Kultura is a one-stop-shop for home décor, food, and fashion that brings together the best and the finest crafters and artisans of the country

Kultura, through its “Support Local Campaign,” is urging Filipinos to use Philippine-made products in their everyday lives. The campaign reinforces Kultura’s long-standing partnership with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

 

Many people associate Philippine crafts and delicacies with pasalubong or as novelty items. Traditional fabrics and clothes are often identified with special occasions like weddings and graduations. Philippine-themed stores, on the other hand, typically cater to tourists or balikbayans. But not anymore.

 

“There are so many functional pieces and products that can turn everyday occasions into something special,” said Sheila Tan, AVP for Operations of Kultura.  Kultura is a one-stop-shop for home décor, food, and fashion that brings together the best and the finest crafters and artisans of the country for the modern Filipino.

 

          Kultura, through its long-standing partnership with MSMEs, has provided livelihood                    opportunities to more than 100 crafters and artisans all over the country.

 

 

Kultura started as the Philippines Craft Section at SM Department Store (now known as The SM Store) and has evolved into a full-fledged brand championing local MSMEs. 

 

Today, Kultura has over 100 Philippine brands and products, ranging from local chocolates to organic skincare and everyday bags made from recycled materials. The array of home décor and tableware appeals to different tastes: sleek, minimalist (and very child-friendly!) wooden plates and bowls you can use every day, to elegantly embroidered table runners for special Sunday meals. 

 

Bring a piece of art with you wherever you go with tote bags hand-painted by talented artists from Isabela.

 

Kultura and its MSME partners also prove that there’s more to Filipino fashion than barongs.  Beat the heat in embroidered tunics that are comfortable but still look chic, or wear Philippine-themed shirts by local painters to your online meetings and gatherings. Start the day with gourmet coffee, and relax in the evening with aromatherapy and massage oils.

 

“Filipino products are world-class, and Kultura simply provides a platform for people to discover them and shop conveniently through our store branches and online shops,” said Sheila Tan.

 

Support Local! Wear Philippine-themed shirts designed by local artists to your next online gathering

 

“Buying Filipino brands helps Filipinos. And in today’s economy, it is especially important to support entrepreneurs, artisans, and crafters behind these locally-made products. Making them part of our everyday lives will help sustain the livelihood of many local and community enterprises and their families. It is also a way to keep our heritage alive for the next generation; this has always been our mission at Kultura,” Sheila Tan added.

 

Kultura stores are located in select SM Supermalls and The SM Store branches nationwide. Check out the following details to shop:

👉🏻 Call To Deliver: 09175174096; 09676093407

👉🏻 Website: www.kulturafilipino.com and www.shopsm.com

👉🏻 Viber: bit.ly/KulturaOnViber

World Vision is launching the Global 6K Virtual Run

Every child deserves clean water to drink and for handwashing to help keep them healthy. For some people in rural areas living in vulnerable conditions, it takes a long walk to be able to get them.

A study released by World Vision revealed that six kilometers (3.7 miles) is the average distance people in developing areas would have to walk for water. This journey for clean water takes hours every single day. 

This is why World Vision is launching the Global 6K Run, a virtual running event that aims to promote fitness and health during the pandemic while raising funds for the needs of World Vision’s most vulnerable children and communities. 

Through this virtual run, World Vision aims to make clean water more accessible by raising funds to build multiple water facilities in Laurel, Batangas and other communities in need. These facilities will not only provide drinking water but also water for hygiene and sanitation purposes, especially since one effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through proper sanitation and hygiene.

Joining World Vision’s mission for clean water in the Global 6K Run is its Celebrity Ambassador Enzo Pineda, who has been a staunch supporter in the child-focused organization’s multiple initiatives for children, including health and wellness.

“I am truly honored to become a part of this initiative by World Vision. While many of us miss gathering for runs and marathons pre-pandemic, the Global 6K Run is a wonderful opportunity to be fit and healthy despite the many limitations as well as participate in a cause that’s extremely timely today,” Enzo Pineda shared.

Anyone can register to participate in the global event and contribute to World Vision’s goal. Since it is a virtual run, it doesn’t matter where one is because they can walk, jog or run anywhere. And with every registration, clean water is provided to one person through World Vision’s water projects.

