A Star on the Rise: Getting Up Close and Personal with Robic Villanueva

Robic Villanueva grew up watching her favorite actresses, Vilma Santos and Maricel Soriano, onscreen. Now, this amazing creator, who has been locally dubbed as TikTok’s best actress, is the one being watched by millions. With 235.5K followers and 1.3M likes, there’s no doubt that, on TikTok, Robic is a star.

Here’s Robic in one of her favorite Vilma Santos impressions.

https://www.tiktok.com/@robiciv/video/6756705133201001730

She has always loved performing, and from a very young age, Robic’s natural talent was already evident. “When I was six years old po, mahilig na akong magkanta-kanta, sumayaw-sayaw, ganun,” she shares. Formerly a Maine Mendoza impersonator, she recently discovered TikTok as an awesome platform to flex her acting chops.

Here’s Robic in a Maine Mendoza scene.

 https://www.tiktok.com/@robiciv/video/6824442269429468417

Robic aspires to become an actress. With the recognition that she has been getting online, this dream may soon become a reality. In fact, she was recently featured on the TV program, Magandang Buhay, where she was interviewed and even tasked to show a quick acting sample.

 When asked to describe herself, Robic says that she is a simple person who loves to dream. With friends, she is happy and hyper. But it wasn’t always like this for Robic, who battled depression when she was younger. “Since, high school po kasi yun eh. Grade 7 kasi nakaranas po ako ng pambu-bully. Yung hindi normal na bully, yung talagang bully po talaga. Physical po.,” she reveals.

Their family’s financial troubles also added to her worries, and Robic soon found herself in a very dark place. In spite of this, she never lost sight of her dreams and with hardwork and faith, Robic began overcoming her depression.

If she could say one thing to that young, troubled version of herself, it would be this. “Ipagpatuloy lang natin kung ano yung talagang pinapangarap mo, ganun. Push lang.”

Check out more highly-viewed TikTok videos from Robic Villanueva.

[Embed videos: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@robiciv/video/6783065024941296897

https://www.tiktok.com/@robiciv/video/6806858317814713601

https://www.tiktok.com/@robiciv/video/6805328988483980545]

To aspiring creators, this is Robic’s message. “Huwag silang mawalan ng pag-asa. Matuto tayong maghintay tapos more video lang po. Yung mga video na gagawin nila, ipakita nila na gusto talaga nila yung ginagawa nila.” She laughs and adds, “Malay natin yung isang video mo do’n, yun yung mag-viral. Kasi ako rin po kasi, di ko talaga iniexpect yung ganun eh. Nag-emote lang po ako kasi non.”

We can definitely expect to see more from Robic Villanueva in the weeks to come, including an exciting collaboration with fellow creator, Richo Bautista. Don’t miss out! Download TikTok on iOS and Android devices today.

PLDT launches new package of business-grade internet and digital solutions

 Leading telecoms and digital services provider PLDT, Inc. has launched its newest package of connectivity and digital solutions to help businesses gear up for operating in the New Normal.

Jovy Hernandez  ePLDT President & CEO and SVP Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

Called BEYOND FIBER, the new service package offered by PLDT’s Enterprise Group features a set of curated digital tools ranging from productivity and collaboration tools to e-payments and e-commerce solutions. These services are combined with enterprise-grade WiFi running on premium fiber service—enabling small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to fearlessly make the digital shift towards long-term growth.

“We at PLDT and Smart are focused on putting the customer at the center of everything we do. Within the Enterprise group, we aim to do this through the launch of solutions such as BEYOND FIBER, which is set to benefit all our customers—regardless of size or industry. We look forward to seeing how this solution will inspire business to look beyond the current situation and take their businesses further,” said Smart President & CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Al Panlilio.

“Digitalization has now become critical for businesses that want to survive and thrive under the challenging conditions created by the COVID pandemic. We specifically designed BEYOND FIBER to equip businesses with digital solutions tailor-fit to the growing needs of today’s enterprises,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

For only P2,500 a month, SMEs and large enterprises alike can avail of the foundational components of BEYOND FIBER: enterprise-grade connectivity via a premium WiFi device and fiber connection, all supported by a dedicated business hotline.

