Skin Magical extends helping hand to employees, frontliners

When the government placed the entire island of Luzon under enhanced community quarantine starting March 17, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Skin Magical, headed by Founder and Chief Operating Officer Ghie Pangilinan, and its subsidiaries wasted no time and extended a helping hand to their employees, distributors, franchisees, the community and frontliners in health facilities.

For her 242 employees, Pangilinan prepared rice and food packs that included canned and instant foods items. She was more creative with her relief efforts when it came to Skin Magical and Speaks G’s distributors and franchisees. Through her ambassadors Madam Kilay and Lars Pachecho, they were able to giveaway a P1,000 each to her distributors and franchises for a total of P140,000.

Pangilinan also held live raffles and gave away P500 each to 50 winners and P1,000 each to 40 winners. Twenty reseller packages worth P5,000 given away to those who took part in the Kwento ng Pag-asa Laban sa Corona. On Easter Sunday, which fell on April 12, Skin Magical and Speaks G conducted a virtual egg hunt. A total of 14 winners received a cash prize of P3,000 from Skin Magical while Speaks G gave P3,000 to 10 lucky winners. On Mother’s Day last May 10, Pangilinan’s Nanay Ko To Gandang Palaban gave away 24 reseller packages worth P2,500.

“No one expected this to happen and this was my little way of sharing what I have with my employees, distributors and franchisees,” Pangilinan said. “I am thankful for their support and I would not be where I am if not for them.”

The Skin Magical COO did not forget to extend a helping hand to the community where her business is located in Morong. Rizal. She distributed rice to residents in Barangays San Pedro, San Juan, San Jose, Maybancal, CCL, Lagundi and Bombongan. She was also able to send out meals and essential products to the hospital frontliners of Rizal Provincial Hospital, Morong Doctors Hospital, Dialysis Center Morong, Quirino Memorial Medical Center and the frontliners of Pililia. Rizal and Abra. Lastly, relief efforts were also extended in Bulacan as an initiative of Mr. Jerry Pangilinan, Skin Magical CEO and husband of Ms. Ghie Pangilinan.

“Skin Magical truly cares about our people and our community and we should not forget the valuable contribution of our frontliners,” she said. “They are risking their lives to make sure that everyone is safe from this virus and we can do our share by just staying at home.”

Hit the Right Notes, Win Cash Prizes in Acaperra Online Singing Contest

Make the most of your time at home by embracing your musical side. Whether you’ve been training formally for years, been practicing only in the shower, or you’re a master at the karaoke bar, this contest is finally your time to shine. 

Anyone can join along to share their talents while potentially earning themselves cash prizes in Insight 360’s ACAPERRA, a brand new online contest for all the prospective musical artists stuck at home practicing social distancing. 

Presented by BRIA Homes and NutriAsia, ACAPERRA seeks to celebrate the power of raw undiscovered Filipino talent even in these extraordinary and trying times. Even now, the world famous natural Filipino musical ability can shine through.

“We are giving millions of talented Filipino singers a platform to be discovered and win cash prizes while on community quarantine,” said award-winning and critically acclaimed music and film producer Chris Cahilig. The innovative talent competition is the brainchild of this renowned OPM advocate.

“This is an advocacy I had from the very beginning. Our talented artists and our beautiful, unique music deserve to be heard by all Filipinos,” he added. 

Aside from his viral and award-winning films, Cahilig has produced multiple hit singles such as “Hayop Sa Ganda” by 1:43, “Pusong Lito” by Myrus, and “Sa Iba Na Lang” by BOU. He also produced 1:43’s hit album “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” whose titular lead single won the 2013 Song of the Year in the PMPC Star Awards For Music as well as earning 1:43 the Most Promising Recording/ Performing Group award in the 2014 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards. 

Likewise, Cahilig has collaborated with iconic Filipino artists including Moira dela Torre, Gloc9, Jim Paredes, The Bloomfields, Princess Velasco, Pepe Smith, Tanya Markova, McCoy Fundales, Barbie Almalbis, Markii Stroem, True Faith, to name a few for “Tunog Natin” compilation albums which won two awards at the 52nd Anvil Awards.

Joining ACAPERRA is easy. Simply record a video of yourself (in landscape orientation) performing an acapella rendition of the chosen song of the week and email the video file to castings.insight360@gmail.com. Remember that natural singing talent is what’s being judged. No digital enhancements or alterations are allowed. The entries and announcement of winners will be posted on Insight 360’s official Youtube channel. 

Every week, one winner will be selected and awarded a P3,000 cash prize! Of the sixteen weekly winners, the field will then be narrowed down to eight lucky performers who will duke it out in the grand finals. In the end, only one contestant can become the Grand ACAPERRA Winner and take home the P25,000 cash grand prize as well as have the chance to become a recording artist!

The second week of the contest has already begun. The song of the week is “Huwag” by Yesh Burce. The deadline for entries in the first week is Sunday, May 24. 

Your dream of having a house of your own may not come true! Find out BRIA Homes can help you by visiting this link now: https://apps.bria.com.ph/r/8ui.

So get your pipes ready, it’s time to sing your heart out for cash prizes with the ACAPERRA! 

Make up skills every woman should master

Life in lockdown has given us plenty of opportunities to master new skills. If you’re eager to learn but don’t know where to start, why not take a page from Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, and follow their makeup tips and techniques so you can come out looking young and fresh, post lockdown. 

Natural flush

While you can’t get that bronzed skin from an excursion to the beach this summer, you can still achieve a natural flush with the EB Blush Rush or the EB Matte Color Sticks. The EB Blush Rush has a watery-gel consistency with roll-on applicator while the EB Matte Color Stick is creamy matte in consistency, making both products easy to blend on your cheeks, eyes and lips. 

For a sun-kissed glow, strategically apply on points of the face where the sun hits most, such as the cheeks, nose and a little above the brows. Blend with your ring finger (remember to thoroughly wash your hands regularly/before applying makeup) to sink the product naturally into the skin. 

Upgrade the look by adding faux freckles using brown eyeliner. Before doing so, set your tint with powder then dot your nose and cheeks with the eyeliner. With your ring finger, tap over the top to blend and make it look more natural.  

Daytime to nighttime makeup with three basic shades

Eye makeup can be intimidating or overwhelming, especially for beginners. But the great thing about makeup is it allows you to have fun and experiment with different looks. A great product to start with is the basic shades of Ever Bilena’s Chocolate Palette. Apply medium shade brown all over the lid and lower lash line. With your pinkie, press into the lightest color in the palette and apply on to the inner corners to open up the eyes. Take your look from daytime to nighttime by patting on the darkest shade of brown on the outer crease of the eyes and then blend.

Ace these simple makeup techniques to make your everyday look flawless, even while at home, using these products available on Ever Bilena’s official page on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). Blush Rush and Color Matte Sticks are sold in bundles in all available shades. To know more makeup tips, visit Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page (@everbilenacosmetics) and Instagram (@everbilenaofficial).

PILMICO BREAD PROGRAM HELPS SMALL BAKERIES COPE WITH ECQ SLOWDOWN

Normelinda Chavez, who owns Norlyn’s Bakery in Tarlac, was worried that the years she spent working and saving to put up her small business would all be for naught when the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was declared. The same concern weighed heavy on Marlon Catmon, owner of C&G Bakery in Iligan, when the number of customers buying his products disappeared seemingly overnight.

Although quarantine restrictions have affected retail operations across the MSME spectrum, it is the micro enterprises, such as the ones owned by Chavez and Catmon, that have borne the brunt of the income slowdown.

Experiences such as Normie’s and Marlon’s served as Pilmico’s driving force to initiate its bread donation initiative. Pilmico Food Corporation, an Aboitiz food unit, started donating bread with a dual purpose: provide bread for frontline workers, and help support micro bakery enterprises amid the ECQ. In nearly two months of operation, the initiative has produced and distributed over 520,000 pieces of bread to hospitals, police stations, and military checkpoints in various parts of the country.