Interested participants can register for the Global 6K Run from July 1 to August 15, 2021. There are several mileage options to choose from, including 6K, 12K, 24K, or 60K, which can be tracked by a fitness tracker app. Individuals who will submit proof of completion of the run will get a Global 6K event shirt!

“Clean water is crucial for our physical health and safety, especially in this pandemic where the importance of hygiene is emphasized. World Vision’s Global 6K Run is a global movement to make clean water more accessible to everyone, regardless of where you are,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, National Director of World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.

“We are inviting everyone to be part of this change through this run. To become an inspiration for many, while being fit and healthy in the process,” Mr. Fuerte added.

To register for the World Vision Global 6K Run, please visit https://wvph.co/g6kph

For more updates on the event, like and follow World Vision on Facebook, www.facebook.com/worldvisionrun.To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

Xiaomi concluded its 2nd Security and Privacy Awareness Month at the Xiaomi Science and Technology Park

Xiaomi today completed its Security and Privacy Awareness Month at the Xiaomi Science and Technology Park. During the activities in June, Xiaomi highlighted its information security and privacy protection practices to its employees, industry executives, industry experts and the public. It also distributed white papers on security and privacy as well as a transparency report about data security.

 

This is the second year for Xiaomi's Security and Privacy Awareness Month. This year, the theme was "Security is our shared responsibility. Always think before you act." The goal was to show Xiaomi's determination to pursue industry-leading standards on security and privacy and to reinforce its commitment to transparency. 

Cui Baoqiu, Xiaomi Vice President and Chairman of Xiaomi Security and Privacy Committee, said, "As a leading Android smartphone manufacturer, we carry a great responsibility. We are committed to letting consumers know how their personal information is collected, used, and protected. We are proud to say that Xiaomi upholds world-class standards on security, privacy, and transparency."

 

The protection of users' data and privacy has always been Xiaomi's priority. In 2014, Xiaomi established its Security and Privacy Committee. In 2016, Xiaomi became the first Chinese enterprise to receive certification from TrustArc. Xiaomi adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of European Union compliance assessment in 2018. In 2019, Xiaomi security and privacy practices were certificated on ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27018. It also published its first version of the MIUI security and privacy white paper.

 

At this year's monthlong program, employees and visitors learned about security and privacy related topics. These included how to protect personal information through interactive exhibition. Classes from Xiaomi's Security Academy were also held for employees, covering topics for different departments, for example, "How to Stick to the Privacy Protection in Product Development", "General Safety Research and Development", and "Business Risk Control", etc. Xiaomi Cup CTF competition offered an opportunity for thousands of engineers to act as "hackers" and to participate in a coding competition to solve privacy challenges. The company also invited International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) certificated instructors to conduct professional training for employees.

 

Xiaomi held an IoT Security Panel and a Privacy Protection Panel  with industry experts on security and privacy. Participants included Margaret Honda, Global Research Manager at IAPP, Brad Ree, CTO at ioXt, David Mudd, Global Digital Product Certification Director at BSI, Scott Roberts, Director of Android Security Assurance at Google, Richard Watson, Lead Partner of APAC Cybersecurity Risk Management at EY, and Paul Breitbarth, Director of Global Policy & EU Strategy at TrustArc.

Richard Watson, Lead Partner of APAC Cybersecurity Risk Management at EY, noted that consumers expect their data to be collected and stored securely. The most important factors when sharing personal data with an organization were secure collection and storage processes (63%), control over what data is being shared (57%), and trust (51%) . Paul Breitbarth, Director of Global Policy & EU Strategy at TrustArc, advised organizations about the international transfer of user data. He discussed the importance for data exporters to ensure an essentially equivalent level of data protection by adhering to international laws and undertaking other verifiable actions.

 

Two important documents on privacy were issued during the month: the MIUI Privacy White Paper and the Xiaomi loT Privacy White Paper. They summarize Xiaomi's privacy policies and practices in MIUI and IoT products and explain what kind of user data is collected and how it is used and protected. They also illustrate the privacy policy of each app that comes with MIUI and all commonly-used loT products. These papers can be found in the Xiaomi trust center https://trust.mi.com/. In addition, Xiaomi published its Transparency Report 2020 at https://trust.mi.com/, details the data requests Xiaomi received from governments and law enforcement agencies around the world and how Xiaomi responded to them.

 

Transparency, accountability, user control, security and compliance are Xiaomi's privacy protection principles. Xiaomi complies with local laws in all markets in which it does business. It will never cease to produce safe and reliable products around the world to help everyone enjoy a better life through innovative technologies.

 

A total of 1,132 students from 146 colleges and universities all over the Philippines participated in the EU Whiz

After a fun and exciting competition run, Philippine Normal University-Manila (PNU), University of the Cordilleras (UC-BCF), and Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) emerged as the top winners in the EU Whiz Online Competition, the “My Space, My Rights” video competition, and the “Green ECO I See” digital art competition respectively at the recently concluded EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the FEUture.

 

A total of 1,132 students from 146 colleges and universities all over the Philippines participated in the three main competition categories--the biggest turnout in the history of the EU Whiz since its inception in 2006. 

PNU composed of Robert Stephen A. Co, Daniel C. Ortañez and Louis Vincent R. Bautista outlasted 175 teams in a grand display of knowledge on the EU and EU-Philippines Relations during the EU Whiz Online Competition. Joining the podium finishers are Gizelle Amour T. Tagabi, Rodel C. Pacit and John Patrick B. Magbato of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in second place; and Ronica Raine B. Babsa-ay, Sharilyn B. Rufino and Miriam Agnes A. Dampilag of Benguet State University in third place.

 

On the other hand, UC-BCF students Jan Millescent G. Blanco and Nyssa Bianka E. Tagapulot were awarded the Grand Prize for the “Green ECO I See” digital art competition with their entry “Meeting Grounds of Intersectional Environmentalism”. Their piece highlights the mutual connection between culture and environmentalism. Rounding out the category are first runner-up winners Nicole Anne Argañosa, Mesfin Bram Diosina and Elisha Gabrielle R. Briones from iAcademy with their entry “Colors of Nature”; and second runner-up winners New Era University Students Meryll Joyce T. Dirain, Krizle Lorenz P. Policarpio and Mark William A. Fabro with their entry “Beam of Hope”.

 

Meanwhile, BPSU dominated the “My Space, My Rights” video competition—bagging both Grand Prize and first runner-up spots with Abegail P. Casabuena, Gerryline D. Maceda and Aira Joyce E. Gonzales’ entry “Lens of Hope” and Shaina Rey R. Pisigan, Michael Angelo A. Cervantes and Marvyn Jules C. Casimero’s entry “Salimpusa” respectively. UC-BCF clinched the second runner-up spot with Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, Ella Marie V. Bie and Thea Marie S. Lomboy’s entry “Empowered through Time”.

 

“I have made the engagement with youth one of my priorities. I am confident that all the EU Whizers will become ambassadors of our partnership and friendship. Kudos to the winners and we are looking forward to engaging further with you,” said EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron. 

 

“Conducting this year’s EU Whiz on the digital platform has allowed us to broaden our reach and discover more skillful and talented young Filipinos than ever before. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, these Filipino youth were able to utilize their inherent knowledge and creativity to advocate for key issues such as the need for green economy and youth rights. All these showcased the relentless spirit of the Filipino youth.”

 

Apart from the annual conduct of the inter-collegiate competition, the Delegation looks to build a community of EU Whizers who will continue to use their talents and skills to promote a better understanding of the shared EU and Philippine values. 

 

“This is exactly what we at the EU strive for—to offer a platform for the youth who inspire positive change in the world. We hope to create a community of passionate young individuals and nurture them to become advocates and champions of tomorrow.”

 

Ambassador Véron and First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante announced the winners in the EU Whiz grand competition, digital art and video creation competitions. Atty. Lily Freida Milla, Officer-in-Charge Executive Director, Commission on   Higher Education provided an inspirational message for the EU Whizers.

 

The panel of jurors for the digital art and video competitions were composed of well-known and accomplished creative professionals including Mr. Dan Matutina, Ms. Anina Rubio, Mr. Elvert Bañares, and Ms. Sandra Aguinaldo. 

 

The EU Whiz Online Competition was also supported by the Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine-Italian Association, and the Embassies of the Czech Republic and Hungary in the Philippines.

 

Photos:

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron and First Counsellor Rafael de Bustamante with the EU Whiz Finalists

 

Grand winner - Digital Art Competition

Entry title: Meeting Grounds of Intersectional Environmentalism

School: University of the Cordilleras

Team members:  Jan Millescent G. Blanco andNyssa Bianka E. Tagapulot

1^st Runner Up - Digital Art Competition

Entry title: Colors of Nature

School: iAcademy

Team members:  Nicole Anne Argañosa, Mesfin Bram Diosina, and Elisha Gabrielle R. Briones

2^nd Runner Up - Digital Art Competition

Entry title: BEAM OF HOPE

School: New Era University

Team members:  Meryll Joyce T. Dirain, Krizle Lorenz P. Policarpio, and Mark William A. Fabro

Grand Winner – Video Competition

Entry title: Lens of Hope

School: Bataan Peninsula State University

Team members:  Abegail P. Casabuena, Gerryline D. Maceda, and Aira Joyce E. Gonzales

1^st Runner Up – Video Competition

Entry title: Salimpusa

School: Bataan Peninsula State University

Team members: Shaina Rey R. Pisigan, Michael Angelo A. Cervantes, and Marvyn Jules C. Casimero

2nd Runner Up – Video Competition

Entry title: Empowered through Time

School: University of the Cordilleras

Team members: Jillian Olivia M. Ramos, Ella Marie V. Bie, and Thea Marie S. Lomboy

 

DICT partners with Huawei, began a series of workshops on emerging technologies

In celebration of this year's National ICT Month, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with Huawei Philippines, began a series of workshops on emerging technologies to empower Filipinos and boost readiness of government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the academe for the adoption of 5G technology in the country.

 

The "Emerging Technology Workshop – 5G ASEAN Landscape," held online on June 25, gathered a hundred participants from key government agencies, including the DICT, the National Economic and Development Authority, the National Telecommunications Commission, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, as well as from LGUs and universities, such as the Bulacan State University.

Speakers were from Huawei Digital Transformation and Business Module Innovation abd 5G Solution department. Both speakers and participants engaged in an interactive discussion on 5G-related technology standards and business models, 5G trends, and 5G applications in various industries in the Philippines. 

 

In his speech during the online workshop, DICT Assistant Secretary Atty. Alvin Navarro highlighted how 5G has become a crucial technology for global socio-economic development. "5G-centric innovative ICT technologies are being applied to various industries and sectors to accelerate the development of the economy," he said. 

 

Asec Navarro added that as the Philippines is on the cusp of digital economy, "we really have to upgrade what we know and the tools that we use." For this reason, he commended Huawei Philippines for conducting the 5G seminar-workshop and offering the workshop series in collaboration with the DICT. The workshop covered "5G examples tied to government policies and initiatives as well as the 5G job roles and competencies that will support its deployment." 

 

Huawei Philippines Vice President Daniel Guo expressed support for the DICT's goal of making the country an inclusive digital Philippines. Guo thanked the DICT and the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau "for making the event possible and for mounting a very successful ICT Month."

 

"DICT's theme 'Onwards Through ICT: Building a Stronger Philippine Digital Economy' is very much in line with Huawei's advocacy of promoting industry development by strengthening the knowledge and expertise of partners and customers," Guo said, adding that the partnership between the DICT and Huawei will help the Philippine ICT sector to develop more sustainably.

 

The 5G ASEAN Landscape workshop is the first out of six seminar-workshops that the DICT and Huawei will jointly host to equip participants with knowledge of new technologies needed to advance in the global digital economy. For the upcoming events, the workshops will cover timely topics such as digital economy and industry innovation, security insights, big data and artificial intelligence, and cloud-based services, among others.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier launches its new and improved 24K loyalty program

Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s largest micro-financial services company has just launched its new and improved loyalty program, highlighting the capability of Cebuana Lhuillier clients to sign up for a virtual card online, for free.

The launch of the new 24k loyalty program likewise introduces a 24/7 online accessibility to its members, giving them unbridled access, whenever and wherever they may be. 

“Our thrust to move with the future is strengthened by our desire to provide our clients with convenience when accessing our services. The launch of the powered-up 24k loyalty program is just one of the many advancements that we have in store for our loyal Ka-Cebuanas,” said Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. 

The new and improved loyalty program boasts an increase in points earning by 33 percent, with one point equivalent to a Php 30 service fee, while for gold card holders, the fee only amounts to Php 25.

The newly revamped 24k program also brings the 24k Gold Card into fruition, with a requirement for 24k members who reach a cumulative 110 points in one year can avail of even more premium benefits such as free jewelry cleaning, priority lane, preferred pawning rate, invite to exclusive Cebuana Lhuillier events, and more.

Through the 24k Online Portal, members are given access to a host of services that offer greater convenience, including: (1) easy tracking of points, (2) point redemption through eLoad and Insurance purchase, (3) use of an appraisal and redemption calculator, (4) online appointment feature, (5) branch and partner locator, (6) easy points transfer, and (7) remittance tracker for Pera Padala clients. 

The 24k loyalty program kicked off various promos online, like the 24 on the 24^th, where 24 members win 24 points daily.

In the coming months, the loyalty program will also be unveiling more exciting point-earning schemes for various Cebuana Lhuillier transactions as well as, more partners are in the pipeline to ensure that clients will get the best out of their 24k Loyalty Program membership.

Stay updated on the latest news and promos by tuning in to the official Facebook page or Instagram account of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 24k Loyalty Program.

The new Huawei smartwatch is the first one powered by the all-new HarmonyOS

With everything in the world slowly drifting back to normalcy – it is a prerogative for you to stay on top of your game, especially when it comes to health, fitness, and of course, productivity.

 

Huawei understands that the needs of consumers are rapidly evolving with fast-paced changes in society. Hence, the brand is coming out with two all-new wearable devices that will give you more out of life to fully encapsulate and ensure you are conquering the second half of the year.

 

SMARTWATCHES EVEN MADE MORE SMARTER

 

First up, Huawei’s newest smartwatch is set to revolutionize the market. The new smartwatch from Huawei is jam-packed with features that spell out the brand’s signature premium design with curved Glass Screen, 3D rotating crown that offers tactile feedback, and supported by a lightweight stainless steel and ceramic watch case that resist abrasion and sweat-corrosion. This design truly exemplifies exquisite luxury craftsmanship which can take the users not only from the gym but also to the office and events that will make you stand out. 

 

Aside from the design, this new Huawei smartwatch is the first one powered by the all-new HarmonyOS, which means that it is packed with all new features such as advanced health tracking for sleep, blood, oxygen, and stress levels. It is also embedded with e-sim smart technology that will change the way users work, connect, and travel all from your wrist. Amplified further with 3 days battery life and up to 14 days under the ultra-long battery life mode, consumers can now enjoy their smartwatch in an extended period of time. 

SETTING NEW BENCHMARK FOR OPEN-FIT ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION EARBUDS

 

Huawei’s new earbuds are expected to have open-fit active noise cancellation (ANC) 2.0 technology. It promises a comprehensive upgrade in terms of comfort and ANC performance. And provides high resolution sound quality and an intelligent audio connectivity experience, officially launching the era of open-fit ANC 2.0.

Behind the new device’s excellent open-fit ANC performance is Huawei’s constant R&D investment over the years. In the future, Huawei will continue to make breakthroughs in seamless connectivity and smart audio, bringing consumers even more exciting user experiences. 

 

These exciting new products will soon be revealed on July 6! Stay tuned to learn more on how these devices sync in perfectly within the Huawei ecosystem to give you more out of life, and elevate what you know about Seamless AI Life.

 

KFC supports Metro Manila Pride

Last June 26, KFC transformed its Bonifacio Triangle Branch into a venue of a one-of-a-kind march to support Metro Manila Pride. The iconic fast food restaurant is a corporate sponsor of the non-profit behind the annual Metro Manila Pride March.

But with no large physical gatherings allowed, KFC instead turned its drive-thru branch into a safe space for LGBTQIA+ members and allies so they could go out and be heard. Posters at the venue showed how “Love is the Original Recipe,” and called for people to “Drive out the hate.” 

KFC dresses up its store in celebration of Pride

 Visitors observed how the KFC Pride-Thru became a venue for people to show their solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community as they had their own Pride march from inside their cars. Each car was given a special-edition rainbow Pride Float as part of the day’s festivities. As in previous Pride marches, there was a sea of rainbow flags and festive colors. Members and allies were able to come together once again to make their voices heard loud and clear. Being able to show up for Pride matters more than ever to the community, as efforts to advance  LGBTQIA+ rights issues in the country continue.            

 

A rainbow float and Pride stickers were given to each car. 

“The Colonel’s spirit of inclusion is part of the fabric of KFC’s culture. And it’s alive here at the Pride Thru,” said Charmaine Bautista-Pamintuan, Chief Marketing Officer of KFC Philippines. “We’re proud that KFC is committed to promoting a culture that stands for inclusion and respect, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality.”

“We hope these values resonate with our customers,” Bautista continued. “Because at KFC, everyone is welcome at our table.”

To learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues and support Pride efforts, visit mmpride.org

PLDT Home Biz makes for the perfect connection that helps make Ynna's business better

As the popular saying goes, “Diamonds are a woman’s best friend.” But to turn that friendship into a successful business, it takes a lot of courage. Ynna Asistio, daughter of veteran actress Nadia Montenegro, is making a name for herself not only as a young star but as a businesswoman making a mark in the jewelry industry.

A spark to do it better

There are risks to starting an online jewelry business. But what others consider risky, Ynna sees as an opportunity to do better. Her interest in the jewelry industry started when she was young, constantly seeing her mom dress up for various roles in the shows and movies she was cast in. At that early age, she was already dazzled by the glimmer of jewelry, particularly diamonds.

 

Fast forward to 2018, she has become a certified diamond specialist after graduating from the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) in Hong Kong. Together with her friend Happy Marnique, she started a business and called it Radiant Luxury Jewelry.

The radiance of a more personal service

Ynna knows there are many established jewelry shops in the Philippines. So, what sets Radiant Luxury Jewelry apart from the others? They aim to master their business. If a diamond has four important C’s—cut, color, clarity and carat—so does Ynna’s jewelry business strategy: customer, cost, convenience, and communication.

 

“We make the experience memorable. We do more than just take care of our clients. We’re the only jewelry shop in the Philippines that offers create-your-own, so they get the chance to create their rings themselves,” the 30-year-old diamond specialist shared.

 

While other stores ask for a customer’s preferences and price range, Radiant Luxury Jewelry gives the full experience of making engagement and wedding rings. Ynna and her business partner Marnique teach their clients how to look for the four Cs and determine the important details of a diamond to make the experience not only fun, but also a chance for them to learn.

  

Strong connections to master the business

Like many businesses, their business had to stop operations during the first few months of the lockdown last year. Ynna, amid unfortunate events, knew that this disruption signaled the start of everything going digital. Because of this,  Biz became her business lifeline.

“Internet connection is very crucial especially now that all our products are available online. To communicate with our clients, we use Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp and other convenient social media platforms. Having PLDT Home Biz as the source of strong and reliable Fiber internet connection is essential now,” Ynna shared.

 

For aspiring entrepreneurs who want to venture into the jewelry industry, Ynna says it takes a lot of practice, patience, and research. She shares, “You really have to keep learning and keep up with the latest trends to make sure you can answer whatever question your client throws at you.”

 

Connections matter a lot for Ynna. Her network of industry friends, loved ones, and strong following of Radiant Luxury Jewelry’s social media accounts helped a lot in establishing what the business has achieved over the years. This year, Ynna is optimistic that her business will eventually expand and come out stronger than ever in the market.

 

The jewelry business may seem tricky and niche, but Ynna surely makes it worth the risk for every committed and hardworking entrepreneur. For her, PLDT Home Biz makes for the perfect connection that helps make her business better. She shares, “It provides everything that every digital business needs—all people need to do is to take the first step.”  

 

With the new PLDT Home Biz Asenso Fibr Plans now faster, simpler, stronger and bigger, you can now be a master of your business at home. Know more about the benefits of strongest and most reliable Internet connection at home through www.pldthome.com/biz.

Beko unveils seven eco-friendly products

Beko held a virtual showcase of its eco-friendly appliances with Arçelik’s CEO Hakan Bulgurlu, CMO Zeynep Yalım Uzun and CCO Ragıp Balcıoğlu and with a special guest from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Brendan Edgerton, Circular Economy Director. Arçelik is Beko’s parent company.

During the launch, Beko, Europe’s No. 1  appliance brand, unveiled seven sustainable products including a washing machine/washer dryer, oven, tumble dryer, refrigerator, espresso coffee maker and dishwasher to help consumers reduce their impact on the environment. The innovative products use recycled materials such as such as PET bottles, fishing nets; bio-composites such as coffee residue and eggshells; as well as detergent saving technologies for sustainable living.

Beko also shared a Europe-wide survey on people's attitudes and concerns about sustainability. The study discovered that human environmental damage is perceived as the most critical threat to a sustainable planet by all respondents, followed by the plastic issue, then infectious diseases. Extreme weather comes next, followed by natural disasters, natural resource crisis, biodiversity loss, food waste and lastly water stress. The survey was conducted among 1,800 people in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.

A vast majority (UK 88%, IT 88%, ES 87%, DE 84%, FR 78%, PL 74%) of those surveyed in the six countries said they felt it was their personal responsibility to make a difference by minimizing waste, water and energy use in their daily lives

Most of the respondents said they practiced sustainability at home by recycling.

The study also showed that price was the most important factor when buying a home appliance, with longevity and environmental friendliness coming after. Majority of the respondents (IT 88%, ES 86%, FR 85%, PL 84%, UK 77%, DE 75%) agreed on the importance of purchasing sustainable home appliances that have a meaningful positive impact on the planet.

“Our research showed us that we are absolutely aligned with our customers on our sustainability goals. It’s encouraging that people want to be doing the right thing for the environment and believe that their actions can make an impact. Price itself has a significant impact on buying behavior. At Beko, we are passionate about democratizing technology, making it affordable and ensuring that as many as possible have access to it. By making sustainability a business model and integrating it into everything we do, we strive to reduce human environmental damage through developing high-performance, durable, affordable home appliances that are also eco-friendly. Beko’s brand purpose is empowering future generations to live healthier lives – which is only possible by living more sustainably and working towards a healthier planet. All of our actions and every product we use has an impact on nature. So beyond this seven-product portfolio, we are eager to adapt our existing technologies to make all our appliances more environmentally friendly too. For Beko, this is only the beginning,” said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.

 “Our goals in sustainability and our leading efforts in innovation are two great parts of the same whole. Their evolution depends on each other. It is up to us to find better, more environmentally conscious ways of conducting our lives. With a series of eco-friendly Beko appliances, customers can now fully equip a sustainable home,” said Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arçelik.

The seven sustainable products unveiled during the showcase are a washing machine/washer dryer, oven, tumble dryer, refrigerator, espresso coffee maker and dishwasher, all designed and created to help consumers reduce their impact on the environment. The appliances have parts that are made from recycled materials and bio-composites. One product, the dishwasher, helps reduce the use of chemicals.

Products with recycled materials:

EcoTub Washing Machine & Washer Dryer 

•    Plastic waste transformed into a valuable alternative raw material 

•    Approximately up to 60 recycled 0.5L PET bottles used in the tubs of washing machines and washer dryers on certain models

•    Recycled PET flakes used along with other plastics and additives without an effect on the tub’s effective performance

•    World’s first example of this type of application in home appliances

•    This eco-friendly new manufacturing method significantly lowers carbon dioxide emissions

•    Since the beginning of this project in 2017, 58 million plastic bottles have been recycled with a reduction of CO2 emissions by almost 2,200 tons.

EcoFiber Oven

•    A sustainable material from recycled fishnet waste and industrial thread waste 

•    5% recycled fishnet waste and 65% industrial thread waste used in plastic parts such as door decor plastic and display cover

•    50% of the BI Oven inner display cover made from industrial thread waste

GreenDry Tumble Dryer

•    Uses recycled plastic in 15% of its plastic parts on average, including in the water tank housing and back cover

•    In the past two years, 2,420 tons of plastic were recycled for this cause.

Products with bio-composites:

BioCycle Refrigerator 

•    Durable components composed of bio-based plastics 

•    Eggtrays made from eggshell wastes and bioplastics 

•    Each fridge’s two eggtrays*** contain eggshell waste from 5 eggs.

•    The fan cover is 100% bio-based plastics (33gr) from sustainable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane

•    The door seal is 25% bio-based (soybean oil) materials (195 gr).

BioCoffee Espresso Machine

•    Developed with bio-composite technology

•    Each Espresso Machine is made of five cups of coffee residue, reducing carbon footprint by 5% in bio-composite parts

Product that reduces use of detergents:

AutoDose Dishwasher

•    AutoDose dispenses the right amount of detergent for sparkling clean dishes every time

•    In each wash, up to 28% less detergent used with Autodose for a healthy living on a healthy planet 

Product availability differs per market.