realme’s special tribute video is inspired by a true story in today’s trying times

realme Philippines, the country’s top 1 smartphone brand, pays tribute to all hardworking delivery staff and resilient Filipino workers in a touching video that shows a father's sacrifices for his family amidst a challenging year. The special tribute video was premiered on the official Facebook page of realme Philippines yesterday. 

 

Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming tribute underscores the often overlooked yet crucial role of delivery riders in ensuring the mobility of goods and continuous income flow for business establishments in the new normal. It also brings to light the difficulties of workers who were furloughed following the onslaught of several calamities this year. 

 

“Filipinos are some of the most hardworking people around the world -- and every form of labor in these trying times must be lauded. Among these are the delivery riders who allowed many of us to receive essential goods and services at the safety of our homes. realme celebrates the valiant work of couriers from all over the country as they brave the roads daily. Saludo po kami sa inyong lahat,” shares realme Philippines VP for Marketing Austine Huang. 

 

The video’s story revolves around a man who needed to find an alternative source of income to provide for his family as he is among the many Filipinos who got retrenched from their day jobs following economic challenges in past months. 

 

This initiative from the brand is the highlight of the #realmeWithYou Christmas special campaign, an array of promos, exclusive offers, and activities from realme in time for the Christmas season. Not only to offer the best deals in digital lifestyle products, but also the best engagement for a smartphone brand this yuletide season.  

 

For more information on the said campaign and for real-time updates from the number one smartphone brand in the Philippines, fans are encouraged to follow realme Philippines’ official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Inspiring story of the enduring Filipino spirit wins grand prize in UFC Reel Life short film competition

The first ever UFC Reel Life: Nagsasama-samang Sarap Short Film Competition, an event meant to celebrate UFC’s 50^th anniversary as well as highlight the talents of local filmmakers, has officially selected its top three winners. 

The competition focused on sharing stories about how ordinary Filipinos rise up and find hope despite the odds. Together, UFC celebrates these special moments of triumph, inspirations of courage, and resiliency for the coming year. 

The daunting task of selecting the prize-winning films from the 57 entries that came in fell upon an esteemed panel of judges. This panel included Kip Oebanda, writer and director of Liway, Bar Boys, and Nay; Noel Teehankee, a prolific cinematographer from blockbuster films including The Hows of Us, A Second Chance, and Crazy Beautiful You; Victor Kaiba Villanueva, the director behind films Patay na Si Hesus, My Paranormal Romance, and Ang Nanay ni Justin Barber; and representatives of UFC marketing. 

Directed by Crismel Gida, “Cancelled,” a hopeful story of two resilient Filipinos working their hardest to make ends meet after their livelihoods were affected by recent events, took home the P100,000 grand prize for Best Short Film. Gida also took home the P15,000 Best Director Prize as well as the P5,000 Best Cinematography award.

 

In second place, and winning P50,000, was Ken Leviste’s “How’s my Driving,” which tells the engaging narrative of a jeepney driver turned deliveryman. Meanwhile, the third place prize of P20,000 went to Marco Paulo Castro’s “Budjoy,” a light hearted story about a forgetful boy who misses his OFW mother as his family tries to make ends meet. 

 

Aside from the top winners of the competition, excellent performances both on and off screen were given special credit. Acting citations were given to outstanding performers from the competition’s entries. The Best Actor prize of P5,000 goes to none other than young talent Sean Angelo Tutanez for “Budjoy”. Meanwhile the Best Actress prize of P5,000 goes to Andrea del Mundo for “Prank” (directed by James Edward Golla), a short film that tells the story of an innocent prank between husband and wife that takes a dramatic turn.

The competition likewise gave recognition for technical skills to highlight the immense talent that filmmakers showed behind the scenes. The Best Screenplay prize of P5,000 went to Jojo Livelo and Miko Livelo for “Anana”, a comedic tale of cheesy dad jokes made real.

 

The Best Editing prize of P5,000 went to Dexter de Jesus for “Ma,”, a beautifully animated film about a young man missing the comfort of his mother’s home cooking.

 

Special awards were also given in response to the overwhelming amount of talent on display during the competition. Best Mobile Short Film was given to the filmmaker who made the best use of simple equipment such as their very own cell phone cameras. The People’s Choice Award rewards the most popular film in the competitions as determined by the number of YouTube views. Seven honorable mentions were also selected from the shortlist of 30 as their skill and quality could not go unrecognized. 

The winner of Best Mobile Short Film was Dexter de Jesus for “Ma,”. The awardee will receive a mobile filmmaking kit that includes a Kase Four Lens Kit V2, a Zhiyun Crane M2, a Kase Phone case, a Phone Cage 2990, and a Synco Shotgun Mic M1. Lexter Taganas’s “Uli” snagged the People’s Choice Award and the P15,000 prize for getting over 22,000 views. 

 

UFC also awarded a P10,000 consolation prize to each of the seven honorable mentions: “Ma,” by Dexter de Jesus; “Kambal” by Yves Publico; “Rico” by Ronald John Mendenilla-Teodosio; “Tatalon” by Don Ralph Diaz; “Bato-Bato Pik” by Alejandro “Bong” Ramos; “Uli” by Lexter Taganas; and “Anana” by Quentin Tolentino.

Prize winner or not, however, each and every entry in this contest placed the prodigious talents of local filmmakers on full display. The organizers of UFC Reel Life: Nagsasama-samang Sarap Short Film Competition take great pride in having been able to shine a spotlight on these excellent works. Congratulations go out to all the winners and to the rest of the filmmakers who showcased their abilities for the competition. 

 

All thirty short films that were shortlisted as finalists can be watched right now on YouTube.

 

Final Two Episodes Of First Season Premiere 22 December Exclusively On HBO GO And HBO

HBO’s drama series Industry has been renewed for a second season, it was announced by Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. This series will conclude its eight-episode first season with the final two episodes airing back-to-back same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, 22 December at 11am and 12pm on HBO GO and HBO, with a same day encore at 11pm on HBO.

“Mickey and Konrad have captured an authentic, fresh angle on workplace culture from the bottom up and presented a complex look at navigating life in your early twenties – replete with thrills, failures and victories," says Orsi. “It’s exciting to see fans embrace these young graduates, and we join them in anticipation of what's in store for season two. We also send a big thanks to our partners at Bad Wolf and BBC."

From first-time creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Industry follows a group of young graduates competing for a limited number of permanent positions at a leading international bank in London.

Starring Myha’la Herrold (“The Tattooed Heart”), Marisa Abela (“Cobra”), Harry Lawtey (“City of Tiny Lights”), David Jonsson (“Deep State”) and Nabhaan Rizwan (“Mogul Mowgli”) as “The Graduates” and Conor MacNeill (“Artemis Fowl”), Freya Mavor (“Skins”), Will Tudor (HBO’s “Game of Thrones”) and Ken Leung (HBO’s “High Maintenance”) as “Management,” Industry gives an insider's view of the blackbox of “high finance” through the eyes of an outsider, Harper Stern (Herrold), a talented young woman from upstate New York. Following a group of young grads fueled by ambition, youth, romance and drugs, the series examines issues of gender, race, class, and privilege in the workplace as these impressionable young minds begin to forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sensory blitz of Pierpoint & Co's trading floor, where meritocracy is promised but hierarchy is king.

Wall Street Journal noted that Industry presents “a world that’s thoroughly believable, frequently appalling and fully enthralling,” while Hollywood Reporter praised the series as “steamy escapism.” TIME called it “smart and contemporary... a ‘Working Girl’ for a new generation,” citing that “Down and Kay add to the verisimilitude with dialogue that feels both cerebral and...realistic,” and NPR crowned Harper Stern “the most fascinating character on TV right now.”

Upcoming episodes include:

Season 1, Episode 7: "Pre-Crisis Activity"

Debut date: Tuesday, 22 December at 11am on HBO GO and HBO

With Reduction in Force Day looming, the graduates do whatever it takes to secure final recommendations from their superiors and solidify vital client relationships. At a dinner party hosted by Yasmin (Marisa Abela) and Sebastian, resentment and jealousy bubble to the surface, and Harper (Myha'la Herrold) divulges confidential company business.

Written by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Directed by Mary Nighy.

Season 1, Episode 8: "Reduction in Force" (Season finale)

Debut date: Tuesday, 22 December at 12pm on HBO GO and HBO

After a tumultuous few months at Pierpoint, the graduates take vastly different approaches as they stand before senior management to prove they're worthy of permanent positions. Following an unexpected meeting with a familiar face, Harper (Myha'la Herrold) contends with a decision that could transform the culture of Pierpoint.

Season one credits: Industry is created and executive produced by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay; Executive produced by Jane Tranter, Lachlan MacKinnon, Ryan Rasmussen, David P. Davis and by Ben Irving for BBC; Co-Executive produced by Ed Lilly; Produced by Lee Thomas. Produced for HBO / BBC by Bad Wolf. Writers include Konrad Kay, Mickey Down, Sam H. Freeman and Kate Verghese. Directors include Lena Dunham, Ed Lilly, Tinge Krishnan, Mary Nighy.

Stream or download Industry on HBO GO. Download the app at the App Store or Play Store on your device and enjoy a 7-day free trial. Access HBO GO via Cignal or at https://www.hbogoasia.com/. HBO GO can now be accessed via Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

AXN is proud to crown Staffz as the first-ever winner of Project GO

Staffs emerged as the winner of the Project Go in last night's finale episode.

Staffz is an outsourcing solutions portal, and one that also includes advocacy. The roster of skilled workers that carry out SEO, copywriting and graphic design services for their clients are all underprivileged youths trained in these specialized skills by the core team of Staffz. This business model allows them to offer cost-effective services to small and medium enterprises around the world, while also opening more inclusive job opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them.

Project GO, the brand new reality series by GoDaddy, the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs worldwide, in collaboration with AXN, one of the leading general entertainment channels owned by KC Global Media Asia, revealed its first-ever winner in last night’s finale episode. 

Staffz, represented by 25-year-old Pearl Janine de Guzman, beat out three other teams in a final pitch to an international panel of judges, coming out on top as the winner of Project GO and the recipient of its Php 1 million cash prize.

With the guidance of Project GO Mentors who put the show’s Top 4 Contestants through rigorous bootcamps, De Guzman made a final pitch to the show’s panel of judges, which was comprised of seasoned business veterans: Lyrna Esmeralda-Hewitt, President & Co-Founder of Bona Fortuna Farms, Inc; Carlo Buenaflor, CEO of Biggs, In; James Carroll, President of GoDaddy International; and Jodi Valenta, Vice President of Global Marketing at GoDaddy

“We looked forward to hearing innovative ideas and solutions that fit actual market needs and clarity in the approach to fulfill those needs,” says Carroll. “The contestants more than delivered. We were very impressed with the creativity, skill and passion that we witnessed in their presentations.” 

The judges followed a scoring system that graded each of the Top 4 Contestants’ final pitch on a variety of stringent criteria, including originality, potential for growth and profit, and feasibility of plans. At the end of this rigorous process, Staffz emerged as the winner.

While De Guzman and her collaborators are careful to remain grounded in the reality that it is not a simple task to end poverty or change the world, they run Staffz with the optimism that they can make a genuine impact in the lives of others.

“I truly feel humbled and honored that Staffz was chosen as the winner of Project GO,” De Guzman shares. “My teammates and I are immensely grateful to our friends, our families, the Mentors, GoDaddy and AXN Asia for this opportunity. As we journey from this new beginning, we will continue to scale more businesses and bridge bigger dreams, one task at a time.”

Derek Wong, Vice President and Head of Production at KC Global Media Asia, has this to say: “AXN is proud to crown Staffz as the first-ever winner of Project GO. With their truly innovative and empathic business model, Staffz is set to turn even more dreams into reality, which resonates with what Project GO has aimed to do from the beginning.”

The full season of Project GO is available to stream for free on AXN Asia and GoDaddy Asia’s YouTube channels. For more information and exclusive content on Project GO, audiences can visit the official website at www.axn-asia.com/ProjectGO or follow AXN Asia on Facebook and Instagram.

Make your loved ones feel extra special with a new smartphone that perfectly matches their lifestyle!

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to exchange gifts, letting your loved ones feel just how much they mean to you. If it’s been quite a busy time for you these past couple of months, you may not have had the chance to check off everyone in your gift list just yet, especially the ones who mean a lot to you. To help you figure out what to give and get these delivered stat, we’ve put together a list of smartphones perfect for every kind of person in your life.

 

1. For the one who loves to binge watch til early in the morning

They’re always the first ones to finish the latest TV show to drop on Netflix, and there’s probably no series or movie they haven’t seen. And perhaps it’s time they upgrade their mobile viewing experience with the OPPO A12. The 15.79cm screen fully immerses the viewer in the visual story, while protecting their vision by filtering out harmful blue light to prevent eye strain, especially for marathons. Plus, with a 4230mAh battery, they can watch HD videos online for up to 17 hours! If you’ve got an avid gamer in your life, this gadget will also be the perfect gift for them, as its battery life gives up to 8 hours of playtime.

 

 

2. For the one who’s always on the go

We all have that one person who’s always needing to go somewhere or needing to do something, and the OPPO A53 is a perfect partner for them. Its lightweight, ultra-thin body is ergonomically designed to fit in a single hand, making it easier to pick up and bring around everywhere. The smartphone is also equipped with a 5000mAh ultrabattery paired with high-speed 18W fast charge, so they don’t need to worry about waiting for a long charging time or lugging around a heavy power bank. And with its Super Power Saving Mode, the battery can last for much longer, making it a handy gadget to have around.

 

 

3. For the one who lives in the moment and loves to capture every second

We all have that friend or family member who seems to document every moment in order to have a remembrance for every fun time, and the OPPO A92 is the perfect smartphone for them. With a 5000mAh battery to give users an all-out, all-day smartphone experience, the OPPO A92 also boasts of a 48MP AI Quad Camera, which includes an ultra-wide lens to capture everything in just one shot. It’s also got 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM to fit all the still and moving memories caught with the A92.

 

4. For the one who loves to create social media content

Your Tiktok-obsessed or vlogging-expert bestie needs a gadget that helps them keep up not only with the new viral challenges, but also the trendiest phoneography features. Look no further than the OPPO Reno4. With a 48MP quad camera and a 32MP selfie camera, the Reno4 is a content creator’s dream. Among its camera features are the AI Color Portrait, which allows the user to mute the background or highlight a specific color in both photos and videos; the Night Flare Mode, which adds a standout bokeh effect to lights in the background; and the Ultra Steady Video 3.0, which minimizes shakes and allows the user to capture smooth videos of their adventures. 

 

 

5. For the one with impeccable taste

And finally, for the sophisticated person in your life, the ones with refined taste and love to unlock new possibilities for themselves, there is the OPPO Find X2 Pro. This top-of-the-line smartphone comes in two colors and textures - black ceramic and orange vegan leather - to not only match your loved one’s personal taste, but also to make them stand out from the crowd. Water and dust resistant thanks to IP68 protection, it is also powered with 120hz refresh rate and true billion color display for a smooth viewing experience. The Find X2 Pro also serves as your second pair of eyes with its 48MP wide-angle lens, 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens and 13MP periscope telephoto lens, so you can take ultra clear and crisp shots in any perspective and under any light.

 

If one or more of these sound like someone in your life who needs a new smartphone, head on over to the nearest OPPO store, and get freebies with every purchase, perfect to stuff your loved one’s stocking a little bit more this holiday season, thanks to the OPPO Joy-Full Sale. For every purchase of Php10,000 and above, you’ll also get a free Rockspace power bank, while every purchase of the OPPO A53 gives you a free 64GB TF card. This promo runs until the end of the year, giving you enough time to complete your last-minute Christmas shopping! 

 

Make your loved ones feel extra special with a new smartphone that perfectly matches their lifestyle!

 

To know more about the latest OPPO exclusive Christmas deals and events, visit the official website or via the official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

VeMoBro, a homegrown e-commerce platform that specifically caters to “new normal” essentials, is launching in the country soon!

Christmas is still every Filipino’s favorite time of the year despite – or perhaps because of – the challenging past months. Even without reunions, Christmas parties and some of the usual holiday activities, Christmas brings cheer and the holiday spirit a sense of optimism for better things ahead. 

 

Planning and getting those Christmas presents, although a bit different this year, remains exciting and fun. After all, giving and sharing is what this season is all about. 

 

How far along are you with your Christmas list? Or are you still scrambling for some last-minute shopping? Don’t worry, we got you! Here are some gift ideas for all the special ones on your list this new normal.

 

For the new hobbyists

Baking, cooking, caring for a new pet. These are just some of the new hobbies picked up during quarantine. Give the gift of support to friends and family with items related to their new hobbies and interests.

 

Baking ingredients for the new baker: A fresh pack of cake mix, whipping cream and different flavored emulsions such as red velvet and orange will not only remind your baker friend of your continued support but will also encourage them to experiment with new recipes. Plus, a baking gift basket sitting next to their baking equipment will look lovely in their kitchen!

Baking needs from HICAPS Marketing Corporation

 

A selection of premium meats for the home cook in the making: Yes, it can certainly be a learning experience buying fresh beef from the local butcher, but if you have to travel to go to the meat shop, isn’t it more convenient to have super-fresh meat delivered right at your door step? If you’re lucky, the latest home cook in your family or barkada might even invite you to share that juicy steak with them.

AUS Beef Shanks, AUS Rib Eye and Brazilian Rib Eye from Meat My Veggies

 

Pet shampoo for the first-time fur parent: Whether their heart belongs to a gentle giant of a dog or a tiny fluffball kitten, your friends will surely appreciate a lavender-scent shampoo that will not only pamper their fur babies in the bath but will also work wonders on their coats.

Lil Petie Lavender Pet Shampoo with Madre De Cacao and Aloe Vera

 

For the pandemic hustlers

Working or studying at home is not all joy. Show your loved ones how much you appreciate all their hard work and make their Christmas a little merrier.

 

Hair dryer for the friend on the go: Think bad hair days are no longer a problem with everyone just staying indoors and working from home? Think again. This gift of tech will come handy when your reliable officemate wants to achieve that just-left-the-salon hair for special virtual meetings or when they just feel like having a good hair day. Friends can also use this to glam up for the numerous virtual Christmas parties they’ll be attending this month. 

HTC Professional Hair Dryer

 

Tire cream for the biker:  Show the two-wheel enthusiast among your friends or family how much you care for their safety with a motorcycle care essential that can keep their tires in optimal driving condition for a better and safer drive. Choose one with a non-greasy and natural shine formula that provides protective coating from sunlight and rain.

Kazuki Tire Cream Lotion Semi-Gloss

 

For the stay-at-home survivors

The not-so-young have been staying indoors since mid-March. That’s nine months of alternating between a daily routine and thinking of new things to do. Why not gift them with something that will help make another month at home bearable?

 

Pantry essentials for grandparents: Shopping for Gramps and Granny can sometimes be daunting as we might get them items they’re not supposed to eat anymore or they simply do not want. But you can never go wrong with food as a gift, especially fresh vegetables or fruits or a wide variety of condiments. Not only would this remind them that you care about their health but it would also save them a week’s – or maybe month’s! – worth of grocery run.

Selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and condiments from Meat My Veggies

 

Complete that gift list with your new essential shopping partner!

Gift giving this holiday season will carry on as in previous years even amid the quarantine. Thanks to online shopping, you can skip crammed aisles and long lines and shop in the comfort of your own home, even while lounging on the couch in your pajamas and munching on your favorite treats. But sometimes, huge traffic on online shopping sites, delays in delivery and mistakes on orders could put a damper on the holiday spirit.

 

Fret not. Santa’s elves have an exciting news for you! VeMoBro, a homegrown e-commerce platform that specifically caters to “new normal” essentials, is launching in the country soon to help make sure you get your Christmas shopping – and other shopping needs – done hassle-free. VeMoBro promises a more satisfying and convenient shopping experience – one that surely tops the wish list of many online shopaholics.

 

As an additional treat, VeMoBro is offering special promos before their official launch. From December 16, 2020 until January 2, 2021, grab HTC Products from Transpacific at 20 percent off and condiments at Meat My Veggies at 20 percent less. Get fresh vegetables and fruits and premium meats at Php150 less for a minimum cart value of Php2,000.

 

Ready for your new shopping partner? Visit https://vemobro.com.ph/ for more exclusive deals. Stay updated on other promos and announcements by following VeMoBro on its official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.