X50 Series Complements Trendy Users’ Lifestyles Through Simple but Elegant Design

 vivo’s all-new X50 series of flagship smartphones returns to the brand’s original design aspiration of making the complicated world simple, offering contemporary and elegant design aesthetics that bridge the user with vivo’s advanced technology and enabling the devices to serve as symbols of self-expression for users. 

                                                                    

“The unique color palette, smooth shape, and comfortable feel of the X50 series smartphones all reflect conscious design choices to help users connect with our technology. With elegance as the driving design philosophy, the X50 series’ design features help highlight its professional photography features to deliver a better overall user experience,” said Charisma Buan, vivo Philippines Public Relations Lead “The X series aims to provide a premium photography experience with a balance of technology and user-centric design. As the first X series device to be launched overseas, the X50 series reflects this purpose.”

“Similar to previous devices under the X series, vivo’s new X50 flagship smartphones balance advanced photography technology with sleek and contemporary design aesthetics to complement global users’ trendy and smart lifestyles,” she said.

Unique Design Showcases Professional Photography Capabilities

The design of the X50 series enhances its professional photography features. Guided by a contemporary aesthetic, each smartphone in the series has a rectangular camera matrix with R3 rounded corners, offering a simple but sharp appearance. Designers avoided square or tough elements on X50 series smartphones to create a more comfortable appearance and feel.

The X50 series camera matrix also features a Dual Tone Step design. Large protruding cameras are common among photography flagship smartphones, but vivo believed such a design would diminish the aesthetic appeal of the device. Instead, vivo developed a creative two-level camera design that mitigates the protrusion of the camera matrix and of the Gimbal Camera System on the X50 Pro—enhancing a sense of depth and order while maintaining slimness. The upper level contains the main camera, bokeh camera, and wide-angle camera, set in black. The lower level contains the periscope camera and has the same color as the back cover, while a CNC (computer numerical control) glossy rim around the entire module provides a smooth finishing touch. The Dual Tone Step design serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, solving the challenging of requiring a larger camera matrix due to larger cameras while adding a unique visual focal point. 

Elegant Design Brings Order and Sophistication        

The vivo X series recognizes that smartphones have become like an extension of their users, serving as tools that people use to express their personality and complement their lifestyle. As such, the X50 series returns to vivo’s original design aspirations to emphasize elegance and simplicity, hoping that the new flagship devices help users express themselves and discover more beauty with its orderly and warm design.  

In line with this philosophy, every X50 series smartphone features a unique choker pattern on the top side, serving as a signature design feature. Modelled after the high fashion accessory that originated in France, the X50 series choker pattern breaks the norm of having a plain look on the topside of a smartphone, while also making the device appear slimmer. The choker has the same color scheme, simple lines, and line reflection effects as the smartphone’s broader CMF (color, materials, finish) design, and contains the phrase “PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY”, highlighting the concept of X50 series. vivo will also offer a customized laser engraving on the choker, appealing to users who prefer subtle personal touches.

For the X50 series’ color palette, designers took into account consumer desires for personal expression and the professional photography flagship positioning. Amid the ongoing disruptions to the normal order of modern life, the color palette aims to provide positive messaging and relieve consumers’ worries. To deliver a high-end visual experience to consumers, vivo cooperated with design institutions like the Carlin Creative Trend Bureau in France to set the color palette. After sorting through nearly 600 prototypes, designers decided on three colors for the international market. 

“Frost Blue” is fluid light blue, full of vitality and hope. “Alpha Grey” represents the silver blue in the deep sky and the restoration of order. “Glaze Black” has a gradient effect, telling people to see the world with a clear mind. The Frost Blue and Alpha Grey models feature AG Frosting, a processing technology that creates a frosted finish on the glass surface on the rear side of the phone. It causes an evenly diffused reflection of life across the entire surface, appearing soft and providing comfort. For the Philippine release, the X50Pro will come in Alpha Grey, while the X50 will be available in both Glaze Black and Frost Blue.

                                                                                                     

To enhance comfort, visual appeal, and performance, the X50 Pro also features a 3D flexible curved screen with COP (Chip on Plastic) packaging technology, allowing for a slimmer device (8.04mm) and lighter weight. The screen is relatively bendable, flexible, and durable, making the phone less prone to damage. The innovative display design also reduces harmful blue light exposure and has SGS Eye Care Display certification, while HDR 10+ technology retains complete video brightness and color information. These display features reflect the human-centric focus of X series’ design. 

Enjoy a new way of shopping from home with the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper!

With just a few clicks on your smartphone, you may book your very own personal shopper at Araneta City, and even get a chance to win an exciting prize!

Buy from any store at the City of Firsts using the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper service in the MyKuya app from August 15 to 31, and be one of our 5 lucky shoppers who will win Php1,000 worth of grocery packs!

Any purchase via the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper service is valid for the promo -- whether a sumptuous take-out dinner from one of the restaurants in Ali Mall, fresh produce from Farmers Market, new fashion finds from Gateway Mall, or plants or other gardening supplies at Farmers Garden.

To avail of the service, download the MyKuya app from Google Play for Android users or the App Store for iOS users. Open the app, input your current location, and click the Araneta City icon. Once you get a match with a personal shopper, you can chat with him or her to facilitate the purchase and delivery of your preferred goods.

Announcement of winners will be made on September 3, 2020 via the Araneta City’s official Facebook page.

For complete promo details and mechanics, visit the Araneta City website (https://www.aranetacity.com/news/article/Shop-remotely-get-lucky-with-Araneta-City-zen- Personal-Shopper-promo)

Be a chef while staying at home by learning kitchen tips and tricks, and unique and easy recipes from Chef Rolando Laudico.

The past few months of staying indoors has significantly changed our habits, routines, and even plans and outlook. To break the monotony of being holed up at home, many are discovering new hobbies and interests, starting their own business or taking up short courses to learn new skills. Still many are rekindling their relationship with food through cooking-planning meals and creating various dishes for the whole family. 

La Germania, the trusted household brand known for its premium and high-quality kitchen appliances, makes rediscovering the joy of cooking and mastering different kitchen tricks easier to let you serve love through good food. La Germania is bringing top chef Rolando Laudico’s kitchen online starting August 21 in its #CookingTogetherWithLaGermania series. 

Chef Lau, who owns several restaurants, bistros and cafes around Metro Manila, is eager to share his knowledge of the kitchen with both aspiring restaurateurs and stay-at-home chefs. Through the online series, the celebrated chef can share some secrets and cooking hacks while preparing unique recipes that anyone can do at home to make meal times more special for the whole family.

“Navigating this new normal is indeed a challenge. I think we must take it upon ourselves to look for something that not only helps us overcome the difficulties we face but also allow us to contribute to society as we all battle this invisible enemy,” shares Chef Laudico.

Chef Lau will be the main host of the #CookingTogetherWithLaGermania series, which will feature recipes by the chef and his guests. Chef Lau will be joined in the 15-minute cooking episodes by food journalist Stephanie Zubiri, culinary entrepreneur Karel Marquez and the entire Laudico family. 

The series will run for five months and will have a total of five episodes, which will be livestreamed on La Germania’s official Facebook page. The #CookingTogetherwithLaGermania features an exciting array of topics and recipes from regional food favorites to Filipino Christmas staples. Full recipes of what’s been prepared during the episode will be published on the Instagram page of Chef Lau and his featured guest for those who want to try the featured dishes at home.

Kicking off the series is Chef Lau and Stephanie Zubiri’s special take on the beloved Filipino dish, Bicol Express. The first episode will be livestreamed on August 21 at 2:00 p.m. on La Germania’s official Facebook page. Succeeding episodes will be livestreamed on September 11, October 23, November 27, and December 18. Those who missed the livestream can still access previous episodes on the same page.  

“Back when I was starting my business two decades ago, it was La Germania that I trusted to be my kitchen partner. Now, I am happy to work with this trusted brand once again to share with you some nuggets of culinary wisdom that you can apply at home,” Chef Laudico says.

To stay updated on the #CookingTogetherwithLaGermania episodes and know more about La Germania’s products in the Philippines, follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen brand. 

Dare to be unstoppable with realme C15 with 6000 mAh & 18W Quick Charge

Explore a whole new digital world of richer experience even while staying indoors during this new normal as realme Philippines, the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country, introduces the realme C15, the world’s first smartphone with a 6,000mAh mega battery for that ultimate digital mobile experience. 

A trendsetter smartphone for young customers, the realme C15 features a chic geometric gradient design, an octa-core processor, a 6.5in full-screen LCD with high screen-to-body ratio, and ultra wide-angle quad cameras. All these features encourage the young generation to maximize their smartphone experience and enter a digital world of possibilities, be these in creating exciting content, enjoying videos and music, bonding with family and friends or learning online.

Do more with a longer battery life

Designed to fuel the virtual adventures of both professional digital nomads and newbies, the realme C15 is the first smartphone in its price range to boast a 6,000mAh mega battery, perfect for a highly digital lifestyle. Enjoy movie or series marathons and music streaming for up to 28 hours without worrying about having to pause in between to charge the battery. On standby mode, the realme C15 can last 57 days on a single charge. 

When the battery is low, users won’t have to wait long with the realme C15’s 18W Quick Charge feature, which fully charges the phone in just 2 hours for nonstop entertainment. 

The Super Power Eco mode allows users to extend battery life by selecting six apps to keep active to save on power. This is in line with user behavior study that shows most people use only these six apps 70 percent to 80 percent of the time they are on their phones. With this more aggressive power-saving strategy, the realme C15 increases battery life without compromising daily user experience.

Create more with extraordinary imaging

Make the most of your digital life indoors with powerful cameras to capture special moments, make sure Zoom video calls extra clearer and content creation a lot more fun. 

The first realme C model with a quad-camera setup, the realme C15 stands out from competition in its segment with its ultra wide-angle primary 13MP AI quad cameras. The camera’s f/2.2 large aperture secures enough light to make photos clearer and brighter and the 4x zoom features lets users shoot sharp photos even from a distance. 

Take stunning landscape and group photos with ease using the phone’s 8MP ultra wide-angle camera. The distortion calibration algorithm customized by realme solves the pain point of edge distortion in traditional ultra wide-angle photos, making wide-field photos more real and amazing. 

The camera also features a B&W and retro lens, allowing users to adjust exposure, color temperature, hue and other setting parameters for that artistic effect. A nightscape mode makes the realme C15 the best night shooter in its segment. 

Bring selfies to a whole new level with the phone’s 8MP selfie camera. It supports an AI beautification function, HDR mode, portrait mode and a panoselfie feature that helps users take wider-angle selfies.

Achieve more with powerful performance

The realme C15 is equipped with a powerful Helio G35 octa-core processor ideal for young people with heavy phone use needs such as for online studying or casual gaming. One of the fastest phones in its category, the realme C15 can handle most medium- to heavy apps without lagging.

The realme C15’s 6.5in ultra-large screen with mini-drop design and higher screen-to-body ratio guarantees immersive visual experience each time. Watching videos or playing games with the phone’s larger field of view creates a near-full screen experience.

Based on Android 10, the realme UI provides users an enhanced and closer to stock Android experience. Designed with the preferences and aesthetic of young consumers in mind, the phone is fun and seamless to use. 

Even the phone design with its stylish geometric gradient is inspired by the lifestyle of the young generation. The realme UI uses high-saturation and high-brightness colors to construct an authentic color scheme that evokes vitality and freshness. To match the vibrant app icons, the realme UI also provides 11 new wallpapers inspired by natural elements for that balanced visual look. 

Enjoy more with exciting new features

The realme C15 supports both ultra-fast fingerprint unlocking and facial recognition for safety and convenience. As an added safety feature, users can turn on Personal Information Protection in the realme UI. The system will provide empty information pages when apps request access to the user’s personal information, ensuring user call history, contacts and messages stay private and preventing any information leak.

Users who want to enjoy the same video or song with a friend at the same time from the same device will find the Dual Mode Music Share feature really useful. It allows two users to connect a pair of wireless earbuds and wired earphone simultaneously so they can listen to the same song together. 

Another feature, Focus Mode, helps users concentrate and relax by preventing notifications from flooding the phone. When Focus Mode is turned on, the system will enable Do Not Disturb (DND) and play relaxing music, allowing users to isolate themselves from the outside world for that needed alone time.

The realme C15 also features Dark Mode, which shifts backgrounds from light to dark when turned on. Users may also enable Dark Mode to automatically turn off at sunrise and turn on at sunset. This feature is beautifully integrated in the realme UI and is optimized to work with third-party apps. 

Pricing and availability

The realme C15 will be available in two storage configurations: 3GB RAM + 64GB storage and 4GB RAM + 64GB storage, with prices at Php6,490 and Php6,990, respectively. The 3GB RAM + 64GB storage variant will be exclusively available on Lazada, while the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant can also be purchased in offline realme stores starting August 20, 2020. 

There are two realme C15 colors to choose from — Power Blue and Power Silver — both inspired by the picturesque view of the vast blue sea and the seagulls flying over it. 

realme Fans can get the realme C15 3GB RAM + 64GB storage variant in a limited-edition PH Squad Box, designed by the doodle box challenge winner and realme community member, Vince Ricohermoso. The realme C15 PH Squad Box will be available solely on August 20 and August 28 on Lazada.

realme is also bringing its biggest launch sale yet on August 28 at the Lazada Super Brand Day, where purchasers can enjoy up to 30% discount on realme smartphones and AIOT products! On the same day, realme will be rolling out numerous activities in select stores nationwide and will be capping off the month with the realme Music Fanfest, a virtual music festival just for realme fans featuring Moira dela Torre, Krissha Viaje, and December Avenue. 

For more information on the realme C15 and other realme products, visit the realme Philippines' official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts with the handle @realmePhilippines. 

Fill in the Bank is the newest game show that gives contestants a chance of winning up to Php150,000 in every episode

Amid the alarming developments here and abroad, TV5 offers a respite from all the negativity with an impressive lineup of entertainment programs. This is possible with having Cignal, the country’s premiere direct to home (DTH) satellite provider, now at the helm to infuse variety and novelty into TV5’s programming.

Fill in the Bank is the newest game show that gives contestants a chance of winning up to Php150,000 in every episode, while keeping viewers entertained at home. This exciting game show will be hosted by star comedians Jose Manalo and Pokwang. They will take on a fictional character: Jose as Chief Echoserong Officer (CEO) Manedyer Jose and Pokwang as Chismosang Falakang Officer (CFO) Madam Poky.

The hosts will challenge a pair of studio contestants (called the Clients) in four rounds of office or salary-themed mini-games, with the prize money increasing as the game progresses.  In the first round, called Enter The Pin Code, the players will enter as many correct cards as they can in a mock-ATM called Ayuda ‘Teh Machine. 

Then in the second round, Cheque or X, the players will try to accurately guess the retail price of a set of predetermined items. Next, in the third round, Coin Rush, the players will try to transport the most coins from one point to another as quickly as possible. Finally, in the fourth and last round, Huli Cash, the player with the most earnings at the end of the first three rounds will catch bills of play money raining above them inside a bank vault wearing a PPE, Panghakot ng Papremyo Equipment; with a one minute time limit.

Fill in the Bank brings an all-celebrity game show this August with guests such as Ronnie Alonte, Jerome Ponce,  Aubrey Miles and Jacq Yu to name a few!

Soon, there will be another facet to the show, allowing viewers to win-from-home! Home viewers will get an opportunity to win by joining online, but mechanics for this will be announced later on.

Fill in the Bank is aired every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 PM only on TV5.

Everything is right with Bawal Na Game Show

 TV5's rebranding is anchored in providing Filipinos with inspiring and entertaining shows especially in these trying times. Its recent merger with Cignal, the leading direct to home (DTH) satellite provider, has seen TV5 beefing up its programming with the launch of exciting new programs.

Bawal na Game Show is the comic relief that we need now, as it pokes lighthearted fun at our current situation. Hosted by talented and well-loved comedians Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros, the game show revolves around making sure that the contestants do as they’re told. Wally and Paolo—as twins Bebe Ghorl and Barby Ghorl, respectively—will present challenges to the contestants, but they will also distract and goad the players to break the rules.

In Bawal na Game Show, contestants (called the Pasaways) will compete against each other by following specific rules per round, ranging from easy to difficult ones. The first round is called Bawal Ma-Fall where contestants need to balance an object in their head while following a pose from the Pambansang Poser. The first Pasaway who drops the object will be eliminated.

The second round is called Bawal Ang Da-Moves where they must resist any movement of sorts while subjected to several distractions. Round three is Bawal Ang Sablay where the last 2 contestants will be tested based on their wit & intelligence with a series of tricky survey format questions; while spinning on the “hilocopter" for 10 seconds! The winner for this round can move into the Jackpot Round where they can double their chances of winning. The show can offer winnings up to P 50,000 in each episode.

The show aims to bring its one-of-a-kind game experience to its audiences at home. They will not only enjoy watching the show from the comforts of their home, but they also get the chance to participate as home partners of the studio contestants.

It promises to be jam-packed with fun and laughter courtesy of Wally and Paolo’s tried and tested abilities in comedy and hosting. Watching them will surely help ease one’s burdens and ward off negativity.  The show hopes to provide a much-needed respite from all the "bawals'' and bring entertainment to households all over the country. This is quite timely as television can be an effective platform in spreading hope and optimism to Filipinos.

Bawal na Game Show airs 7:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 7:00 PM on Saturdays only on TV5!

Shopee Outlines Three “Super” Commitments for 9.9 Super Shopping Day

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces the return of its signature annual shopping event, 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Shopee’s fifth 9.9 shopping event will feature four weeks of entertainment and shopping deals in all seven Shopee markets.

The 9.9 Super Shopping Day this year takes on greater significance as communities step up their recovery efforts and adapt to the new normal. Shopee outlines three commitments: provide a super ecosystem, supercharge recovery for sellers and brands, and deliver a super collection of entertainment and deals.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer at Shopee, said, “9.9 Super Shopping Day has a special meaning for all of us at Shopee. We created 9.9 in 2016 to unlock the potential of e-commerce for our region, and it has become an annual celebration that brings millions of people together. It also holds greater importance than before, as consumers increasingly depend on e-commerce for their shopping needs, and more businesses go online to uncover growth opportunities amid the global pandemic. 9.9 Super Shopping Day reflects our commitment to support our communities. It will deliver the best shopping experience for users and provide a springboard for sellers and brands to increase their online sales.”

Shopee outlines three commitments for 9.9 Super Shopping Day:

1. Provide a super ecosystem

Ensuring quality and reliability with secure payments and logistics offerings

Consumers expect quality and reliability in e-commerce, as online shopping becomes the new normal. To meet these evolving needs, Shopee continues to enhance its logistics and payment infrastructure to make buying and selling online much more seamless.

In 2020, Shopee ramped up offerings for its integrated mobile wallet ShopeePay and partnered with leading payment providers for smooth and secure transactions. These have generated robust growth in the use of digital payments among users, brands, and sellers on Shopee.

Shopee also improved its logistics capabilities to support the increasing scale and frequency of online shopping. In preparation for 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee is tightening integration with logistics partners and optimizing its warehouse operations in the region. These enable sellers and brands to fulfill orders more efficiently, allowing them to maximize sales and boost customer satisfaction even as shopping activity peaks.

2. Supercharge recovery for sellers and brands

Helping brands and sellers maximize sales growth with e-commerce

9.9 Super Shopping Day kicks off the year-end peak shopping season in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is the highlight of Shopee’s efforts to help businesses of all sizes to digitalize, recover, and succeed in the long run with e-commerce.

Last April, Shopee introduced its Seller Support Package for sellers and SMEs,  to cushion the pandemic’s impact by lowering costs, offering capital support, and boosting sales. Shopee also simplified e-commerce for SMEs and sellers by upgrading its Seller Center, including a new Marketing Center that lets sellers customize store campaigns and product promotions more conveniently.

Local and international brands are turning to Shopee to grow their online businesses, with 70% more new brands opening Official Stores on Shopee Mall in 2020. Shopee has stepped up its efforts to help brands grow their online presence, highlighted by the launch of Google Ads with Shopee in partnership with Google. It is a first-of-its-kind marketing solution for brands to seamlessly create, manage, and monitor Google ads campaigns for their Official Stores on Shopee Mall.

9.9 Super Shopping Day is a major milestone for sellers and brands, as they will receive increased customer traffic and visibility on Shopee. They can build on this momentum by tapping on exclusive engagement tools such as Shopee Live and Shopee Feed to further attract users and boost sales, creating a springboard for continued growth.

3. Deliver a super collection of entertainment and deals

Curating a wide variety of in-app games, live streams, and promotions

Shopee will continue to surprise and delight shoppers at 9.9 Super Shopping Day. On September 9, users can shop countless deals from 10 million sellers and 15,000 brand partners across the region, while enjoying exclusive content and rewards on Shopee Live and Shopee’s in-app games. In the Philippines, 9.9 Super Shopping Day will run from August 19 to September 9. 

9.9 Super Shopping Day will feature all-day content on Shopee Live that entertains, inspires, and connects users with their favorite sellers, brands, and celebrities. In the Philippines, users can enjoy their favorite Shopee Livestreamers showcase their talents on Shopee Live’s Got Super Talent series during the peak of 9.9 Super Shopping Day. 

Users can also win endless rewards from a massive array of in-app games on Shopee, including popular game Shopee Farm, which is played 7 billion times across the region. A major highlight is Shopee Games Day, which offers 24 hours of upsized Shopee coins and exclusive prizes.

Pang closed, “9.9 Super Shopping Day has come a long way since it first started. Shopee’s spirit to grow together with our communities remains unchanged, even as we adapt to a global pandemic. As we kick off the year-end shopping season, we will continue to work hard for all our users, and we look forward to another unforgettable 9.9 Super Shopping Day.”

Find out more about 9.9 Super Shopping Day here https://shopee.ph/m/99.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

#StayStrongStayBeautiful with Watsons

As we all know, there is currently no vaccine to prevent covid-19. The best way to prevent illness is to not get sick. I have always take my vitamins everyday. I cannot risk myself going to hospital for check ups. Now, is not the right time. That's why I always have my health essentials, like vitamins, and OTC meds ready from Watsons.  

Life today truly comes with its challenges. But with these challenges, also comes an opportunity for us to take better care of ourselves, and that starts with being prepared and keeping our guards up. As you adjust to a new way of life, Watsons is here by your side. 

Read on for some tips and recommendations on how we can all stay strong, stay beautiful, during these times.

Stay Protected – It has become a habit for almost all of us to never go outside without our masks.

But we must also practice protection at home. Keep your body clean with products from Safeguard and Dove that not only protects but also pampers your skin. Take extra care of your oral health with products from Listerine, Oral-B and Himalaya. Supplement your diet with vitamins from Enervon, Stresstabs and Watsons Generics to protect yourself from the inside too.

Stay Prepared – Stocking up is essential to staying ready during these times. It also keeps you from going out to buy what you need last minute. As a safe alternative, shop online. Narrow down what you need with a detailed list and include your over-the-counter medicines. At home, common sicknesses like cough, colds and fever can still strike, so always have a relief at-the-ready. Keep brands like Strepsils, Sinecod Forte, Vicks, Solmux and Biogesic at reach to stay prepared.

Stay Glowing – Self-care projects bring a sense of newness to your routine. It also helps keep your emotional well-being in check, as you enjoy and benefit from your newfound passions. Skincare is a great way to enjoy some self-care and motivate you to reach a personal goal. Products from Belo, Ponds, Celeteque, Neutrogena and Dermaction Plus by Watsons, can help you keep your skin nourished and glowing, and your confidence at a high.

Stay Gorgeous – With current restrictions placed on salons, many have tried to give themselves

DIY hair make-overs. More than keeping appearances, a little change can help boost your self-esteem too. It doesn’t have to be drastic. A simple trim or touching up your hair color can be enough to lift your spirits. You can use L’Oreal Excellence, Beautylabo, or Naturtint to color your hair. Whether you experiment or not, always take good care of your hair. Find great products that help maintain healthy hair from brands such as Pantene and Naturals by Watsons

Stay Dapper – Self-care is for everyone, and it poses an opportunity that can inspire you to discover new sides of yourself. For men, think of self-care as a way to level up your game even during these times, may it be about fitness or grooming. Following a simple skincare routine is a great way to start. Adidas, Old Spice and Gillette are brands that offer men’s products to help with skincare and grooming needs at home.

Watsons is always here to provide you a wide range of health and beauty products to make you look good and feel great. To provide more value to its Watsons Card and Elite members, Watsons is giving them free 100 bonus points for a minimum Php1000 purchase of participating products on select weekends: July 31 to August 1 and August 14 to 15. 

Shop your essentials now online while Watsons Stores will also remain open to serve you! You can order via Watsons call & pick-up or call & delivery service as well.

Contactless transactions must still have human touch - UnionBank CX chief

In an age of social distancing where contactless solutions are the preferred options, companies must not forget that there is still a need for human touch in these transactions in order for them to become more meaningful for the end users.

On the third installment of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank)’s virtual gathering with media on Aug. 19,  the leading digital bank’s chief customer experience officer and consumer finance center head Ana Delgado said a contactless experience does not mean “an experience devoid of human feelings and interactions.” 

“Rather, we feel that the experience should still, perhaps even more at this time, allow people to connect with each other," Delgado said during the webinar series that focused on contactless banking solutions and their importance in the new normal.

UnionBank has always employed a human-centric approach when it comes to the creation of digital solutions, and part of this is ensuring that customers are able to enjoy contactless experiences that are seamless while still being able to create meaningful human connections, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic where physical interactions must be minimized as much as possible.

“What we are now focusing on is how we can increase the ability for people to connect to other people as they are doing financial transactions in a contactless world. For instance, when buying things via viber groups, how do we design our receipts to be more friendly? How do we make it easier for people to transfer using QR code?” Delgado said.

More than looking at the features that they currently have, Delgado pointed out how UnionBank is redesigning and repositioning these features. This is ingrained in a continuous cycle of testing, redefining, and deploying that allows them to deliver contactless solutions that address the different pain points of customers when making financial transactions online.

"We are constantly reviewing what we've launched. When we look at our design process, there are several layers to it. We always start with the customer and are led by the customer, which is why we have a purely digital and a hybrid approach," she added.

Amid the pandemic where lockdown levels can change at any time, UnionBank doubled down on its commitment to respond quickly to the ever changing needs of customers, which the bank pins on its agile work culture.

"We expect that we will learn about more things that need to be prioritized, and I think, thanks to our agile way of working as part of our digital transformation, we are confident that we will be able to respond quickly," Delgado said.

Visa launches ‘Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog’ online with Tanghalang Pilipino

Visa’s musical production Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog is now streaming online for free, to promote financial literacy to children and youths while they stay home. The musical can be accessed through Tanghalang PIlipino’s Youtube channel as part of its PangsamanTanghalan initiative that makes stage plays more accessible to Filipinos worldwide during the pandemic. 

Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog was launched in 2017, together with partners Tanghalang Pilipino and Teach for the Philippines as part of Visa’s financial literacy program. The musical features teenager, Gwyneth who was given birthday money to pay for entrance exam fees. The play focuses on Gwyneth’s journey in learning money management, with guidance from her grandfather Lolo Sally, best friend Jing-jing, and national heroes who magically come to life.  

“The pandemic has disrupted children’s education, but it has also given them more time to learn life skills such as money management, that are not usually taught in traditional classrooms. By making the skit accessible online, we hope to inspire more children and youths to make smart financial decisions, and help educators teach financial literacy online,” said Dan Wolbert, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam. 

Since its launch, the musical has already reached over 36,000 students and teachers nationwide. Now on its virtual run, the play will be accessible to more children and educators around the country. 

“Our live performances of Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog really showed the power of storytelling in making ideas like money management concepts relatable and memorable to kids,” said Carmela Manuel, Tanghalang Pilipino Company Manager. “In our new virtual stage, we hope online viewers can enjoy learning with Gwyneth and her remarkable mentors.” 

While watching the musical at home, young students can learn about saving, budgeting, and avoiding unnecessary expenses while watching the characters sing and dance to original Filipino music. 

“Now more than ever, we need more digital resources in continuing children’s education. With the musical going online, financial literacy has become more accessible to students and teachers. We are glad to promote it to our networks, and hope that it will be utilized by parents and other educators out there.” said Patricia Feria-Lim, Teach for the Philippines Trustee. 

Stream Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog now at bit.ly/TPVISALLBB.