Sekaya brings together medical expertise and personal experiences to tell the story of the power of food

Its true, you are what you eat. What you put into your body matters. I learned a lot in "Sekaya Prescribing Nature Series: Transforming your Life with Food" online session held today. The virtual event is graced by medical experts in the field. If you are into plant-based diet, like me, then this one's for you. 

Over the past years, a big health turning point has led many people to go back to basics – pivoting to more whole foods, vegetables and fruits, and plant-based food supplements – as the awareness of what you eat can impact your overall health and wellness continues to grow.

Sekaya is bringing that conversation to the fore, particularly as we face ongoing health challenges. As the flagship brand of Synnovate Pharma Corporation, the natural products company of Unilab, Sekaya is intent on Prescribing Nature through plant-based functional products that take advantage of all the benefits that nature provides, while backing these up with strong scientific research and pharma-grade processing.

With the mission of helping Filipinos come up with informed choices about the products they consume, Sekaya Prescribing Nature Series: Transforming your Life with Food is an engaging panel discussion that presents both medical expertise and real-life experiences. 

Dr. John La Puma, chef, and co-founder of ChefMD and Plant With a Doc

We all fundamentally know that natural is better and healthier for us, but having medical experts in the field confirming this premise provides stronger proof and assurance. Dr. John La Puma, internationally renowned internal medicine specialist, chef, and co-founder of ChefMD and Plant With a Doc, and Dr. Oyie Balburias, FPCP, IFMCP, and functional medicine pioneer in the Philippines discuss how the right food – as meals or medicine – can have huge implications on improving our personal, physical, medical, and mental health.

Dr. Oyie Balburias, FPCP, IFMCP

According to Dr. La Puma, “Just like the ‘food-as-medicine’ movement decades ago, nature-based medicine is beginning to emerge as a scientifically-proven school of thought and a critical medical intervention that has both immediate and long-term health benefits.”

“Being healthy means putting the right fuel in your body. Whole foods act as medicine that protect and heal, and give your immune system a break from toxins and additives found in processed food,” says Dr. Balburias. “Every meal you eat influences the way you feel, in one way or another, so the more nutritious food you choose, the closer you are to getting to optimum health.”

ONELIFE Pilates and Physical Therapy Studio founder Tanya Aguila

NatGeo Explorer, Cordillera Conservation Trust co-founder, and athlete JP Alipio

Real stories of busy urban and active professionals such as multi-hyphenate ONELIFE Pilates and Physical Therapy Studio founder Tanya Aguila, NatGeo Explorer, Cordillera Conservation Trust co-founder, and athlete JP Alipio, Group Publisher of nolisoli.ph, preen.ph, and Scout and conscious cook Bea Ledesma, and Functional and Integrative Medicine Practitioner Rico Jose Manuel B. David, M.D., more popularly known as Dok Bok, bring relatable experiences to the discussion, and give us concrete examples of the benefits gained and the ways we can incorporate more natural and plant-based eats into daily life.

 Group Publisher of nolisoli.ph, preen.ph, and Scout, Bea Ledesma

 

Functional and Integrative Medicine Practitioner Rico Jose Manuel B. David, M.D.

Sekaya Prescribing Nature Series: Transforming your Life with Food also introduces Sekaya Raw Actives. This curated line of nutrient-dense superfoods provides a high quality, science-backed source to supplement what we eat and boost our nutrition to help us stay healthy and active, in a way that’s simple and easy enough to incorporate in our daily lives. 

The lineup of powdered superfoods includes Daily Greens, made from organic spinach and kale that provides micronutrients and phytonutrients needed for energy metabolism and vascular health, and Barley Green, made from 100% organic barley grass which can serve as a natural detoxifier. Then there are energy optimizers Maca Factor that aids in increasing the body's ability to adapt better to stress and have more energy, and Powerbeet to boost nitric oxide production for more energy and better endurance.

Those looking to increase their protein intake can benefit from the Sekaya Raw Actives’ plant proteins Vegan Protein that provides 18g of protein per serving and micronutrients such as potassium, iron and calcium, and Pea Protein that offers higher protein content with 23g of clean plant-based protein per serving. 

