Craving for Goldilocks Pinoy Deli favorites? Grab their newest additions to PinoyDeli meals!

As the "New Normal" is slowly accepted all over the country, eager Filipinos are finally allowed to go back to work given they follow specific social distancing guidelines. 

Along with the return to the workforce is a return to bringing packed meals, that is why Goldilocks the country's number one bakeshop is proud to introduce the newest additions to their acclaimed PinoyDeli meals!

Indulge in delicious pre-packed meals such as Beef Caldereta, Kare-Kare, Boneless Chicken, Dinuguan, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and Chicken Teriyaki, all of which come with a side of white rice and simply need to be heated in a microwave to enjoy!

Grab these and other goodies at select Goldilock Full Stores in the Philippines, namely; Shaw, Pasong Tamo, Robinsons Manila, SM 1, SM Valenzuela, SM Mall of Asia, Gatchalian Paranaque, GMA Kamuning, Alphaland Southgate, Marikina Concepcion, Market Market, Espana, SM Megamall, SM Bicutan, SM San Lazaro, SM Masinag and various Bakeshops which include; Rosario Pasig, Parang Marikina, Cogeo, Antipolo 1, Tanay, Montalban, Waltermart North EDSA, Waltermart Makati, 11th Ave. Caloocan, JP Rizal, Waterfun Taguig, Masangkay, Scout Borromeo, Casimiro Las Pinas. 

For more information, you may follow @GoldilocksPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph.

Shakey's Rolls Out ‘S.A.F.E." dining in the new normal

In an effort to restart the country’s economy, many establishments are welcoming customers with new normal protocols in place. Among them is Shakey’s—a family favorite for pizza, chicken, and mojos. 

To ensure the safety of guests, Shakey’s has implemented a number of stringent protocols under what it dubs as “Secure Atmosphere and Food Execution” (S.A.F.E.) program. Surpassing even the safety standards set by the government under the new normal, efforts in this initiative include regular safety audits and the designation of a Health Safety Officer (HSO) for every branch. 

The HSO’s sole duty is to ensure that all employees, from managers to security guards, will adhere to the new rules set by the company at all times. He or she is also tasked to check the body temperature of all employees at least three times a day, supervise the regular sanitation of highcontact areas, spot flu-like symptoms on guests and employees, as well as look for areas to improve safety, specific to each store. 

“We owe our guests peace of mind when they choose to dine in, take out, or have food delivered from our stores. Aside from the guarantee of delicious food, we also guarantee their safety,” shares Vic Gregorio, President and CEO of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. “We invested a significant amount of time and resources to think through every aspect of operating in the new normal. The world still has a lot to learn about this pandemic. In order to make every Shakey’s a venue where people can have a great time and create great memories, we decided to work with experts from various fields to minimize the chances of infection.”

In addition to these efforts, the company has also started employing heightened safety measures for all guests and employees. This includes strict implementation of social distancing of at least one meter apart, mandatory thermal checks, better dinnerware sanitation and handling, the use of sanitation mats, compulsory wearing of face masks for guests, providing PPEs to staff, and regular hand sanitizing. Staff are also required to not wear their uniforms while on the way to work, and all suppliers are obliged to follow safety protocols. 

Under S.A.F.E., Shakey’s is also rolling out intensified sanitation protocols, which include regular sanitation of all trays in between use, disinfection of high-traffic areas every 30 minutes and of restrooms every 30 minutes. Contactless payment settlement shall also be observed at all times and each store is encouraged to provide disposable masks for guests who may need them. In addition, guests—through a QR code printed on every single-use placemats—will have the option of viewing Shakey’s menu using their mobile phones. Helpful signages and markers to remind guests of new house rules are also on display. 

Bars and Funzones in stores shall remain closed to ensure the safety of guests. They have also separated the carryout area from food aggregator area to ensure social distancing. As with most other establishments, contactless transactions shall also be made for deliveries. 

“We are taking the coronavirus threat very seriously—not just for our guests, but for our employees as well. We spent weeks preparing for our return, and this includes several passes of operational plans and numerous trainings. But much like everyone else, we are still trying to navigate our way in this new normal. Everyone’s safety remains our highest priority, and we will never stop looking for ways to provide you with a clean and safe space where you can enjoy great food with friends and family,” Gregorio adds. 

The best stores to go to for your daily essentials

One of the biggest priorities during this pandemic is ensuring that our families stay safe and healthy. Apart from following standard health measures like social distancing, online shopping has also been the go-to of most consumers when it comes to purchasing essentials to limit their contact. But if you can't avoid going out to buy your day-to-day needs, make sure that you stay safe by using contactless payments like PayMaya QR. 

Paying via PayMaya QR lessens the risk of transmitting the virus through cash-handling. By simply scanning the QR code at the counter, you can already pay for your purchases within minutes - no need to exchange cash and coins with the cashier.  

On top of giving you a safe and convenient payment option, PayMaya also gives you the most value out of your hard-earned money. #ScanToPay with PayMaya QR for your purchases to get 1%, 10%, or 100% Balik Bayad or a maximum of P500 Balik Bayad for your transaction until September 30, 2020!* You can enjoy up to P500 worth of cashback every month. 

Check out this list to see where you can #ScanToPay:  

  

1.     Supermarkets

Groceries are an absolute essential during these times, especially when we’re all spending more time at home. Get all your favorite groceries at trusted places such as Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, Super 8, Robinsons Supermarket, San Roque Supermarket, and Waltermart, which offer the best prices for everything you need.  

 

For even better deals on a wider selection of items, especially for those looking to buy in bulk, check out Landers Superstore. For those in the provinces, you can still enjoy a safe and rewarding payment experience from PayMaya in your trusted LCC Supermarket, Gaisano Grand, Gaisano Capital, Gaisano Brothers, Metro Retail Stores Group, Prince Retail, and Felcris Supermarket.  

 

2.     Drugstores  

When it comes to the medicines and health-related goods, there is always Mercury Drug and Watsons. They have a wide selection of medicines ranging from generics to well-known brands at reasonable prices, as well as a complete selection of grocery and wellness items. Customers can also enjoy PayMaya perks in Southstar Drug, GNC, Rose Pharmacy, Lorach Quality Drug Care, and Amesco Drug.   

 

3.     Restaurants  

For take out food, there are so many good places to go to. For your chicken fix, you can order from McDonald’s, Jollibee, KFC, Popeyes and Gringo. If you want to go Chinese or Korean, try Mann Hann, Panda Express, Chow King and BonChon. You can also have an all-Pinoy feast at home with Ambers, Kuya J, Zubuchon, and Choobi Choobi Flavors. For your pizza cravings, there’s Shakeys, Domino’s, Gino’s Brickoven Pizza, Landers Central, and Pizza Hut. You can even pay via QR when you have pizza delivered from Yellow Cab. If you’re up to splurging a little, why not try Vikings or Wolfgang’s Steakhouse? Finish up your meal with a yummy dessert from Wildflour, Café Mary Grace, or Dairy Queen. 

You can also treat the family to something sweet or to popular Pinoy dishes from Goldilocks, no matter what the occasion is. Get a P100 cashback for a minimum purchase of P500 once per week until July 11!  

PayMaya users in Cebu and Davao can also enjoy up to 100% cashback when they order food at Bigby's, The Dessert Factory, MyJoy, The Fat Cow Group, Casa Verde, Grillers Steak House, Fat Jim's, Penong's, Annipie Bakeshop, and Pearl Farm Maranao Restaurant.  

4.     Gas stations  

While most of us are staying safe at home, some can’t avoid going outside – especially for work or shopping for essentials. When you need to go out for a drive, make sure you fuel your car with gasoline that’s got the best value for your money. Top up at Petron, Total, Cleanfuel, Unioil, Metro Oil, Powerfill, SeaOil, RePhil, or Marz Fuel for more gas for your buck and a smooth ride.   

Enjoy the safety and convenience of PayMaya QR and these great deals with PayMaya! If you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, there’s always time to sign up and make the most out of your shopping—just download the PayMaya app for Android or iOS, register for an account, and find out what it’s like to shop with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for all your essentials, don’t pay cash, PayMaya!  

 

To find out more about all the exclusive deals you can avail of with your PayMaya account, visit www.paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   

 

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

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides 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 touchpoints 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. 

Domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey

Domestic travel will lead the recovery of the country’s tourism industry with Filipino travelers expecting to go to destinations closer to home and spending less amid lingering health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the gist of the results of the recent survey conducted on the pandemic’s effects on domestic and international tourism and on Filipinos’ travel behavior in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism released the report entitled “Philippine Travel Survey: Insights on Filipino Travel Behavior Post-COVID 19” to various tourism stakeholders in a webinar on Monday (June 29). 

