Joby celebrates another milestone and accomplishes another dream as she releases her first book--Beauty & the Biz

“Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face, its about having a pretty heart, a pretty mind and a pretty soul.”

 

Remember that old saying “Beauty and Brains?” well Joby Linsangan-Moreno adds one more trait in that ideal combination—Heart.  

I will never forget my first meeting with Ms. Joby for two things—it was my first time to have my virgin hair colored, and that we had do travel five hours to Cabanatuan just to have it done. But it was so worth it as I loved the vibrant red bronze color.

We all knew her first as The Orange Lady—the brains behind the successful Orange Blush salon franchise, which was about to expand to Manila. She also struck me for her beauty, with both professionalism and poise as she met and spent the afternoon with us. 

I grew to admire her even more for her heart, as I saw her dedication to help not only her staff but the entire community when the pandemic struck—this despite her business being affected by the series of lockdowns.

Besides managing the Orange Blush Salon franchise and the Aliaga Rice Supply (retail business run by her husband Lawrence), she proved her resilience opening The Podium Special Events Center and the NYORK Café (both in Cabanatuan City) amidst the pandemic while doing hosting duties for the Beauty and the Biz show on ABS CBN News and giving public talks about beauty and women empowerment.

 Last year, to celebrate her birthday, Joby even put up the Parlorista at Barbero Kami Foundation (PAK) whose mission is To Spread Love, One Haircut at a Time.  The Foundation seeks to prioritize, improve, and safeguard the lives and the welfare of our Parloristas (Hairdressers, Estheticians, Massage therapists, Nail Technicians, salon receptionists), Barbers and their families. It also also aims to promote hairdressing as a serious profession and educational program that generates employment.

This 2021, as she turns 41, Joby marks another milestone and accomplishes another dream as she releases her first book--Beauty and the Biz.

The book features stories from self-made beauty entrepreneurs who share their personal experiences and success stories to help you establish your own beauty brand and aims to be a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build their own beauty empire.

As a bonus, It also includes the: 10 Commandments of the Orange Lady: Thoughts on living a joyful and balanced personal-business life! 

It is published by ABS CBN Books (Creative Programs Inc.)and will be available in Amazon for only $3.99. But you could get the book for free on April 8-12, 2021.

 

FINDING HER PURPOSE

Joby shares her mission in life is Matthew 5:16, “Make your light shine so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven”.

Which is why one of her commandments is “Find your purpose and seize it. Let your light shine.”

“Our life is God’s gift to us. What we have become in our lifetime, is our gift to God. There is no greater meaning in life than to find your purpose. I believe that God has given each one of us a unique gift  that He wants us to share to the world, so that He may be glorified. Find your purpose in life and live it.” 

She adds “To be honest, I feel that out of my 100% purpose in life, I have only found around 80% of what my real life’s purpose is as of this time. I know in my heart that my purpose is to shine; to reflect the light of God, and to bring others close to Him. But I want more than to inspire people. I want them to feel the love and peace that being close to God feels like. I want others see that God performs miracles in the lives of those people that He has touched. I want them to see the work of God in everything that I do; in everything that I am; may it be in business, family, in my life. I am certainly excited for the remaining 20% of my continued search for my life’s purpose because I know that I am going the right way, and I can feel His favor in everything that I do. I am being prepared for His grand plans for my life, and I know in my heart that His timing is always perfect. 

Joby owns and manages Orange Blush Salons that she built in October 2003 and the PAK foundation projects are funded by the Orange Blush Salons. They also have a training center, Orange Institute of Fashion and the Arts (OIFA). In January 2020, with the objectives to support these families and to promote Hairdressing as a serious profession and educational program, Joby began to gather information and started to work on the vision and mission of the foundation. In the long run, Joby wishes to put up “Free Haircutting Centers” that offer free haircut services to the indigent and less fortunate, where they can also hold Hairdressing/Cosmetology programs, and to build holistic PAK communities that look after the welfare of PAK Members. She was awarded as Natatanging Anak Kabanatuan (GAWAD A.N.A.K) in 2018 by the City Government of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija for her contribution in Entrepreneurship- for Orange Blush Salons and The Podium Special Events Center.

In addition she is also a resident host at Go Negosyo and Go Negosyo Mentor and The New Channel’s Usapang Beauty. She also recently launched her own cosmetics line called beauTITA liptints (ang make-up ng mga TITAs!). 

Amidst the crisis, Joby remains hopeful and thankful. Through her unwavering faith, she believes that we shall all prevail in the end, despite our current difficulties. “We are being confronted with challenging times, but we shall not be afraid, and we should all keep the faith, and know in our hearts that this too, shall pass. 

Her mission in life is: Matthew 5:16, “Make your light shine so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven”.

 

Ready with your food, drinks and watchlist? Hisense has got you covered with its Sizzling Summer Deals Promo

Get ready to binge-watch with the new Hisense UHD Smart TV! Update your appliances with this Sizzling Summer Deals Promo. 

Staying safe at home is the best way to spend this summer. While this may have you missing your favorite vacation spots, it doesn’t mean that you should miss out on the fun. Instead, plan for your best summer at home with your favorite snacks and treats, free-flowing drinks, and all of your favorite films and TV programs to watch and rewatch anytime you want to.

 

Ready with your food, drinks and watchlist? All that’s missing now is an awesome new TV for the ultimate binge-watching experience. Hisense has got you covered with its Sizzling Summer Deals Promo. 

Get into the summer groove with a FREE Devant SB-50 Soundbar, valued at P5,450, with every purchase of a Hisense 50” to 65” 4K UHD Smart TV or 4K ULED Smart TV.

 

With a Hisense 4K ULED Smart TV, your home will surely be TV marathon ready this summer. Enjoy the absolute best picture quality in Ultra HD with a 3840x2160 display resolution and Ultra Smooth Motion. All Hisense 4K ULED Smart TVs run the patented Vidaa U Operating System, which is both fast and responsive. It has the ultimate binge watcher’s video streaming apps preloaded in the TV so you don’t need to download it anymore. The remote also features a one touch access button to quickly open the apps! You also gain access to the VIDAA Store, where you can download more apps! 

 

The Hisense Sizzling Summer Deals Promo runs from April 1 to 30, 2021, and is available in selected appliance stores nationwide, and Hisense Official Flagship Stores in Lazada (https://bit.ly/HisenseLM10) and Shopee (https://bit.ly/HisenseSM10). Click here for more information, and to view a list of participating stores.

 

For more updates, visit the Hisense website (www.hisense.com.ph) and follow its official social media accounts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HisensePhilippines/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hisenseph/). 

Airbnb’s What’s My Place Worth tool, a new resource rolled out by Airbnb for prospective Hosts

Planning to host your home in Airbnb? I guess, if you have some space, and want to make some money on the side. It's about time. Its additional income for the family too. 

Travel is coming back and Filipinos can earn extra income through hosting, according to Airbnb’s What’s My Place Worth tool, a new resource rolled out by Airbnb for prospective Hosts to calculate their potential monthly income. The interactive tool computes the estimated income through inputs for geography, type of listing and space and factors in prior Airbnb booking data in the area. 

 

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact local communities and businesses in the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently reported that some 4 million Filipinos remain unemployed in January 2021.  

For many, sharing their homes on Airbnb has provided a COVID social safety net, helping them to stay economically afloat in these unprecedented times. In Baguio City, for example, the P11,491* in estimated monthly income through hosting on Airbnb represents important supplemental revenue for prospective Hosts.

 

For those considering hosting, now is the time. A recent Meaningful Travel Trends survey commissioned by Airbnb indicated that Filipinos are ready to reconnect with their families as soon as travel restrictions ease, and there is pent-up demand for travel as people yearn to get out of the house after months of pandemic-caused isolation.

 

In fact, latest YouGov data indicates that travel with immediate and extended family will be the #1 reason for domestic travel amongst Filipinos this year. Filipinos are also seeking safe and affordable travel options, with quick getaways and nature retreats likely to gain traction. 

 

The What’s My Place Worth tool is one of many resources Airbnb has for prospective Hosts, all of which can be explored at Airbnb.com/host. Please review all local laws and general health and safety guidelines prior to listing your space on Airbnb.   

 

*The earning estimate for Baguio City hosts stated here is for an entire home listing with a guest capacity of 6. It is based on booking data from the past 12 months for that area, and calculated by multiplying a nightly price by the total nights of occupancy.

 

Filipina Forward: From the Maria Clara to the Modern Filipina

The role of women today has changed significantly for the better. 

Being financially independent and starting a business are the main priorities of the Filipina today, as determined by this year’s results of Filipina Forward, a study by marketing communications agency Wunderman Thompson Philippines that captures the state, outlook, and goals of the modern Filipina.

 

The study comes just a month after the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) and also shows how Filipinas have coped and remained a critical force of society and the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“This study is an intimate look at how Filipinas are faring in their personal and professional lives and their changing priorities in an evolving world. The pandemic weighs heavily on their feedback this year, but we are proud to see the strides that Filipino women are making based on the roles they play at home and at work, and how they see their personal self,” shares Wunderman Thompson Philippines CEO, Golda Roldan. 

The impact of the pandemic on Filipinas’ priorities

 

The study shows that 33% of Filipinas aim to be financially independent while almost a quarter (24%) are keen on starting a business. Financial independence also remains as the top indicator of success at 42%, followed by physical health and fitness at 37%. These numbers reflect the shift in Filipinas’ goals especially when compared to the 2017 result, which ranked ‘reaching a higher level of spiritual awareness’ as women’s top priority.

 

The prime position of finance and health is also a reflection of the pandemic’s impact, where “normal” means fear of the virus, increased digitization in work and school, and mass unemployment. 

 

Filipinas are working hard towards financial independence, with 39% of respondents agreeing that they feel more confident to talk about money (up from 21% in 2017), while 43% also agree that they are able to budget well and plan for the future (up from 24% in 2017). 

 

The trend is consistent with Frost & Sullivan’s recent study, which indicated that Asia-Pacific will be the region with the biggest female workforce by 2030. Last year, the same study reported a global female income of over $24 trillion, proof that women are taking charge of their finances as employees, leaders, and even pioneers in their respective fields.

 

Career first, as marriage and motherhood take a backseat

 

Filipinas’ increased involvement in the workforce also means that career has become a pivotal life aspect, with 27% of respondents saying that they are willing to delay marriage or having kids if their career requires it. Likewise, 32% are now defining success based on whether their job or career is aligned with their passion.

 

This greater sense of self from career fulfilment also shows in the study, with 78% of Filipinas saying that they rely on themselves for motivation. The “Maria Clara” tag, which has long haunted cultural narratives about the Filipina, has now almost lost its influence, with 86% of respondents identifying as modern Filipinas who defy tradition. Additionally, 60% feel empowered to change the norm.

 

In fact, 59% of survey participants want to see more films with strong female leads. Female role models, whether in fiction or in real life, are steadily influencing Filipinas’ choices, with 56% taking more risks and 52% becoming more ambitious. The importance of empowering narratives among women and their support circles has also impacted the concept of choice, as 26% of those surveyed left an abusive relationship after exposure to these role models.

Filipinas coming together to challenge and change

 

Roldan emphasizes that these positive changes need to be sustained through continuous acknowledgment of the role of the Filipina in all spaces of society. This year’s International Women’s Day campaign, #ChooseToChallenge, comes complementary as Filipinas continue to mark their place in a world that is still prone to gender bias and inequality.

 

The Filipina Forward launch also featured a panel session of female figures representing different sectors: Samantha Lee, a film director known for her advocacy on creating LGBTQIA+ representation in local cinema,Hershey Neri, a TV and events host, writer, and content creator passionate about gender equality and creating safe spaces for women, Sarah Elago, current member of the Philippine House of Representatives, activist and politician, Candy Pangilinan, an advocate for better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Shawn Yao, a news broadcaster and advocate for reporting with fairness, accuracy and truth, and McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director, Margot Torres for female leadership.  Each one brought a distinct perspective to the results of the study, and called for different ways to move forward with even more freedom and empowerment for the Filipina in mind.

 

The 2021 Filipina Forward report is based on combined quantitative and qualitative methods of research. Wunderman Thompson administered an online survey among 500 females, aged 15-69 years old, from rural and urban areas across the country, coupled with a series of focus group discussions with females from different income status levels, generations, and rural or urban residences in Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

 

Wunderman Thompson Philippines takes pride in being part of a history full of firsts in the country. Their people, over 100-strong, are constantly generating new ideas and end-to-end solutions backed by data and cultural insights. With trademark Filipino resilience and creativity, Wunderman Thompson Philippines makes things happen and inspires growth for their clients and their people.

 

For more information on Wunderman Thompson’s local efforts and to access the report, visitwww.wundermanthompson.com/philippines and filipinaforward.org, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter @WunThompsonPH and Instagram @FilipinaForwardWT. 

 

Jollibee has launched a new TV commercial for the Yumburger starring brand ambassador Joshua Garcia

If there is one thing that hasn’t changed over time, it’s the fact that Filipinos absolutely love their burgers being super beefy and meaty. No other burger comes close to capturing that Pinoy taste than the 100% beefy, langhap-sarap Jollibee Yumburger!

And to drive that point home, Jollibee has launched a new TV commercial for the Yumburger starring brand ambassador and popular celebrity Joshua Garcia! In the new ad, Joshua is seen doing a workout routine and at the end of the exercise, he rewards himself with the 100% beefy goodness of his favorite Yumburger. 

Link to video: https://www.facebook.com/170055766373991/videos/1405149266495161   

“There’s really nothing like the Jollibee Yumburger when it comes to beefiness and being delicious! And sakto yung new commercial ko since I’ve started becoming more active and realized that I need to be fit and healthy especially during this pandemic. And what better way to enjoy yung efforts ko than with my favorite Yumburger! Masarap na, value for money pa kaya solve yung cravings ko,” said Joshua.  

“We know Filipinos really love the Jollibee Yumburger because of its beefy goodness that you won’t find in other burgers out there, and the fact that it’s made with 100% real beef. We’re always happy to remind them why it’s the best way to satisfy their burger cravings, just like Joshua in our new commercial,” said Cathleen Capati AVP for Bestsellers.

You can enjoy the 100% beefy langhap-sarap Jollibee Yumburger for only Php 35 solo, or the Cheesy Yumburger for only Php 49 solo. Have these safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App (bit.ly/JollibeePHApp), JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood and Foodpanda! Also available in Drive-Thru, Take Out and Dine-in.

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Mare Of Easttown debuts same time as the U.S. on Monday, 19 April at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO

I have recently watched Kate Winslet's exceptional performance in Blackbird, and heard about her incoming series, the Mare of Easttown!

Starring Academy Award, Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Kate Winslet (HBO’s “Mildred Pierce”), from creator and writer Brad Ingelsby (“The Way Back”), with all episodes directed by Craig Zobel (HBO’s “The Leftovers”), the seven-part limited series Mare Of Easttown debuts same time as the U.S. on Monday, 19 April at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with a same day encore at 11pm on HBO. Ingelsby returned to his home state of Pennsylvania to write the series, an exploration into the dark side of a close community and an authentic examination of how family and past tragedies can define our present. Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan, a small-town Pennsylvania detective who investigates a local murder as life crumbles around her. 

Mare Of Easttown also stars Julianne Nicholson (HBO’s “The Outsider”) as “Lori Ross,” Mare’s best friend since childhood; three-time Emmy® winner Jean Smart (Emmy®-nominated for HBO’s “Watchmen”) as “Helen,” Mare's mother; Angourie Rice (“Black Mirror”) as “Siobhan Sheehan,” Mare’s teenaged daughter; Evan Peters (“American Horror Story”) as “Detective Colin Zabel,” the county detective called in to assist with Mare's investigation; Guy Pearce (Emmy® winner and Golden Globe® nominee for HBO’s “Mildred Pierce”) as “Richard Ryan,” a local creative writing professor; David Denman (“Outcast”) as “Frank Sheehan,” Mare’s ex-husband; Joe Tippett (“Rise”) as “John Ross,” Lori's husband and high school sweetheart; Cailee Spaeny (“Devs”) as “Erin McMenamin,” an isolated teen living with her volatile father; John Douglas Thompson (HBO Max film “Let Them All Talk”) as “Chief Carter,” Mare's boss at the Easttown Police Department; Patrick Murney (“Seven Seconds”) as “Kenny McMenamin,” Erin's father; James McArdle (“Ammonite”) as “Deacon Mark Burton”; Sosie Bacon (HBO’s “Here and Now”) as “Carrie Layden,” Drew’s mother and Kevin’s ex-girlfriend; and Neal Huff (HBO’s “The Wire”) as Mare’s cousin, “Father Dan Hastings”.

 

The limited series also stars Kate Arrington, Ruby Cruz, Eisa Davis, Enid Graham, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley, Izzy King, Mackenzie Lansing, Cameron Mann, Kiah McKirnan, Jack Mulhern, Anthony Norman, Drew Scheid, and Madeleine Weinstein.

 

Episodes Include:

 

Episode 1: “Miss Lady Hawk Herself”

Debut Date: Monday, 19 April at 10am on HBO GO and HBO

Series premiere. After answering a call about a neighborhood prowler, Detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) shoulders her chief’s directive to revive an unsolved missing person’s case amid increased community pressure. Later, while her loved ones celebrate her ex-husband Frank’s (David Denman) engagement, Mare attends a celebration for her legendary high school basketball win and connects with Richard (Guy Pearce), a professor who’s new in town. Written by Brad Ingelsby; Directed by Craig Zobel.

 

Episode 2: “Fathers”

Debut Date: Monday, 26 April at 10am on HBO GO and HBO

Mare (Kate Winslet) visits a grisly murder scene before informing the victim’s enraged father. As a video from the night of the crime surfaces, Mare questions suspects in the case and gives an icy welcome to County Detective Colin Zabel (Evan Peters), who’s been called in to assist. Later, Mare bumps heads with locals and airs concerns about her grandson Drew (Izzy King) in light of her late son’s mental health struggles. Written by Brad Ingelsby; Directed by Craig Zobel.

 

Episode 3: “Enter Number Two”

Debut Date: Monday, 3 May at 10am on HBO GO and HBO

As Mare (Kate Winslet) and Colin (Evan Peters) parse new physical evidence, phone records lead to an unlikely suspect. After lashing out at Helen (Jean Smart) about a possible custody fight over Drew (Izzy King), Mare receives some unprompted advice from Richard (Guy Pearce) on how to move forward with Carrie (Sosie Bacon). Later, Kenny (Patrick Murney) and Mare face the consequences of their misguided attempts to protect their families. Written by Brad Ingelsby; Directed by Craig Zobel.

 

Episode 4: “Poor Sisyphus”

Debut Date: Monday, 10 May at 10am on HBO GO and HBO

With Mare (Kate Winslet) forced to take a backseat on the case, Colin (Evan Peters) presses a local priest about the vague circumstances that prompted his transfer to the parish. Meanwhile, an anonymous call gives Dawn (Enid Graham) hope that Katie might still be alive. Written by Brad Ingelsby; Directed by Craig Zobel.

 

Episode 5: “Illusions”

Debut Date: Monday, 17 May at 10am on HBO GO and HBO

In her mandated therapy, Mare (Kate Winslet) opens up about her family’s history with mental health struggles. Meanwhile, Lori (Julianne Nicholson) tries to get to the bottom of her son’s outburst at school, and later, Mare meets with a semi-retired source to help find a possible connection to her three cases. Written by Brad Ingelsby; Directed by Craig Zobel.

 

Mare Of Easttown is an HBO co-production with wiip; creator/writer/showrunner/executive producer, Brad Ingelsby; director/executive producer, Craig Zobel; executive producer, Paul Lee through wiip; executive producer, Mark Roybal through wiip; executive producer, Kate Winslet; executive producer, Gavin O’Connor; executive producer, Gordon Gray through Mayhem Pictures.

 

Stream or download Mare Of Easttown on HBO GO. Download the app from the App Store or Play Store on your device. You can also access HBO GO via Cignal or at https://www.hbogoasia.com/. HBO GO is also available via Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

Kathryn Bernardo is the new face of realme

realme is bent on making more possibilities come true for the Filipino youth this year with the launch of an exciting line-up of powerful smartphones. To amplify the pivotal role of a capable smartphone in the digital age, realme is collaborating with one of today’s most celebrated showbiz royalties -- Kathryn Bernardo! As realme Philippines gears up to maintain the momentum of being the country’s number 1 smartphone brand -- a feat achieved in just two years, Kathryn and realme are set to work on several campaigns that are sure to inspire more young, passionate and bold fans to leverage the power of technology in their quest for success.

Kathryn Bernardo is the most fitting representation of every realme Squad member: fun, determined, and unapologetically real. She embodies the modern-day young adult who is ready to put in the hustle in pursuit of success and fulfillment.  Having been in the showbiz limelight for almost two decades now, Kathryn has seen how the pivot to a more digital lifestyle significantly oiled daily nuts and bolts. From live auditions to online portfolios and content creation, Kathryn’s daily grind in showbusiness has greatly transitioned to digital - where everything is in the cloud and on smartphones. Seeing the crucial role of mobile devices in the lives of today’s youth and being a witness to realme’s own commitment to offering powerful yet attainable devices have convinced the showbiz A-lister to join the realme family. 

“My generation saw the dawn of the internet and the shift to digital. Iba na the expectations from young adults like me today. As we aim to perform and deliver better, we need brands like realme that can help us adopt a highly digital lifestyle. I am happy na I am now part of a brand that has the vision of making digital lifestyle experience more accessible to all Filipinos. I am a firm believer that all of us, regardless of financial capability, deserve to experience the help and convenience offered by technology,” notes Kathryn. The primetime queen remains active in using the online space to share more of her artistry and real self to fans, racking up a fan base of more than 33 million across all her social media accounts. 

realme Philippines’ Vice President for Marketing Austine Huang shares, “As we leap to a new era of digital lifestyle experience, we prioritize collaborating with organizations and young ideators with the same passion and commitment to deliver the beauty of technology to more Filipinos. This is why we are beyond elated to work with one of the entertainment industry’s most talented game-changers. We are excited to leap to several exciting projects and break more boundaries with Kathryn this year.”

realme and Kathryn will be rolling out several campaigns this 2021 to promote the exciting array of smartphones the leading smart technology brand will be launching. The announcement of its first brand ambassador is among the many milestones realme gears to achieve this year as it maintains its momentum as one of the Filipinos’ top preferred smartphone brands. To stay updated and know more about the realme events and promos, you may visit and follow realme’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The Seven Deadly Sins -Imperial Wrath of the Gods-, One Punch Man and Cells at Work is now on TrueID Philippines and GEM on Cignal

Fans of Japanese entertainment in the Philippines will now be able to watch Animax and GEM on more screens. KC Global Media Asia, the network that owns and operates Asian content leaders Animax, GEM, and ONE along with leading English general entertainment channel AXN, launches Animax on TrueID Philippines and GEM on Cignal.

Avani Bhanchawat, Vice President and Head of Revenue at KC Global Media Asia, says “The Philippines is home to an established, continuously growing fan base for Japanese dramas, and the

demand for anime in the country is among the highest anywhere in the world. There is an undeniable appetite for Japanese content in the Philippines, and KC Global Media Asia is delighted to add GEM to our offering on Cignal and equally excited to bring Animax to the TrueID platform, to show our commitment in bringing quality Japanese entertainment to even more Filipino viewers.”

While Animax has been available in the Philippines for nearly two decades, its launch on TrueID Philippines makes history as the channel’s content becomes available for the first time on an AVOD or Advertising-based Video on Demand service. Fans will now be able to stream full anime episodes completely for free on the TrueID platform, an offshoot of Thailand’s leading digital lifestyle app and a new player in the Philippine market.

Animax continues to be the leading destination for anime across a variety of genres and the home to well-loved classics and blockbuster content distributed within the same day of their telecast in Japan. Among the many hit programs available on TrueID Philippines this April are fan favorites The Seven Deadly Sins -Imperial Wrath of the Gods-, One Punch Man and Cells at Work!.

Meanwhile, subscribers of Cignal Postpaid Plan 290 and up and Prepaid Load 300 and up can look forward to the best of Japanese entertainment hitting their screens following the much-awaited launch of GEM on the country’s premier Direct-To-Home satellite provider. Viewers can now watch GEM on Ch 173 on Cignal.

GEM, the youngest in KC Global Media Asia’s network of channels, offers an expanded roster of fresh-run and exclusive dramas as well as variety entertainment shows from leading Japanese studios. This includes select prime time dramas airing close to their broadcast in Japan.

This April, fans are in for a treat with the premiere of new drama series Nemesis starring Sho Sakurai of ARASHI and Suzu Hirose on April 17, Saturdays at 8.40PM, within the same week of airing in Japan, and Cursed in Love starring Ryusei Yokohama and Minami Hamabe on April 13, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8.45PM. GEM’s very first original co-production with Kansai TV Budget Trip in Japan, premiering April 27, Tuesdays at 7.50PM, is also sure to delight viewers nationwide.

PhilCare gained top recognition at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards

PhilCare, one of the country’s most preferred health maintenance organizations (HMO), soars to new heights in its quest to deliver smarter healthcare for Filipinos as its groundbreaking initiatives gained top recognition at the 18th Philippine Quill Awards.

 

Leading the list of Quill Awards for the company is the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index which won the top prize for Communications Research category. The PhilCare CQ Wellness Index looked into the actual state of well-being of Filipinos amid the imposition of the first enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

 

A total of 800 respondents from all walks of life nationwide were interviewed through mobile phones to get a big picture of how they responded to the effects of the lockdowns and the pandemic as a whole. 

 

The study revealed that Filipinos prayed a lot more while greatly cutting down on vices during the first lockdown. Interestingly also, nearly all respondents back then were most concerned with a possible “second wave” of COVID-19.

 

The PhilCare CQ Wellness Index was also nominated to receive the top award for COVID Communications, a special division in this year’s Quills dedicated to business communication efforts in response to the pandemic. Meanwhile, the study’s publicity effort also won a Quill award of merit under the Communications Management division.

 

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators – Philippines (IABC Philippines), the Philippine Quill is the country’s most prestigious business communications awards program. Programs and projects are awarded on the basis of excellent communication use to achieve business goals and to make a difference in society.

 

“Being responsive to the needs of our audience is always important to us. Given that COVID-19 and the lockdowns quickly changed the way we live, we wanted to get their pulse in the fastest and most accurate manner possible, especially with regard to their health. This is why we conducted the PhilCare CQ Wellness Index,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

 

“Now that we are more informed with more relevant data, we are in a position to help our fellow Filipinos bounce back better by developing new products, services, and programs that are in tune with the times,” said PhilCare Director Eusebio H. Tanco

 

Another responsive effort relative to the first ECQ that won was the Wellness From Home (WFH) video series, which bagged a Quill award of excellence under the Communications Skills division. 

 

The videos, uploaded on PhilCare’s Facebook page following the implementation of the first lockdowns, featured exercises taught by fitness experts to help followers achieve optimal wellness despite being unable to go out to exercise. These have reached over 900,000 people, of which at least 330,000 have viewed them.

 

The 2019 PhilCare Wellness Index and the HMO’s prepaid health cards program also bagged Quill merit awards.

 

“We are thankful to IABC Philippines for acknowledging PhilCare’s efforts to deliver relevant health and wellness information, which audiences greatly need during this pandemic,” Jaeger added.