Acer’s new music video encourages Filipinos to find joy amid adversities

Brace yourselves #Kathniels for your favorite real and reel love team Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla joined Ivana Alawi, Janina Vela, Cong Velasquez, and Awi Columna have come together in the music video, "Finding Joy," a song that talks about breaking barriers and staying hopeful even during difficult times.

 

With composition and lyrics by Mart Sam Olivades, Felichi Salva Cruz, and Penelope Ann Medrano, the song was released by Acer Philippines, powered by Windows 10 and 11^th Gen Intel Core™ Processors. "Finding Joy" is both serious and light-hearted and is the perfect song for the season as it expresses hope and optimism.

 

Daniel, Janina, Cong, and Awi are the voices behind the catchy song which premiered on Acer’s YouTube channel on December 15 and played in leading FM Radio Stations, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, and Play FM 99.5. Aside from being an actor, Daniel is also a singer who used perform in a band. Janina is a YouTube star, content creator and singer known for her beautiful soothing voice. Cong Velasquez is also YouTube sensation and member of rock band COLN. Awi is a rapper whose popular songs include "Panaginip Lang," "Peke" and "Bulalakaw."

Present in the music video as well are Acer’s ambassadors; Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao, COLN Band, Junnieboy and Vien, KuyaNic and Luponwxc, TNC Pro Team DOTA 2, ArkAangel Predator PUBG, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, Armel Tabios, Kim “Gabbi” Santos, Tims Radrup, Damien “Kpii” Chok, Marlon Marcelo, Kuku Palad, and Reg Rubio.

 

"We at Acer Philippines see 'Finding Joy' as the anthem for the times. The world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but we should not feel defeated by this. Acer Philippines, despite the lockdowns and quarantines brought about by the pandemic, has retained its leadership in consumer and gaming PCs. It shows that even during challenging times, people are capable of breaking barriers," said Acer Philippines Managing Director Manuel Wong. 

 

It was also during the pandemic that Acer Philippines also opened its first online store in the country to cater to those who cannot go to Acer's physical stores, demonstrating its commitment to its customers.

 

"Finding Joy" will be Acer Philippines' anthem for the holidays and beyond because it believes that there's hope even in pandemic.

 

You can stream “Finding Joy” on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer. Visit Acer’s Official Social Media Pages for more details: Facebook – @AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, www.acer.com.

 

Baker John teamed up with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the “Bike for Good” project

Baker John, Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) brand of bread, recently teamed up with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the “Bike for Good” project. Through this partnership, 30 beneficiaries will receive bikes and bread products from Baker John.

 

“Our goal is to provide assistance to those who are trying to adapt to this new, challenging situation in the time of the COVID pandemic. Through this partnership, we hope the beneficiaries selected by GMA Kapuso Foundation will have the will -- and the wheels -- to keep going,” said Ellison Lee, URC Flour and Bread Division’s Managing Director.

 

According to Lee, the Bike for Good project provides each of the 30 beneficiaries with a bicycle and a negosyo starter package consisting of Baker John products. “We want to assist them in kicking off their community selling business which can help them with their livelihood,” Lee shared.

 

In choosing the beneficiaries, the project prioritizes those who lost their livelihood due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as residents of Metro Manila and Rizal who have lost their source of income due to the typhoons Rolly and/or Ulysses. 

 

Apart from this, GMA Kapuso Foundation chose beneficiaries who are physically able, have the can do spirit, and willing to use the bicycle to sell Baker John’s bread in their community as a source of alternative livelihood for their family.

 

“COVID and typhoon Ulysses brought economic devastation to residents of NCR. GMA Kapuso Foundation is happy to help Baker John and URC find beneficiaries. It is a very difficult time but in time of great adversity there is also opportunity. Do not lose hope,” stated Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

 

Baker John is URC’s very own line of tasty premium bread products available in selected Robinsons, Rustan’s, Shopwise, and Walter Mart supermarkets, and Ministop branches nationwide. Visit www.urcflour.com today for more information.

 

Suntrust Properties, Inc. partners with Ohmyhome to provide an easier, safer and convenient home buying experience

Thinking of buying a new house in a safe and convenient platform? Suntrust partners with Ohmyhome —a known expert in property technology. 

While it’s true that the pandemic has presented tremendous challenges in the way Filipinos work and do business, amazing new opportunities have materialized as well. In the business front, astute people constantly see the crisis as a way to gain competitive advantage by dealing with it in a timely manner. 

 

In the real estate industry, for instance, experts relate that property developers are finding better ways to engage with potential clients and respond to the new market needs. As communities continue to transition to a more relaxed form of quarantine, developers are taking the chance to highlight their new property management initiatives, especially those that ensure strict hygiene and safety protocols. They know that such would likely lure more property seekers and investors, a situation that could only improve when the economy fully recovers.

 

One such real estate company is Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI). Just like the sun, it quickly rose above the difficulties that beset their operations early this year and recognized the breaks that came. 

 

“To begin with,” Atty. Harry M. Paltongan, President of Suntrust Properties, Inc., states, “we believe that the pandemic drove more Filipino families to realize the need to have their own homes where they can live in a safe and secure environment.”

 

Apart from value-adding services—such as a competent property management team—that Suntrust and its subsidiaries provide to protect clients and their investments, the company was among the first real estate developers to migrate to the digital landscape.

 

According to Paltongan, a major step in this direction was the partnership Suntrust forged with leading proptech company Ohmyhome—a known expert in property technology. 

“This partnership attests to our commitment to provide an easier, safer, and more convenient home buying experience for Filipino families looking to buy their dream homes,” Paltongan explains. 

 

Ohmyhome, a successful property solutions platform in Singapore and Malaysia, launched its operations in the Philippines last September. Providentially, Ohmyhome’s innovative app and website now help prospective homebuyers in their search for Suntrust properties using the intuitive interface. They may also opt for in-house agent assistance, also available through the Ohmyhome platform. 

 

“Suntrust and Ohmyhome aim to spur earnest property seekers to check out the company’s vast array of projects nationwide without leaving their domiciles,” says Paltongan.

 

Asked to give an overview of projects that Suntrust promotes through the Ohmyhome website, Paltongan proudly asserts that Suntrust’s competitive edge lies in the wide spectrum of product offerings targeting all market segments in various strategic locations all over the country. 

 

Paltongan describes their project themes as inspired by famous landmarks of the world. “For example, Suntrust Verona gives homeowners an authentic glimpse of Italy, with its intricately designed Casa de Gulieta of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and its grand archway and clocktower are reminiscent of Verona,” he says. “The grand fountain is inspired by Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting, ‘The Birth of Venus’.”

 

Another project that Paltongan cites is Suntrust Sentosa with its two merlions standing guard at the subdivision’s two entrance gates. “Just like the iconic Merlion of Singapore,” he points out. 

 

These properties are now available in the Ohmyhome app and website.

 

Impressed by Ohmyhome’s success in Singapore and Malaysia, Suntrust believes that the dynamic proptech company has a promising future in the Philippine real estate industry. “With its end-to-end, client-servicing portal dedicated to assisting our customers in their home buying journey, Ohmyhome is definitely a welcome addition to the company,” Paltongan affirms.

 

Kinder Joy wants to help moms create a Christmas that is meaningful and joyful despite the uncertainties

Christmas is just around the corner and Filipino moms are anxiously preparing for a different kind of Christmas. This year, premium chocolate brand Kinder Joy encourages bonding moments between moms and their kids over Christmas tasks—with the iconic surprise-filled Kinder Joy as the special treat. 

Although 2020 has been bounded by restrictions that took everyone by surprise, Kinder Joy allays these worries by showing moms how to discover the joy of this new Christmas while keeping delightful Paskong Pinoy traditions alive.

Actress Camille Prats kicks off the #ChristmasWithKinderJoy campaign on Instagram with her daughter, Nala. The mom - daughter tandem decorated their towering Christmas tree with a parol and Kinder Joy wrapped in limited edition Christmas sleeves. Camille says that this annual Christmas task has become even more meaningful now that it has turned into an enjoyable bonding moment with Nala.

Former beauty queen Lara Quigaman, who just recently gave birth to her third child, and actress Valerie “Bangs” Garcia also joined the Kinder Joy holiday fun with their children Tobias and Amelia wrapping Christmas gifts for friends and playmates they have been missing since the beginning of the quarantine.

Celebrating Christmas amid a pandemic that has kept families apart, Kinder Joy wants to help moms create a Christmas that is meaningful and joyful despite the uncertainties. According to Kinder Joy, which is manufactured by Italian chocolatier Ferrero, moms can still help their children discover the joy of Christmas by passing down the values of togetherness, generosity and gratitude.

To find our more, logon to Kinder Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/KinderPhilippines/

 

Grab this statement laptop and other participating HP products this holiday season

HP is putting merry back to Christmas by giving GCash credits of as much as P6,000 for PC buyers with the extension of its cashback promo until January 31, 2021.

 

Now, you can happily spruce up your work-from-home or learn-from-home setup with HP laptops and desktops that are known for unbeatable performance and unparalleled design. Plus, get extra cash for other WFH or LFH essentials like ergonomic chairs and working tables with the free GCash credits.

 

The HP Pavilion x360 is one laptop that will definitely brighten your working space at home with its fresh new design that blends unique patterns, tones, and finishing touches. Its 3-sided micro-edge display allows your vibrant holiday photos and videos to fill more of the screen. Its full HD resolution together with dual speakers and HP Audio Boost with Audio by B&O will make your Netflix or YouTube viewing or gaming become an immersive experience with crystal clear images and rich, authentic sound.

 

Reduce stress with the new hour glass shape and 360-degree hinge of this fierce personal machine that lets you open your laptop fast and effortlessly gets you into the perfect position to work, write, watch, and play. With a powerful Intel® processor, multitasking becomes easy and breezy with the HP Pavilion x360. 

 

Grab this statement laptop and other participating HP products this holiday season to avail of the Free GCash promo. After purchase, simply go to www.hp.com/ph/promotions to register and upload your purchase details. Once registration has been completed and approved, you will receive a confirmation email and a separate email for the HP GCash voucher code. Then email name, date of birth, mobile number and GCash voucher code to claims@HPGcashpromo.com to convert voucher code to actual GCash credit.

 

For further details and inquiries about the promo or status of your free GCash credits, just email phpromotions@hp.com. 

 

Have a merry Christmas with HP laptops and desktops from HP online stores and authorized retail stores by visiting https://bit.ly/HPonlineShopee or https://bit.ly/HPhomepageLazada. For more details, visit the HP Facebook page or partner-store sites. The HP Free GCash promo is ongoing until January 31, 2021.

 

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit # FTEB-103392 Series of 2020.

 

Here’s why water service interruptions happen even if dams overflow

When a series of typhoons, capped off by Typhoon Ulysses, ravaged the country and unleashed heavy rainfall enough to overflow dams in Luzon, plenty of Filipinos were perplexed that water supply was suddenly interrupted. Doesn’t an immense amount of water in a dam indicate a surplus of water supply? The answer is no.

While there is literally an overflowing amount of raw water, this water is far from potable and therefore cannot be supplied to consumers instantaneously. Here’s why:

Turbidity

To easily visualize what a dam might look like if its walls were see-through – just like an aquarium – imagine a tall glass of hazy water with dirt at the bottom. The water is hazy because of minerals, soil, clay, etc., that flow into the dam with the water coming from mountain tops. The dirt at the bottom of the glass we are visualizing are called sediments—all the aforementioned minerals, dirt, and contaminants which eventually settled down.

When heavy rain strikes the dam water continuously, it’s as if you were mixing the glass of water and dirt with a spoon, eventually turning the water into one that may look like a chocolate drink with almost no clarity. This is called highly turbid water. 

Simply put, turbidity refers to how clear or “muddy” water is. And while technology to treat turbid water exists, when turbidity is high and unlikely to settle anytime soon because of continuously pouring rain, it becomes very difficult to clean and supply to consumers at a normal rate.

From Dam to Home

Okay so the water is dirty and difficult to treat at a regular pace, thus the constriction and regulation of supply to ensure consistent quality. But how come some water service providers do not halt water supply even when turbidity is high? 

Well this is because some water service providers have a huge impounding reservoir for raw water. When the raw water coming from dams is stored inside a reservoir first before it is allowed to enter a treatment facility, excess sediments naturally settle to the bottom by gravity. The result: Raw water becomes less turbid, allowing for easier and less costly treatment. 

Water service providers that are not afforded the luxury of a similar impounding reservoir for raw water end up directly receiving muddy water from the dams during the rainy season. This highly turbid raw water is more difficult to treat. The result: Lower water production leading to service interruptions.

So why don’t they just build a reservoir for storing raw water? The short answer is that there is simply no space for one. Hundreds of hectares of unoccupied land near the treatment facilities would be needed. With our country as densely populated and highly urbanized as it is, one would be lucky to have land for a tiny house.

Hence, the only option for water service providers that don’t have a storage facility for raw water is to invest in more expensive treatment technologies.

Addressing water shortages

The good news is that investments for better water treatment are being made, as water service providers are aware of the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on our country’s raw water sources. Such investments are needed for long-term water security. 

Meantime, water consumers can do something to ease the effect of water supply interruptions resulting from highly turbid raw water. A precaution we can take is to always have a supply of water stored for emergency use. And make sure to store just enough water for when the service will be disrupted. This is because the scheduled service interruption might lengthen if all consumers draw too much water simultaneously in a panic.

A good tip would also be to follow your water service provider on social media as they usually announce specific schedules through these channels.

 All that being said, with all these investments and ongoing upgrades, the time will definitely come when we won’t have to worry about opening an empty faucet anymore.

Get your hands on Red Ribbon's NEW Classic Bread Rolls

Red Ribbon has been a part of Filipinos special occasions, where its truly delightful cakes have made family celebrations and gifting moments more special. Not only that, their delectable Butter Mamon, Cheesy Ensaimada, Taisan, and Moist Choco Cake Slice been well-loved too--for snacks, school baons, and as pasalubongs to kids and loved-ones.

 

But aside from all these sweet treats, we, Filipinos also love our breads, a dining table staple during breakfast as paired with a hot cup of coffee; enjoyed with spaghetti and other noodle dishes like pancit; and of course, during meriendawith our fave palaman and a cool, refreshing drink on the side.

 

And because Red Ribbon has very much been a part of our lives as a curator of high-quality baked products, we delightfully welcome the newest bread product addition to their offerings, beginning with its NEW Classic Bread Rolls that are available in Luzon stores starting this November, and soon in its Visayas and Mindanao stores. 

 

Baked soft and delicious, it will surely become every Filipino family’s favorite bread staple - great for daily breakfast, snack and meals! With its slightly sweet-creamy taste, and delectable softness—Red Ribbon’s NEW Classic Bread Rolls can be eaten on its own, or with butter, peanut butter, jam, cheese or just about any other spread! You can pair it with your favorite drink such as hot coffee or chocolate, or have it as a tasty side to your family’s favorite dishes like fried chicken or pasta meal.

 

So, the next time you find yourself at Red Ribbon to buy your favorite cake and pastries, or if you’re ordering for delivery, get your hands on their NEW Classic Bread Rolls –starts at 70 Pesos only for a pack of 16 pieces! You and your family will surely keep coming back for more!

 

Red Ribbon Classic Bread Rolls is now available in Red Ribbon stores in Luzon for take-out, call & pick up, or for delivery through the Red Ribbon Hotline #87777, and Red Ribbon RIA on Facebook Messenger. You can also order through GrabFood, Foodpanda or LalaFood apps. 

Check out Red Ribbon’s official Facebook page (Red Ribbon Bakeshop) for update on this new product’s availability in Visayas and Mindanao and for its updated list of operating stores and services.

Canva released its inaugural end-of-year ‘Makers and Shapers’ Report

Global graphic design platform, Canva, today released its inaugural end-of-year ‘Makers and Shapers’ Report, highlighting how users from around the world reacted to some of the biggest history-making events that took place in 2020.

From businesses navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, through to the catastrophic natural disasters that ravaged the Philippines, Canva’s global community of 40 million active users have designed and shared everything from social media posts to online presentations — to amplify, educate and inspire people with their message.

Explore the major trends from Canva’s data below, to understand how Filipinos, and those across the world, have used visual communications to help reach their goals this year:

 

COVID-19: The World Pivots As Misinformation Spreads

The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the globe. Since March, Canva saw over 2.9 million search queries for COVID-related templates as the world came to grips with responding to the pandemic. Canva’s community turned to the design platform to create awareness posters, social media material, and WHO-approved health information in a bid to help #StopTheSpread of misinformation and keep communities COVID safe.

Canva’s in-house design team created more than 2,100 corona virus templates, backed by accurate information from the World Health Organization, that were made freely available amid the uncertainty, shared by news organizations, government bodies, and consumers across the globe.

Globally, over 14 million COVID templates were downloaded, with the top five most active countries using these templates among some of the hardest hit in terms of COVID-19 casualties, including USA, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and Colombia. 

Society Moves to a Virtual World

2020 was the year of the Zoom background, as more people were forced to shift to remote working, learning, and entertainment. Over 195,000 Filipinos downloaded templates for Zoom backgrounds, as meetings and gatherings were mostly held online. Leading the charge, users in the USA downloaded 1.3 million Zoom backgrounds alone — that equates to 1 in every 253 people across the country using a Canva Zoom background design this year. Globally, over 4 million Zoom backgrounds were created and downloaded on Canva.

With getaways to some of the world’s most adored holidays destinations off the cards this year, it seems most  Canva users have expressed their dreams of a “tranquil” getaway through their Zoom backgrounds, with the top three most downloaded templates globally including a tropical beach, a peaceful waterfall, and a serene underwater seascape.

The most popular Canva Zoom background in the Philippines

 

Visual templates such as presentations were crucial in helping people communicate and collaborate remotely, with businesses, teams, educators, and students, all shifting to remote work.  

Canva for Education, launched earlier this year, saw rapid uptake as online learning and virtual classrooms became the new norm. With over 700 new templates published to the education platform this year, the top five downloaded education templates for the year were:

 

2020: The Year of the Side Hustle

With many businesses impacted by COVID-19, the pandemic also sparked a new wave of innovators and creative entrepreneurs. 2020 saw people of all ages pivot to launch their mini side hustle, passion project, or new business, using Canva. 

In the Philippines, around 3.3 million logos were created to date while the whole world registered record-breaking results: 

●      More than 65 million new logos were designed on Canva — that’s more than 7,400 new logos created every single hour (or over 123 every single minute) around the world

●      Over 12 million business cards were printed globally through Canva Print — which is more than the entire population of Belgium! 

 

Saving The World: Climate Change

Canva’s climate change collection templates were downloaded more than 2.6 million times as climate activists shared their passionate campaign messages via posters, social media material, and event flyers. 

Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough were also among some of the most searched-for climate-related queries on the Canva platform.

Canva partnered with youth-led group, Future Coalition, to create assets for the 2020 Earth Day Digital Strikes. The colorful templates created by Canva’s in-house designers were used by thousands of digital strikers around the world.

 Touching Tributes 

And for those we lost in 2020, mourning fans paid their respects to passed icons through compelling and nostalgic design tributes. Kobe Bryant (January 26), Chadwick Boseman (August 28), and Ruth Bader Ginsberg (September 18) were among the most searched-for figures on the Canva platform this year as fans, supporters, and the media reacted to their passing with touching visual tributes on social media and beyond.

 

… And Finally, Some Fun Facts;

●      Canva saw record growth in 2020, reaching over 40 million monthly active users.

●      For those who love their fonts, the top three most used font types in the Philippines for 2020 were: Glacial Indifference, League Spartan, Anton

●      On the bright side: Canva users were sharing the love in 2020, with the Heart textbox and Lovesymbol among the most used stickers this year. Most used stickers in the Philippines were:

 

●      Primary colors were on point this year, being the most used colors in the Philippines:
1. #FFDE59 
2. #FF1616

3. #004AAD

·      Over 540 ‘Canvanauts’ joined the Canva team in 2020.

 

Cignal TV welcomes back seasoned actress Helen Gamboa Sotto, with the Season 3 launch of “From Helen’s Kitchen”

Cignal TV, the country’s #1 Pay TV provider with over 3 million subscribers welcomes back the Queen of the Kitchen, seasoned actress Helen Gamboa Sotto, with the Season 3 launch of “From Helen’s Kitchen” on Colours and TV5, premiering this December 19. 

 

This season kicks off with two holiday-themed episodes: Noche Buena Traditions and Family Favorites for Media Nochewhere Tita Helen will share holiday traditions and create their family’s signature noche buena and media noche family favorites alongside her husband, Tito Sotto, and their children: Apples, Lala, Gian and Ciara Sotto.

 

The program will not only showcase Tita Helen’s exquisite culinary skill, but will give viewers unique stories behind recipes that go beyond average comfort food. She’ll be working on international entrees with a twist and the usual ‘pamana ni Nanay/Lola’ heirloom recipes with celebrity guests such as Joey de Leon, Gelli de Belen and many others.

From Helen’s Kitchen Season 3 sees Tita Helen opening up her kitchen once again. She aims to impart a sense of comfort and holiday cheer through hearty and delicious meals that Filipino families can recreate to bring their family together. 

 

“We live in a world that is unlike any other. Many families are miles apart from one another and are not able to physically be together due to these unprecedented times. Through our third season, we want to bring the holiday spirit to our viewers by sharing our family’s Noche Buena dishes and traditions,” the cooking aficionado shares. “Lahat kami ng family ko ay happy na maibahagi ang kahit kaunting kasiyahan na dala ng pagluluto sa ating mga viewers.” Tita Helen shares. 

 

From Helen’s Kitchen Season 3 is just 1 of the 3 new programs premiering on Colours this December, so viewers at home can expect high-quality shows and entertainment premiering this holiday season.

 

“From Helen’s Kitchen” Season 3 premieres this December 19, and will air every Saturday at 8:00PM on Colours, available on Cignal TV CH. 60 SD and CH. 202 HD. Catch-up airings will also be available on TV5 starting December 20, 7:00AM and continues every Sunday. Viewers may also access Colours and TV5 on the Cignal Play app, available for Android and iOS users. 

To subscribe to Cignal TV contact 8888-5555, 0949-9977600 to 7603. You may also email us at sales@cignal.tv or follow Cignal TV’s Official Facebook page! For more information, visit the Colours Official Facebook Page!