The key insights of the survey, which was conducted last May among over 12,000 respondents across the country, were:

1.     Domestic leisure travel will lead the recovery of Philippine tourism;

2.     Majority of travelers expect a reduction of their income and travel budget;

3.     Health and safety remains the primary concern of travelers;

4.     Travelers prefer reduced-contact activities once leisure travel restrictions are lifted;

5.     Travelers prefer online and digital channels for convenience and reduced contact; and

6.     Travelers plan to travel close to home.

The survey represents the data-driven efforts of the DOT and tourism stakeholders to restart the local travel industry, which had been gravely affected by restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to recovery,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “The survey, which was distributed online, sought the sentiments and concerns that respondents have concerning domestic travel in light of the pandemic, in order to provide insights to tourism enterprises to better prepare, respond, and serve guests and tourists again.”

The travel survey is a joint project of the DOT, the Asian Institute of Management Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism, and Guide to the Philippines. It shows how the public, the government, the private sector, and the academe can collaborate for the industry’s eventual recovery, Puyat said.

Domestic leisure travel will be a huge driver

The survey found that domestic travel will lead the recovery of the Philippine travel industry, with 77 percent of respondents expressing their willingness to travel to local destinations once restrictions are lifted. More than half of the respondents also look forward to travel for leisure or vacation, even in the absence of a vaccine against COVID-19. 

Popular local tourist spots, especially beaches, are expected to see a surge in visitors. Boracay, Siargao, and Baguio top the list of destinations to visit when travel is permitted again. Filipinos also prefer to travel to destinations closer to home. 

The majority of the respondents also prefer activities they deem “safe” with limited face-to-face interaction. Top travel activities that are high on their minds are beach trips, road trips, and staycations at 69, 54, and 41 percent, respectively.

Domestic travel will be the main priority as fewer people are likely to travel internationally in the near future. This is due to reduced incomes and travel budgets in the light of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Domestic tourism expenditure expanded from PhP 2.85 trillion in 2018 to PhP 3.14 trillion in 2019. It’s also worth noting that about 10.8% of the 12.7% gross domestic product (GDP) share comes from domestic tourism, making it the biggest contributor to the tourism industry.

The digital shift

Travel plans are also largely going digital, as 72 percent of travelers directly and independently book travel arrangements with establishments online. Nearly half of the respondents will also go with online travel agencies and aggregators.

Channels with reduced contact will become the new norm. Majority of Filipinos are expecting tourism establishments to implement self-service processes such as contactless check-in and digital payments. 

Health and safety still travelers’ top priority

Although Filipinos expressed a desire to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted, their main concern is still their health and safety. Many said they would only feel comfortable taking their trips once a reliable anti-COVID-19 vaccine or treatment becomes available, and when the situation in the country gets better.

The pandemic has raised traveler expectations on health and safety, with more than 80 percent of the respondents expecting tourism establishments to follow best practices in sanitation and health. At least 88 percent of respondents also express willingness to comply with existing health and safety protocols, such as undergoing rapid COVID-19 tests prior to departure and submitting a medical certificate before traveling.

Building travelers’ trust and confidence in the industry is vital in ensuring its recovery. The report recommends that establishments and organizations emphasize safety and be transparent in addressing customers’ concerns. It also recommends that tourism stakeholders closely collaborate with other authorities and find ways to innovate and adapt to the new normal—including digital shifts where it is needed—to help manage uncertainties about traveling.

Earlier this month, the DOT released new health and safety guidelines in the new normal to local tourism-related sectors such as hotels, resorts, tourist transportation, surfing and restaurants in anticipation of their reopening.

To read the full report and survey results, click www.guidetothephilippines.ph/ph-travel-survey.

The Frame: Samsung brings together the complete TV experience and art appreciation

Critically-acclaimed films and programs are now widely considered as art, which deserve to be seen through an exceptional TV.  Visual masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists are also now easily accessible at home, as part of your interior design, with Samsung’s The Frame. 

Samsung hopes to inspire art enthusiasts, interior designers, and other tastemakers as it re-introduces The Frame, a lifestyle TV that features QLED picture quality and functions as your living room’s piece of art at the same time, to the Philippines.

With this latest innovation, Samsung, the Global No. 1 TV brand for 14 years, has created a TV that is truly top-of-the-line functionally and aesthetically, one that brings video and colorful images to life as it reflects the contemporary taste of urban homeowners.

TV when it’s on, art when it’s off

The Frame functions as a TV when it’s turned on and projects itself as art when it’s turned off. More than integrating QLED technology and other smart features that Samsung has been known for, The Frame enriches the viewing experience and appreciation even further with Art Mode function, bringing world-class galleries to one’s home through the Art Store platform. 