“Sekaya is very proud to bring another line of best-in-class plant-based products to Filipino consumers. The brand works hard to provide high-quality solutions brought on by converging the exacting measures of science and the healing benefits of nature,” says Abi Nepomuceno, Director and Business Unit Head of Synnovate Pharma Corporation “No matter what your story or motivation is, and what level you’re at, Sekaya Raw Actives can provide you with the micro and macronutrients you need to help supplement what you eat to stay active and improve your overall health, in a way that’s easy and quick to integrate into your own day-to-day.”

Sekaya Raw Actives is available in Real Food and online in Lazada, Zalora and Shopee under the S Sentials Store. You may also order through the Synnovate Flagship Store in Lazada, or by messaging via Facebook or Instagram, and SMS or Viber at 0917-5SEKAYA (735292).

Get more science-based health tips and information by following @SekayaPH on Facebook and Instagram. To know more about Sekaya, visit https://www.sekaya.com.ph/.  

Araneta City, J. Amado Araneta Foundation Honors #ResilientPinoy

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social responsibility arm of Araneta City, continues to honor Filipino entrepreneurs who navigate through the crisis and emerge stronger in its online campaign, #ResilientPinoy. Launched last 7 July, JAAF #ResilientPinoy features human interest stories of resilience and recovery.

The struggle is real during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially for micro, small, and medium scale industries that are not as well-resourced as large companies. With an invisible culprit, the business environment suddenly changed, and the norms are suddenly shaken. There were those who hit the bottom and quit, those who found new opportunities, and those who are resilient enough and bounced back. #ResilientPinoy is their story.

JUNALYN ALIVIO
The Boholana Essentials
As a #ResilientPinoy, Junalyn didn’t lose hope in business. For her, you need to reflect, reassess, revisit, and tweak the business blueprint. Junalyn sees the future with lots of local eco-hub stocks to support women entrepreneurs like her. She’s now exploring online reselling to continue The Boholana Essentials in this time of crisis.

The Boholana Essentials
Likhang Filipina, 3rd Level, Ali Mall, Araneta City https://www.facebook.com/theboholanaessentials/https://www.instagram.com/theboholanaessentials Telephone: 0977-1976170



MELINDA CASTRO Baguio Gawang Kamay
Through Baguio Gawang Kamay, many families were provided jobs. The local crafters were able to send their children to school and provide food for their families, and they are more inspired
J. AMADO ARANETA FOUNDATION, INC.

 

Address: 26th floor Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City Tel. No.: +632.8.588.4000 local 7297/4115

to do more local products. Like the majority, Melinda and Baguio artisans got affected by the pandemic. “Mahirap. Ilang buwan ding walang benta. Gusto na naming pumunta sa Maynila para buksan ang tindahan. Hindi kami tumigil manalangin, at ang paggawa ng crafts, pinaghusayan pa namin nang husto.” They are now migrating their marketing online, aside from the physical store, through the leadership of Melinda.

Baguio Gawang Kamay
Likhang Filipina, 3rd Level, Ali Mall, Araneta City https://www.facebook.com/Baguio-Gawang-Kamay-Products-from-the-North- 401049000307779/

MARY ANN SANTIAGO JBrothers RestroGrill
Mary Ann worked in a big restaurant chain for about 10 years until its closure due to the pandemic. With her 2 young children in mind, she thought, “paano ako makakahanap ng paraan ngayon para sa buwanang gastusin ng pamilya?” Even with the financial assistance, what if the lockdown continues? Within 2 months, Mary and his partner Mike Sabaulan started JBROTHERS RESTOGRILL in Marikina City, and a milk tea and waffle station (and online counterpart). They added healthy refreshing drinks at frozen ready-to-eat food packs, with paluto services. Now, Mary Ann and Mike are planning to setup their own meat shop.

JBrothers RestoGrill
41G Russet St. Corner Purple St.
SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City Telephone: 0915-3915567
fbpage: http://www.facebook.com/jbrothersresto/

JOSHUA PALO
4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House
Since the restaurant he was working for remains closed, Chef Joshua gets no income. Thinking of his family, Joshua went on to making and selling home-made table-top condiments and pizza. He is now producing fermented cayenne pepper sauce, chili garlic, sriracha, yellow habanero, salsa verde and pizza through his 4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House. “I have to make my passion profitable. Ngayon, literal na passion feeds passion talaga. I am selling condiment sauces via Lazada and online also. Another opportunity came along nung nakipag-partner yung kaibigan kong may pizza business. Sabi ko “Iba ka talaga God! You are unexpectedly so good.”
J. AMADO ARANETA FOUNDATION, INC.