BEYOND FIBER raises the bar by offering a more robust business-grade fiber link with speeds of up to 50 Mbps—harnessing PLDT’s extensive fiber optic network with over 322,000 kilometers of fiber cables and growing – to better enable the day-to-day business for an office, a branch or for people working from home.

To manage the expanding use of wi-fi connectivity in the workplace, BEYOND FIBER comes with a secure, enterprise-grade wi-fi router. Stores for example can have dual wi-fi networks: one for work, and one for guests. 

For businesses using telecommute or work-from-home arrangements, the WiFi service can enforce certain network policies to support their company processes.  This is made possible by PLDT’s partnership with Cisco Meraki – a leader in cloud managed IT with unmatched visibility and control.  

On top of this, PLDT is offering a selection of solutions that fit current and future digital needs of enterprises. This includes productivity tools available through Microsoft 365’s suite of work solutions, collaboration tools via MS Teams, appointments scheduling via MS Bookings.

BEYOND FIBER also offers solutions to protect work devices from cyber-attacks via ePLDT’s Endpoint Advanced Security, to enable cashless and online payments via Paymaya, and to provide secure & private connections through Cisco Meraki Z3.

“These are the solutions initially lined up under BEYOND FIBER.  We will have more in the months to come. This initiative is designed to help businesses to make their digital shift—so that they grow amid the COVID crisis and help power the recovery of the national economy,” Hernandez said.  

For more information on BEYOND FIBER by PLDT Enterprise, log on to https://pldtenterprise.com/solutions/internet/beyond-fiber

Diwatang Maria soaps are all-natural, paraben-free and free of other harmful ingredients

Looking beautiful is still relevant. Even in times of calamity or pandemic, men and women choose to look dapper in and out of their homes. But beneath this consciousness to look good, everyone nowadays gives the same emphasis on the importance of feeling good at the same time, a realization that seemed to have led the industry to a continuous transformation.

There is no denying, a lot of consumers are still swayed by the popular concept of beauty – pouty lips, oozing butt, massive breasts, obvious cheekbones, trendy hairstyles and whatnot- Hollywood has drilled in their psyche, countless people are beginning to ask if these products endorsed by celebrities that help them look appealing are safe, harmless, organic, and even ethical.

This gave rise to Green beauty, a growing movement of people and industries who want to be beautiful and responsible at the same time.

The term Green beauty has no precise definition in the dictionary. The person who coined this term must have drawn it from the conclusion of ascensional aesthetic (the belief that one should rise from lower to higher forms of beauty), with contention that artificial beauty is enjoyable.

To be clear about it, Green beauty is clean beauty and generally refers to products which are non-toxic and not harmful whether they are natural or not. One must take not that there is no such thing as ‘chemical-free’ cosmetics since every ingredient used in developing a cosmetic product, natural or synthetic is a chemical. 

What green beauty tries to emphasize is the absence of harsh synthetic elements, which are toxic and carcinogenic every consumer applies in his/her body, and at the same time do not destroy the environment.

This commercial ethos covers a wide spectrum of principles that advocates the use of products that are not harmful to one’s health and the planet. It comes with an awareness that being 'green' also means being socially responsible and ethically mindful.

In the Philippines, Diwatang Maria is setting the benchmark for Green beauty at a high level.

Diwatang Maria is a local start-up brand that blends science and passion to give Filipinos access to effective, achievable, and sustainable skincare. “We offer high-quality and locally made organic soaps that help your skin achieve that healthy glow to which the diwatas are known for,” shares Ma. Concepcion Macalintal, founder and CEO of Diwatang Maria.

The company was founded in 2018 when she saw the need to provide beauty products that will not only help consumers attain the results from the products they are using, but also to embrace a business ethic that provides consumers ‘green beauty’ products that are natural, organic, safe, free from harmful and toxic ingredients, and safe to the environment.

Expressing why Diwatang Maria chose to be in the green beauty market, Macalintal said, “People are starting to realize the importance of natural or organic products. This Green Beauty movement is more than a practice that was adopted just recently but rather a reticent movement, which started sometime and is growing as consumers are being empowered by the fact that there can be a better and safer choice:

She also added that her company wanted to promote the use of locally made organic goods and “gather support as they promote eco-friendly products and we want to share that Filipino-made products are on a par with international brands when it comes to producing premium quality soaps.”

Diwatang Maria recently introduced its three pilot products, namely Mariang Makiling, Mariang Sinukuan, Mariang Cacao.

Diwatang Maria Makiling is made with Papaya Enzyme and Kojic Acid that lightens the skin and fades dark spots. Kojic Acid is an organic compound derived from fungi-like mushrooms, used for fighting against melasma and hyper-pigmentation. Maria Makiling has Coconut oil and Aloe vera that together Kojic and Papaya have powerful antioxidants that cleanse the skin and fight against bacteria-caused acne and blemishes, leaving a healthy and glowing skin. This all-natural and paraben-free product and recommended to those with uneven skin tone and blemish-prone skin.

Diwatang Maria Makiling soap also uses Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera that work best to prevent acne and blemishes. Its rich lather leaves the skin healthy and glowing.

Diwatang Maria Sinukuan is made with Oatmeal Kernel and Collodial Oatmeal that relieves skin irritation and itching that makes it perfect for sensitive skin. Maria Sinukan has Papaya Enzyme, Glutathione, and Kojic Acid, which all have powerful antioxidants that cleanse and lighten the skin. It also has Coconut Oil and Aloe vera that together with Oatmeal have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, leaving a healthy and glowing skin. This all-natural and paraben-free product and recommended to those with sensitive skin and/or blemish-prone skin.

Maria Makiling, the sacred protector of Mt. Makiling gives you the harmonious combination of Papaya Enzyme and Kojic Acid, which is an organic compound derived from fungi and malting of rice known to be effective in improving the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation.  

Meanwhile, DiwatangMaria Sinukuan contains Oatmeal Kernel and Colloidal Oatmeal that help your skin free from irritation and itching. Perfect for sensitive skin, DiwatangMaria Sinukuan combines the power of Papaya Enzyme, Glutathione, and Kojic Acid to provide your skin the antioxidants that keep the skin healthy, clean, and glowing. It also contains coconut oil and aloe vera, together with oatmeal, they form a trio of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory lather for healthy and radiant skin.

Diwatang Maria Cacao is made with Oatmeal Kernel and Collodial Oatmeal that relieves skin #OrganicSoap #GreenBeauty #Eco-friendly #naturalbeautyirritation and itching that makes it perfect for sensitive skin. Maria Cacao has Shea Butter which is one best anti-aging agents for the skin, stimulates the production of collagen. Together with Aloe vera, it moisturizes skin and restores the elasticity of the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical properties leaving healthy and glowing skin. This all-natural and paraben-free product and recommended to those with normal or sensitive skin. It can also be used as a remedy for sunburn or skin peeling.

Diwantang Maria Cacao, the chocolate-scented Diwatang Maria Cacao nourishes the skin through the skin-enhancing benefits from Oatmeal Kernel, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Shea Butter. The powerful moisturizing effect of this trio helps the skin to delay aging and boosts the production of collagen.

All Diwatang Maria products, are all-natural, paraben-free, and free of other harmful ingredients.

Although a number of businesses in the country try to cope with this green movement by offering products with natural ingredients, it wasn’t some five years ago when considerably more organizations saw the importance of  green awareness and began the  integration  cleaner, safer practices in their products and services.

Diwatang Maria also recognizes the importance of sustainability as it uses natural ingredients in its products.

The company is expecting expansion within the year to cater to more Filipinos nationwide to better serve its growing market.

Macalintal also invited entrepreneurial individuals to join Diwatang Maria as distributors or resellers. “We are offering exciting packages for those who want to be our partners in the business. Let’s take advantage of earning at the comfort of our homes since most of the people now prefer work from home arrangements.”

Diwatang Maria is available in Lazada and Shoppee. 

For more information check http://www.diwatangmaria.com. 