The Art Store, which comes with a one-month free trial, is a subscription-based database of digital art, allowing the TV’s user to curate a personal art collection from top galleries around the world and bring these masterpieces straight to the living room. A full subscription provides unlimited access to 1,200 classic and contemporary artworks and photography from 36 galleries in 18 countries.

Royal Collection Trust, Art Space, Saatchi Art, and Lumas are some of the major gallery partners of Samsung in bringing classic and modern art into your home.

With Auto Curation, The Frame can also serve as a personal art agent, learning one’s style and taste, to recommend art that they would love to see inside their homes. Artists and photographers can also choose their favorite works and curate their own gallery.

Elegantly-framed

Designed to look like an elegant picture frame that enhances any space, The Frame’s interchangeable accessory bezels match the style or reflect the mood of one’s interiors.

These magnetic bezels—in earth tones of beige or brown and elegant black or white colors—connect effortlessly to enable the TV to blend in and fit in any décor, or stand out and draw attention to itself.

The No-Gap Wall Mount feature also helps The Frame blend in from any angle, and can be easily installed to sit flushed against the wall to hang like a real framed gallery piece. A separate Studio Stand also allows The Frame to be placed anywhere in the house, to match one’s style and taste.

The Frame 32-inch (P31,999), 55-inch (P79,999), and 65-inch (P109,999) models will be available in Samsung Authorized Dealer stores starting July 1, 2020. Each purchase comes with one free Frame Bezel of your chosen color, redeemable via the Samsung Redemption website.  Additional accessories for The Frame can be purchased from Samsung’s online store. To know more about The Frame, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/lifestyle-tvs/the-frame/highlights/

JKris Seeks Second Chance at Love in New Single "Tsansa"

Universal Records R&B singer JKris marks 2020 return with his latest single "Tsansa."

2019 brought a milestone for the Tawag ng Tanghalan alum, as he celebrated his first million streams with his rendition of the Ogie Alcasid classic "Sa Kanya" (the track now has over 1.5 streams on Spotify). Since his departure from the It's Showtime variety segment, he has gone to collaborate with OPM Rap Icon Gloc on the tracks Norem (which also featured Shanti Dope) and his debut single Pamaypay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O1gWsP8CCo

This new song "Tsansa," written by JKris himself and produced by Sly Kane (of Blaze 'N Kane), showcases the vocal range JKris is known for on top of a smooth listening track. Talking more about the song, JKris says he wrote the song based on a personal experience a few years back: "The song is about asking forgiveness from the person you care for, and in hopes that person will give you another chance in the relationship, hence the title." 

<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/12kF1cqDKdIuKSPVABR2Ur" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>

With his distinct sound and relatable message, Tsansa offers another chance for JKris to take the OPM spotlight.

Tsansa is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer under Universal Records.

No more game downtime with vivo V19 Neo's large-capacity 4500mAh Li-Po battery

Nowadays, with people spending most of their time online, some have become dependent on electronic devices, especially smartphones, to keep them connected with friends and loved ones, and to conveniently pursue and enjoy their lifestyles.

And with different activities—messaging on various platforms, posting on social media, surfing the internet, buying from online stores, listening to music, watching movies and videos, and playing online games—keeping people busy on their smartphones wherever they may be, it would truly be disappointing to get a low battery warning, or the handset going “dead”.

Thankfully, the latest V19 Neo is powered by a 4500mAh lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery, one of the largest capacities in its price range, to keep vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone running in optimum performance, longer.

With its long-lasting Li-Po power source, the V19 Neo can accommodate Google, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and other heavily used applications that can typically drain a standard battery.

The 4500mAh battery can also smoothly run the V19 Neo’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE octa-core processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, making for fast app launches, better navigation and multi-tasking; and enabling users to play their favorite graphics-heavy mobile games for hours.

The handset is also equipped with AI Turbo, Center Turbo, Game Turbo, Net Turbo, Cooling Turbo, and ART++ Turbo. These multi-turbo functions offer an elevated and exciting gaming experience especially when playing PUBG Mobile, NBA 2K, Mobile Legends, Fortnite, or other favorite RPGs, shooters, SIMS, puzzle, strategy, racing, sports, and augmented reality games that will keep gamers up all night.

With a battery that powers up hours of game time, the V19 Neo also features an Ultra Game Mode which makes for totally undisturbed playing, blocking messages and alerts, so one can be fully immersed and engaged with the game. 

And when the battery is about to be depleted, users can rely on the V19 Neo’s 18W dual-engine fast charging technology to juice up the 4500mAh power source in a flash, so they can quickly get back to winning their game.

Aside from its high-capacity battery and fast-charging technology, quadcore processor, and game modes, vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone also boasts of an Ultra O AMOLED capacitive touchscreen which makes the gaming experience even more thrilling.

The 6.44-inch FHD+ screen brings out the games’ vibrant and authentic colors without causing unnecessary eyestrain. Its low brightness anti-flicker technology also provides added protection for the eyes, especially when playing in low-light and dark conditions.

The V19 Neo is available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways, for only P17,999 at authorized Vivo stores nationwide. To know more about the vivo V19 Neo, visit  https://www.vivo.com/ph/products/v19neo# or https://www.vivoglobal.ph/.

Mayor Joy Belmonte shares first year highlights in "Ulat sa Bayan"

Mayor Joy Belmonte’s first year at the helm of Quezon City was highlighted by various trials, as well as triumphs for Metro Manila’s largest city. Throughout this, Belmonte said that her administration has never lost track, and remained focused on working for the welfare of her constituents, as well as strengthening businesses and communities.

“For the past year, we as a city have had to face many different trials, challenges, and setbacks. But we remain focused, working towards inclusivity, growth, prosperity, and security for our residents, businesses, and communities,” Belmonte said in her Ulat sa Bayan, posted on the Quezon City Government Official Facebook Page.

A few months into her first term in 2019, Belmonte was able to effectively deal with the emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the city, as the deadly disease swept throughout the country and crippled the livestock industry. “Mabilis nating na-kontrol ang sakit na ito, at nakapagbigay tayo ng financial assistance sa mga apektadong hog raiser,” she said.

In the early months of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic swept across the world, causing ripple effects across all sectors of society. In Metro Manila, Quezon City was the first local government to declare a state of calamity before enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was placed in Luzon and in other parts of the country. With Belmonte’s decisive action, the city’s 142 barangays were able to immediately address the needs of its citizens through their Quick Response Fund.

Belmonte said the city earmarked almost P7 billion for food packs, cash aid and other forms of assistance under its COVID Response program. “Kabilang na dito ang ‘Kalingang QC ‘ para sa ating vulnerable sectors katulad ng senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, lactating mothers, transport sector workers at market vendors.”

“The city also came up with its own Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for those who were excluded from the national government’s SAP program, and provided food assistance to residents of areas under special concern lockdown areas,” emphasized Belmonte.

The local government also allotted funds for decontamination efforts, accommodations, equipment, hazard pay for frontliners and test kits, quarantine facilities and hygiene kits for COVID-19 patients and additional equipment for city-run hospitals. As the city adjusts to the new normal, the local government has crafted a comprehensive recovery plan, including the allocation of P2.9 billion for the blended learning in public schools and universities in the city and stimulus packages to support the city’s micro and small entrepreneurs in this time of need. 

            

“We are also focusing on economic recovery.  Tayo ang unang lungsod na nagbuo ng P700 million economic stimulus package.  Bahagi nito ang wage-subsidy o ayuda ng LGU sa mga empleyado ng qualified micro and small businesses para matulungang maitaguyod ang kanlang mga nagosyo,” stated Belmonte.

With food security as a vital component in the city’s recovery plan, community farms have been established to complement food security needs. “We are turning idle lands into urban gardens where residents can plant and grow their own produce,” said Belmonte, adding that the city will also establish Mobile Soup Kitchen to provide nutritious food to the needy.

The city has also boosted its bike lane project, allocating 161 kilometers of road for the exclusive use of bicycle riders. “Isasabay ito sa ating pedestrianization project upang maging walkable at bike-able city ang QC. Ito rin ang ating paraan para makatulong maging mas madali ang pagpasok ng ating Qcitizens sa kanilang mga trabaho.”

”We are also transitioning and making online the different processes that used to require face-to-face interaction to make it easier and faster for businesses and the general public to engage with city hall,” said Belmonte.

The city’s unified ID system or QCitizen Card that will expand e-services to all residents is also in the pipeline. Belmonte also gave livelihood to tricycle and jeepney drivers who lost their source of income due to COVID-19 by connecting them to digital platforms Foodpanda and Lalamove for their delivery services.

As for the city’s workers, Belmonte has worked for the increase of their salary into minimum livable wage and provided them with permanent positions, especially those with contractual status for decades. 

”Alam po namin na hindi naging madali ang nakalipas na taon. Kaya kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pakikipagtulungan at kooperasyon,” said Belmonte.

”I am proud of our accomplishments as a city, because these are the results of our collective efforts and commitment for positive change,” she ended.