  

Address: 26th floor Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City Tel. No.: +632.8.588.4000 local 7297/4115

4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga
FB Page: 4E Food Products
Contact Number: 09159116688
Email Address: joshuapalo06@gmail.com CATHERINE ANN LORENZO

Roasted Duck Express by Yong-A
Cathy was put in charge of the family business, Yong-A Oriental Duck Express, which had its grand opening a few days before the ECQ was imposed. The total lockdown left her with no choice but to temporarily cease operations. On June 10, Yong-A decided to reopen and adapt to the new normal – which means only take-outs, pick-ups, and deliveries. Foremost in their minds in saving the business were the employees who are affected and their families. “We had to shiftour operations to an online approach. Taking advantage of technology, we adapted digital market strategies and integrated online and e-commerce platforms to reach out to our market conveniently. ROASTED DUCK EXPRESS by YONG-A came about. A product of the needs of the times, we have evolved. Necessary employees are working again. Yong-A has bounced back and evolved into Roasted Duck Express to emphasize the shift away from the dine-in services,” Cathy declared.

Roasted Duck Express by Yong-A
Ground Floor Sekai Center Ortigas Avenue Corner Madison Street, San Juan City Email Address : roastedduckexpress@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roastedduckexpress
IG: https://www.instagram.com/roastedduckexpress/
Website: https://roastedduckexpress.com

JONATHAN DALIDA Jhon Marcio
Jonathan’s story can be summarized in a Facebook group page post he made last June 14: “Ako ay isang food and beverage cosultant sa mga newly-opened restaurants. I used to handle 20 restaurants before. Isang araw bigla na lang kaming tinakbuhan ng owner ng business, at kahit piso wala kaming nakuha. Sa umpisa, umasa na lang kami sa bigay para sa aking 5 anak – as young as 4 months old at meron din akong 3-year old. Umutang ako para mgkaroon ng konting puhunan. Gumagawa ako ng SIOMAI CHAHAN RICE WITH EGG at benebenta ko ng tig-Php55. Sa maliit na tubo, makakaipon ako para sa aming pang araw-araw na pangangailangan, lalo na sa mga anak ko. Manghihiram ako ng bike para makapag-deliver sa inyong mga tahanan.” John’s post garnered enough interest, not just likes and reactions, but actual orders. JHON MARCIO was born. Jonathan now gathers orders through the week and does deliveries on Sundays. His chahan rice with egg menu has since expanded and he now offers Pansit Malabon, varieties of chahan rice, and chicken wings in different flavors. Based in Muntinlupa City, Jhon Marcio caters to needs and does delivery all over the Metro.

Facebook: Jhon Marcio https://www.facebook.com/naithan.gabriel Address: Manggahan Itaas, Putatan, Muntinlupa City
Contact Number: 0966-7038362
Email Address: jonathandalida0@gmail.com

You can now enjoy Hey! I am Yogost drinks in the comforts of your home

Do you often feel guilty indulging in your favorite sweet treat? Or do you find healthy food less flavorful, making you want another “cheat day”? Here’s one great news for you. “Hey! I am Yogost!”, a global yogurt-based drink, is finally here in the Philippines!

Yogost makes it possible for you to have the best of both worlds - enjoying your sweet treat while still being on track with your health goals. Every cup of Yogost drink is made with all-natural probiotic yogurt that has the right balance of sweetness and tanginess specially customized for the Filipino sweet tooth. For its sinker, it mainly uses naturally sweet and chewy purple rice, known since the ancient era as a superfood for its high concentration of antioxidant. It also blends perfectly with real fruits. 

Yogost drinks are offered in four different series, featuring the best flavors that you could imagine for a sweet treat. If you simply want the creamy goodness of sweet and tangy yogurt, the Rich Series is best for you. If you’re craving something light and refreshing, you should try the VC Series - yogurt infused with green tea and real fruits high in Vitamin C. If you are familiar with the yogurt and fruit combination, you are sure to find your favorite in the Fruit Series. And finally, if you want to expand your palates by trying new and unique flavors, you will definitely enjoy the Blossom Series. 

Still not sure where to begin? Start with the signature Yogost Purple Rice and discover how Yogost perfectly balances the natural flavors of yogurt and purple rice, specially customized for the Filipino sweet tooth. 

Or if you want to enjoy your boba pearls in a healthier way, order Boba Loca. You should also try Aloha Berry – yogurt with blueberry and pineapple, and Love You Strawberry Much – yogurt with strawberry, and find out why they are the top favorites around the world, apart from their vibrant colors. 

Be truly refreshed by Orange You The Sweetest – yogurt infused with green tea and orange. Everyone is also going crazy for Would Jujube my Date – yogurt with jujube and purple rice. Adjust the tanginess level according to your preference – Original is their signature blend, if you want it extra tangy, you can Double the yogurt at no additional cost. You can customize the sweetness level to your liking too. 

Now, there’s no need to deprive your sweet tooth and you can #indulgeeveryday with #yogostph. With its health benefits and affordable price, Yogost is your new go-to refreshment and treat after a long day. “We want our customers to truly enjoy what they consume without having to worry about how unhealthy it may be. It's important to provide options that are not only flavorful, but healthy and reasonably priced as well. That's exactly what Yogost offers and we're excited to finally be able to offer this to the Philippine market.” says Justin Lim, President of The Purple Rice Inc., the company that introduced Yogost into the Philippines. 

You and your friends will surely rave about all Yogost drinks – with names that will perk you up, and vibrant colors that will entice your palates and those of your Instagram followers. It’s no wonder why, in just two years since it started, Yogost has become a massive phenomenon trending around the world. It has at least 71 stores including those in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Canada and Malaysia. It will also soon open in Singapore, Indonesia and the US. 

Yogost is open daily in Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Greenhills Promenade. Order thru Grab Food, Food Panda and Lala Food and treat yourself with any of Yogost drinks in the comforts of your home. Be sure to follow their Facebook Page – Yogost Philippines and Instagram Page – Yogostph for updates. 

Make online learning an enjoyable experience by following these tips

As the country continues to fight the ongoing pandemic, schools are turning to online classes and remote learning so students can remain safe at home while pursuing their education. However, the downside to homeschooling is that students are surrounded distractions like gadgets, the comfortable sofa, and even the normal daily activities at home!

To help make the online learning experience productive and efficient, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, suggests trying these methods:

Have a classroom set-up at home. At home, the lines between school and play can be blurred so it is recommended to make a separate area for homeschooling. When setting up a study area in the house, choose a spot that provides natural light to help fuel the student’s learning, concentration, and creativity. Decorate the area with learning tools like a whiteboard or chalkboard, flash cards related to the child’s lesson, and other materials he/she may need to aid in his/her studies.

Zone out the noise. Make sure the room is quiet. Turn off the television, radio, cellphones or other sources of noise so the student can concentrate on the lecture. Remind other family members and household staff to respect the kid’s school time by avoiding going in and out of the room or keeping the noise down during school hours.  

Learn through other mediums. Even outside school hours, students can still learn new things in other ways. There are various online tutorials or educational videos discussing almost everything under the sun. Printed books are still a viable option so little kids can also lessen screen time. Arts and crafts are also good ways to learn and bond with family.

Prep before class. Before class hours, students must fuel themselves with nutritious foods that help boost concentration and brain activity. Fill their plates with fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as fatty fish like salmon, sardines and tuna, which are rich in omega-3s for better cognitive abilities. They should also dress appropriately and prepare all school materials needed before school hours start—this will give kids a sense of routine and mental preparation for the day’s work.

Make online learning an enjoyable experience by following these tips from AXA Philippines. To know the various insurance products offered by AXA, including educational plans for your children, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Tips for Gen Zs, millennials in coping with mental health crisis

There is no doubt that the year 2020 will go down in the history of mankind as one of the most, if not the most, damaging in terms of loss of lives or global economic and political upheaval due to COVID-19. Add to that is the most likely long-term impact on mental health as the world embraces this so-called “new normal” amid a pandemic that has completely changed how people live their lives. 

Photo by Simon Watkinson 

Focusing on making sure that people feel heard and supported, Globe Telecom, through its Hope Bank online community,  has launched the “#StartANewDay – Let’s talk about mental health” webinar series with “Insights for Millennials and Gen Zs” as the first topic, being the two age groups most affected by stress, anxiety, and depression during the community quarantine.

Among the notable speakers were mental health advocates led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, author and principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Law);  adult psychiatrist Dr. Corazon Angela Cuadro, occupational medicine specialist Dr. Gia Sison, showbiz personality Kiana Valenciano and #MentalHealthPH co-Founder Roy Dahildahil. 

With four children at home, Sen. Hontiveros said the pandemic changed a lot in the way they live but it allowed them to be more open to each other.  She added that the prolonged community quarantine may be used to form a stronger bond with each member of the family or address unresolved issues.

“This pandemic revealed how badly we need one another so I suggest we check up on each other, drink 8 glasses of water daily, turn off the news once in a while, find time to do things and enjoy it if you can and take a rest. In the midst of a public health crisis every facet of our health matters. We must take care of ourselves and that amid all that is happening, remember that mental health, especially among the young generation, will always matter.”

   Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash

Dr. Cuadro, on the other hand, said that the rise in mental health issues among millennials and Gen Z’s is not an isolated case. For this younger set who are used to going out and being free but are now limited to virtual contacts, it may be difficult for most to cope. “It’s good that they are now more open to express themselves and there’s a safe space now to talk about them and be allowed to express these emotions and experiences, especially possible anxieties and depressive symptoms.”

During the webinar, young singer-songwriter Valenciano who struggles with depression and anxiety said the pandemic taught her to confront directly the issues she’s had in the past. “I had to change my whole thought process, the toxic thinking, I learned to appreciate things more. I also learned to flip things over, especially those seen on social media, to keep my feet grounded and focused on what I can do for myself and let go of things I have no control of.”

In light of millennials and Gen Z’s complicated relationship with social media which is also another source of anxiety and depression, mental health advocacy group leader Dahildahil offered a few tips like being aware of the kind of content they are consuming, the manner content is shared which can also affect other people, and understanding how they were affected by it. “Emotions can be contagious, so is disinformation. Do some self-checking, how were they affected by social media content and ask themselves why do they use social media. Is it about to connect, to express, to inspire people, and how does it help them? If using social media is not helpful anymore, best to take some time off it, more of a digital detox, to also protect themselves,” he said.

Dahildahil’s views were shared by Dr. Sison, who heads the Makati Medical Center’s Women’s Wellness Center who said that millennials and Gen Z’s can also avoid being overwhelmed by all the information and negativity by sticking to credible sources of information only. “Limit sources of information in the Philippines and gather the more credible facts and even limit social media sites being followed. Use the ‘block’ and ‘mute’ feature of the phone if need be to avoid being overwhelmed.”

All the speakers also expressed gladness that there is now a platform where mental health issues can be discussed freely and positively, where everyone can speak up and let their voices and concerns about mental health are heard and create positive change. The more it is being talked about, the better opportunity there is to find solutions, they pointed out.

As the country’s leading telco, Globe supports the promotion of mental health through its various initiatives such as Hope Bank, a safe online space for everyone to openly express their feelings and thoughts about mental health.  It seeks to empower those undergoing emotional and mental challenges caused by Covid-19 and to boost the morale of frontliners and patients including their families and friends. To contribute, members can just post messages using hashtag #SpreadHOPE both on their personal profiles and in the group. These can be through photos, artworks, quotes, song lyrics, poems, videos or anything that expresses hope and positivity.  

Globe also partnered with organizations such as the UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ) and New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong’s HOPELINE for free counseling or psychotherapy services for frontliners, Covid-19 patients and relatives and people under monitoring or under investigation. 

Just call 2919 (Globe and TM subscribers) or 88044673 (landline) for HOPELINE or send a text or Viber message to PsycServ at 09063743466 or 09167573157 with name and concern or accomplish the form found athttp://bit.ly/PsycServPH to receive a call from a PsycServ volunteer. PsycServ is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

For more about Globe Telecom, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Create a learning space for your kids at home with Landers

Due to the pandemic, distance learning is considered as the new norm. Make home learning fun and enjoyable for your kids by creating a fully functional learning space for them. 

Landers Superstore also has the necessary items to create a study corner that will inspire your little ones to give their best in their school work.  

Desk. Of course, every learning space needs a proper desk. One option you can get from Landers Superstore is the YourZone Kids Activity Set perfect for kids aged 3 to 6. For only Php 2999.27, you get a sturdy, wood frame table with a dry-erase tabletop. For the slightly older kids, you can also choose from other desks like the Lifetime Kids Folding Table or the Adams Quik-Fold Side Table.

Chairs. Comfortable and functional, the brand Sudden Comfort offers different chair designs available at Landers, such as the Deluxe Vinyl Padded Folding Chair and the Double Brace Chair which can be great additions to your kid’s learning space.

Lighting. Since proper lighting affects concentration, you can also add in an Aldrin Desktop Touch Light which is kid-proof and easy to operate!

Brain drinks. To keep their energy and alertness up, Landers Superstore offers refreshing and nourishing drinks like the creamy and calcium-packed Cowhead Original Yogurt Drink, the rich Asturiana Chocolate Flavored Milk, or the Natural One Juices which come in different flavors.

Nutritious snacks. If they want to take a quick break, Landers Superstore has got them covered with tasty and healthy treats such as the Nature Valley Bars made with natural wholegrain oats, the crunchy Gullon Mini Fish Crackers, and the irresistible Cheez It White Cheddar Crackers. Aside from those, you can also reward their good work with some freshly baked goods like light and buttery Dough and Co. Chocolate Chip Muffins or the soft and cheesy Nic’s Cheese Rolls.

On top of these, Landers Superstore offers has a wide selection of other   distance learning essentials in its website -- from crayons and art sets to educational toys and coloring books. The best part is you can have all of those items and more delivered straight to your doorstep with Landers Superstore’s delivery service.

Landers is offering a 25% discount on memberships for the whole month of August. To apply for a membership simply visit www.landers.ph. For more school must-haves, make sure to follow @LandersPH on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates.

PLDT ramps up its Infoteach Outreach Program with a webinar series

 To enable various sectors in the new normal of online teaching and learning, leading telco PLDT, through its Infoteach Outreach Program, is conducting a webinar series called "Gearing up for the New Normal in Teaching and Learning.”  

The webinar series recently kicked off with the topic “Preparing your course for online delivery,” and was attended by almost 15,000 registered participants. These include teachers and students who were selected by PLDT in coordination with the Department of Education (DepED) Schools Division Superintendents, while the program’s long-time partner UP Open University (UPOU) provided the learning modules. The session was also extended to the public through the UPOU Networks’ Facebook Live and YouTube streams, with peak views reaching over 8,000 individuals.  

"We echo our Chairman's commitment that there should be no learner left behind. Amid the pandemic, we continue to empower our teachers and students by providing them with digital capabilities. Our webinar series aims to equip them for a smoother transition to a blended learning set-up,” said PLDT Public Affairs Head Ramon Isberto.    

"Through the webinar series, we advocate the culture of sharing. We become architects as we design our own modules. Through this, we enable our fellow teachers to learn from our best teaching and learning practices,” said UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda Bandalaria during the first session.  

There are several topics educators can watch out for, including engaging learners online (August 3), assessment of online engagement tools (August 7) and supporting online learners (August 10). Students will be given an online course on preparing to be an online learner (August 5), while parents will be offered a special webinar on how to support their children as online learners (August 18). There will also be a webinar session on cyber security open to the general public (August 14), led by PLDT Chief Information and Security Officer Angel Redoble. 

“This webinar series in partnership with the UPOU is a milestone that aims to uplift our country’s new digital education system. We continue to take strides in ensuring that we utilize our resources in helping the teaching and learning community," he said. 

Recognizing the vital role that the local government units (LGUs) play in supporting the education sector’s transition to digital learning, PLDT will also hold a special webinar session for them on August 12. 

For more details on how to participate, visit the UPOU Network’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UPOpenUniversityNetworks/ 

Through the shared goal of enriching the country’s education sector, PLDT and UPOU are dedicating this webinar series not only to the teachers, but also to the whole ecosystem of the teaching and learning process: the students, their parents, and their communities. 

OPPO Reno4 Set to Launch Live with Careless Music Manila on August 14

Global smart device brand OPPO, is all set to launch the much-awaited trendy smartphone, the Reno4, this August 14 at 5:00PM. OPPO partnered up with music label Careless Music Manila and its artists Nadine Lustre, KINGwAw, Curtismith, Massiah and Astrokidd to host a special livestream launch event to introduce the latest OPPO Reno4. 

An independent music label, Careless Music Manila has always been focused on creating authentic music, giving the spotlight to up and coming Filipino talents and allowing them to flourish creatively. Each of the ambassadors, Nadine Lustre, KINGwAw, Curtismith, Massiah and Astrokidd, are passionate about expressing themselves through their unique sound and perspective, their way of showing their best selves clearly. Involved in the creative process from start to finish, Careless Music Manila collaborated with OPPO Philippines to write and produce a song for Reno4 campaign, entitled “Clearly the Best You” slated to be released soon.  

Join Careless Music Manila as they premiere their newest song and a peek of their upcoming music video, with snippets shot using OPPO Reno4, on Facebook Live. They will also be unboxing the latest addition to the Reno series, and giving lucky viewers a chance to take home special prizes through exciting games.

So you can show off #ClearlyTheBestYou, the OPPO Reno4 is packed with the trendiest camera features to take portrait photography and videography to the next level, including the 32MP Dual Punch Hole Front Camera and the 48MP High Definition QuadCamera system. Ideal for content creation, the Reno4’s camera modes open up realms of possibilities with the AI Portrait Mode, which mutes the background into black and white while keeping the subject in real color, and the Night Flair Mode to upgrade your night photography with neon effects against a backdrop. Finally, with video platforms being all the rage, the Reno4’s camera comes with an epic 960fps AI Slow Motion feature to capture impressive slow motion shots in the thick of the action, as well as the Ultra Steady Video 3.0 to enhance your videography experience.

With the all new OPPO Reno4, you can effortlessly express #ClearlyTheBestYou and make your portrait shine in every shot. 

To know more about the official livestream launch of the OPPO Reno4, visit OPPO’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/.

Get a chance to win P100,000 shopping spree with a new Smart Signature Plan

If youre a fan of #RiRi and still not moving on with their scented candle scene from Crash Landing On You. Now, is your chance to claim the exclusive limited-edition scented candle handpicked by Son Ye Jin. 

To join, customers only need to sign up for a new Smart Signature Plan at the nearest Smart Store or via the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10, 2020, 

Smart Signature is giving K-drama fans a simple way to get closer to Korean superstar and Smart endorser Son Ye Jin, and relive one of the most romantic moments in the hit series ‘Crash Landing On You.’

With its new promo, customers who sign up for a new Smart Signature Plan can have a chance to win a shopping spree worth up to P100,000 in cash credits via Paymaya.

To join the promo, customers only need to sign up for a new Smart Signature Plan at the nearest Smart Store or via the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10, 2020.

Customers can get any of the following data-packed Smart Signature SIM-Only Plan or Smart Signature Device Plan: Plan S at P999 per month; Plan M at 1499 per month; Plan L at 1999 per month; and Plan XL at 2999 per month.

Aside from getting an exclusive limited-edition scented candle, new Smart Signature subscribers shall also get a corresponding number of entries to a special raffle, where 25 lucky subscribers shall win P20,000 each and one lucky customer shall take the grand prize of P100,000 in cash credits via PayMaya for their shopping spree.

For the complete promo mechanics, visit smart.com.ph/postpaid/signaturechoice.  

Make your mark with Smart Signature

Smart Signature recently unveiled Son Ye Jin as its new endorser, embodying its commitment to simplifying the postpaid experience so customers can make their mark in their career or passion.

Smart Signature simplifies the postpaid experience by prioritizing customers so they can experience the latest technology and mobile innovations; giving them worry-free connections through data-packed plans; and providing them an elevated lifestyle through exclusive perks and rewards.

Smart Signature is powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network, as recognized by third-party analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal. Smart Signature customers are also among the first to experience superfast Smart 5G commercial service in key areas in Metro Manila.  

Learn more about Smart Signature at smart.com.ph/signature and Smart 5G at 5g.smart