Free stories for all with Smart's Giga Stories 99!

Even though many of us have to stay home to protect ourselves from the pandemic, it doesn’t mean that we can’t establish meaningful connections anymore. Thanks to mobile internet and various social media apps, we can always connect with our family, friends and our favorite personalities with just a few taps on our phone.

To keep us connecting and sharing our stories with friends and loved ones, Smart offers Giga Stories 99, which comes with a total of 16 GB, valid for 7 days! By registering to Giga Stories 99, subscribers get Free Stories for All, which means having a total of 14 GB for FB, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok at 2 GB per day, plus 2 GB worth of open access data.

With this much data, you definitely won’t miss an update from the people you care about. You can also cheer up your peers by sharing more inspiring content, or use your voice to raise awareness within your social circle and help those in need. 

On top of these, you can also enjoy access to all your favorite online content - whether it’s streaming video and music, working with productivity apps, uploading your own content, playing mobile games, and more.

To subscribe to Smart Giga Stories 99, just dial *123# and choose Free Stories for All.

‘Simple. Smart Ako’

No matter what you’re into, Smart is ready to empower your digital lifestyle via simple and easy digital solutions as part of its latest “Simple. Smart Ako” campaign.

Filipinos are able to live the Giga life powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile data network, as affirmed by international third-party mobile analytics firms.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, cited Smart as The Philippines’ Speedtest Awards Winner for mobile network speed during Q1-Q4 2019. To win this award, Smart achieved a Speed Score™ of 17.40, with average speeds of 19.62 Mbps for download and 9.45 Mbps for upload.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its April 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report* for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, Voice App Experience, Games Experience, and 4G Availability.

Know more about Smart’s promos and services by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications, Twitter and Instagram at @LiveSmart. 

Beauty Behind Closed Doors: Dr. Belo shares self-care advice during quarantine

Manulife Philippines held a free wellness webinar led by celebrated dermatologist Dr. Vicki Belo, President and Medical Director of the Belo Medical Group, to share self-care advice with Filipinos, as they face the uncertainties brought about by COVID-19. 

“We want to help Filipinos learn how they can take care of themselves during these challenging times, when we have heightened fears and worries because of the pandemic. We believe self-care is not a selfish indulgence, but an investment in one’s self. When we, as individuals, are healthy and happy, we are better able to support one another with our struggles, and offer the best of us, rather than what’s left of us,” said Melissa Henson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines. 

At the webinar titled Beauty Behind Closed Doors: Self-Care During Quarantine, Dr. Belo shared self-care advice grounded on four principles: 

        Balance: as more companies embrace remote working to keep their people safe, many struggle with the blurring lines between the office and home. Dr. Belo shared ideas on how one can find work-life balance by setting a specific work area and work schedule, dressing up even at home, and protecting one’s mental health by doing projects that will make you happy and journaling your progress. She also mentioned taking care of your skin even while indoors. Screen time can be just as harsh as sunlight and can cause hyper pigmentation and premature aging. 

Eating and Exercise: aside from sharing the benefits of regular movement, cardiovascular exercises for increased lung capacity, and a balanced diet in toning and strengthening the body, Dr. Belo also noted how these can help boost one’s immunity and manage stress and anxiety amidst the pandemic. She also mentioned “Face Gym,” a form of exercise specifically for the face and neck, and the importance of staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. 

Learning:  Dr. Belo also discussed the importance of exercising the mind. She believes that it is good to stay informed but not overwhelmed, and to seek reliable information from trusted sources only. While physical distancing is necessary, Dr. Belo reminded people to minimize the feeling of isolation by fostering deeper emotional closeness with loved ones. 

    Offering gratitude: Dr. Belo encourages embracing an attitude of gratitude, as it has been cited as an important pillar of psychological wellbeing that also manifests in stronger physical health.   

This is only the latest of Manulife Philippines’ series of free webinars. To know more about future webinars and topics, follow Manulife’s Facebook page.  

Enjoy Greater Cost Savings and Convenience with ShopeePay Day

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches ShopeePay Day, to offer greater convenience and cost savings as more Filipinos turn to cashless payments when they shop online. On June 25, ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive limited-time deals and promotions, including free shipping and coins cashback.  

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “Many Filipinos rely on e-commerce to meet their everyday needs as they live, work, and play from home. We are pleased to introduce ShopeePay Day to meet this trend, and offer our users greater convenience and savings as they shop with us.  As e-commerce takes on greater importance in people’s lives, Shopee will continue to innovate and introduce initiatives to enhance the online shopping experience for all.”    

On June 25, ShopeePay users can enjoy the following benefits as they shop from home: 

●      One-day Exclusive Free Shipping: Users can enjoy free shipping with no minimum spending on ShopeePay Day.