In order to maintain supply and help distribute the bread efficiently, Pilmico partnered with community bakeries. These partner bakeries were paid either in flour or in cash, equivalent to the cost of bread produced and acquired. Big bakeries were mostly paid in flour, while small bakeries, like Norlyn’s and C&G, were paid in cash.

“Malaking tulong sa amin ang Pilmico. Bukod po sa nakatulong na ako sa frontliners, malaki rin ang naitulong nito sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin ng aking pamilya. [The partnership with Pilmico is a big help for us. Aside from being able to help the frontliners, it’s also a big help in covering our daily living expenses],” said Catmon.

According to Pilmico, the bakeries who were paid cash earned an additional PhP4,500 to PhP6,000 in daily sales, while those who were paid in flour earned an additional PhP11,500 to PhP20,000.

The extra earnings definitely were a boon to the smaller bakeries, especially to their employees.

“Dahil po patuloy na kailangan ang aming serbisyo sa paggawa ng tinapay, nagkaroon ng tuloy-tuloy na hanapbuhay ang aking mga empleyado, lalo na sa sitwasyon sa ating bansa na marami ang natigil ang hanapbuhay. [Because our bread production is continuously needed, my employees remain to have steady income. This is essential especially under the current situation where a lot of people have stopped working.] Thank you very much to Pilmico for continuously supporting our products,” Chavez said.

Pilmico also partnered with Gardenia, a leading bread brand in the Philippines, for the distribution of 10,000 loaves of bread in Taguig, Tarlac, and Cagayan de Oro.

“In times of crisis, when there are many things to worry about, it is important that the basic needs of people are provided for. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Pilmico has sought to address this need by bringing comfort through food. With the bread donation initiative, we continue to provide some measure of relief to the communities around us that are affected by the current situation,” said Tristan Aboitiz, Pilmico President and Chief Executive Officer.

Canva Philippines named as one of the Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work Philippines

Online design platform Canva was named among the Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work Philippines, the only startup to make it to the list. Placing on top three, Canva Philippines runs shortly after Synchrony Global Services Philippines, DHL Express. Others in the top five were Icon Hilton and Ingram Micro.

Great Place to Work ranks companies according to their high-performing culture, trust in their managers, and how employees take pride and joy in the work that they do. Guided by its values — be a force for good, empower others, pursue excellence, be a good human, make complex things simple, and set crazy big goals — Canva has put its employees’ wellbeing as a top priority to encourage them to deliver work that creates meaningful impact in the lives of their partners and communities.

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla Donato said, “This recognition gives us a sense of fulfillment that we are on the right track of providing a healthy and sustainable workplace.

In 2019, Canva announced its valuation of US$3.2 billion, making it one of the fastest growing startups in the world. Donato added, “At a time when startups continue to be on the rise, this only goes to show that we can provide a fulfilling workplace to our employees and that we are here to stay”

The onset of COVID-19 also motivated Canva Philippines to show that workplace culture goes far beyond the physical workplace. As a high-growth start-up, it leveraged its adaptable and agile teams to get the job done. In return, Canva remains committed to safeguard not only its employees’ livelihood but also their health and wellness.                                                            

Working from home means they have doubled down on communicating through video conferences and Slack channels. The clubs they have at work have been uploaded into virtual communities they can tune in to such as a make-up tutorial group, and deskcersise group. They have also retained the jobs of their in-house chef and baristas and have provided a channel where they show simple recipes with basic ingredients and brewing coffee from home. 

In addition to this, each employee has been provided with food and internet allowance; pocket wifi units were also given out to aid remote work. Those who were recently from overseas were also provided with hotel accommodation to delay physical contact with their families.

Prior to the quarantine, Canva Philippines was already proactive in going the extra mile for its Canvanauts by encouraging their passions with activities such as movement corner, chair yoga, and even table tennis. Canva’s latest recognition only goes to show that it pays for companies to invest in its people.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

Kevin Mayer named CEO of TikTok

ByteDance Ltd. announced today it has named Kevin Mayer Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ByteDance and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TikTok, effective June 1. 

In his role as CEO of TikTok, Kevin will lead the rapidly growing platform as it continues to build its global community of creators, users, and brands. Kevin will report directly to ByteDance Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yiming Zhang. 

Commenting on the hire, Yiming said, "Kevin's wealth of experience building successful global businesses makes him an outstanding fit for our mission of inspiring creativity for users globally. As one of the world's most accomplished entertainment executives, Kevin is incredibly well placed to take ByteDance's portfolio of products to the next level. I look forward to working very closely with Kevin on our global development and the next chapter of the ByteDance story."

Kevin joins the company following a long and successful career at Disney (NYSE: DIS), most recently as Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International. As a key part of his role there, he oversaw the development and successful rollout of Disney+, the company's flagship streaming service. Additionally, Kevin led the company's other direct-to-consumer businesses, including Hulu, ESPN+, and Hotstar, as well as overseeing Disney's international operations, global ad sales, and global content sales.

Kevin said, "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join the amazing team at ByteDance. Like everyone else, I've been impressed watching the company build something incredibly rare in TikTok – a creative, positive online global community – and I'm excited to help lead the next phase of ByteDance's journey as the company continues to expand its breadth of products across every region of the world. On a personal note, I'm thankful to the entire Disney team for the tremendous accomplishments we achieved together. I'm especially grateful to Bob Iger for his visionary leadership and mentorship over many years, and to Bob Chapek whom I greatly  admire. As I begin a new chapter, I'm humbled by the trust Yiming and the Board have placed in me as we move forward with a shared vision of how to scale ByteDance's growth." 

Alex Zhu, the current President of TikTok, will transition to ByteDance VP of Product & Strategy, where he will focus on his primary passion overseeing strategy and product design.

As part of its commitment to rooting its operations in the local markets it serves, TikTok's national and regional leaders will remain in their roles with their current responsibilities, reporting in to Kevin, who will be responsible for the global business

Go cashless with PayMaya

Looking for a more convenient way to add money to your PayMaya account? Your neighborhood Smart Padala agent can help you! With the largest network of over 30,000 Smart Padala agents all across the country, you can add money to your PayMaya account at the Smart Padala agent in your neighborhood — making cashless payments more accessible as the country transitions to the “new normal.”

In these critical times, using PayMaya is the easiest and safest way to pay for your daily essentials – whether you need to send money to a loved one, pay for online deliveries, settle your bills, or buy discounted load. Doing all these is more convenient than ever, since adding money to your account is as simple as visiting the trusted Smart Padala agent in your community. With this, there’s no more need to risk traveling to convenience stores or endure lines at payment centers.

Adding money to your PayMaya account is easy. 

All you have to do is follow these simple steps:   

Go to any Smart Padala agent and tell the agent that you’re adding money to your PayMaya account. 

To Add Money via code, simply tap ‘Add-Money’ in your PayMaya app and choose ‘Smart Padala via code.’ 

To Add Money via mobile number, just fill out the transaction slip, include the amount you want to add and your mobile number linked to your PayMaya account.  

Give your Add Money code or transaction slip to the Smart Padala agent.  

Present a valid ID (student IDs are accepted) as you make your payment.* 

Wait for an SMS confirmation before leaving the branch. 

Going to your trusted Smart Padala agent is just one of the many ways you can add money to your PayMaya account. Aside from Smart Padala, you can also add money via partner convenience stores and payment kiosks, as well as through your online banking account via Instapay or through your credit or debit card – allowing you to add money to your account, wherever you are in the country.  