Follow and like us on FB: www.facebook.com/diwatangmariaph/. Instagram: diwatangmariaph

hashtags:  #DiwatangMaria #OrganicSoap #GreenBeauty #Eco-friendly #naturalbeauty 

BDO warns against fake social media sellers

BDO Unibank cautions clients who shop online against fake sellers. Some of these scammers, often pretending to be page administrators of online shops, bait victims with attractive deals. They lure interested buyers in social media and messaging app communities, and urge them into making a deposit immediately to seal the deal. After getting the payment, they become unreachable.

Other fake social media sellers post “PM is key,” which means buyers should send them a private message to know the product’s price and other details. BDO says that this tactic is a red flag and against the law. The Republic Act (RA) No. 7394 or the Consumer Act as well as RA No. 7581 require all sellers to display product prices explicitly. 

Non-compliance, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), can result in a fine from P5,000 to P2 million and may face maximum imprisonment of 15 years. Consumers may report vendors, online or otherwise, who violate this law to the DTI.

With the new normal driving more people to shop online, BDO reminds its clients to be wary of vendors they negotiate with on social media. While not all are scammers, some are—so it’s urgently crucial to stay vigilant and get to know them well before sending them money.

Spotting scammers

There are red flags to identify a fake social media seller:

1.         They offer branded products with prices that are unbelievably lower than their market prices. “All in na po ‘yan!” is a common assurance. As the saying goes: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

2.         They build big expectations to entice and excite the buyer, but do not provide sufficient information about the product’s history and features. “Orig po ‘yan, galing sa US, good quality!” Oftentimes, they give inconsistent answers when buyer clarifies.

3.         They are vague and elusive. They provide little to no information about deliveries or return/refund policies. “Ipa-deliver po namin sa address inyo pag napadala nyo na ang print screen ng bayad” is a usual promise. They also do not have contact information on their profiles.

4.         They insist on immediate payments and outside the legitimate shopping website or platform, often via direct deposits to their accounts. “Last stock na po ‘to! Para po masiguradong makuha nyo po ‘to, ipadala nyo na po yung bayad sa bank account ko po imbes po sa shopping website.” They may even offer additional discounts to be more persuasive and rush the purchase.

5.         As an alternative payment method, they may ask for the buyer’s credit card numbers to make the transaction themselves. They may even ask for personal information, including birth dates, mother’s maiden name, and other unique details. 

Protecting personal information

BDO reminds clients to never allow anyone to make transactions on their behalf by providing their personal information. “Never give your personal information to anyone because this can be used to steal your identity and money from your bank account. Personal information includes your One-Time Pins (OTPs) which serves as another layer of protection when you bank online,” the bank said.

OTPs can be used once and only within a short span of time. They are unique six-character codes sent by the bank to complete a mobile number’s registration to BDO Online Banking, and confirm an online transaction.

Pre-order the vivo V19 Neo, get free wireless earbuds or earphones

Smartphone enthusiasts who want to pursue their passions to “ignite your night” with the new vivo V19 Neo, can get more exciting experiences when they pre-order the latest flagship handset, online and in stores nationwide.

From June 13 to 19, customers who order the V19 Neo for P17,999, will get a P4,599-worth limited-edition gift of wireless noise cancelling premium earbuds and 6 months extended phone warranty. The freebie bundle package is exclusively available on vivo flagship stores in Shopee and Lazada until supplies last.

Meanwhile, those who will place an advance order on the V19 Neo at participating vivo concept stores nationwide will score a P3,000-worth limited-edition gift of wireless noise-cancelling premium earphones and 6 months extended phone warranty.

The V19 Neo has a 5-camera design that includes a 48MP AI quad camera and 32MP front camera. It has the Super Night Mode and Super Night Selfie features that are perfect for those who want to enjoy and share their nighttime passions through photography.

A 6.44-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ Ultra O Screen offers a new viewing experience as it accommodates the in-display front camera and fingerprint scanning technology.

The V19 Neo is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE and has an 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM. It is powered by a 33W vivo FlashCharge 2.0 4500mAh battery in the V19, and a dual-engine fast charging 4500mAh battery in the V19 Neo.

Available in Admiral Blue and Crystal White themed colorways, the V19 Neo will be available starting June 13. To pre-order the latest flagship handset today, visit the official vivo Lazada and Shopee online stores. See posters and print ads for more details.