Public encouraged to ‘buy local’ to support small biz owners

The considerable resources of the Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Go Negosyo, SM Foundation, Security Bank, and Union Bank are being brought to bear in efforts to jumpstart a languid economy stalled by the effects of the three-month long coronavirus lockdown.

The multi-sectoral group is raising awareness on the plight of millions of Micro Enterprises and Small and Mid-Sized Enterprises – collectively, the MSMEs – in the hopes of coaxing the buying public into increased patronage.

The group has thrown together a campaign called BUYANIHAN; a creative juxtaposition of the word buy and the local idiom bayanihan, referring to a spirit of communal unity and cooperation, as an economic lifeline.

Though deadly and extensive, the pandemic is not isolated on the health-front.

When the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was invoked throughout Luzon, establishments providing basic necessities and services were deemed essential and were allowed to remain open, albeit on a skeleton force.

Much of those belonging to the MSMEs, however, were not listed. They were hit hardest due to the closure of malls and retail establishments. As were micro enterprises like barbershops and salons, massage parlors and spas, and the neighborhood street peddlers.

“These businesses have lost a significant amount of income due to the challenges of the ECQ,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, explaining BUYANIHAN’s rationale. “We need to ensure their survival.”

DTI revealed that of the 1.42 million registered businesses, an overwhelming 99.6% belong to MSMEs, with the majority, 88.5%, classified as micro enterprises.

They generate 63.19% of the country’s total employment figures.

“MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. This virus has brought a devastating blow to the physical and financial health of our nation. And we must work together to save both,” continued Lopez. 

Prior to the ECQ, economists projected rosy targets of 6.5% to 7.5% GDP growth for the Philippines this year. 

On March 19, around when the lockdown commenced, those numbers were lowered to a pragmatic 4.3% to a dismal minus (-)3.9%.

Pessimism is reasonable, in light of the wholesale impact on declining transport, tourism, exports, remittances, and reduced consumption; historically, the main driver of the Philippine economy.

Even Facebook last May said that one in three small businesses that have shut down don’t expect to reopen again.

When you consider that most MSMEs are located at the National Capital Region, Region IV‑A (CALABARZON), and Region III (Central Luzon) – regions in the main island from which 73% of the country’s GDP comes from and where the lockdown was rigorously enforced – then the true weight of the ECQ becomes clear.

This is because MSMEs rely on cash flow for daily operations: salaries to be paid, employee benefits to be fulfilled, rent, loans, supplier accountabilities, and credit card bills are still due. Although the quarantine levels have now lightened, during the ECQ they have had zero cash flow.

Perhaps more than any entity aware of the hit that MSMEs are experiencing is the SM Group, the Philippines’ largest mall operator and consequently it’s biggest retail space lessor. 

Its SM Foundation has been generous in providing funds, medical supplies, and protective equipment. Its SM Supermalls have waived rentals from March 16 to April 14.

“We share our tenant-partners’ concerns at the unfortunate situation and will waive rental charges for those affected and unable to operate during this period,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “This support forms part of our commitment to fight the effects of the outbreak.”

That alone benefits 19,153 SM mall tenants nationwide whose doors are now slowly but surely reopening for business.

Security Bank, one of the country’s leading universal banks and cited by Asiamoney as the “Best Bank for SMEs” in 2017 and 2019, eased its process for facilitating business loans for MSMEs in need of liquidity and lowered percentage in its Ecommerce payment gateway.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world unprecedented disruption, but with each of us doing our part, we will overcome this challenge and get better,” said Security Bank President and CEO Sanjiv Vohra.

Meanwhile, Union Bank, ranked by the BankQuality Consumer Survey on Retail Banks as

the second most helpful bank in Asia-Pacific during the coronavirus crisis – the only Philippine bank in the top 20 list – eased up account openings by shifting it online and providing checking accounts with affordable depository requirements, enabling MSMEs to further legitimize their businesses.

So there is hope. 

Easing of quarantine restrictions is a good first step. Provided the population behaves in ways that stem the infectious tide, then the wheels of commerce can start turning again.

And as these economic engines came to a screeching halt, it will take no more than a concerted effort to jolt it back from inertia. A bayanihan movement, if you will. 

Or, a BUYANIHAN.

“MSMEs took a direct hit, incurred big losses,” said AFFI President Jorge Noel Wieneke. “It’s back to zero for many, or back to the starting line. They are now in the ‘ICU’ and they need a blood transfusion. We can fix this with a BUYANIHAN spirit.”

It is a simple, doable solution. Consumers just need to start consuming again. Start buying again.

But for now, buy local to support our MSMEs.

Europe’s No.1 appliance brand Beko now in PH

As many are looking for ways to give back to those affected by the pandemic, Beko, Europe's No. 1 home appliances,  donates its innovative washing machines, freestanding cookers and refrigerators for use in the hardest-hit hospitals like Philippine General Hospital, San Juan De Dios Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center and Delos Santos Medical Center.

Instead of celebrating with a grand launch for this significant milestone, Beko chose to forego the event and instead channeled its resources to help out in the government’s and private sector’s efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also in line with the company’s core values to encourage people live healthier lives.

"Beko was slated to launch in the Philippines in mid-2020 but we decided to divert our marketing budget and other resources to donate to the efforts in helping frontliners in the fight against COVID-19. Frontliners are our heroes and they deserve things to be more convenient for them as they work," said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko PilipinasCorporation.

With this in mind, Beko Pilipinas teamed up with the local government units of Pasig, San Juan and Manila; with actress Angel Locsin’s#UniTentWeStand campaign for San Lazaro Hospital in Manila and with the converted mega quarantine facilities in Philippine International Convention Center, Rizal Memorial Stadium and Philippine Arena by donating its innovative washing machines, freestanding cookers and refrigerators for use during the COVID-19 crisis.

Moreover, Beko Pilipinas started recognizing “unsung heroes”during these times through Facebook communities such as Lets Cook Pare—a group with shared interests on cooking. The campaign sees to reward community heroes who, in their own small ways, are offering help and support to the frontliners.

"Beko's brand purpose is to 'empower new generations to live healthier' and we would like to introduce ourselves through all these efforts which are reflective to our purpose. As a brand that is now in the Philippines, we would like to play an important role in helping make life healthier and more inspiring for Filipinos," said Günal.

Globally, Beko products sell in more than 141 countries and is the fastest growing brand in Europe in market share increase. It is also the #1 freestanding brand in Europe. Beko is likewisebringing wide range of appliances to the country to help Filipinos cope with the “new normal” set-up.

Beko Fridge Freezers are ideal for stocking up food to save. It helps keep keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for up to three times longer. 

Beko can also help Filipinos maintain clean and germ-free clothes, and make laundry easier with its freestanding washing machines. It ensures that the properties of antibacterial laundry detergents and other cleaning agents are administered in all areas of the fabric, while the washer saves The quarantine period also taught us to advance our cooking skills and made us realize to invest in better cooking equipment. Beko’s freestanding cookers allow you to cook dishes with ease, perfect for the family’s healthy meal preps.

The new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth changes in our lives. People want to be healthier and stronger and Beko is glad to provide solutions with fast, flexible and easy to use technologies with great service and aftercare. 

Europe’s No. 1 home appliances brand Beko is now in the Philippines. The market leader in the white goods space aims to empower the new Filipino generations to live healthier lives.

METROBANK-SUPPORTED MOLECULAR LABORATORY FOR COVID-19 TESTING INAUGURATED: LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY

On June 27, the country inaugurated its largest molecular laboratory capable of detecting COVID-19 and other contagious diseases at the former Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Headquarters in Port Area Manila. Through the initiatives of the Philippine Red Cross, the project was partly funded by Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings through a PhP 18 million donation, coursed through its corporate social responsibility arm Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) and Ty family’s GT Foundation (GTFI). 

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon hand a plaque to GT Foundation president and Federal Land chairperson Alfred Ty (center) and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobreña (left) to recognize the Php18 million donation of Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings to construct and equip the country’s largest molecular laboratory at the former PRC Headquarters in Port Area Manila on June 27.

The donation went for the construction and equipping the facility with two automated extraction machines for testing of samples. With additional contributions from the Australian Embassy and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), the laboratory has an overall capacity to test 14,000 samples a day.

The ceremonies were led by PRC chairman Senator Richard Gordon, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Inter-Agency Task Force Deputy Implementer Undersecretary Vivencio Dizon, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson AO, GTFI president and Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña and FFCCCII president Henry Bon Liong. 

“We have been working hard in supporting various initiatives to address and combat the effects of the pandemic since the start of the lockdown. We advocate and support the conduct of “Test, Trace, and Treat” or T3 in order to identify the various factors in the development and mitigation of the spread of virus which could lead in flattening the curve," said Mr. Ty.

The laboratory will also go a long way in ensuring early detection and efficient treatment of other contagious and deadly diseases such as cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, dengue, malaria, tuberculosis, Zika virus among others. 

The donation was part of the P220 million contribution by Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings to fund and support efforts to combat the pandemic and help those in need. 

The amount was allocated for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to benefit healthcare and security frontliners; support for the production of RT-PRC testing kits through the UP National Institutes of Health; “Project Ugnayan” led by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation; distribution of meals and food packs to underprivileged families; construction and equipping of molecular laboratories for the testing of cases in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross, and Ayala Group; and Go Negosyo’s Project ARK (Antibody Rapid test Kits) of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation. Just recently, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation donated 30 VIOS units for the mobility of healthcare frontliners of DOH and local government hospitals.

SAMSUNG officially launches the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and is now available nationwide

SAMSUNG officially launches the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and is now available nationwide starting today. 

Turn ideas into action with the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s precise and ergonomic S Pen, which lets users write down notes and accomplish their tasks with ease. From writing notes, creating artwork, and developing presentations, learning can be done easier with the S Pen. The best part is that it is magnetically attached to the tablet, ready for use anytime and anywhere.

The tablet ensures the best learning experience without interruptions as it comes with a 10.4” WUXGA+ display, as well as dual speakers by Dolby Atmos and sound by AKG, that allow for an immersive viewing and listening experience in one compact companion. With these features that offer premium quality display and sound, focusing and immersing in education and inspirational videos is easier. 

The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is also seamlessly integrated with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem. With Call and Text Continuity support, conveniently answer calls and texts anywhere using the tablet. Learning also becomes more fun as the tablet comes with pre-installed Netflix and Spotify apps which provide access to a wide array of content. 

Speaking of content, parents can rest easy as the tablet comes with Samsung Kids, providing children access to age-appropriate and family-friendly materials. Additionally, the tablet also lets users enjoy up to 4 months of FREE Youtube Premium[1].

Experience new kinds of learning at home with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, now available nationwide! With a retail price of PHP 26,990, the tablet comes in beautiful Angora Blue and Oxford Gray with a free book cover.

To know more about the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, visit samsung.com/ph/. 

Specification Sheet: 

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[1] Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-100289 Series of 2020.

Enjoy 50% off on Kuya J Lumpia Prito

Are you craving for some deliciously crispy Lumpia Prito? Well, you indoor salo-salo just got more exciting as Kuya J is offering a 50% discount on its special Lumpia Prito. These crispy, meaty, and flavor-packed treats will surely complete a perfect, satisfying meal.

Customers can avail of this offer for dine-in or take-out at Kuya J restaurants. No need to worry because health protocols are in place to ensure the safety of diners.

This special offer is also available for delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph during the promo period with multiple orders in one transaction allowed.

The 50% discount runs until July 5 and is available in the following branches: Kuya J Otis, SM San Lazaro, Robinsons Manila, SM Megamall, Eastwood, Paseo de Magallanes, Waltermart North EDSA, SM Novaliches, SM Cubao, SM Sucat, SM Southmall, Festival Mall, Robinsons Naga, and SM Legazpi.

For the latest deals and promos, follow @kuyajresto on Facebook and Instagram.

Shopee 7.7 Flash Deals: Catch it on Wowowin and Eat Bulaga!

Now is the best time to mark your calendar for that much awaited Shopee Flash deals. =) Maybelline beauty products are on sale! You also have to check out Vivo's Vivo Y15 for that amazing discount. 

Grab the best deals on Shopee’s Shake & Win TV Special on GMA’s Wowowin and Eat Bulaga this coming July 6 and 7. In addition to that, users can enjoy offers such as low-priced deals, free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend for featured stores, up to 90% off on selected products, and cash prizes: 

Maybelline Sensational Liquid Matte LIP & CHEEK TINT

Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation Tube 18mL

L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Triple Care Hair Color [World’s No. 1]

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

Cream Silk Conditioner Triple Keratin Rescue Gold Ultimate Repair and Shine

Mikana 18k Rose Gold Plated Katsura Pendant Necklace

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash 1L With 650ml Refill Set

Surf Fabric Conditioner Antibacterial with Mint 1.5L

Anker PowerCore Select 10000mah, Portable Powerbank 

Vivo Y15

BDO Remit assists in distribution of hygiene kits to repatriated OFWs

PRIORITIZING HEALTH. Repatriated overseas Filipinos at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) receive hygiene kits before they go back home to their respective provinces.

In coordination with BDO Foundation, BDO Remit turned over hundreds of bags of hygiene kits to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 and the PITX, which were then distributed to overseas Filipinos who were sent back here due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

The repatriated overseas Filipinos, who have already tested negative in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and completed their required quarantine period, were then transported back to their home provinces thru the assistance of OWWA.

New BDO videos put a humorous twist on some of Piolo Pascual's most iconic scenes

BDO recently held a virtual presscon featuring Celebrity ambassador Piolo Pascual's TVCs. Its a parody from his two classic movies, "Starting Over Again" and "Milan". As the videos’ release coincides with OFs’ present situation , they take on more significance and meaning in Piolo’s view. 

Experts in the Philippines and other countries have been warning us: along with the wave of COVID-19 infections would be a wave of mental illness. There’s no avoiding that: people are anxious, afraid, and many have lost jobs and face an uncertain future. Add to that our collective isolation, loneliness, and dread. Overseas Filipinos (OFs) are particularly vulnerable. 

Actor Piolo Pascual is among those calling for more support for OFs during the pandemic. He said that overseas Filipinos are already under a great amount of pressure as they face tough emotional, physical, and financial challenges. It’s not surprising then that some of them would have mental health issues. 

“For decades, our economy benefited from billions of dollars in remittances. At this time, it’s our turn to give back and support OFs now that they are going through both a pandemic and an economic downturn,” said Piolo. 

OF roles in movies, TVCs 

Piolo has played several OF characters in various dramatic films--it’s a role that he also knows in real life because he used to be a security guard in Los Angeles, California before he achieved Philippine movie stardom. Recently, it was revealed that he again played versions of these characters in three new videos that will be shown in BDO branches, on BDO’s YouTube channel and on BDO Kabayan Facebook page. 

The commercials are light-hearted spin-offs or even slight spoofs of classic scenes in his movies “Milan” (with Claudine Barretto) and “Starting Over Again” (with Toni Gonzaga). 

“Mahilig ang mga Pinoy sa drama eh. Pero pati comedy rin. Etong mga videos, parang pinagsama yan tapos may twist. Yung pangkalahatan na mensahe ng video ay kailangan natin ngayon: yung kasiyahan at pag-asa. 

“Ang drama natin ngayon, real life. Pandemic. Lost jobs. Quarantine. Sandaang araw na itong drama. Hindi kagaya ng drama sa pelikula, two hours lang. So we need relief, we need to feel lighter, to see that we can still smile. Ma-realize lang natin na, oo nga, okay pa rin tumawa, magsaya. Na meron pa ring pag-asa. May solusyon. We can always find ways,” said Piolo. 

Reaching out, getting help 

Piolo said that the most important thing that OFs need to remember is to reach out for help. “Marami kasi sa atin, may tendency to keep things to ourselves. Masyado tayong matiisin. Akala natin puntos para sa atin yung magdusa. No, it’s not. Kung malungkot ka, o masama ang loob, call a friend. Makipag-usap sa kapamilya. Wala namang award na ibibigay sa iyo kapag sinarili mo ang problema mo. Nagiging delikado lang lalo ang mental health mo,” he said. 

He also reminded OFs not to hesitate getting professional help if needed. “There’s still a stigma over mental health. Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na dapat ikahiya ang mental illness. Tratuhin natin na tulad lang ng ibang sakit sa katawan.” He noted that there’s no shame in getting help in order to be better in our minds and emotions.’ 

Piolo added that people should be more empathetic and compassionate. “Pag may lumapit sa atin dahil nalulungkot, o may problema. Huwag balewalain. Sometimes, we say, ‘Kaya mo yan!’ pagkatapos iiwanan natin.. Hindi sapat yun. Huwag natin iwanan. Samahan natin tapos pakinggan natin.Hindi naman kailangan tayo ang mag-solve ng problema. Basta maiparamdam natin na hindi siya nag-iisa. Na nandon tayo to support him or her.” 

Call for bayanihan 

Piolo added that the new videos show precisely how to help. “In all the videos, mapapansin mo na kahit light and funny ang approach, malinaw ang mensahe: kapag ang kapwa Pinoy ay nasa alanganin, kapwa Pinoy ang tutulong. Hindi naman kailangan na solohin natin ang problema. Ang lakas ng Pilipino, nasa pagtutulungan, bayanihan. Especially during this pandemic, which is a huge, global problem, we need to call on the best in ourselves and help each other,” he said. 

In one video, “Starting Over There”, a desperate man (named Marco Villanueva, played by Piolo) chases after a taxicab in the rain, calling after “Ginny” (the character played by Toni Gonzaga in the original film). It is implied that, similar to the film, Ginny is leaving Marco to work abroad. 

We then realize that Marco is doubly desperate as he kneels in the rain, because Ginny seems to have left with his ATM card. He says that he needs it to access a remittance. Then a twist happens when an old woman, hair done in curlers, finds Marco as he fumbles in his pockets. Marco sees the ATM card was in his pocket all along. 

The old woman chides him, pointing out that with his ATM card, Marco can access an ATM, a BDO branch, and even a BDO Cash Agad kiosk at a sari-sari store. All of which are just around the same block as they are. 

Another video, “Starting Over Today,” shows the same character, Marco, passionately delivering the classic lines from the original film. We realize that Marco is inside a bank, somewhat mortified that he wasn’t able to get a BDO Kabayan Savings earlier--because he thought it would be a complicated, arduous process. The teller assures him otherwise. 

The third video, based on “Milan,” shows Marco asking help from a lovely fellow OF in sending money from Italy to a BDO Kabayan Savings account. The lady – whose features are noticeably familiar – is supposed to be a stand-in for Claudine Barretto. 

All the new videos aren’t just fun and enjoyable to watch but also showcase how Filipinos, deep down, are ready to help someone in need. During this public health and economic crisis, all essential services--including banking and remittances--have become crucial to our survival, sanity, and happiness. The pandemic and economic crunch may last longer than expected. But as Piolo’s commercials show, in their own witty and hilarious way, we still have each other. And that’s worth the effort to keep on fighting and hoping. 

Scents to uplift your quarantine mood

Feeling down and bored at home? Life in quarantine has been a tedious experience for many. One of the clever ways to improve your daily disposition is through scents. 

You may not be aware of it but different scents affect your brain. Think about how excited you get when you smell your favorite food from the kitchen; the same effect happens when you catch a whiff of your favorite perfume.

So turn that frown upside down and let Blackwater help you lift your spirits during these times.

Calm your mind. Research has shown that perfume relieves stress and anxiety. For example, the scent of aquatic perfumes is instantly energizing and refreshing. The light and fresh notes will make you feel like taking a stroll along a breezy sea shore. Looking for a similar fragrance? Try Blackwater Aqua for Men (P135) for a relaxing marine scent.

Improve productivity. Experts say that working from home can be mentally exhausting. If you face distractions at home, wearing a perfume can help one way or another. Spraying on stimulating fragrances, like citrus, can enhance performance on work-related tasks by increasing alertness and promoting concentration. If you need some vitalizing citrus scent, you can spray on Blackwater Sports 4 (P135).

Create a sense of normalcy. Missing your ordinary life? A scent can be nostalgic and make you remember people, places, and things that you can’t interact with at the moment. Even if you are just at home, why not use the perfume you wear at work or during a night-out with friends? If you also want to try a different scent, you can also can also find more fresh-smelling perfumes from Blackwater by visiting its website and official Lazada page.

Times may be difficult but it only takes a few spritz to help you continue smelling good and feeling good.