“During these times, being able to utilize cashless options for our everyday needs is more crucial than ever. With apps like PayMaya, Filipinos are able to send much needed funds to their loved ones or even order their basic needs online without having the need to travel far. By having Smart Padala as an Add Money touchpoint, we can ensure that our users are able to put enough funds to their accounts and continue using PayMaya for their daily necessities,” says Shailesh Baidwan, President at PayMaya Philippines. 

If you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, it’s easy to switch to a better and more hassle-free way of paying! Just download the PayMaya app for Android or iOS, create and register your own account, and start shopping with the fastest, safest, most rewarding, and hassle-free way to pay for anything both online and in stores! To make the most our of your PayMaya account, check out https://www.paymaya.com/quick-guide. 

Don’t forget to follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more news and updates!  

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cuts across consumers, merchants, and government. Aside from providing the payments acceptance for the largest e-Commerce, food, retail and gas merchants in the Philippines, PayMaya is enabling national and social services agencies as well as local government units with digital payments and disbursement services. 

Through its PayMaya app and wallet, it is providing millions of Filipinos with the fastest way to own a financial account with over 40,000 Add Money touchpoints nationwide, more than double the total number of traditional bank branches in the Philippines combined. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 30,000 partner agents nationwide serves as last mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to services. To know more about PayMaya’s products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

*(The minimum amount you can Add Money is P100. You will be charged with a P15 service fee for adding up to P1,000 in  your account, and another P7.50 for every additional P500 beyond the initial P1,000. For upgraded accounts, you can add up to P100,000 per month in your PayMaya. For accounts that are not yet upgraded, the monthly limit for add money is P50,000.)

Share the love and give the gift of Shack

As we slowly ease into the new normal (while still staying safe at home!), why not share the love and give the gift of Shack to a Frontliner with Share The Shack! 

Exclusively available on the Foodpanda app, have your Shack favorites delivered right to your doorstep and join us in giving back and saying thank you to our Frontliners.

From April 21 to June 13, buy the week’s Shack featured item and we will give the same to a Frontliner. A total of sixteen (16) beneficiary communities will be receiving Share the Shack packages with your help. Taking care of each other never felt (and tasted!) this good!

Check out @shakeshackph on Instagram and Facebook for updates, deets, and to find out more about Share The Shack’s featured item for the week.

Got Questions? Check out this Quick FAQs about the Share a Shack promo!

What is Share the Shack?

Share the Shack is a community initiative by Shake Shack aimed to inspire our frontliners through good food and the Filipino shared value of bayanihan. When you buy one featured item for the week through Foodpanda, we will give the same Shack item to our community heroes.

We can’t find you on foodpanda

Foodpanda has a delivery coverage area which usually covers a 12 to 15min travel time. Kindly check the app itself as our page should appear if you’re within foodpanda’s delivery radius.

What’s the featured item for the week?

Featured items change weekly. You may visit @shakeshackph on Facebook and Instagram or tap the Foodpanda app.

How to avail the promo?

Just go to the Foodpanda app, look for Shake Shack and click on the the Shack item with a pink tag. Please make sure that you’re within Foodpanda’s delivery coverage area.

Do you have any partners for Share the Shack?

We’ve partnered with Foodpanda in bringing the Share the Shack packages to our community frontliners.

Who are the frontliners?

These are our healthcare professionals and other essential workforce members who have tirelessly lent a hand to keep our communities safe and sound during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Are the Foodpanda riders considered frontliners?

Yes they definitely are! It is because of them (and the rest of the Shackfam!) that we are able to Share the Shack.

What is your Shakes made of? /ingredients

Our Shakes are made of dense, rich, and creamy frozen custard (hand-spun daily at the Shack), real sugar (no corn syrup), cage-free eggs, and milk from dairy farmers who pledge not to use artificial growth hormones.

What are the available flavors for the Shake?

You may buy any of our classic hand-spun Shakes with the following flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Black & White, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter, & the Manila Exclusive Ube.

What is SmokeShack?

SmokeShack is a cheeseburger served with 100% all-natural angus beef (no added hormones and antibiotics), all-natural applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers, ShackSauce, on a non-GMO potato bun.

What is Shack-cago Dog?

Shack-cago Dog is our flat-top All-beef (no added hormones or antibiotics) dog served with Rick’s Picks Shack relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt, mustard, on a non-GMO potato roll

Is the buy one give one promo available for pick up/ takeaway/ Shack at Home?

Share the Shack is only available through foodpanda.

Can we order/buy directly from the Shacks?

Share the Shack initiative is only available through foodpanda.

Salad Stop is back for your daily dose of healthy eats!

Salad Stop is excited to be back for your daily dose of healthy eats! 

The following outlets are open for takeout and delivery starting today:  Burgos Circle, Central Square, Megamall, Power Plant Mall, and Salcedo Village. Check out our available menu on Foodpanda or Grab Food. 

@SaladStopPH @ssilifeph #eatwideawake #saladstopph #healthyeats #takeout #delivery #staysafe #stayhealthy

The Bistro Group will open more stores for delivery and pick-up starting today

Craving for that burger? Yum!

Beginning May 16 and 17, The Bistro Group will open more stores to continuously bring your Bistro favorites in the comfort of your home. Order in via FoodPanda PH (also available for pick-up) or GrabFood PH for delivery from 10am to 6pm.

Call ahead for takeout orders:

📍 TGIFriday's Philippines Bonifacio High Street

📞 8856-2997 | 0995-481-4847 | 0935-250-7044

📍 TGIFriday's Philippines SM Mall of Asia Official

📞 8821-9166 | 0917-676-1358 | 0977-714-5903

📍 TGIFriday's Philippines Alabang Town Center

📞 8842-9355 | 0917-853-0628 | 0953-144-1147

📍 TGIFriday's Philippines Evia Lifestyle Center

📞 8869-3429 | 0915-029-8826 | 0956-422-5015

📍 TGIFriday's Philippines Glorietta 3

📞 8892-8910 | 0936-991-2036 | 0936-889-5744

📍 Italianni's Philippines Bonifacio High Street

📞 8856-3890 | 0935-860-4544 | 0961-507-0015

📍 Italianni's Philippines Greenbelt 2

📞 7728-0283 | 0995-095-1002 | 0961-756-0728

📍 Italianni's Philippines Eastwood City

📞8709-2247 | 0956-942-5164 | 0947-884-7292

📍 Italianni's Philippines Evia Lifestyle Center

📞8253-6010 | 0908-637-7503 | 0956-421-0809

📍 El Pollo Loco (Inside Italianni's Bonifacio High Street)

📞 8856-3890 | 0935-860-4544 | 0961-507-0015

📍 Denny's Philippines Vista Mall Sta. Rosa

📞(049) 544-9092 | 0917-147-3830 | 0917-561-1143

📍 Denny's Philippines Eastwood City

📞7720-9336 | 7720-9337 | 0919-604-6366 | 0956-513-7612

📍 Denny's Philippines Robinsons Place Manila

📞7234-3132 | 0927-392-0798 | 0917-320-3614 | 0945-211-4358

📍 Denny's Philippines Uptown Parade

📞7772-3371 | 0917-629-4442 | 0995-276-0144

📍 Texas Roadhouse Philippines Uptown Mall

📞8776-2654 | 0956-450-7691 | 0961-042-7182

📍 Texas Roadhouse Philippines Evia Lifestyle Center

📞 0956-450-7696 | 0961-042-7181

📍 Watami Philippines Greenbelt 2

📞7729-9121 | 0917-398-2332 | 0966-625-0020

📍 Watami Philippines NOMO - A Vista Lifestyle Center

📞 0915-464-1068 | 0919-221-2519 | 0927-554-0439

📍 Bulgogi Brothers, Denny's and Modern Shanghai (Bistro Kitchen 9780 Kamagong St., Makati City)

📞 0956-377-4323 | 0956-377-4320