vivo invites people to explore passions with “Take Back the Night” campaign for V19 & V19 Neo

A lot has changed since quarantine measures were put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Nowadays, homes are no longer just for relaxation as it has become an extension of the workplace. The situation has changed how people perceive work-life balance, with some learning new skills to be more productive at work and adapt to the new normal.

And while community lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, the practice of social distancing and staying at home is one that is not expected to disappear any time soon.

But being stuck at home need not be all that bad. Despite adjusting to work-from-home set-ups and finding more worthwhile ways to spend quarantine time, the lockdown period has also presented an opportunity for people to re-explore their individuality and passions, especially at night.

And for those who seem to have temporarily lost the motivation to pursue passions due to restrictions, vivo begs to differ. 

For its latest campaign, the brand calls on people to take back the night—to take back their prime, passionate selves—regardless of the situation.

In the coming weeks, the leading global technology company is set to launch 2 new V series smartphones; the V19 and the V19 Neo. Each with features so advanced, they are deemed to be the ultimate tools for celebrating individuality and exploring passions at night. 

A series of online events and activities will accompany the launch of the handsets, to help individuals discover new passions they can pursue—all while highlighting how the smartphones can be the best companions to take back and relish in the power of the night.

Stay tuned for the latest developments on vivo smartphones and discover how to Take Back the Night by visiting facebook.com/vivo.philippines.

PLDT, Smart partner with Grab for rapid and convenient delivery of internet products

Two of the country’s industry leaders — PLDT Inc., the country’s leading telco and digital services provider, and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading everyday superapp — have announced a groundbreaking partnership to quickly deliver internet solutions straight to Filipino homes.

This is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to further pivot toward more online-driven services, bolstering its already significant digital presence in anticipation of the ‘next new normal’.  By selecting Grab as their strategic partner, PLDT shares in their vision of empowering the whole of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, through the power of technology. 

Under this partnership, PLDT and Grab will provide various online channels through which customers can conveniently order PLDT Home and Smart’s products and have them delivered straight to their homes within 24 hours. 

Starting Monday, June 8, 2020, PLDT Home customers in the Greater Metro Manila area can order PLDT Home Wifi Prepaid units through the PLDT Home website and get their units delivered via the Grab Express delivery service. Purchases can be either paid through debit or credit card for cashless delivery or cash-on-delivery.

Another ingenious offering by both PLDT Inc. and Grab are the PLDT Home and Smart Stores on GrabMart, an on-demand grocery delivery solution, where customers can likewise order the PLDT Home Wifi Prepaid kit and have it immediately brought to their homes.

Grab Philippines president Brian Cu

To further enhance the partnership, Smart will also allow instant loading of prepaid accounts through the Grab app using the GrabPay wallet. Smart prepaid customers can easily buy load or mobile data packages for as low as Php 50 using their own number or buy for family and friends.

PLDT-Smart SVP and Consumer Business Customer Development Head Alex O. Caeg added, “We’ve started with PLDT products. Soon, more of Smart’s products and services will be made more accessible through GrabMart. This is aligned with Smart’s commitment to bring simple solutions and amazing experiences to enrich the digital lives of Filipinos.”

While Grab Philippines president Brian Cu was quoted as saying, “We are thrilled to partner with PLDT Inc. in making internet more available to more homes using our superapp services. It has always been Grab’s aim to empower Filipinos to do more everyday by leveraging the use of digital technologies that improve their lives and make them future-ready. Our partnership with PLDT jumpstarts the many initiatives we have to deliver positive and a sustainable impact for the benefit of all Filipinos"

Smart President and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer, Al S. Panlilio

“Together with Grab, a leader in the digital, app-based transport, food, and logistics space, we are making it quick, convenient, and safe for our customers to enjoy our products and services through on-demand orders coupled with rapid delivery,” says 

“This is part of our overall shift and broader strategy of moving toward online-driven solutions as we ready ourselves for the next stage of the new normal. This partnership extends our reach not only online, but also kicks-off our other strategic initiatives in the space of remote working, e-learning and e-health,” he concluded.

The collaboration and strategic partnership with Grab is aligned with the stepped-up efforts of PLDT and Smart to keep families safe during the community quarantine and even afterwards, by leveraging on the strengths and capabilities of the firms in the digital sphere.  This immediately answers the need for quick delivery of next generation products and services, which has undoubtedly become the norm in the new normal – and doing this has never been any simpler.

For more information about PLDT Inc. and Grab partnership, visit www.pldthome.com and www.smart.com.ph. 

Jollibee re-opens more of its stores and resumes dine-in services in select areas

Today, as the world adapts to a “new normal” due to the global pandemic, the country’s number one fast food chain Jollibee has been gearing up to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of its customers while continuing to deliver quality food and service. 

As Jollibee re-opens more of its stores and resumes dine-in services in select areas, it has intensified the implementation of safety measures and sanitation protocols for its employee and customers.

  

The customer safety journey starts with the crew and store preparations. All store team members are required to have their temperature checked prior to entry, and while inside - are mandated to wear full protective gear, observe physical distancing, and practice regular handwashing and sanitation. The entire store – including store fixtures and utensils – undergo intensive cleaning and sanitation before, during and after business operations.  Team members are also given vitamin supplements to boost their immune system and telemedicine support to immediately attend to their health needs.  This will ensure that they are all healthy and fit to provide the best service to customers, the Alagang Jollibee way. 

Customers go through a 3-step safety check before entering the store: one - stepping on disinfectant mats; two – strict wearing of face masks and three – checking of temperature. Door handles, and other store fixtures and surfaces are disinfected every thirty (30) minutes. For stores with Self-order kiosks or SOKs, they make sure that these SOKs are also sanitized before and after use. Stringent safety protocols are also in place for food preparation and handling.

Jollibee has also installed counter guards at the main counter as an additional safety precaution for customers and cashiers during order taking. The counter guards will soon be available in all Jollibee stores nationwide. In addition, it plans to install table guards on dining tables as an additional safety measure for dine-in customers. Jollibee has also placed markers across their entire store layout – from floor markers, table markers, to seat markers so customers are consistently guided to maintain at least 1-meter distance when queuing and 2-meter distance for dine-in. 

To make sure all protocols are properly adhered to, Jollibee has assigned official Alagang Jollibee Hygiene Ambassadors in every store. They take the lead and oversee the strict implementation of safety precautions, such as wearing of safety gear, physical distancing, no-touch and cashless transactions, and intensified cleaning and sanitation. 

Jollibee has also dedicated a priority lane for frontliners, giving medical and healthcare workers, police and military personnel, and other people involved in providing necessities and essential services, with preferential access when ordering in stores.

As a way of welcoming back diners to its stores while ensuring them that their safety remains the brand’s top priority, Jollibee is set to release a video entitled “Beeda ang Safety at Saya”. In true Jollibee fashion, the video captures the high level of safety standards that Jollibee adheres to – from safety checks for employees and customers, to cleaning and sanitation measures and in-store safety signages and markers. All of these measures are in compliance with the health protocol guidelines set by the Department of Trade and Industry for dine-in restaurants and fastfood establishments. 

“We pride ourselves with our high standards of quality, safety, and cleanliness. And now as we transition to a new normal, we further intensified our safety protocols to ensure that the safety and welfare of both our employees and customers will continue to be prioritized. As we strive to bring joy through our food during this challenging time, rest assured that we will take care of our customers and people in the best possible way,” said Ferns Yu, Jollibee Philippines President. 

This same high standard of safety is also applied to Jollibee’s Delivery service, wherein measures such as intensified sanitation, physical distancing and no touch transactions have been implemented since the start of the ECQ period. 

                                                                                                          

Watch Jollibee’s Beeda Ang Safety at Saya video here as featured in Jollibee’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines/videos/540996766574534/) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX64tBjRkwM&feature=youtu.be). 

Blackwater launches BB Cream and Lip Balm for men

Who says that makeup is only for women? Definitely not Blackwater. The brand has just introduced two make up products designed to help men care look good and feel more confident.

The new Blackwater BB Cream in Tan is a grooming must-have for men. For only P195, this new product effectively hides dark spots, pimple marks, dark circles and uneven skin ton.  Available in the shade of Tan, this new product offers a lightweight matte finish to get rid of that oily shine on the face.

Protect your lips from drying with the new Blackwater Lip Balm with SPF 20. This no-shine lip care product deeply moisturizes and smoothens the appearance of chapped lips. The best part? It's only P120!

The new BB Cream and Lip Balm are available starting June 4 to 6 in Lazada, in time for the Lazada 6.6 sale.

For more updates, visit http://blackwater.com.ph/ or follow Blackwater’s Facebook page @blackwaterphofficial.

Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change’ on June 5 on FB and YouTube

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In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) 2020 this Friday, June 5, PLDT and Smart, through Gabay Kalikasan, premieres a timely and relevant all-original musical revue billed “Songs for a Changed World: COVID and Climate Change.”

