for your cooperation as we all face this new normal,” said Juan F. Alfonso, President and CEO of LRMC.

LRT-1 operations have been suspended since March 17 as a result of the government’s extension of the enhanced community quarantine. Preventive and maintenance work for the line have been undertaken during this period in accordance with the IATF’s work safety guidelines to ensure improved service.

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, or on Twitter at @officialLRT1.

Red Ribbon honors and appreciates mom-frontliners with a sweet Mother’s Day surprise

It goes without saying that being a mother is one of the toughest and most noble jobs to take on. A mother’s role becomes more heroic in her children’s lives as she tackles the day-to-day challenges of meeting her family’s needs more so during this COVID-19 pandemic. As most family members have stayed home practically all-day since the start of the quarantine, mom has been tackling the enormous challenge of tending to her families 24/7, making sure she provides a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment for everyone in her household. Occasionally recognized, her selfless efforts deserve nothing less than our utmost appreciation.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, Red Ribbon pays tribute to all mothers for their unwavering love and dedication through the years and especially in this ongoing COVID-19 crisis by enjoining Filipinos through a nationwide “Thank You, Mom!” Campaign. The campaign is symbolized by a “red gift ribbon” icon which conveys both gratitude and tribute for moms as seen across the brand’s communication materials in their Mother’s Day campaign.

To further promote their expression of gratitude for the unsung mom-heroes, Red Ribbon brings a sweet surprise to mom-frontliners, presenting them with their bestselling cakes that will best honor them on their special day.

With the help of their delivery partners from GrabFood and Foodpanda, Red Ribbon provided a delightful surprise to Mom-Delivery Riders. They were requested to visit the store and pick up “orders” as part of their daily work routine, not knowing that a Red Ribbon Chocolate Dedication Cake with a special personalized message from their own family would be waiting for each of them. Watch their heartwarming reactions here:

https://www.facebook.com/redribbonbakeshop/videos/2497919967138733/

Apart from this, Red Ribbon also collaborated with LalaMove to bring a sweet surprise to Mom-Medical Frontliners, including doctors, nurses, and administrators of key hospitals in the country such as The Medical City Ortigas, Philippine General Hospital, and Cebu City Medical Center. 

These simple gestures are Red Ribbon’s way of honoring and appreciating the moms by bringing the celebration and sweetness to them, wherever they may be.

“The kind of hard work and sacrifice our frontliners do is akin to a mother’s nurturing love. That is why mom-frontliners — whether they are in the medical field, on the roads, or in their homes — are worthy of every gesture, big or small, that truly honors and appreciates them. Their strength, courage, and competence inspire us to do really well on what we do best in Red Ribbon, and that is to make every milestone or celebration even more special for the Filipino family with cakes and pastries that every family member will enjoy, wherever they are,” said Kent Mariano, Marketing Head for Red Ribbon.

Show your love and appreciation for your moms this Mother’s Day with special Red Ribbon cakes. Order now via Red Ribbon’s delivery hotline at #8-7777, Facebook Messenger Ordering Service, or thru GrabFood or Foodpanda apps.

Make Mother’s Day truly special with Taco Bell and Dairy Queen

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and now’s the perfect time to start planning a sweet and memorable surprise for the most special women in our lives. Good thing Taco Bell and Dairy Queen have new offerings that will surely make Mother’s Day unforgettable at home! 

Share a sumptuous Mexican-inspired meal with Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles that can be delivered straight to your home through Grabfood or Foodpanda.

Taco Bell’s Grabfood bundle is perfect for families of four with its four Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and four 16oz. Soda. For families of three, order our Foodpanda bundle that comes with three Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and three 16oz. Soda. Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles start at ₱599. This promo is valid until May 31 and deliveries are limited to areas near Taco Bell Cyberpark Tower 1 in Araneta City.

To complete your Mother’s Day surprise, order a Sunflower Blizzard Cake from Dairy Queen! This 8-inch, 100% ice cream cake comes with a limited-edition sunflower design that will surely brighten Mama's special day.

The Sunflower Blizzard Cake is available for delivery through Grabfood and Foodpanda. For take-out orders, you may visit the following Dairy Queen branches: Alphaland Makati, Cherry Congressional, Cyberpark Tower 1, Portal, Robinsons Lipa, SM Baguio, SM East Ortigas, SM Light, SM Manila, SM Novaliches, SM Sangandaan, SM Sucat, SM Valenzuela, and Waltermart Muñoz. 

The Sunflower Blizzard Cake will be available until May 17. 

For more exciting news and updates from Taco Bell Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.tacobell.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/tacobellPHL) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tacobellphl/).

For more exciting news and updates from Dairy Queen Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.dairyqueen.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/dairyqueenphilippines) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dairyqueenphils/).

Moms’ Words of Wisdom that We all Need in our Daily Lives

Growing up, people have probably found themselves at least once in their lives to be sharing stories about the usual phrases they would hear from their moms. From witty punch lines to sermons they already know by heart, there will always be common wisdom from Filipino moms that all kids can seem relate to.

Years later, people look back with immense gratitude for all the incredible insights their moms have bestowed upon them. It instilled in them many great lessons that molded them to be the persons they are today, compelling them into realizing that moms indeed know best.

Now, as we spend this time in our lives staying inside our homes, it is in moments like this that her unparalleled wisdom becomes even more glaring. From teaching us proper hygiene to equipping us with the right domestic skills, her words continue to make her presence felt in our lives, reassuring us that she is always with us as we get through these times. 

And so, with twenty-twenty in hindsight, here are the top eight things we have learned from our moms that we now deem to be helpful and practical:

“Eat your vegetables”

Remember being a kid and hiding from your mom so you won’t have to eat your vegetables? Newsflash, it’s the year 2020, and stocking your body with nutrients is the most essential thing to do. You realize that learning to eat vegetables at a young age and expanding your palate to be healthier is an edge when one grows older.

“Wash your hands”

It has always been mom’s unceasing reminder to wash our hands after we play and before we eat – and lo and behold, she was right. Now, we don’t just wash our hands for the sake of keeping clean, but also to protect ourselves and the people around us from getting sick.

 “Make your bed every morning” 

Now that we have no other place to go but our house, we must keep things neat and clean at all times. People now learn to do different house chores, as they help their moms maintain a conducive and healthy environment for all members of the household.

“Pursue your Dreams”

Our moms have always been our #1 cheerleader. She has always believed in our skills and ability to reach for our dreams. Being in the house for the whole duration of the quarantine leaves people with some spare time to pursue passions outside their school or jobs. This again proves why mom was right when she said that channeling our energies into learning new skills and pursuing our dreams can keep us motivated during difficult times.

“Learn how to cook”

“Everyone seems to be baking these days!” Yes, and that’s all good! #QuarantineCooking has been a trend on social media lately. Although they say that nothing beats mom’s cooking, we take inspiration from the hearty meals she has prepared for us growing up and recreate it with our own personal touch. 

 “Save money for the rainy days”

This is something that moms would usually say to motivate kids into saving their own money. And with the world undergoing such an unpredicted time, no truer words have been spoken. Being smart with managing hard-earned cash and occasionally putting off instant gratifications may help a person for when the time comes that resources are truly needed.

“You’ll understand me when you’re older”

You have probably heard her say this recently already, and rightfully so! As people age, they eventually get into that vantage point where they realize that mom was always the beacon of wisdom. The lessons she has imparted to her children became their solid rock, molding them to be the persons they are now.

“My love for you is unconditional”

There’s no emotion in the world that is more powerful and moving than a mother’s love. Even though we didn’t realize the importance of her words when we were younger, the unconditional love of our mothers shines through. That is why this Mother’s Day, remember all the things that your mom did to show her unconditional love for you and say, #AkoNamanMa. 

Want to know more about how moms exemplify unconditional love? Watch this latest Mother’s Day video from PLDT Home: