Get comic this pandemic with TV5’s back-to-back game shows

Follow the rules and save money are some of the practices we have learned to embrace in this new normal. What if we turn them into something fun and challenging with a chance to win cash prizes? These all-familiar terms pasaway, ayuda, and even Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) popularized at the height of this pandemic are now mainstays on TV5’s all-new game shows “ “Fill in the Bank” and “Bawal na Game Show” with its back-to-back airing this Saturday, August 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. 

How are you saving for the rainy days in the next normal? Premiering this Saturday, August 15 at 6 p.m. is TV5’s hilarious game show filled with wits, laughter and yes money! Hosted by TV comedians Jose Manalo and Pokwang, “Fill in the Bank” puts an interesting spin on  the local term ayuda and the timely PPE through game rounds that involve Ayuda Teh! Machine (ATM) and Panghakot na Papremyo Equipment (PPE). 

In its pilot episode, celebrity players Ronnie Alonte and Jerome Samonte compete to keep the most money in the bank and advance to the final round for the jackpot money of as much as Php150,000. “Fill in the Bank” brings an all-celebrity game show this August with Aubrey Miles and Jacq Yu gracing Episode 2 on August 17, basketball players Matthew Wright and Robert Bolick competing in Episode 3 on August 19, and volleyball players EJ Laure and Eya Laure capping off this month’s celebrity episodes on August 21.   

Every week, two players will compete in the following rounds: Enter your Pin Code, Cheque or X, Coin Rush and Huli Cash—allowing them to earn money and advance to the next round based on their savings. “Fill in the Bank” airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m. only on TV 5.  

Premiering back to back with “Fill in the Bank” is “Bawal na Game Show” hosted by Ghorl Twins Wally Bayola as Bebe Ghorl and Paolo Ballesteros as Barby Ghorl. A wacky and highly entertaining show about following rules, “Bawal na Game Show” premieres this Saturday at 7 p.m. with celebrity guests Heaven Peralejo, Empress Schuck, Kira Balinger and Myka Rivera. 

The four players will be the show’s pasaway who will compete in three rounds and vye for the jackpot round which entails a cash prize of as much as Php100,000.00. The show will test the contestants’ ability to follow rules using personal tactics and some survival skills. Each challenge sets a rule on what is bawal or taboo like “Bawal Ma-Fall,” “Bawal ang Da Moves,” “Bawal ang Sablay,” “Bawal ang Sumuko” and the bonus round “Bawal na Roleta.” 

Joining the fun this August are all-celebrity players Jameson Blake, Josh Colet, Luke Conde and Miko Raval for Episode 2 (August 18); SexBomb Girls Jopay Pagua, Mia Panyarihan, Mhyca Bautistta and Louise Bolton for Episode 3 (August 20); and comic personalities Jayson Gainza, Pepe Herrera, Jeffrey Tam and DJ Jai Ho for Episode 4 (August 22). 

Tune in to “Bawal na Game Show” with its regular airing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. only on TV5. “Fill in the Bank” and “Bawal na Game Show” are line produced by Archangel Media, under Direk Mike Tuviera (President/CEO) and Jojo Oconer (COO). 

Master the art of clarity with the new vivo X50 and TWS earphones

In these uncharted and uncertain, yet fast-paced times, vivo, the leading global technology company, is set to release three new products that are sure to help young professionals master the art of clarity and navigate their day-to-day responsibilities all while matching any and every style.

With the new vivo X50 and X50 Pro and its unique camera innovation which allows users to capture perfect photos despite continuous movement, the latest additions to the X-series will be the perfect phone for young professionals who are always on-the move.

The X50 and X50 Pro is also the premier phone for young visionaries who work at any time of the day with its extreme zoom capability and super night mode.

vivo will also be releasing their True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones which produces the clearest and most crisp sound quality with utmost convenience, perfect for the demanding and busy lifestyle in the new normal.

Along with mastering the art of clarity, for its latest campaign, vivo will attempt to define what it means to be mobile these days by revealing an exciting partnership which will put their latest innovations to the test and prove that the X50, X50 Pro, and the TWS earphones are the best tools for today’s times.

To learn more visit https://www.vivoglobal.ph.

Indulge in that sweet moment with the new Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Peanut Butter!

Everyone’s still adjusting to the new normal. Being at home constantly—working long hours or idling away the afternoons—can sometimes leave us feeling restless and overworked.

It’s okay to take a breather from everything—to just pause and relax. Go watch a movie, read a book, or grab a quick snack. Indulge in that sweet moment with the new Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Peanut Butter!

Whether you’re working from home or relaxing with the family on a weekend, you can make your days more enjoyable with the new Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Peanut Butter.

This new variant of Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 lets you enjoy moments even further as each bite delivers an exciting chocolate bar experience with its unique combination of ingredients and textures – a rich peanut butter cream, combined with luscious chocolate, chewy caramel, crunchy crushed pretzels, and peanuts.  Truly, this new chocolate bar experience can make snack time at home even more enjoyable!

Indulge in the new Cloud 9 Peanut Butter, and enjoy its rich peanut butter goodness! No matter what the new normal brings, you can enjoy moments even more with this delectable pick-me-up treat.

Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Peanut Butter is now available in all leading groceries, supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide. This well-loved chocolate bar is also available in Classic, Overload, White and Choco Fudge variants. For more information, visit Cloud 9 Philippines’ official Facebook page.

PayMaya fuels a safe and rewarding experience at Petron

Digital financial services PayMaya has teamed up with Petron Corporation to provide a safe and contactless payment experience to motorists fueling up at participating Petron stations nationwide. 

To pay, motorists can simply scan the PayMaya QR code using their PayMaya app, or use their debit or credit cards as well as other e-Wallet accounts through the One by PayMaya all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) device. 

“Offering contactless payment options at our stations is among our top priorities as we embrace the ‘new normal’. We are happy to partner with PayMaya to deliver a safe but also rewarding experience to all our customers nationwide by allowing them to pay using their mobile phones or payment cards. This way, we can further minimize contact between our customers and service station personnel,” said Petron VP for Retail Sales Archie B. Gupalor.

"Along with our various efforts to help the transportation sector go cashless, we are excited to work with Petron and their customers to pay using PayMaya QR or other contactless payment methods. Digital payments ensure that the entire transportation chain–from commuters paying in taxis to motorists fueling up at stations– can have safer and more convenient experience." said Shailesh Baidwan, President of PayMaya.  

Encouraging a safer way to pay 

To encourage motorists to use this safer way to pay, PayMaya is offering rewarding perks as part of its PayMaya Preferred program with Petron. Until September 30, 2020, they can easily get P5 Balik Bayad per liter when they spend a minimum of P300 (P100 starting on August 15) and #ScanToPay using PayMaya QR at a Petron station. They can enjoy this perk and earn up to P500 Balik Bayad per month as long as their PayMaya account is upgraded. 

If their PayMaya account is not yet upgraded during the transaction, there's no need to worry because they can still get a one-time Balik Bayad of P30 for a minimum spend of P250 (P100 starting on August 15) --they just have to make sure to upgrade their account after the transaction to receive this perk. 

What’s even better is that this offer can be availed on top of the 1%, 10%, or 100% Balik Bayad QR promo capped at P500 Balik Bayad per month. Not only is paying via PayMaya QR safer and more convenient, it’s also definitely more rewarding. 

So the next time you need to gas up at Petron, make sure to #ScanToPay with PayMaya QR. To get more details on this promo, visit https://www.paymaya.com/deals/petron. You can also check out paymaya.com/deals for more of PayMaya’s exciting promos.  

If you don’t have your own PayMaya account yet, it’s easy to sign up and start enjoying the perks that come with having one. Just download the PayMaya app for Android or iOS at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133, register your own account, and start shopping with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding, to pay for anything online or in stores. Remember, when you need to gas up, don’t pay cash. PayMaya! Don’t forget to also follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more news and updates. 

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.

A Taste of Summer with TWG Tea Iced Teabags

Indulge in the taste of summer all year round with TWG Tea’s luxurious Iced Teabag Collection. With inspirations and concoctions stemming from our exquisite tea blends, there is no better way to enjoy the day and refresh your palate.

Captivate the senses of tea drinkers with the elegant Iced Teabag Collection, featuring fifteen invigorating tea blends such as Eternal Summer Tea, Moroccan Mint Tea, Pink Flamingo Tea, and Cocktail Hour Tea, all inspired by the latest fashion trends. Each tea blend is carefully proportioned and packaged for fuss-free preparation of refreshing TWG Tea iced teas in the comfort of your home.

            

Each Iced Tea in the TWG Tea Iced Teabag Collection is priced at PhP1,695 and available at TWG Tea Boutiques in Greenbelt 5 and Central Square. 

Simply call your preferred TWG Tea Boutique to order your favourite teas and accessories. For enquiries, kindly contact TWG Tea Boutique in Greenbelt 5 at (0917)8046931 or TWG Tea Boutique in Central Square at (0917)8037775.

Enjoy 50% off on Kuya J Lechon Baka while it lasts

Satisfy your cravings for some real barbeque goodness as Kuya J Restaurant is offering a 50% discount on its Kuya J Lechon Baka!

This exciting offer lets you enjoy a full slab of tender and flavorful Kuya J Lechon Baka with a side of Kamote Fries for only Php 648, while a half slab with 2 cups of rice is now only Php270! Every bite of the Lechon Baka is a moment worth the indulgence!

Tender, flavorful, and juicy, Kuya J’s Lechon Baka offers melt-in-your-mouth goodness. A smoky hunk of grilled meat that barbeque lovers will surely enjoy because of its spice, succulence, and value for money.

This special offer is available for take-out, as well as delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph for a limited time. Customers can avail of multiple orders in one transaction. 

For more updates, follow @kuyajresto on Facebook and Instagram.

Despite quarantine/lockdown challenges Alfamart opens 900th store

It was all smiles and celebration as the latest Alfamart branch in Valdez, Floridablanca, Pampanga recently opened its doors to serve the surrounding community. Alfamart, the first and only Super Minimart chain in the Philippines, was able to pull this off despite current circumstances, thanks to the dedication of everyone in their team.

“The first half of the year was definitely not easy,” said Alfamart Philippines COO Harvey Ong. “We were hoping to have our 900th store opening to coincide with our anniversary in June. But of course, we needed to realign -- to make sure that our frontline staff and employees were safe and well-equipped to deal with the challenges of the pandemic and the accompanying quarantine that came with it,” he continued.

Ong reiterated the fact that Alfamart employees were also frontliners who served the community. They needed to be safe so that they too can keep the customers’ shopping experience as safe and carefree as possible. “They are hard workers--dedicated to the core. We actually gave them freedom to choose whether they need to report to work or not during the quarantine. We were overwhelmed and surprised that a lot of them chose to still report to work, so, of course, we did everything in our power to make it easier for them to do their jobs,” he said.

Even up to now, Alfamart staff are still given free shuttle rides, provided PPEs and sanitation materials, and regular tests to ensure their health and wellness.

“We were fortunate that everyone in Alfamart adjusted well to the situation,” Ong continued. “We were eventually able to get our legs under us and continue with our plans to expand our operations further into Central and South Luzon,” he shared.

One of the biggest adjustments Alfamart implemented was establishing cashless payments in all 900 stores. Currently, they are accepting GCash and are planning to accommodate more cashless options in the future.

For more information regarding Alfamart and all its branches you may visit https://alfamart.com.ph.

Smart launches GIGA Pro with bigger and better data for the new normal

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled GIGA Pro, a much bigger and better data pack that makes it simpler for subscribers to deal with their growing mobile data needs in the new normal.   

Available to all Smart Bro Prepaid and Smart Prepaid subscribers, GIGA Pro offers a generous combination of 3 GB per day of any GIGA offer – whether it’s Video, Study, Work, Games, or Stories – plus open access data allocation to cover all their online activities. 

For example, the primary offer, GIGA Pro 199, comes with a total of 27 GB data valid for 7 days. This is inclusive of 3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 7 days plus 6 GB open access data, which subscribers can use to upload work presentations on the go, attend online classes, stream videos, connect on social media, or play mobile games, among others. 

GIGA Pro also comes in higher denominations with even bigger data: GIGA Pro 599 offers a total of 57 GB valid for 15 days (3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 15 days plus 12 GB open access data), and GIGA Pro 999 offers a total of 114 GB valid for 30 days  (3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 30 days plus 24 GB open access data). 

  

A simpler way of loading up 

GIGA Pro is exclusively available on the Smart App, which is downloadable on Google Play Store and the App Store.   

The Smart App provides an easier way for subscribers to load up the Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi with a few taps on their smartphone – a far cry from the old hassles of having to connect to a complicated online dashboard or needing to transfer the Pocket WiFi SIM to a handset. 

Now, to avail of GIGA Pro, Smart Bro Prepaid subscribers only have to first connect their smartphone to their Pocket WiFi and then log in to the Smart App, which will automatically detect their account number. After that, subscribers just need to tap the GIGA Pro offer they want to get going. 

On the other hand, Smart Prepaid subscribers can just open the Smart App on their phone and select the GIGA Pro offer of their choice. 

Simple, Smart Ako  

“This convenient way of loading up via the Smart App is consistent with our ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ approach to streamline the access to our digital solutions so more Filipinos can benefit from them. Our subscribers can definitely expect more as we continuously look for ways to improve their experience with our services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer. 

  

“Mobile data has become an even more important resource now that we have brought many aspects of our life online. With GIGA Pro, we are providing our subscribers with bigger data to address their evolving needs at work, school, and everything in between,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart. 

Go with GIGA Pro 

GIGA Pro’s supercharged data inclusions make it ideal for Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi subscribers who juggle various online activities on the go. 

Professionals can gear up for greater work productivity while students can clock in more online learning sessions with GIGA Work Pro and GIGA Study Pro, respectively, which each comes with open access data plus daily access to online productivity tools and learning apps.   

On the other hand, entertainment junkies can binge-watch more of their favorite series on the go with GIGA Video Pro or level up more gaming sessions with GIGA Games Pro. Moreover, those who need their daily dose of social media content and updates can get more with GIGA Stories Pro. 

  

Connect to the country’s fastest mobile data network   

The Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile data network as affirmed by international third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.  

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, recently named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the first half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 18.33, with average speeds of 15.94 Mbps for download, and 7.57 Mbps for upload, based on 2,810,963 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.   

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.  

To learn more about GIGA Pro, visit http://smrt.ph/gigapro and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications, Twitter, and Instagram at @LiveSmart.

   

Enjoy crispy chicken in four Taco Bell favorites

If there's one dish that Filipinos universally love, it would be fried chicken! With its golden-brown, crispy batter surrounding its juicy and succulent meat, fried chicken is an irresistible treat for the senses. 

Good news for fans of this delectable protein: crispy chicken is making a comeback at Taco Bell in a way that will surely make your mouths water. Starting August 21, the once loved Taco Bell Crispy Chicken Fest is back with a hot, new twist! 

The new, scrumptious offering is available in four signature Taco Bell dishes. Choose whether to gorge on a cheesy Crispy Chicken Burrito or to enjoy it on topped on your Mexican rice in the Crispy Chicken Naked Burrito. You can also savor the crunchy treat in our signature Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme or experience the ultimate crunchy treat, with the Chick ‘n Nachos combo. All these are made with 100%, whole-muscle chicken strips made more exciting with a kick of mild spice. Price starts at P149 and may vary depending on where you’re ordering from. 

