Five tips to help prepare for online classes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students welcome a new school year differently. No more flurry of activity in the morning or a rush to make it on time to school, as classes from preschool to college shift to online. 

That’s a big adjustment, for sure, but there are a few things that students and their parents can do that will make online classes a breeze.

Here are some tips from Araneta City: 

Gear up with the right tech

The quality of a student’s experience during online classes will depend on a lot of things, but one of the most important, is the gadget that they have with them. Whether they want to use a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone in the conduct of their classes, it’s good to have a reliable device that has a high-quality screen, great cameras, and a dependable speaker and mic combo. If the student in your life wants to deck out their setup, they can up the ante by investing in mechanical keyboards and a professional headset. Who said learning can’t be cool? 

Digital Walker, I-Studio, and Xiaomi in Gateway Mall; AV Surfer in Ali Mall; and Gadget Worx in Farmers Plaza carry a wide array of gadgets that are great for online classes. So, whatever device a student needs, whatever their budget, they can find the tech that works for them at Araneta City. 

Don’t forget the essentials

Having classes online doesn’t mean that students could get away with doing all of their school work on their device. It’s essential to break out their pen and notebook to write down essential points in their lessons. According to a study published in Psychological Science, writing with pen and paper does wonders when it comes to retaining more information. So, don’t forget to pick up a reliable pen and notebook. 

Araneta City is the perfect destination for school essentials, with a variety of shops like National Bookstore in Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza, and Fully Booked and Office Warehouse in Gateway Mall. Students will surely find the things to get them ready for their online classes.

Spruce up the wardrobe

Getting in the right headspace for class, especially when you’re at home, can be a bit tricky. A simple way to get students in the mood for learning is by having them dress up as if they’re leaving home and heading for school. Wearing clothes that are presentable but comfy can really do wonders when it comes to getting amped for online classes. 

Shop the latest looks at Rustan's Department Store, Mango, and Marks & Spencer in Gateway Mall, or Plains & Prints and Giordano in Ali Mall. Farmers Plaza also has Oxygen, Petrol, and Dickies USA, for those back-to-school OOTDs. 

Complete the entire outfit by copping a few new kicks from Adidas and Royal Sporting House in Ali Mall, Nike and Vans in Gateway Mall, or Rusty Lopez in Farmers Plaza. 

Prepare a workspace

Having a dedicated place where students can have their online classes and work on their school requirements allows them to focus on their tasks. It’s best to place their workstation in a well-lit and ventilated area. You can also make this area more conducive to learning by placing a few plants on and around the work desk. Some studies have shown that plants can be helpful in improving the concentration and memory of people. This can be helpful especially for students who have difficulty getting stuff done with the distractions around them. It also serves as a visual respite after long hours glued to the computer.

Pick up some house plants and gardening supplies from the Farmers Garden in Araneta City and bring some life to your student’s workspace.

Take a break

Studying from home can be stressful in its own way, so encourage students to take periodic breaks and relax. One of the best ways to take a breather from school work is by grabbing a quick snack. Ordering delightful treats and having it delivered can be a great way to help a student escape the stress of school work. 

Araneta City has a lot of great dining options that deliver. Take a pick from the long list of dining destinations and have your food delivered via the Araneta City Assist (through the Araneta City website or mobile app) or the Araneta Citi-zen Personal Shopper (through the myKuya mobile app) when online classes get a little too demanding. 

For more information about Araneta City, promos and the latest offerings, like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Korean actress Son Ye Jin is the new face of Smart Signature

 After capturing the hearts of Filipinos with her hit K-dramas, South Korean superstar Son Ye Jin is making her mark as the new face of Smart Signature, the postpaid brand of mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc.

The big announcement came two months after PLDT's wireless subsidiary launched its ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ campaign, which set off a strong clamor for Smart to bring Son Ye Jin under its fold and closer to her Filipino fans.

Making her own mark

“Son Ye Jin’s appeal is undeniable among Filipinos who have been swept by the Korean wave, and we are thrilled to fulfill their wish. This is one way of supporting the Hallyu passion of our customers, who put their trust in our network so they can binge-watch the latest K-dramas, stream K-Pop hits, and stay updated on their K-idols online,” says Jane J. Basas, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

“More than this, we know Son Ye Jin embodies the Smart Signature brand as it simplifies the postpaid experience so customers can make their mark in their career or passion,” she adds.

“As an actress, I am always grateful for having a platform to entertain and touch the lives of others through my craft. I thank Smart for giving me a way to specifically reach out to my Filipino fans and inspire them to make a mark in whatever path that they have chosen. I wish to see you all soon,” says Son Ye Jin, who earned the title ‘Queen of Melodramas’ in South Korea for her string of hit series and movies.

“Simple. Smart Ako.”

In Smart’s latest TV ad, Son Ye Jin confidently rides a motorcycle and navigates the city through the fast lane, alluding to the prioritized, worry-free, and elevated lifestyle that Smart Signature provides its customers, powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network. The ad also powerfully ends with Son Ye Jin affirming, “Simple. Smart Ako.”

“’Simple, Smart Ako' gave us a clear guiding principle when it comes to serving our customers – that is, to make amazing experiences and cutting-edge technology simple and accessible to every Filipino. We are embracing this same approach as we commit to simplifying the postpaid experience so our postpaid customers can enjoy a Signature lifestyle,” says Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.

Prioritized, worry-free, and elevated lifestyle

With Smart Signature, subscribers are prioritized to get first dibs on new technology and mobile innovation as well as the latest digital content. The recent launch of Smart 5G as a commercial service is proof of this as the initial phase covers provision for all Smart Signature customers, who can now enjoy blazing-fast data speeds on Smart 5G-certified devices at select Smart 5G spots in Metro Manila.

With its well-designed plans, Smart Signature also keeps postpaid subscribers worry-free when it comes to connecting with family and friends, or staying online for work, play, or entertainment. Smart Signature caters to different lifestyles by offering SIM-Only or Device Plans that come in S, M, L, and XL. Each plan features generous data inclusions starting at 5 GB for only P999 per month to up to 60 GB for only P2,999 per month, so customers can go from virtual work meetings to streaming the latest K-dramas on their phone with ease.  

Smart Signature also delivers an elevated lifestyle for loyal customers, who can enjoy perks and rewards through points earned via MVP Rewards, among other unique experiences and privileges awaiting subscribers throughout the year.

Country’s fastest mobile data network

Smart Signature is powered by Smart LTE, which has been recognized by third-party analytics firms as the country’s fastest mobile data network.

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 the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, Voice App Experience, Games Experience, and 4G Availability.  

Make your mark with Smart Signature now! Learn more about the Smart Signature Plan perfect for your lifestyle at smart.com.ph/signature. Sign up as a new subscriber, or upgrade your current Smart Postpaid Plan at Smart Stores nationwide or the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph. #

_____________

*Opensignal Awards – Philippines: Mobile Network Experience Report April 2020, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period Nov 1 – Jan 29, 2020 © 2020 Opensignal 

All Day taps PayMaya to bring safer and seamless cashless payment options online and in-store

To provide a safer and more convenient experience to its customers nationwide, All Day will provide contactless payment options online and in-store powered by PayMaya.

Through the partnership, All Day Supermarket will accept cashless payments including PayMaya QR, using the One by PayMaya terminals in their 76 convenience store branches nationwide.

Additionally, grocery shoppers who wish to buy their day-to-day essentials at home can use any debit or credit card as well as their PayMaya accounts to shop via the All Day Market website (https://www.alldaymarket.com/) powered by PayMaya Checkout.

“Our current situation has changed the way Filipinos shop for groceries and we continue to adapt to their changing needs, particularly during this time. As we begin building towards recovery, we are grateful to partner with PayMaya in providing payment convenience and safety to our customers as well our cashiers because it allows faster transactions that also eliminates the problems of handling cash,” said Jacqueline Cano, All Day Business Unit Head.

All Day, supermarket, mini-mart and convenience store chain, aims to provide a refreshed grocery shopping experience through its uniquely-designed store and world-class grocery selections.

During the community quarantine, it continued to expand and innovate their services as it recently opened two new stores in Cavite, launched a personal shopper service for customers, and started the All Day Market e-commerce website to cater to customers who are unable to go out.

“We are excited to enable All Day Supermarket with cashless payments solutions from PayMaya as they blaze the trail in this shift towards digital. Safety and convenience is a topmost priority for All Day and we're happy to provide our end-to-end digital payments solutions, especially as we all move towards the New Normal,” said PayMaya Philippines President Shailesh Baidwan.

Aside from All Day grocery in-store and online, PayMaya will also be deploying One by PayMaya to 18 AllHome branches nationwide.

As part of its goal of building a cashless ecosystem for the New Normal, PayMaya has been empowering businesses such as groceries and supermarkets with cashless payment options that give their customers a safer and more convenient way to pay.

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.

Alfamart expands GCash payment coverage to all stores

The ease-of-access to cashless payment methods, and the contactless culture brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made cashless transactions pretty much the norm. In response to this shift in customer behavior, Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, will be accepting GCash for all its stores by the end of August.

Currently, there are over 20 million registered GCash users in the Philippines and it is continually growing because some cities used the cashless portal to give aid to those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

According to Alfamart COO Harvey Ong, expanding the acceptance of GCash payments to other branches is in line with Alfamart’s goal of making shopping convenient and safe for all its customers. “In a post-pandemic society, there is more need for contactless payment options,” Ong said. “We hope to encourage the communities that we serve to use and get used to these cashless options to minimize the need for paper money and coins to exchange hands and limiting physical contact.” Ong further explained.

To date, there are close to 900 Alfamart stores serving Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and South Luzon. Each store is strategically located to cover subdivisions, neighborhoods, and communities so people will have a safe, comfortable, and convenient place to get their everyday needs at supermarket prices.

This TikTok Creator Shares Tips On Becoming A Lawyer

 More and more creators have been posting their knowledge and know-how on TikTok. Through this, the browsing experiences of followers around the world are both improved and enriched. As educational content on the platform continues to flourish, there is a good chance that you will find someone on TikTok who shares information about topics that you would like to learn and understand.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a lawyer, for example, can gain valuable insight about this from Atty. Cher Alcantara. A practicing lawyer, whose expertise is in criminal and civil law, Atty. Cher educates others about this profession through her TikTok videos. These range from tips for taking the bar exams, stories about being in law school, and other important things you need to know about practicing law.

Are you curious to see what you can really learn from this awesome TikTok lawyer? We give you a sneak peek through this quick roundup of videos.

Atty. Cher can help you gain a better understanding of legal terms with her Legal Language series. In this particular post, she defines and discusses adultery, concubinage, and bigamy.

https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneycher/video/6846947095023340801

 She also gives you a glimpse of life in law school through videos and monologues depicting various scenes and situations that could happen in real life.

https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneycher/video/6846583109010410754

 Questions from followers are also answered in Atty. Cher’s posts. Her replies contain words of advice and encouragement, all based on her personal experiences as a lawyer and a student of law.

https://www.tiktok.com/@attorneycher/video/6846913184469667074

There is so much more that you can learn when you follow educational creators like @attorneycher on TikTok. If you have your own informative videos to share, you can do so using the hashtag #TikTokU. Download the app on your iOS and Android devices to get started.

Why You Should Use a Shower Filter

 Taking a shower is one of the ways we practice cleanliness and good hygiene. The quality of water we absorb in our bodies during a shower, however, may put us at risks instead as rapid growth in population, urbanization and industrialization degrades our water. 

In the Philippines, up to 58 percent of groundwater sampled is contaminated with coliform and needs treatment,[1]rendering it harmful to the skin. With our body absorbing three times as much water through the skin when showering than when drinking water, clean bathing water is essential. 

A shower filter helps keep water for bathing clean and safe to use. What’s more, it can reduce harmful substances in the water, which in turn helps prevent skin rashes and other health problems.

Here are the other benefits of using a shower filter:

1.              Makes skin feel softer and healthier

Contaminants in water such as lead and chlorine can cause skin dryness with too much exposure. A shower filter removes these harmful substances from the water, contributing to softer and healthier skin.

2.              Reduces the risk of some cancers

Exposure to chlorinated water may pose dangers to the body.[2] Continuous absorption of chlorine through the skin may increase the risk of some cancers. Showering with filtered water can help reduce this risk.

3.              Prevents contamination of the air inside homes

Contaminants suspended in the air can mix with the air inside your rooms after you open the bathroom door. Installing a shower filter can help prevent this from happening by keeping the air inside your bathroom clean. 

4.               Reduces fatigue and improves energy

The chlorine present in water can aggravate the skin and lungs, potentially causing fatigue. Filtered water without contaminants can help improve energy levels.

5.              Reduces excessive product buildup in bathrooms

Shower filters lessen the buildup of chlorine and salt in the nozzles of the shower head and corners of the bathroom. This means fewer areas of concern when cleaning the bathroom. 

Kohler Exhale Shower Filter filters water and takes out chemical residue for a cleaner and healthier shower.

Developed with balanced design, usability and ergonomics in mind, the Kohler Exhale Shower Filter features a contemporary aesthetic at the same time highlights ease of use and benefits. It eliminates residual chlorine, heavy metal and other harmful substances from the shower water to produce water that’s safe for the skin. 

The contemporary design, which won the iF World Design Award in 2016, complements the modern bathroom, with the crystal-clear outer shell symbolic of nature’s cleanest water. The polished chrome finish is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.

The Kohler Exhale Shower Filter is easy to install and replace, with no need for tools. It also features an intuitive replacement reminder and easy change filter.

A refreshing and safe shower is vital to one’s health, and a shower that helps rid the bathroom and the rest of the house of contaminants ensures the health of the family. Kohler offers bathroom essentials that can help you achieve the highest standard of hygiene. For more information, please visit www.kohler.ph. 

---

[1] http://www.wepa-db.net/policies/state/philippines/overview.htm

[2] https://www.criticalcactus.com/chlorine-tap-water-safe/

LRMC Advisory on LRT-1 Operations in line with MECQ

Update on #LRT1 Operations during Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila

To better prepare for this transition and allow our Operations personnel to travel home safely, commercial operations for LRT-1 will be adjusted for AUGUST 3, 2020 (MONDAY). 

The last trip leaving Baclaran Station is at 9:30 PM, while the last train leaving Roosevelt Station is at 9:45 PM.

Ingat po kayo!

— sharing a COVID-19 Update.