The Gabay Kalikasan show will feature popular music interpreted by outstanding talents in Philippine theater, specifically the cast and production team behind the widely successful musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

“Songs for A Changed World,” with concept and libretto by Floy Quintos, musical direction by Myke Salomon and direction by Dexter Santos, will be streamed on the Gabay Kalikasan Facebook page and YouTube channel at 8 p.m.

The musical revue, with cast members Gian Magdangal, OJ Mariano, Jamie Wilson, Jon Santos, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Sheila Francisco, Gab Pangilinan, Bibo Reyes, Boo Gabunada, Giob Rodriguez and Phi Palmos, is a depiction of how different people in lockdown due to Covid19 gain a better appreciation for the world outside and commit to becoming better stewards of the earth. 

It will also feature Gabay Kalikasan celebrity-advocates Dom Roque, Derek Ramsay, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Gabby Concepcion, Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who will be prefacing each Act with messages that comes from the heart.

Gabay Kalikasan believes that even in the midst of the effects of COVID-19, people, should never lose sight of the significance of encouraging awareness and action for the protection and preservation of our environment because neglecting it poses as much threat to the survival of every human being as the pandemic does.

WED has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually. This year’s theme is “Time for Nature” where major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments and all celebrities worldwide adopt to advocate environmental causes. 

It is along this line that PLDT and Smart have launched new videos called “Rewind” advocating for paperless billing and “Cloud” encouraging people to delete old files from the net, both with the hope of informing and educating the public how these practices affect and place additional burden on the environment and the planet as a whole. 

For more information, please visit Gabay Kalikasan Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages and find out how we all can do our share in helping save our planet earth. 

Landers is offering free online workshops for kids

Here’s a fun online learning activity your kids can do in the comfort of your own home!

Landers Superstore’s Mommy Club, in partnership with Child’s Home Educational Center, is offering weekly online workshop classes open to children of Landers members who are aged 4 to 7. Kids can learn about nature, science, animals, and health. The classes will have storytelling, arts and crafts activities, science experiments, and games to ensure a fun and educational time for your kids.

Starting June 2, the workshop classes will be held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 11AM and 4PM and will run for four weeks. Each class will be 45 to 60 minutes long and will be facilitated by two preschool teachers from Child’s Home Education Center.

The best part of all this – everything is for free! No payment will be collected but participants are required to have a stable internet connection, as well as a phone, tablet, or laptop with the Zoom app. They will receive the Zoom meeting ID and list of materials needed on the day of their kid’s scheduled class.

If you’re not yet a Landers Superstore member but want your kids to join, you can easily sign up for a membership at https://www.landers.ph/lofcustomermembership/buy. 

After signing up, go to the Landers Mommy Club Facebook page @LandersMommyClub and join the group. Only 15 kids will be accepted for each class and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration link for each week’s classes will be posted at least 3 days before the first class of the week.

For more information, you may like the Landers Superstore Facebook page and follow them on Instagram @landersph.

Children and young people step up amidst the COVID-19 pandemic – World Vision research report

Amidst these challenging times, children and young people expressed high sense of social responsibility to fight the spread of COVID-19 in their respective communities while complying with lockdown measures, research report by World Vision finds.
The research ‘Children’s voices in times of COVID-19: Continued child activism in the face of personal challenges’ consulted over 100 children and young people in 13 countries to understand the various ways the health pandemic affected them and the actions they have taken to respond to the crisis.
The study highlights that social media platforms proved to be useful for children to share information about the risks of COVID-19 and to offer support to their peers who are feeling isolated and distressed.
‘Children and young people asserted that they could play a pivotal role in raising awareness on COVID-19 and providing information to people because, in many cases, they had better education and more access to technology and information than their parents and other community members,’ according to the study.
Rather than feeling burdened, children also expressed that participating in child-led online activities is a rewarding experience that ‘helped them transform the stress and fear they were suffering into something powerful and transformative, rather than demanding and upsetting’.

One participant from the Philippines shared, ‘I am volunteering in my community to battle the coronavirus pandemic and raise awareness about the risks the virus brings to the population. We want to ensure that the people are following the instructions and are using masks and gloves when needed. I feel this is an opportunity to help others’ (Jomarie, age 17, Philippines).
The study underscores the importance of valuing children’s voices in decision-making processes throughout the crisis and rethinking modes of participation such as opting for more digital approach or the use of community-based radio stations and posters in communities in sharing their messages widely, where internet is not present.
At the same time, the study also urges NGOs to help make online spaces conducive and safe for children’s participation, especially amidst reports of increased risk of abuse children experience online.

Here’s how you can get special discounts and prizes from OPPO this June 5

Great deals, fun games, and exciting prizes will be up again as OPPO closes the week by going live on Facebook!

At 4pm on June 5, entrepreneur and Find X2 Pro brand ambassador Belle Daza and top tech publication Yugatech’s Justine Basco will be hosting the weekly ShOPPO Livestream via OPPO’s Facebook page. Viewers can get exclusive insights from the two on how the “new normal” is shaping the digital lifestyle of the Filipino millennials, as well as fresh ideas on how you can best to maximize the camera features of the Find X2 Pro. 

Exciting games and freebies await for all viewers to enjoy when you join the livestream games, Wheel of OPPOrtune. Participating viewers will get a chance to take home OPPO Enco Q1 and OPPO Enco Free.

Following Belle and Justine, Janine Gutierrez will be hosting a special livestream for OPPO on Lazada’s Facebook page at 5:30pm. Hang out with Janine and get exclusive tips on how she takes her editorial-esque social media photos, and surprise freebies while shopping for a new OPPO smartphone with exclusive Lazada Livestream discounts.

Greater deals on extended #LiveItUp promo

Live it up with the best deals and promos until the end of June with the Big OPPO Sale. Score up to PHP3,000 savings with the #LiveItUp price drop promo for the best-selling OPPO A9 2020, A5s 3G, and Reno2:

A series:

- The A5S 3G is now priced at Php5,990 (previously at Php6,990).

- The A9 2020 is now priced at Php12,990 (previously at Php13,990).

Reno series:

- The Reno2 is now priced at Php25,990 (previously at Php28,990).

- The latest Reno3 priced at Php18,990 and the Reno3 Pro priced at Php28,990, both come with a FREE Rockspace EB60 True Wireless Stereo Earbuds worth Php2,499 for every purchase.

Find series:

- The latest OPPO flagship offering Find X2 Pro is priced at Php65,990, and comes

with a FREE OPPO Enco Q1 worth Php 4,990. 

The Big OPPO Sale runs until the end of June 2020 in select OPPO Concept Stores and official dealer partners including e-commerce platform partners Lazada and Shopee.

For more updates and list of partners dealers, visit OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages via twitter.com/OPPOPhilippines, fb.com/OPPOPH/, and instagram.com/oppophilippines/. 

Cebu Pacific Advisory Flight Schedule – June 4 to 7, 2020

Cebu Pacific and Cebgo plan to mount the following flights from June 4-7, 2020: 

As this is a developing situation, flight schedules may change, subject to approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), the Local Government Units (LGU) and other concerned government agencies.  Additional flight schedules will be announced, as we continue to work with the IATF and the LGUs on resuming domestic routes. We will provide updates through our website and official social media accounts. 

Passengers on the above-mentioned flights are reminded of the following: 

1.       Per government regulations, leisure travel is not allowed. The flights are intended only for essential travel. Guests may be asked to present requirements the prove purpose of travel. Please check guidelines of the IATF, or with the LGU of origin and destination. 

2.       Avoid going to the airport without a confirmed flight. We encourage guests to manage their bookings via the Cebu Pacific website, http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight.  

3.       Be at the airport at least three (3) hours before flight. Check-in counters close one (1) hour before departure. 

4.       Wearing of face masks is mandatory. Physical distancing will also be observed from check-in to boarding to deplaning. 

Additional safety measures 

We have enhanced our safety measures across our operations, on top of implementing preventive measures for the welfare of our passengers and personnel. Cebu Pacific adheres to air travel guidelines issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as local and international health authorities, including the World Health Organization. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/CEBSafeTravel 

For more information, frequently asked questions may be found here:  http://bit.ly/CEBRestartFAQs  

LRMC rolls out thermal screening system at LRT-1 stations

As part of its serious commitment to enforce health and safety measures against COVID-19, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has deployed new thermal cameras at select high-traffic LRT-1 stations for use in entry screening. LRT-1 resumed its operations last 1 June 2020 after receiving the green light from the government under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) guidelines.

The forward-looking infrared (FLIR) set-up consists of a thermal camera attached to a tripod and connected to a monitor. The camera detects the infrared energy invisible to the human eye that people and objects emit. An automatic alarm is triggered with red color notification if temperature is higher than the settings. The FLIR thermal scanning system is currently used in hospitals, establishments, and schools in Taiwan –one of the countries recognized for their most effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also the same system deployed at Taipei Metro.

The thermal screening system will be used at six (6) LRT-1 stations: Monumento (Northbound), Roosevelt, Doroteo Jose, Gil Puyat (Southbound), Edsa (Southbound), and Baclaran. The ones for Baclaran and EDSA have already been deployed, while the rest will be installed in the succeeding week. Other LRT-1 stations will continue to use non-contact thermometers for the temperature screening. Based on LRMC’s previously released guidelines, passengers with temperature greater than 37.6˚ C will not be allowed to enter the station.

“With the acquisition of the new FLIR scanning system and other safety measures, we’re honoring our commitment to invest in technology and continue to set the bar high when it comes to giving our LRT-1 passengers the safety and protection they deserve. We’re also asking those who are not feeling well and have flu-like symptoms to stay at home and postpone their outside travel.” said Andrea Madrid, LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) Department. 

Heightened disinfection measures

In addition to the new thermal scanners, LRMC has upgraded its disinfection measures using Ultraviolet C (UVC) technology, in a technical partnership with UP National Engineering Center (UPNEC). LRMC currently uses prototype handheld and 360-degree UVC lamps from UPNEC, as well as the 180-degree UVC lamps procured from Taiwan to complement chemical disinfection of trains and other facilities.

LRMC has already instituted other measures such as disinfecting mats, hygiene supply provisions, and daily health checks for all visitors and staff at LRT-1 stations, facilities, and the depot. LRMC also ensures that it is up to date with the passenger, sanitation, and safety promotion guidelines required for operation by the Inter-Agency Task Force.

Preventive and maintenance work for the line have also been undertaken during the downtime, all of which were done 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.

realme Philippines new Blue Soda variant has been designed by Design Master Naoto Fukasawa

It’s chic, it’s new and it’s blue -- realme Philippines, dedicated to providing powerful smartphones with contemporary aesthetic, makes the Blue Soda variant of the top-selling value beast realme 6i available in the country. 

The Blue Soda variant is the third color option for the realme 6i, following the two initial variants White Milk and Green Tea. Just like the preceding versions, the design takes inspiration from beloved beverages, this time from sweet and fizzy soda. 

The realme 6i has been personally designed by industrial design master Naoto Fukasawa, the same genius behind the design of the realme X series Master Edition. Fukasawa, who is also in charge of the product development and design of a famous Japanese retail company, is known for his minimalistic yet striking designs.

“The color blue has always had a transcendent appeal because of the serenity, coolness and sophistication it represents. We know that many of our fans continue to rave about the colorways of the realme 6i, thus we are happy that we are adding the realme 6i Blue Soda to the current variants available in the Philippines,” shares the  VP for Marketing of realme Philippines Austine Huang.  

The realme 6i was launched in the Philippines on May 13, 2020. During its Lazada Flash Sale, the realme 6i got sold out in just seven minutes, a feat attributed to the phone’s top-notch features: a MediaTek Helio G80 SoC, a 48MP quad-camera set-up and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W Charging. The realme 6i also boasts a 35 percent CPU performance boost over the realme 5, its predecessor. It is poised to be a value beast in the sub-10k price segment, with its features being available in midrange smartphones. 

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The realme 6i Blue Soda variant also has two storage configurations: 3GB RAM + 64GB storage for Php7,990 and 4GB RAM + 128GB storage for Php9,990. It will be available in the official realme stores on both Lazada and Shopee starting June 04. People may also avail of this particular variant in all realme stores and kiosks nationwide.

As initial offering for realme 6i Blue Soda variant, customers may avail special sale promos during the highly anticipated 6.6 e-commerce sale events of Lazada and Shopee.

realme at Shopee 6.6 Sale

realme Philippines also joins the much awaited Shopee 6.6 Sale, offering up to 21% discount on smartphones and AIoT devices. On June 6, Shopee Flash Sales featuring the realme 6 series will be up to offer special discounts.

Shopee customers can also get a chance to win a brand new realme 6 8+128 gaming smartphone when they like and follow the realme Philippines Facebook Page and follow the the realme Official Store. Fans may visit the realme Philippines Facebook Page on June 5, 6:00 p.m. for the full mechanics.

For more information, customers may follow the realme Philippines official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Purchasers of the realme 6i are also welcome to join the realme community on Facebook to see the latest news and discussions about the brand. Members also get exclusive invites to gatherings, special offers and many more.