●      Exclusive Limited-time Deals and Promotions: ShopeePay users can look forward to exclusive promotions, including ₱125 off with every ₱500 minimum spend and further discounts when they purchase physical and digital products or pay their bills via ShopeePay. 

●      Special Lucky Draw: From June 25 to 27, regular ShopeePay users stand a chance to win exciting prizes via a special lucky draw when they top up their ShopeePay wallets^[1]. This includes ShopeePay credits, Shopee coins, and vouchers. 

First-time ShopeePay users can easily activate their ShopeePay accounts in three simple steps:

1. Users need to log in to the Shopee platform, click on the ShopeePay tab, and then click ‘Setup ShopeePay’. 
2. Users should fill up the personal information form. They will receive a one-time password on their mobile phones after they complete the form. 
3. Users need to create and re-confirm their ShopeePay pin. 

Visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay for more information about ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee application for free through the App Store or Google Play and activate ShopeePay. 

Alfamart turns 6; remains focused on focused advocacy-and-service-driven culture

As Alfamart Philippines, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the country, celebrated its 6^th year of operating in the Philippines, they have opened almost 900 stores across Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and South Luzon.

Despite the formidable and expansive numbers that they have achieved in such a short time, Alfamart nevertheless remains focused on its advocacy-and-service-driven culture. “We couldn’t have achieved the success that we now enjoy if we weren’t rooted in our advocacies of community development and service,” Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey Ong said.

Since Alfamart opened their first store in Trece Martires, Cavite in 2014, they have been establishing new Super Minimarts non-stop. According to Ong, the motivation for their rapid expansion was so they could bring daily needs closer to the communities that they serve. “From our first store in Trece Martires, we saw how having a neighborhood Super Minimart encouraged growth in the community,” he said. “So, we wanted to bring that possibility of community development to a neighborhood that needs it,” Ong added.

Ong also highlighted how their advocacy-driven culture has helped them through the recent quarantines that their affected communities went through. “Being an essential service, our Super Minimarts were able to remain open during the various quarantine periods. We gave most of the staff freedom to choose if they want to report for duty or not. And I was extremely proud and deeply moved when the Alfamart staff, from administrative, to managerial, to frontline, chose to serve despite trying times,” Ong shared. “It is very humbling and emotionally overwhelming. I was happy to know that everyone in the Alfamart family has imbibed our service-oriented culture,” he continued.

During the quarantine, Alfamart provided as much convenience as they can to employees, such as shuttles to and from work, personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Now that the country is transitioning out of quarantine, Alfamart continues its mission to serve more communities. Even before the COVID-19 crisis hit the Philippines, Alfamart’s expansion strategy has always been about creating partnerships, whether it be with landowners, lessors, product sellers, and local government.

“We are always on the lookout to partner with whomever wants to join the Alfamart family and contribute to our advocacy,” Ong said. “Partnerships are especially more relevant now that everyone is recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. We also took our own hits, and as we recover, we hope to stand up and support other individuals or businesses who need a hand to get back on their feet,” Ong concluded.

For more information on how to become a lessor, a consignee, or an employee, you may visit the Alfamart website at https://alfamart.com.ph/.

Kathryn Bernardo is the newest face of Gatorade Ion

No matter what we do and what we’re into, one thing that’s a must for everyone from all walks of life is the need for everyday hydration. The risks and dangers of dehydration, especially in a tropical climate such as the Philippines, are all too real—which is why we need to constantly hydrate.

Gatorade Ion, the drink that’s best for everyday hydration, takes a step further into promoting this important hydration reminder to all Filipinos by officially welcoming popular young Filipino actress, host, and celebrity Kathryn Bernardo to its ranks as its newest brand ambassador in a catch-up session on Instagram Live last June 20.

Bernardo is the perfect personality to endorse Gatorade Ion—with her showbiz schedule, hobbies, and interests keeping her busy and regularly exposed to heat all the time, she always needs fluids to make sure she performs her best. Gatorade Ion’s optimal amount of fluids and ions and formula of low sodium, no preservatives, no artificial flavors, and colors are what keeps non-stop go-getters like her hydrated. 

“I’m so happy and very honored to be the newest endorser for Gatorade Ion,” said Bernardo. “I believe hydration is very important for anyone, especially in a warm country like the Philippines where everyone is always on-the-go. Gatorade Ion is the best way to help us avoid the dangers of being dehydrated. It is in citrus quench in flavor, which makes it so refreshing on a hot day. It’s my new favorite go-to drink, I swear.”

“We’re really excited to have Kathryn aboard for Gatorade Ion,” said IC Sta. Maria, PepsiCo Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration. “Regular hydration every day is a must, and with her lifestyle, Kathryn is the ideal person to promote the benefits of staying hydrated.”

The catch-up session with Bernardo, hosted by her good friend and fellow celebrity Robi Domingo, revealed that she had taken advantage of the quarantine to pursue new activities, such as baking, watching K-dramas, and learning to play the piano, just to name a few.

And she also even gave a special message to boyfriend Daniel Padilla, who takes care of Bernardo and her family during the quarantine by bringing them goods and groceries. “Hindi enough ang thank you. Grabe lang yung alaga niya [sa aming lahat]. Hindi siya nagkulang—siya talaga yung nagse-set ng bar. I’m really thankful.”

To keep up with everything about hydration, everyday life, and Gatorade Ion’s newest partnership with Kathryn Bernardo, follow @gatoradeion on Facebook, IG, and Twitter. Stay hydrated with Gatorade Ion! Available in convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide. #GatoradeIon #EverydayHydratION

How to keep make up on under a face mask

In the new normal setting, we are required to practice social distancing and wear face masks in public to better protect ourselves from COVID-19. While makeup may seem unnecessary, it can make a huge difference in improving our mood and boosting our confidence. 

Even with a face mask on, you can still rock a pretty makeup look with Ever Bilena and EB Advance products: 

Wear light foundation. We know, wearing masks can get hot and uncomfortable. So opt to wear light-weight, non-comedogenic coverage such as Ever Bilena All Day Liquid Foundation or EB Advance BB Cream to allow your skin to breathe and be comfortable underneath the mask.

Eyes are the focus. Playing up your eyes is one way to make your look stand out. Beginners can try a monochromatic look by sticking to the same shades in the EB Advance Eyeconic Palette and applying it on the lids and underneath the eyes. Meanwhile, seasoned makeup users can try more complex looks, blending all the shades of the same EB Advance palette and finishing it off with a winged eye using the Ever Bilena All day Eyeliner Pen.

  

Glow from beneath. Give yourself an extra boost of confidence by dabbing on the EB Advance Glow Out Highlighter on the high points of the cheeks, brow bones, and bridge of the nose. You can also opt to go for a flushed skin with the Ever Bilena Blush Rush Tint. 

Take care of your lips too! Even when your lips are hidden underneath the mask, it needs some care, too. Our lips are prone to chapping and drying so make sure to apply a lip balm or a gloss like the EB Advance Vinyl Lip Gloss to keep it moist and protected.

Give yourself a boost of confidence even while wearing a mask by trying out these products from Ever Bilena and EB Advance available on their official page on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). For more updates, like and follow Ever Bilena and EB Advance’s Facebook pages (@everbilenacosmetics and @ebadvance) and Instagram (@everbilenaofficial and @ebadvance).   

Gabay Guro "Learning Never Stops" online training program are available on Facebook page and its free!

Gabay Guro, PLDT’s flagship educational program, provides free online trainings for teachers nationwide through its recently launched ‘Learning Never Stops’ campaign. As of May 30, 2020, Gabay Guro has led 13 e-learning sessions on Facebook with over 300,000 views to date. 

The online training videos uploaded on the Gabay Guro Facebook Page are all for free. These videos are available for replay which allows teachers to go learn at their own pace.

Topics of the live training and recorded webcasts include life learnings from the quarantine, virtual teaching 101, flipping the classroom, improving students' reading and comprehension, as well as teachers' mindset improvement in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the comments sections and webinar discussions, many teachers have expressed their gratitude to Gabay Guro and the speakers for conducting these free webinars.

“Learning is constantly evolving. This is why our ‘Learning Never Stops’ campaign aims to empower our teachers amid the pandemic as we provide them with engaging online training videos conducted by reputable guest speakers. Through this campaign, we are equipping our teachers with digital competencies and capabilities that enable them to adapt in this new normal,” said PLDT SVP and Gabay Guro Chairwoman Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

“During these trying times, we want to assure our teachers that every opportunity will be given to them amid COVID-19. Our recently launched ‘Learning Never Stops’ campaign enables them to explore online trainings and curriculum that aim to expand their knowledge and expertise,” said PLDT and Smart VP for Learning and Development and Gabay Guro Head for Teachers’ Training Alexander Kibanoff.

Gabay Guro is spearheaded by the PLDT-Smart Foundation and PLDT Managers Club, Inc. The 12-year-old program empowers teachers across the country though initiatives in seven key pillars. This includes scholarships, teachers’ trainings, classroom donations, livelihood programs, connectivity & computerization, teachers’ tribute and digital innovations.

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

SAMSUNG Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition is up for pre-order, starting tomorrow June 24!

SAMSUNG Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition is finally up for pre-order starting 10 AM tomorrow, June 24, until July 5, 2020! The device, which will be made available exclusively through Samsung's official online store, offers BTS-themed content.

"With this one-of-a-kind collaboration with the global pop music and cultural sensation, BTS, we hope to give an exclusive opportunity for the fans to connect more with their favorite phenomenal group," said Jerry Mañus, Samsung Philippines Business Unit Head of IT and Mobile.

The Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition features a purple exterior with the group’s logo and purple heart iconography found on the backside of the device. It also has a pre-installed BTS-inspired theme, icons, and more, that fans will not want to miss out on.

The special BTS edition package will also include stickers and 7 collectible photo cards featuring the band members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.

Meanwhile, the new device sports the same pro-grade camera system that the Galaxy S20+ is known for so fans can share stories online and connect with other fans. It is also equipped with a 6.7" screen that is perfect when streaming the band’s hyper-synchronized dance moves.

The limited-edition device retails at Php 57,990 and as a pre-order offer, every purchase comes with a 50% discount on the BTS Edition Galaxy Buds+ which will retail for Php 8,990 to let fans immerse themselves in their favorite BTS hits with its superb sound quality. They will also be entitled to a Php 4,000 eStore voucher* (S20YOURGALAXY) which can be used upon check out.  

On top of these, all pre-ordered units through the Samsung Online Store come with Samsung’s official warranty.

Don’t miss Samsung’s latest offerings! To pre-order, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/online/galaxy-s20/bts-edition-pre-order/

Get your Popeyes Bundle meal with FREE Cajun Fries

Gathering your family and friends for some quality time over food? Well, Popeyes has the perfect offer to spice up your celebration especially during this Father’s Day.

For every purchase of any Popeyes Bundle, you will automatically get Medium Cajun Fries for free! That’s letting you enjoy 3 Free Medium Cajun Fries for every 8 pc. Bundle and 2 Free Medium Cajun Fries for each 6 pc. Bundle. 

These Bundles come with Popeyes signature fried chicken, spaghetti or biscuits, rice and drinks, for a perfectly satisfying meal.

This limited offer will run until June 28, 2020 so make sure to place your orders ASAP.

Customers can make multiple orders in one transaction. Multiple transactions are also allowed per customer.

So what are you waiting for? Get your phone or laptop now and order your Popeyes Bundle via www.centraldelivery.ph or pop by our stores whether to dine in and take-out to get your free Cajun Fries.

To get the latest updates, you can follow @PopeyesPH on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries about the delivery service, you may reach Central Delivery via @CentralDeliveryPH.

SM Cares and Safeguard educate people to practice proper handwashing

We usually wash our hands fast – but did you know that there are proper steps of handwashing? 

SM Cares and Safeguard team up for the #SafeHandsAtSM campaign to educate and encourage people to practice the five steps of proper handwashing – especially in this time of pandemic. 

“As part of our safe malling commitment, handwashing is our first line of defense against illnesses, and is also crucial during a global health crisis. We very excited to partner with Procter & Gamble’s Safeguard, the leading brand in health and personal care, to raise awareness on the importance of this matter,” said SM Supermalls President Mr. Steven Tan. 

To ensure that all areas of your hands are properly washed, simply follow these steps: (1) wash palms; (2) back of hand; (3) in between fingers; (4) fingernails; (5) and thumbs, and keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Afterward, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly, since good handwashing is our most effective shield and protection from all kinds of viruses.

“Safeguard, being 54 years in the country, has become much of a household name. From our beige bar soap from long ago to our hand sanitizers and liquid hand soap now, we have always committed ourselves to serve the needs of the Filipino people, just like SM has. And in the same way, I believe that both have been ingrained so much in Filipino culture that it is only natural to do this partnership,” said Procter & Gamble Vice President for Skin & Personal Care Ms. Shweta Sharma.

As part of the #SafeHandsAtSM campaign, Safeguard has made its liquid hand soap available in restrooms of all SM malls across the country to help the community fight the spread disease-causing germs. Information materials on the five steps of handwashing are also deployed in restrooms and high-traffic areas in SM to remind customers while in the mall. 

With this, Safeguard and #SMDaresYOU to take on the #SafeHandsAtSM Challenge on TikTok from June 23 to 30. Just take a full body video of you properly washing your hands and dancing to your favorite tunes, tag your squad and use the official hashtag #SafeHandsAtSM, and be one of the 10 lucky winners who’ll get exciting giveaways!

This partnership with Safeguard forms part of SM’s programs to ensure Safe Malling as all SM malls continue to carry out strict safety and sanitation measures to assure the community that the malls are safe, clean, and compliant with health and sanitation protocols over and above government regulations.

Through simple efforts like washing your hands, not only are you protecting yourself, but those around you. To know more about #SafeHandsAtSM, visit www.smsupermalls.com and https://www.safeguard.ph, or visit their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok.