Mekeni shares 5 business tips for micro-entrepreneurs

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have emerged as key drivers of economic growth and employment in the Philippines; and while the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has slowed down our economy and put many MSMEs at their most vulnerable, they remain as resilient and agile as ever.

 

There is no perfect formula when starting a small business. It is a learn-as-you-go process that is why companies like Mekeni Food Corporation are committed to mentoring and helping micro-entrepreneurs cope with the situation.

 

Mekeni, as one of the leading food manufacturers in Central Luzon, is empowering micro-entrepreneurs through their Mekeni Home2Home Partners Program where it is tapping external distributors to expand the brand’s reach and at the same time, provide income for starting businessmen. Together with Mekeni, these Home2Home (H2H) partners are sharing effective business tips that can guide aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

1. Find your niche

Starting a venture will make you want to do all things at once. However, spreading yourself too thin will make you miss opportunities to capture your target market. Find your niche and focus on it just like what Mekeni H2H Partner Mich did. Affected by the mall closure due to the pandemic, she had to put on hold her business and find other ways to earn a living for her family. “I went to several groceries near my place looking for Mekeni products and I found none. This prompted me to put up an online frozen food store and started selling last June 2020,” she shared. One month in operation and Mich has already five resellers. Finding a unique product has helped her differentiate her business from the competition and allowed her to excel in the market.

 

2. Utilize available resources

Businesses have learned to adapt by utilizing available resources due to the COVID-19 crisis. Mich used her social media accounts to post advertisements which helped her gain more customers. Mekeni, too, has to remain agile and resilient even though they are a big corporation. They immediately launched the Mekeni Home2Home online delivery via Facebook and Viber and later on launched the reseller program. This allowed more Filipinos to own a business in the comfort of their homes with just a small capital. 

 

“We’re seeing a lot of micro and small businesses opening these days and a lot of them are using the Internet to expand their ventures. I believe that being resourceful is important these days. This, as well as offering high-quality products, and putting the customers’ welfare as their priority, will help them succeed,” said Prudencio Garcia, president of Mekeni.

 

3. Be specific with your goals

For Mekeni H2H partner Jocel E-Oy, all she wanted was to own a business so that she can help her family. “Mahirap ang buhay namin sa Davao kaya't naisipan kong mag-business at sakto tinulungan ako ng Mekeni through Mekeni Home2Home Partners Program (Life is really hard here in Davao that is why I thought of starting my own business. Good thing, Mekeni was able to help me through the Mekeni Home2Home Partner Program),” she shared. Her usual net income is P2,000 per day, which doubled when the pandemic started, or more or less P120,000 if she has sales every day for 30 days. 

Through her online business, Jocel shared that she was also able to help her resellers achieve their goals. “Ito na ang naging livelihood nila at nakakatuwa na nakakabili na ulit sila ngayon ng diaper at pang gatas ng anak nila. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Mekeni (This has also become their [resellers] livelihood and I am so glad that they’re able to buy diapers and formula milk for their kids. This is why we are so grateful to Mekeni),” she added.

 

Having specific goals will help you in getting your business off the ground. These goals should be realistic, quantifiable, and achievable.

 

4. Stay connected to a strong business community

Not only that it will expand your horizons but having a strong business community who will mentor you can greatly contribute to your success. For Mekeni, sharing their experiences with micro-entrepreneurs as well as creating products that are geared towards them can help them weather any storm. “Our Bayani products are meant to help our micro-entrepreneurs. This line of products is priced affordably, which is perfect for entrepreneurs with small capital but looking for quality products. Our Bayani products are also highly profitable as these are street snacks loved by most Filipinos,” said Garcia.

 

Shiela Alfons, a reseller in Davao, shared that with Mekeni’s wide product range, they were able to expand their business amid during the pandemic and “even served those who temporarily lost their jobs by giving them an alternative source of income.”

 

With this, their communities are assured that they have a strong support system like Mekeni that will help their business grow. 

 

5. Start today

If you really want to succeed in your business, stop making excuses and start today. Do not let it hold you back because you will never know how many lives you are going to change with the product or service that you are going to sell. As Mekeni H2H partner Jocel puts it, “Magsimula na po tayong mag-online selling habang may opportunity. Diskarte lang talaga. Sabayan ng sipag at maraming dasal. (Let’s grab the opportunity and start online selling. You just have to be clever. Accompany it with hardwork and lots of prayers.)

 

The crisis is challenging the survival of micro-enterprises and limiting their growth. But, with the help of companies such as Mekeni, many micro-entrepreneurs are allowed to get back on their feet and uplift the lives of their loved ones.

 

If you are interested to be a Mekeni Home2Home Partner, you can send a message through Mekeni’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mekeniph.

 

Smart unveils new GigaLife App for subscribers

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is about to transform every subscriber’s digital routine into a simple, easy, and smart experience with the launch of the new GigaLife App.

 

Now downloadable for free on Google Play and the App Store, the GigaLife App is available to Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers,  and will soon be available to Smart Postpaid users.

 

“Since we launched the ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ campaign this year, our approach has been about simplifying things for our customers. The new GigaLife App is a major component to achieve a simpler, easier, and smarter life as we navigate the new normal and become even more dependent on technology for our daily needs,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.

 

“The GigaLife App is a portal for our subscribers to experience the GIGA life. It’s a door that opens to an enhanced digital experience with just a few taps on their smartphone,” added Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

 

Simple, Easy, and Smart

 

As mobile users rely on their smartphone to help them in their daily life, the GigaLife App aims to gives subscribers a simple, easy, and smart way to manage their digital activities through convenient features —from balance and account details inquiry, promo and add-on registration, account reloading, viewing of billing statement, bills payment, and reward points redemption.

 

The app also sports a user-friendly dashboard that enables subscribers to monitor data usage, manage consumption, quick and hassle-free login with the option to use biometrics, the ability to link and manage multiple Smart accounts, app-exclusive promos and discounts, and convenient reloading and payments through debit, credit cards, and PayMaya. Aside from these features, Smart users may also expect more enhancements, exclusive offers, and perks soon.

 

Smart GigaFest Virtual Concert on Sept. 26

 

The unveiling of GigaLife App coincides with the month-long Smart GigaFest celebrations to to give back to subscribers all over the country.

 

 

To celebrate the new the GigaLife App, Smart is bringing together some of the country’s top performers including Nadine Lustre, James Reid, KZ Tandingan, and Curtismith for the Smart GigaFest Virtual Concert to be streamed on Smart’s Facebook and YouTube channel on Sept. 26, Saturday, starting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Also part of the concert are insightful and entertaining side shows including ‘Workout Sessions’ with Katarina Rodriguez and Vince Velasco; ‘Relax, You Got This’ with Macoy Dubs and Dr. RJ Naguit; ‘In Style’ with Aaron Black and Kim Cruz; and ‘Smartees Play’ with Angelique Manto, Erika Rabara, John Manalo, Rammy Bitong, and Synjin Reyes.

 

Smart subscribers also get a chance to win the latest gadgets and other exciting prizes throughout the show.

 

Powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network

 

The GigaLife App is the latest innovation in Smart’s thrust to bring about life-changing experiences for subscribers, such as making mobile phones accessible to more Filipinos and pioneering groundbreaking products like Smart Load and Pasaload, and democratizing mobile Internet along with its massive 3G and 4G network expansion in the Philippines.

 

The GigaLife App is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile data network, as certified by third-party mobile internet analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal. Smart has also fired up its superfast Smart 5G network in key business districts of Metro Manila and Luzon to pave the way for the next generation of wireless technology in the Philippines.

 

 For more details on Smart GigaFest and the latest Smart offers, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.fb.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter, and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

How makeup can improve your mental health

When one talks about makeup, some people get the notion that it can be superficial. However, to some, makeup is actually a good way to take care of their mental health, allowing them to discover another version of themselves through a fun and creative outlet.

 

As people spend most of their time indoors, they often find themselves with ample time to learn new habits and skills. This includes picking up one new makeup trick or two, as they do their meditative makeup sessions. By experimenting on different looks, blending, and mixing, they can immerse themselves on a personal creative journey which can help them cope better in overwhelming situations.

 

With this in mind, Bobbie Cosmetics has rounded up five best ways how makeup can be good for your mental health.

 

You’re in control of how you look

When dealing with challenges in life, sometimes we feel like we’ve lost dominance on the factors surrounding us. But when engaging in a creative activity as simple as putting makeup on, we regain this sense of control knowing that it is our hands and our brain that get to decide what we want best for ourselves.

 

It a good expression of self-love

Makeup is a great tool to enhance one’s natural beauty. Instead of having it as something to cover your flaws, it can be a good friend that complements the beauty that you already have. So, just by adding a pop of color on your cheeks to make you look more flushed, or swiping a lipstick that tells your mood for the day, makeup is a good way to boost your self-esteem as you enhance the beauty that already exists in you.

 

It’s a good break

Even if people are mostly stuck indoors, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have errands to think about. Some may be working from home, and some may be busy pursuing their studies online. That is why doing meditative makeup sessions can help! By dedicating a “makeup me time”, you can pamper yourself to be artistic and playful with different looks. It can be a good time-out from your usual daily routine and is also a great creative exercise for the brain.

 

It’s a liberating experience

Wearing makeup is more than just a physical experience for many women and other beauty enthusiasts. And, with all the things we need to think about every day, sometimes all you need is to face a mirror, do a little beauty ritual, and immediately, gain an internal sense of accomplishment. We can have a bad day and pull off a great look at night and still, feel a little better about ourselves.

 

It allows you to thank your skin for what it can do for you

Again, makeup only enhances the beauty that exists in you. And you cannot apply makeup were it not for the skin that allows you to take on this process. Beyond every emotion, makeup, after all, is about feeling comfortable living in your own skin.

 

So, on your next “me time”, don’t be afraid to do a quick makeup session and discover new ways to look even more beautiful. Bobbie Cosmetics has a wide range of chic and affordable makeup products that one can use as they explore this personal creative journey.

 

You can practice your contouring skills with the Bobbie Cosmetics Contour and Strobe Palette (P399) and find this collection of versatile shades to be one that can give you defined and flattering features. You can also frame your face glamorously with the Bobbie Cosmetics Retractable Eyebrow Pencil (P165) and fashion a stylish appearance featuring some perfectly shaped brows. To give you a flawless coverage, Bobbie Cosmetics also has a Stippling Brush (P275), which has soft bristles that can make applying foundation, blush, powder, and highlighters so smooth and easy! It also works perfectly for both liquid and cream products to set perfectly on your skin.

 

Explore new looks with beauty treats from Bobbie Cosmetics. To know more about Bobbie Cosmetics products, visit their Instagram page at @bobbiecosmetics.

Reel and real-life characters spice up TV5’s game shows

Interesting characters from showbiz and real life are out to unveil their competitive spirit in TV5’s leading comedy game shows this week. “Fill in the Bank” and “Bawal na Game Show” feature amusing personalities from all walks of life – from barbers, LGBTs, body builders, beauconteseras, to TV’s renowned kontrabidas. 

Barbers try their luck to snip some cash in the September 21 episode of “Fill in the Bank on as they vie for the jackpot money of as much as Php150,000. An LGBT couple will invade the studio on September 23 as they play in the money-saving rounds Enter your Pin Code, Cheque or X, Coin Rush, and Huli Cash.

 

On September 25, “Fill in the Bank” will have female body builders getting cozy with funny hosts “Manedyer” Jose Manalo and “Madam Poky” Pokwang. Catch them compete in the show’s creative games Ayuda Teh! Machine (ATM) and Panghakot na Papremyo Equipment (PPE). 

“Fill in the Bank” airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m.

 

“Bawal na Game Show” brings in more intriguing personalities with a bunch of gym instructors sweating it out on Tuesday, September 22. Ghorl Twins Wally Bayola and Paolo Ballesteros strut their stuff with beucontesera players on September 24 as they try to take home as much as Php50,000.

Kontrabida celebrities Ryan Eigenmann, Nina Ricci Alagao, Pinky Amador and Mon Confiado will be the certified pasaways in the September 26 episode. They can either follow or defy the rules in “Bawal Ma-Fall,” “Bawal ang Da Moves,” “Bawal ang Sablay,” and “Bawal ang Sumuko.” 

“Bawal na Game Show” airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., only on TV5. 

Enjoy up to 70% OFF on Forever 21's online sale available at Shopee

If youre looking for a nice crop tops and hoodies online that wont hurt your pocket. Now is the time to “add to cart” that cute top from Forever 21 store in Shopee. 

Get 70% OFF the price tag. They are just as trendy and stylish and can be layered with anything from cardigan to hoodies. Thanks to the lower price tags Shopee. 

Here are my Top Picks from Forever 21 in Shopee:

                                          Forever 21 Women's Basic Cropped Hoodie

From SRP929 Less 46% OFF now Php499

                                         Forever 21 Women's Plaid Crop Top (Cream)

From SRP805 LESS 63% OFF now Php299

                             Forever 21 Women's Active Surplice Crop Top (Heather Grey)

From SRP 995 LESS 50% OFF now Php499

                        Forever 21 Women's San Francisco Embroidered Graphic Tee (Yellow)

From SRP 695 LESS 57% OFF now Php299

                                  Forever 21 Women's Striped Flounce Crop Top (Cream)

From SRP 915 LESS 45% OFF now Php499

Again, you can shop your favorite Forever 21 top crops and shirts here https://shopee.ph/forever21

For best deals and discounts download the Shopee app for free from the App store or Google Play.

The X50 Series’ “Night Artist” Campaign Attracts Global KOLs to Explore the Flagship Night-Photography Capabilities

 vivo successfully kicked off the global “Night Artist” campaign last month via social media in search for talented nighttime photography artists from around the world—attracting a wide range of users and KOLs, including award-winning global photographer Chris Hau and outdoor explorer and photographer Samuel Elkins. With the revolutionary nighttime photography capabilities of vivo’s flagship X50 series, the campaign called on users to capture the tranquility and dynamism of the night sky all while demonstrating vivo’s leading technological breakthroughs in mobile photography.

 

Globally renowned for their photography skills, Elkins and Hau led the campaign by showcasing the innovative camera technology of the X50 Pro through stunning night portraits they shot with the smartphone.

 

Elkins, a professional photographer adept in smartphone camera technology, headed to southern California to explore the Pro Sports and Astro Mode of the X50 series which helped him produce mesmerizing photos of the Milky way and the California night sky.

A photo of the starry night, shot by Samuel Elkins (@samuelelkins) using the X50 Pro

 

 

Meanwhile, award-winning photographer and travel and technology influencer Chris Hau, maximized vivo’s built-in photography features through a street photography shoot in Toronto.

 

A photo of vivo’s X50 Pro, shot on X50 series by Chris Hau (@thechrishau)

 

With Elkins and Hau leading the charge, the campaign has gained support from around the world, with a number of KOLs from Southeast Asia, Russia, and Ukraine, sharing their astonishing photos on social media.

A photo of Marina Bay, shot on X50 Pro by Benny Tang (@bennytgh)

A photo of Hochiminh City Municipal Theatre, shot on X50 Pro by travel blogger Ly Thanh Co (@lythanhco)

A city view photo, shot on X50 Pro by Russian photographer, Elena Kirillova (@kirillovelena)

 

In the Philippines, the campaign also drew plenty of attention after being introduced through the vivo “Starry Night” mobile astrophotography workshop facilitated by astrophotography enthusiast and Astropinas founder MJ Magallon last August 28. 

A clear photo of the Milky Way, shot on X50 Pro by Filipino Photographer, MJ Magallon (@mjpmagallon)

 

Besides equipping viewers with tips and tricks to master mobile astrophotography with the vivo X50 Pro, vivo and Magallon also invited viewers to participate in an mobile astrophotography contest to get a chance to win the brand new vivo X50 Pro.

This contest, along with the Night Artist campaign, was also supported by celebrated actor Khalil Ramos and renowned photographer Xander Angeles who also showcased the night photography capabilities of the vivo X50 Pro through photos posted on their Instagram pages.

Khalil Ramos dazzled his Instagram followers with this self-portrait he took using the vivo X50 Pro and its advanced ultra-night mode

Xander Angeles remarked “The sky isn’t the limit” on his Instagram Page after posting this photo which proves just how powerful the vivo X50 pro is when used to capture city skylines.

Out of a sea of entries, Renan Cruz emerged as the winner of the contest thanks to his beautiful portrait of a crescent moon.

“Crescent Moon” By Renan Cruz

 

vivo is a pioneer in mobile photography technology—continuously delivering hardware and software innovations that enhance user experience and address common user problems. With the vivo X50’s Starry Sky mode powered by the smartphone’s state-of-the-art gimbal stabilization, Extreme Night Mode, and 60x zoom, the leading global technology company has made another significant breakthrough that empowers users to capture professional-grade photos and videos in low-light scenarios. 

 

Become a night artist yourself and get the vivo X50 Pro through vivo’s concept stores and kiosks or through Shoppee, Lazada, and vivo’s official online store. You can also purchase the vivo X50 Pro in easy and hassle free installments through Home Credit. 

To Find out more, visit vivo.global.ph

Stars lead Landers' #100Blessings gratitude movement

Despite the impacts of the pandemic, there is still so much to be thankful for. This is the message from top celebrities Matteo Guidicelli and Erwan Heussaff as they join Landers Superstore’s #100Blessings campaign. Part of Landers’ fourth anniversary celebration, the campaign is a gratitude movement that advocates stronger bonds, encouragement and happiness, as it gives everyone a chance to reach out to their loved ones even in lockdown.

 

On Instagram, Guidicelli thanked his wife, Sarah Geronimo, writing, "My love, thank you for being you. You inspire me and show me what love really means. Let’s continue to grow and see the world together!"

 

For his part, Heussaff is grateful for another day to live his life. "Everyone is going through something this year, so just be kind to each other. Today, I'm grateful for the sunshine," he said.

 

Aside from that, several netizens have taken to their own social media accounts to acknowledge the people they are thankful for. You may also join the #100Blessings campaign and show some love and appreciation to the people close you. All you have to do is share a photo of you with the person you want to thank with a short message. As you post, make sure to use the official hashtag #100Blessings. To keep the gratitude movement going, you may tag their family and friends so they can also create their own thank-you posts.

 

For more information, like and follow @LandersPH on Facebook and Instagram

Save time and energy with Beko washers

As we navigate our new normal and live around the presence of a pandemic that’s still around us, we try to live healthier and more meaningful lives.

 

We take care of our families and our homes and we're now doing things that we used to delegate to others, such as cooking, baking, cleaning and washing clothes. We buy more fruits and vegetables and try to cook it in healthier ways. Now that we're staying home more, we keep it clean always so that our families are always safe and healthy.

 

Even the brands we choose to enter our homes need to share our new mindset. As more people stay indoors because of the social distancing trend, they look for brands that will help them in their journey to health and wellness. They have become more discerning in choosing brands that perform well and even go beyond expectation. In choosing a washing machine, for instance, they look for washing and drying capabilities and additional features that would properly sanitize their clothes but keep them looking new.

 

Beko Pilipinas, the Philippine subsidiary of Europe’s No. 1 home appliances brand and a market leader in the white goods space, helps empower new generations to live healthier lives. The brand also provides solutions for a healthier lifestyle with fast, flexible and easy to use technologies with great service and aftercare.

 

Beko’s Frontload washing machines, for instance, have programs and features for your everyday and special needs, such as washing your clothes during this time of pandemic.

With AquaWave technology, laundry pieces are massaged in a gentle wave-like manner through a set of paddles in the drum. This ensures that the properties of antibacterial laundry detergents and other cleaning agents are evenly absorbed by the fabric, while the washer saves energy. Beko washing machines clean clothes thoroughly and provide fabrics the gentle treatment it needs to make them look fresh and new after every wash.

 

The Anti-allergy program washes clothes at high temperatures for longer and includes an additional rinse cycle to remove all bacteria and allergens like dust, pollen and animal hair.

 

Beko washing machines are so easy to use with a large LCD display. To start, put your pre-sorted clothes inside the drum, add your detergent and softener and push the "on” button.  You can then spin-turn the dial clockwise to the program you'd like to use for your laundry requirements. There are up to 16 washing programs to choose from, including Hygiene+, Anti-allergy and Intensive. Then hit "start" and the machine will take care of the rest.

 

Washing with a Beko Frontload washer is a breeze. It takes care of the laundry for you while you have more time to do your other chores or have some extra minutes for that workout.