Want to spice things up some more? Mix and match which sauce to pair your meal with classic Taco Bell nacho cheese or tangy garlic sauce. 

The irresistible hot, new chick has really spiced things up with her comeback! Enjoy Taco Bell’s Mexican-inspired take on this classic favorite by ordering it dine-in or to-go! You can also enjoy these delicious treats at the comfort of your home! You can have it delivered by calling 8911-11-11, or through GrabFood and Foodpanda. 

For more information about this and other promos and offerings, like and follow Taco Bell on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

TikTok Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy and Strong

Throughout this pandemic, people have been making an extra effort to stay healthy, as an added protective measure against COVID-19. While it is important to maintain the overall wellbeing of both body and mind, you must not forget to focus on oral health, too.

During these past few months of community quarantine, access to dental clinics has been limited. While visiting a dentist for regular checkups is a challenge, there are things that you can do from home to give your teeth and gums some much-needed TLC. Believe it or not, you can actually discover more about this on TikTok.

Anyone who wants to learn how to properly care for your teeth should check out Teeth-Tok dentists, Dr. Hanz Joshua Kiel Sandoval and Dr. Leya Ramos. Both share informative and helpful content that are sure to make you smile. Here are a couple of their videos that feature quick and easy dental health tips that you can do everyday.

 Dr. Hanz shares a helpful guide for beating bad breath through proper mouth cleaning, and tweaking what you eat. In this video, you’ll see that he isn’t just a great dentist. He’s a good dancer, too!https://www.tiktok.com/@hanzsomedoval/video/6845842608091188481

Keeping teeth clean is an essential step in maintaining oral health. Here, Dr. Leya shares tips on  how to brush your teeth more efficiently. Watch until the end for expert tips for choosing a toothbrush, and how often to clean your teeth.https://www.tiktok.com/@docleya/video/6845191618832764161

Be sure to follow these amazing dentists on TikTok, and give extra care to your teeth and gums today. You can really learn a lot when you follow educational creators like them on the app. Plus, if you have your own informative videos to share, you can also do so using the hashtag #TikTokU.

Download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices to get started.

Amway Philippines: Consumers don’t just want healthy, they want healthier

The current pandemic has caused increasingly health conscious consumers to reevaluate their lifestyle and demands, and these changes were noted by direct selling industry leader Amway Philippines as they monitored the sales of their health supplements.

“Even before the lockdown, there was already a surge in demand for immunity-related products such as our Nutrilite health supplements, especially our own vitamin C, Acerola C, and B Vitamins,” recalls Leni Olmedo, Country Manager of Amway Philippines. “Though there is no specific supplement that’s been found to prevent catching illnesses, consumers continue to take these to support their balanced diet in hopes of being less vulnerable.”

As per Euromonitor, Amway’s plant-based health supplement line Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and dietary supplement brand that grows, harvests, and processes plants on their own certified organic farms. “We monitor the entire process from seed to supplement and this level of traceability is what drives customer trust and confidence in our products,” Olmedo reveals. 

Organic has a healthy connotation to consumers since pesticide- and chemical-free are considered to be safe and more nutritious. Recent research by Ecovia Intelligence show that organic and sustainable food retailers all over the globe are also experiencing significant increases in sales amidst the health crisis, and that the demand for these products is expected to remain strong post-COVID-19.

“Many will keep to these healthy eating habits to help protect themselves, so this amplified awareness and these demands on health and wellness will surely continue to be relevant in the future,” Olmedo adds.

The country manager further shares that this crisis has taught them that consumers prefer brands that are purpose-driven, and that they form strong relationships with companies that they can trust. “Our traceable process ensures consumers that what we offer is pure, safe, and effective, so we are able to secure the loyalty of our local customer base especially during the pandemic wherein health is a major concern.”

She concludes, “During these uncertain times, Filipinos will remember brands that are able to service them well and meaningfully.”