Yanyan won the TikTok All-Star Southeast Asia Competition

Yanyan de Jesus has been creating content on TikTok for 3 years now. In this time, he has grown a following of over 9.6M on the platform, and has won the TikTok All-Star Southeast Asia Competition. Popular in the Philippines and the United States, Yanyan’s viral videos gain thousands of likes in mere minutes. 

 

He discovered the app through some friends, and was immediately hooked after posting his first video, Hand Gestures. This was the start of Yanyan’s TikTok journey, and soon he would become viral after posting a comedy video, Red Hotdog.

https://www.tiktok.com/@yanyandejesus1/video/6682127836024704257?enter_from=pc&source=h5_m>

 

While going viral meant getting countless likes and encouraging comments from would-be fans, Yanyan also started receiving negative reactions from other users. Instead of letting this bring him down, he chose to focus on the good that he could do on this platform. [1] As a content creator, he believes that it is his job to make people smile, and this is precisely what he has done over the years.

 

The global TikTok community to which Yanyan belongs, along with so many other content creators, is one where everyone can become your family. This community has been there for Yanyan through thick and thin, and he considers them to be, not just followers, but also his friends. He encourages more people to join this community, spread positivity through the app, and show support for the various content creators around the world.

 

Yanyan is best known for his stellar dance videos, as well as his highly entertaining POV comedy skits. His true secret to TikTok success is authenticity, and the courage to fully allow his personality to shine through in all of the content that he creates. He clearly has a lot to offer, and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. With his innate talent, along with TikTok’s awesome video effects, Yanyan de Jesus is truly limitless. 

 

Anyone can start creating content on TikTok. For Yanyan, there are a few things that you need to remember if you want to make it on the platform. First, showcase your talents. Don’t be afraid to show your true self. Always be authentic, just like he has been. And finally, have a good heart. 

 

Share your video creations as part of the #itstartsonTikTok hashtag challenge, or take it a step further by creating a hashtag of your own. Download TikTok today on your iOS and Android devices to get started.

 

 

For working millenial moms: Did you know that meditative journaling has its benefits?

These times are extra difficult to deal with, especially when it comes to finding balance between our work and personal lives. Just imagine how a regular day unfolds for a working millennial mom, who tries to hustle while caring for her family, and herself. It may seem like a tough job really, but some of them turned to meditative journaling, also known as mindful writing, as a healing method to get through the day. But how?

It makes them start and learn something new. For working moms who are mostly busy with their responsibilities, there’s this sense of hunger for new discoveries and tasks but they need to be light, rewarding, and easy to maintain, too. The habit of regular writing itself is already a form of a new process – something that is not usually part of our daily lives. But it gives one the freedom to express emotions and create something as they feel it. No pressure. It’s just that joyful connection between the self and those blank pages – the kind of beginning that is comforting than intimidating.

 

It makes them become more open. Working millennial moms usually feel anxious, unheard, and unseen. It is a struggle to share their sentiments with other people because of the fear that they may not understand it, or simply because they don’t know how to articulate what they’re going through. For the times that they couldn’t catch up with their friends, journals serve as their perfect outlet. The beauty about writing an entry is that there are no rules or boundaries. They can acknowledge their feelings, rant, or even sketch what they feel. At the end of the day, it’s all about taking a pause, seeking comfort, and finding their light. 

 

It makes them remember more things. Juggling multiple responsibilities at the same time can really make us forget a lot. Meditative journaling can help us find our center and remember all the important things, the little wins, and even our failures. It’s like the flow and reminder they need every day. By turning various moments into written tangible experiences, they’re able to keep track of time, pay more attention to details, and regain this sense of control. 

 

It makes them respond to their needs quickly. Narrating your feelings and daily experiences is not only a form of expression, but more importantly, it gives you more signs and ideas on how to care for yourself. If you have noticed how the past few weeks have been consecutively rough, maybe it’s time to realign and change your routine or perspective. If you’ve noticed changes when it comes to your body, maybe it’s time to ask if you’re still okay, happy, or healthy, and make adjustments that are comfortable for you. Listening to yourself is an important element of meditative journaling.

 

It relaxes them and rewards them at the same time. Mindful writing is like a me-time that is easy to squeeze in every working woman’s hectic schedule. The key to a rewarding meditative journaling is to set a particular time for it, and treat it not as an additional assignment, but a form of self-care. Write based on your observations, feelings, reflections, and needs. It’s like talking to yourself – and choosing to be kind to yourself.

 

Whether you want to keep a journal for growth, self-love, reconnecting with yourself, finding your light, or simply capturing your thoughts and feelings through words, Viviamo offers different styles and formats that could match any undertaking.

Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner’s Earth theme inspires you to acknowledge your existence, struggles, and victories, through beautiful, motivational graphics and quotes. Everything Is Possible design encourages you to take little steps towards your goal, while NAVI’s Lighthouse theme embraces the wanderlust in you. FOCUS planner reflects ambitions and bold dreams through its geometric designs, while Essentials Planner and Petit collections remain perfect for those on the minimalist, sleek, and elegant side. 

 

Go to https://go.crazyaboutpaper.com/viviamoplanners to view more of their products, and start your meditative journaling this 2021. 

 

 

NutriAsia wins Bronze Stevie Award for eco-friendly “Bring Your Own Bote” (BYOB) Campaign

NutriAsia, the leading condiments manufacturer and distributor in the Philippines, was named as a Bronze Stevie Award winner at the 17th Annual International Business Awards. 

 

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - are eligible to submit nominations. The 2020 IBAs received entries from organizations in 63 nations and territories.

 

More than 3,800 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others.  This year’s competition also featured a number of free-to-enter categories to recognize organizations’ and individuals’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

NutriAsia entered its 2019 “Bring Your Own Bote” (BYOB) Campaign under the competition’s Corporate Responsibility Communications or PR Campaign/Program of the Year category. Launched on July 30, 2019, it pushed the company’s zero-waste advocacy by launching BYOB Stores in Metro Manila.

 

The first store was established at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City. Explicitly designed to be an eco-friendly space, the BYOB Store was half-built with walls made of glass, so the public can see the refill process, while the other half is made out of eco-bricks which include shredded used plastic as a component.

 

Serving as both a refilling and selling station, the BYOB Store encouraged consumers to bring their own reusable containers to stock up on their condiments such as vinegar, soy sauce, catsup, and cooking oil. All products were sold at prices lower than packaged counterparts in the market. BYOB also served as a drop-off point for recyclable plastics, which will be repurposed into school furnishings for its beneficiary school. 

 

The first BYOB Store was originally slated to end its operations in September 2019, but due to popular demand, it became a permanent set-up on the location and has since been officially made into the first 

 

NutriAsia BYOB branch. Following social distancing protocols for COVID-19 prevention, the NutriAsia BYOB Store in BGC has added new innovations to better serve customers during this time. An online order form via https://cdn.jotfor.ms/nai.byob/orderform as well as cashless payments via GCash and BPI are currently in place to reduce physical contact during transactions.

 

In February 2020, a second branch in Quezon City was set up in partnership with the local government unit (LGU).

 

So far, as of March 2020, the BYOB campaign has already refilled more than 2,000 bottles of condiments and collected 1,000 kilos of plastics for repurposing. NutriAsia says it is receiving more inquiries from other local government units and private entities that want to put up their own BYOB stores.

 

As the ongoing COVID-19 crisis will prevent winners from receiving their awards on stage during a traditional gala IBA banquet, winners will be celebrated instead during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, 1 December.

 

 

Great deals on Burgers and Free Cajun Fries with Popeyes' Monday and Tuesday promos

Start the week right by treating yourself to some of Popeyes' irresistible Cajun-inspired delights! You are surely in for a poppin’ treat as you get to enjoy more of your favorites with new promos that will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

 

Every Monday from September 14 to November 16, you can avail of the Cajun MOODay Promo where you can get free extra Cajun Fries for every purchase of select Popeyes meals. Enjoy an extra serving of Popeyes' crispy and flavorful Cajun seasoned fries when you order a one-piece chicken rice meal with fries and drink, three-piece chicken tenders with fries and drink, or any Popeyes Burger with fries and drink.

 

If that's not enough, there's another special promo for you to try. Every Tuesday from September 15 to November 17, you can get the Burger TWOsdays Promo where you can enjoy two of any Popeyes Burgers and save as much as Php 50.

 

You have the option to choose between the Chicken French Quarter with its perfectly cooked boneless chicken with bacon strips, red peppers, lettuce, and our roasted garlic mayo; the Shrimp Burger with its delicious breaded shrimp patty with a tangy mayonnaise sauce and fresh lettuce; the Fish Burger with its light and flaky whitefish fillet that has been seasoned with a special blend of Cajun spices; or the Chicken Burger with its appetizingly crispy, deep-fried chicken patty with a special BBQ mayo dressing.

 

You can get both promos by visiting Popeyes for dine-in and take-out or by ordering for pick-up and delivery via www.centraldelivery.ph. Download the Central Delivery app via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store to get exclusive deals on your favorites.

Popeyes is open in ArcoVia City, Alabang Town Center, SM San Lazaro, NU Mall of Asia, Eastwood, SM Southmall, Alimall, Kroma Tower, and Robinsons Place Manila.

 

To get the latest updates, make sure to follow @popeyesph on Facebook and Instagram and join Popeyes' official Viber community: Popeyes PH.

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.