What's your latest buy this pandemic?

What was your latest buy this pandemic? 

Whether inorder nyo lang online out of boredom or talagang gusto nyo ng bilhin the moment you saw it posted it--na lagi nyong navivisit sa IG nyo. 

In my case, wallet, kase nakakadiri na yung wallet ko. Hahaha

How old is your wallet? 

When was the last time you bought a replacement? Have you ever thought of replacing it with a branded one for upgrade?  Or may sentimental value sa inyo yan kaya di pa napapalitan. 

Ako, nagppalit lang  ng wallet pag worn out na and sira na stitches. Gapak talaga sa kin mga wallets ko.
  

I owned 2 wallets. The Calvin Klein logo billfold wallet and LV long wallet monogram with 16 card slots, yung LV is para sa crisp bills and cards. Ang dami ko kse Starbucks cards and mga random beauty cards jusmeee. I lost count. 

What I do, I always leave the LV long wallet sa bahay. Para di maluma agad. The CK is the one I have in my bag. 

I got my Calvin Klein red wallet as a gift from my partner 6 years ago. Actually, di eto gift. Binigay nya lang to ng  random or hiningi ko I cant remember. Hahaha. Yung na replaced neto before is yung DKNY wallet na bigay naman ng sister ko when I was in Dubai last 2012. So, 2 years din nag last yung DKNY. Naging sticky na yung inside nya and natastatas na stitches.  Ewan ko ba may sa demonyo yata talaga mga kamay ko. Hahaha. One thing, di ko naman na feel din ung wallet coz puro bad memories dala nun. Hahaha sinisi sa wallet.

The LV long wallet I bought online. 

Last week, I decided to buy a handy snap wallet, yung magaan lang na di naka fold. Swak na nakakita ako ng gusto ko style and color (lilac) pa girly hahaha. The best thing is naka sale sya sa Katre. Since palagi ako sa IG ng Katre because of Mini Boite bag which I am thinking of gifting myself on my birthday next month. So, ayan buy ko na agad si snap wallet. Ang saya lang ng feeling ng dumating sya because nag unbox ako =) 

Ang hirap din mag let go sa CK ko, yun kase nagbigay sa ken ng limpak limpak na salapi hahaha. Kaya itatabi ko lang muna sya. 

Kayo, what's your latest buy online? 

Visiting a doctor amid pandemic: If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate

The widespread panic and fear generated by COVID-19 have brought the world to a grinding halt with authorities imposing quarantine protocols. 

The pandemic has caused many Filipinos to hesitate to visit doctors’ clinics primarily due to the fear of contracting the virus outside their homes. Medical practitioners are now conducting teleconsultations or virtual consultations, allowing patients to have access to doctors through phone or video calls to mitigate the situation.

Some hospitals have already opened outpatient clinics but on an appointment basis only, with the patients required to accomplish health declaration forms.

While the spread of COVID-19 currently dominates health concerns, Filipinos should not ignore their pre-existing health conditions or non-COVID-19 symptoms, as this can put patients at enormous health risk. Among health conditions that must be paid close attention to are diabetes and hypertension.

Studies have shown an increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension with nearly four million cases of diabetes recorded in the Philippines as of May 2020^[1], while hypertension is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide.^[2]  The emergence of COVID-19 leaves these patients vulnerable to the virus. 

“When seeing a doctor, the risks and benefits must be considered. Whatever circumstances we’re in, it doesn’t change the fact that when symptoms persist, people shouldn’t hesitate to consult a doctor, be it on-site or through virtual consultations,” said Dr. Alex Junia, Cardiologist at the Perpetual Succour Hospital and Past President of the Philippine Heart Association. 

“Early medical intervention saves lives,” the doctor emphasized.

Among the early warning signs of diabetes emergencies that should not be ignored are extreme thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, unplanned weight loss, hunger, fatigue, irritable behavior, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, skin that itches, or is dry and/or yeast infections.^[3]

However, not all symptoms of diabetes are the same. According to  Dr. Grace De los Santos, Diabetologist at the Metropolitan Medical Center and President of  Diabetes Philippines, “Type 1 diabetes symptoms may also include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, while Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the extremities.”

Likewise, the symptoms of hypertension must also be discussed with doctors for proper medical attention. While people with high blood pressure often have unnoticeable symptoms, there are instances when the blood pressure is alarmingly elevated that the patient may experience the following: headache, dizziness, and blurred vision.^[4]

Some of the symptoms may resemble other medical conditions, so it is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.

“There is a variety of treatment and management options for patients with diabetes and hypertension. The decision on which medications to opt for to achieve target blood sugar levels and to lower the blood pressure depends on many factors including patient’s medical history and other health problems a patient may have. This is why it is crucial to seek and consult a doctor to discuss the best treatment plan for one’s condition,” Dr. Greta Cortez, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc.  Head of Medicine, Human Pharma, explained.

To alleviate concerns about visiting the doctor for consultation, patients are advised to take safety precautions such as having temperatures checked, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and making a habit of bringing alcohol for sanitation and disinfection.

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[1]https://idf.org/our-network/regions-members/western-pacific/members/116-the-philippines.html

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jch.13058

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-warning-signs#warning-signs

[4] https://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure_symptoms_and_signs/symptoms.htm

Who will be The Pop Stage Champion and win P1 Million from Popeyes?

Despite the pandemic, the resourcefulness and creativity of Filipinos continue to shine as incredibly talented individuals take centerstage in "The Pop Stage," an online show created and hosted by Matteo Guidicelli. Now that the competition is getting more intense, we are getting closer to finding out who will be The Pop Stage champion and bring home the PHP 1 million cash prize from Popeyes Philippines and the 1-year contract with Viva Artists Agency.

The Pop Stage has recently revealed the Final 6 who will be moving on to the grand finals and have a chance to win life-changing prizes.

Guidicelli, together with singers Jed Madela & Lani Misalucha, and G-Force dancer Ritz Beltran, watched and deliberated the 13 semifinalists based on originality and creativity, quality of performance, and entertainment value.

By the end of the semifinals, the six contenders with the highest scores earned them a spot in the competition's grand finals.

Among the Final 6 is spoken word poet Martin Naling who recited a tear-jerking piece about the struggles and hardships of overseas Filipino workers. CJ Villavicencio, with his cover of "Pwede Ba" by Lola Amour, and Job Christian Tolonghari, who sang an original song titled "O Binibini, Pwede Ba?", also made it to the Grand Finals.

Joining them in the grand finals are dancer El-John Zian, who grooved to the song "Unang Hakbang" by Quest; Dia Mate who gave refreshing vibes with her song titled "Drowning;" and beatboxer ROXORBEAT with his catchy tunes.

With the Final 6 now complete, the competition is not yet over as the remaining acts prepare to show all they’ve got in the upcoming grand finals. In the end, only one winner will receive the grand prize worth Php 1 million and a one-year contract with Viva Artists Agency. The Pop Stage is presented with the support of Popeyes Philippines and Viva Artists Agency.

To stay updated on The Pop Stage, follow their official Facebook page @centraltvcph and Popeyes Philippines' Facebook page @popeyesph and use the hashtag #thepopstage.

Visual storyteller Cocoy Ponce holds mobile night photography masterclass with the vivo V19 Neo

Leading global technology company, vivo, and renowned photographer and videographer, Cocoy Ponce, teamed up to host the #V19PerfectTheNightWorkshop last July 15.

Mobile photography enthusiasts were treated to a Night Photography masterclass as leading global technology company, vivo, and renowned photographer and videographer, Cocoy Ponce, teamed up to host the #V19PerfectTheNightWorkshop last July 15.

Through his impressive shots of the otherwise normal EDSA stretch, Ponce proved that with the vivo V19 Neo and low-light photography know-hows, one could make mundane things seem extraordinary.

Ponce, a “visual storyteller” skilled in travel and lifestyle photography, hosted a mobile photography workshop via vivo’s official Facebook page, covering topics such as tips and tricks to master night photography, the importance of exposure in low-light settings, and post-processing images taken with a smartphone.

In the workshop, Ponce presented the difference between shooting with the vivo V19 Neo's normal photo mode (L) and its innovative Super night mode (R).

During the workshop, Ponce showcased stunning images he took using the new vivo V19 Neo—a mobile phone that boasts of its super night mode feature which allows users to take stunning images in low light. Through his impressive shots of the otherwise normal EDSA stretch, Ponce proved that with the vivo V19 Neo and low-light photography know-hows, one could make mundane things seem extraordinary.

Ponce emphasized the importance of utilizing the mobile phone’s super night mode and pro mode to produce magnificent night shots during the workshop

Among the many insightful tips he presented were the importance of utilizing the mobile phone’s different camera features, such as the super night mode and the pro mode, to produce magnificent night shots.  

Ponce also reminded the virtual audience that even with the phone’s professional camera features and the user’s skills, one must always remember that photos should tell stories as opposed to plainly conveying beauty. "Photography isn't just about taking good photos, it's about capturing moments that tell a story” he said.

With its high quality Quad camera setup bundled with an innovative ”super night mode”, the vivo V19 Neo is the perfect midrange phone for night photographers

With its high quality Quad Camera setup consisting of 48MP main, 8MP wide, 2MP Bokeh, and 2MP Macro lenses, and a 32MP selfie camera, all bundled with a super night mode that allows users to capture stunning images in low-light, the vivo V19 Neo is the perfect midrange phone for night photographers. It is available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways for only P17,999 at authorized vivo stores nationwide. 

Missed the workshop? You can still #PerfectTheNight and learn more about the vivo V19 Neo through the vivo Facebook page at facebook.com/vivo.philippines.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City welcomes back diners with 50% off on Seafood Kare Kare

As it reopens for dine-in and takeout, Isla Sugbu Seafood City treats diners with an irresistible offer to satisfy your seafood cravings!

The country’s best seafood spot is giving 50% off its rich and luscious Mixed Seafood Kare Kare when you order a serving of Chicken Inasal.

You’ll definitely love the Mixed Seafood Kare Kare which puts a spin on a classic Filipino favorite by adding a mixture of clams, mussels, shrimps, crabs, and vegetables smothered in a thick and flavorful sauce.

Customers can avail of this offer for dine-in and takeout at Isla Sugbu Seafood City located at 2F Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City where health protocols are in place to ensure the safety of diners. The offer is also available for delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph during the promo period which lasts until July 26.

For more updates, make sure to follow @islasugbuseafoodcity on Facebook and Instagram.

BDO Unibank, Inc. cautions against scammers who use SIM cards

BDO Unibank, Inc. cautions against scammers who use SIM cards to deceive and steal their victims’ money. One modus is called SIM Swapping, where scammers disguise as telco agents offering upgraded network connection in exchange for SIM cards.

More prevalent is the SIM Upgrade modus. Scammers purchase 4G SIM cards, register their victims’ mobile number, and fool their victims into giving the One-Time PIN (OTP) needed to own the mobile number.

In both modus operandi, scammers takeover their victims’ mobile number to control their victims’ online bank accounts.

BDO urges clients to call BDO Customer Care to deactivate their accounts if they get SMS notifications or emails about suspicious online transactions.

How SIM Swapping and SIM Upgrade work

Scammers identify then gather their victims’ personal information through phishing or from the internet. They mention personal information such as birth date and mother’s maiden name when they call their victims to sound convincing and credible. Once they win their victims’ trust, they are able to convince them to surrender their SIM card or OTP to activate a 4G SIM card.

For protection, BDO advises clients to be prudent in sharing personal information online and to keep their social media accounts in private mode.

With their victims’ personal information and mobile number, scammers can more easily outsmart banks’ multifactor authentication (MFA) and transfer money from their victims’ online bank accounts to their own. Common MFA consists of using a username and password to log in an online bank account, and receiving one-time PINs on a registered mobile number to confirm a transaction.

How to protect yourself

While scammers continue to take advantage of today’s challenging new normal to con people, there are ways to protect against their attacks. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) share the following tips in a recent advisory:

·      Never give out personal information and SIM card details in response to unsolicited calls/texts from unknown individuals.

·      Always check SMS and email alerts for unusual transactions and/or activities involving your bank/e-money accounts.

·      In case you’ve already provided your SIM and other personal details, contact your bank/mobile phone provider immediately.

BDO encourages clients to report suspicious incidents to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph, or get in touch with its representatives by logging in Messenger and looking for BDO Customer Care with the blue verified checkmark from Facebook. Clients may also call its hotline at 8631-8000.

realme reveals new 125W UltraDART Flash Charging technology

 realme, the world’s fastest growing smartphone brand, has officially launched its 125W UltraDART Flash Charging Technology, making it one of the first smartphone brands in the world to introduce ultra-fast charging capability. The launch of the 125W UltraDART Flash Charging Technology is set to match the power required by 5G-capable smartphones.

realme’s Dart Flash Charging, which started from 30W, has speedily evolved over the company’s two-year presence. The fast development of charging technology is driven by the broadening of smartphone integration in everyday life, and by the evolution of available mobile network technology.  

As global research and development teams work on improving battery energy density that fits current smartphone structure, brands have turned to flash charging to guarantee long battery life. realme’s 125W UltraDART Flash Charge is currently among the leading charging technologies in the market. 

realme UltraDART Flash Charging to Match 5G Demand   

5G adoption has accelerated in recent years across the globe, thus bringing about the availability of 5G-capable technology, such as smartphones. realme’s 125W UltraDART Flash Charging technology is the brand’s solution to the intense power requirement of 5G-ready devices. 

As the world transitions to a more digital lifestyle apropos of the new dynamics of interaction, realme believes that it is vital that charging technology must not only lessen the number of charging hours, but must also be able to get a device up and running in just a few minutes. Such capability is seen to boost efficiency, and lessen anxiety and stress over a draining battery. For instance,  with the 125W UltraDART Flash Charge, a 5G smartphone with a battery life of 4000mAh can be charged to 33% in three minutes, and fully charged in just 20 minutes. To achieve this fast yet safe charge speed, realme keeps the smartphone temperature under 40°C. User safety is further ensured by the direct charging feature of the 125W UltraDART and its multi-layer protection. The 125W UltraDART Flash Charge can also function even while the device it’s charging is being used. 

125W UltraDART to be available across price segments

realme is expected to launch more 5G smartphones across various price segments in the future. Complementing the growing availability of its 5G line is the brand’s plan to expand the production of its 125W UltraDART Flash Charge, allowing the young realme fans to experience the innovative charging technology soon. 

As the tech-lifestyle partner of the youth, realme is determined to stay ahead of the curve by bringing leading charging technology to much more attainable price segments along with its 5G-capable products, making 5G usage much more inclusive. 

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with DQ Fan Fave Blizzard Treats

July is National Ice Cream Month! To celebrate its pride and core, Dairy Queen is lining up a Blizzard of sweet treats for all the ice cream lovers out there! 

To kick-start the month-long celebration, Dairy Queen has brought back all the Blizzard favorites with the launch of the DQ Fan Fave Blizzard Treats. Available in three flavors—Milk Tea Brownie Latte, Caramel Almond Cluster, and Sweet Corn Crunch, these frozen Blizzard favorites will surely capture the hearts and palates of all the DQ fans out there.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Dairy Queen has released two NEW Blizzard Cakes: Sweet Corn Crunch Blizzard Cake and Milk Tea Blizzard Cake – DQ’s shareable and refreshing new take on the classic Mais con Hielo and everyone’s beloved Milk Tea. The new Blizzard cakes are delectable frozen treats made with 100% Ice Cream and are available in 8” and 6” sizes. Exclusive treat for GrabFood users: get P100 off on your 8” Milk Tea Blizzard Cake when you order through the app from July 10 to 23 only.

The highlight of the month will happen on National Ice Cream Day itself. On July 19, Dairy Queen will bring back its much awaited Piso Blizzard To-Go Promo for just one-day. For every purchase of the Blizzard To-Go (16oz) ala carte, customers can buy another one for just P1 only! Promo is available for dine,take-out, and delivery via GrabFood and Lalafood. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this! 

July just got better with Dairy Queen! Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with DQ and get all these new offerings via dine-in, take-out, delivery through 8911-1111 or GrabFood, and Lalafood. 

For more information about the latest news, offers and promos from Dairy Queen, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, Twitter and through their official website www.dairyqueen.com.ph

Datu Puti and Silver Swan remain among the Most Chosen Food Brands in 2019

Silver Swan and Datu Puti continue their run as two of the Most Chosen Food Brands among Filipino consumers in 2019, according to the 2020 Kantar Asia Brand Footprint report.

The report found that Silver Swan retained its ranking as the 2^nd Most Chosen Food Brand from 2018, with 500 million Consumer Reach Points, while also attaining the 3^rd Most Chosen FMCG Brand. Datu Puti retained its 4^thplace ranking from the previous year.

The Consumer Reach Point (CRP) metric used by the report refers to how present the brands are in Filipino households across the country, amplified by how often these were bought.

Silver Swan is a long-running, trusted, and iconic Philippine name in everyday condiments. It is Filipino housewives’ partner in helping bring out the delicious taste in food with its tamang timpla of flavors.

Aside from  soy sauce, Silver Swan also offers a wide range of condiments and food products that all make up the perfectly balanced taste that many Filipinos know and love, such as vinegar, fish sauce, salted black beans, chili sauce, hot sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and most recently Wow Sarap Seasoning Granules.

Datu Puti is the pioneer vinegar brand in the Philippines, with its name defining the perfect quality and delicious sourness in vinegar. It has grown into a megabrand of condiments with the addition of soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and barbecue marinade, among others.

NutriAsia is the Philippines’ leading producer, marketer & distributor of high-quality sauces and condiments. It is also home to iconic Filipino brands like UFC, Mang Tomas, Golden Fiesta, Papa, Mafran, and Jufran.

Access a Universe of Amazing Exclusive Deals with ZRewards

You deserve a reward! Beginning July 15, everyone will have a chance to unlock exciting and exclusive freebies and discounts never offered before by today's hottest and biggest brands courtesy of ZRewards by Zeal. 

ZRewards by Zeal is the country’s newest one-stop shop for awesome deals. Through their website, users from all over the Philippines can grab hold of premium and solid offers redeemable at their favorite online shops and physical stores. Best of all, there’s no strings attached. Membership is free, so the entire family can join in on the fun. 

Making the most out of your bucks

ZRewards by Zeal aims to embody what it wants to deliver. For foodies, Restaurant Concepts Group, Inc. (RCGI), is giving out 25% discount coupons, the first time it has ever done so.  RCGI is the brain behind top notch restaurants Barcino, Single Origin, Bluesmith Coffee, and Meat Depot.  If you haven’t tried them, now is the perfect time.

Diners can also indulge in international gastronomical delights from the Bistro Group and Bistronomia  hosts of restaurants while at home and still get the most value out of their money.  Dine in style with Helm and Savage.  Satisfy seafood cravings with Red Lobster and Fish & Co.  Recreate a Spanish fiesta with Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito, BCN by Las Flores, La Lola Churreria and El Pollo Loco. Go Italian with Italianni’s and Osteria Daniele. 

Have some dessert from Coldstone, Tous Les Jours, Jipan and Goldilocks or just let your hair down with other deals from Zark’s and Bo’s. Shakey’s is also unveiling an exclusive promo on ZRewards where you can get a free large thin Hawaiian Delight pizza for every purchase of their new Supercard+.

And even while in community quarantine, you can transport yourself to America with Friday’s, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, Hard Rock Cafe, and Buffalo Wild WIngs.  If you love East Asia, visit China with Modern Shanghai, proceed to South Korea with Bulgogi Brothers, and drop by Japan with Watami. 

For your essential needs, take advantage of the wonderful deals from Unilever, Minimart, The Naturale Market, Breville, and Misso.  Keep yourself happy, fit, and entertained with discounts from Zalora, Flowerstore, The Smile Bar, Beauty Scout, Chris Sports, Grand Videoke, WOW Fiesta, and Beyond the Box.  Once the community quarantine is lifted and you can finally go out, use your discounts to flex your muscles at Gold’s Gym and get yourself a makeover from Browhaus and Strip.

Pinoy challenges

“We acknowledge the ever changing needs of our customers, especially under the new normal.  Because of the pandemic, consumers and businesses alike have fewer opportunities to connect with one another.  That is where we come in.  We envision ZRewards by Zeal as a source of discovery and delight for the consumers and a platform for merchants to reach out to their customers,” said Glenn Z. Estrella, Chief-Executive-Officer of ZRewards by Zeal. 

One of the pain points right now for a lot of Filipino consumers is that looking for deals is challenging. For some brands, it includes a paid membership to a loyalty program. For others, it entails going through dozens of websites just to find one single deal which may not even be valid or worth  the effort. 

Deals have become even more important during the COVID-19 outbreak. As people try to manage their finances more sustainably, deals, discounts and rewards can make a world of difference.  

It’s a similar situation for businesses. With the limited number of people going out, a lot of restaurants and stores need to find a way to sustain business operations. Deals are one of the few effective ways to entice customers to grab their phones and make an order. However, distributing those deals can also be problematic and costly. 

Through ZRewards, it’s a win-win situation for both parties. Businesses now have another platform to meet their customers while customers will benefit from big saving and irresistible deals under just one roof. Visit their website and sign up today: https://zeal.ph/signup .

ZRewards by Zeal is a brand under 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe.