ABIZO OFW released two Christmas themed films that depict how families stay connected during the holiday season

For OFWs and their families back home, the best present to give and receive this holiday season is the gift of peace of mind. Knowing that your loved ones are being looked after by the government while they are abroad and have a way of contacting authorities anytime, they need helps ease a lot of worries.

The ABIZO OFW mobile app is an innovative solution that uses mobile and social networking technology to aid relevant government agencies in the management and facilitation of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs’) activities. Backed by the Philippine Overseas Workers Administration (POEA), the app addresses the long-standing need for real-time monitoring of the current working and living conditions of OFWs all over the world and look after their welfare from their departure from the Philippines up to their homecoming.

Ramping up its information campaign on the many benefits of the app, ABIZO OFW released two Christmas themed films that depict how families stay connected and eases their worries during the holiday season with the help of its convenient mobile platform. The videos tug at the heartstrings as they focus on the plight of OFWs, and their families left back home.

In “Episode One: Magandang Balita Ngayong Pasko,” May worries for her husband Anton, who’s been experiencing abuse from his employer abroad. After trying different ways to deal with the situation, the ABIZO OFW app steps in to help Anton process his repatriation so he can finally come home and spend the holidays with May.

The ABIZO OFW app provides 24/7 International Emergency Assistance, as well as a Repatriation Assistance service for OFWs. The app sends time-critical information, receives emergency alerts, incident reports, updates on contact information, and conducts surveys on the working conditions of OFWs, making it easy for their families in the Philippines to stay updated on their situation.

Meanwhile, “Episode Two: Kamusta Ka Na Ate?” looks into a very relatable story of an OFW experiencing salary payout delays, which is one of the most common problems that OFWs face. Since many OFWs are considered breadwinners of their families back home, the ABIZO OFW app offers a layer of security and protection knowing that they can easily report to authorities any malpractices or violations that overseas employers may commit during the duration of their job contracts.

“This holiday season, we pay tribute to our modern-day heroes—our OFW kababayans, who sacrifice so much for our country and their families. Our new advocacy films aim to reach out to them and let them know that we at Abizo OFW app are here with them in every step of the way, and ready to be of assistance to them in their time of need. Through our technology and convenient mobile app platform that is linked to the POEA, we hope that we can somehow ease their worries so they can spend a peaceful holiday season with their families even though they are far apart,” says Angelo Antonio Buendia, Chairman of Advanced Abilities, which has partnered with Galileo Software Services, Inc. to develop the Abizo OFW app. 

Watch the Abizo OFW app’s holiday-themed advocacy films on the ABIZO OFW app Facebook page and ABIZO OFW Youtube Channel. 

The ABIZO OFW App is free to download via Google Play and App Store. To learn more about the ABIZO OFW App, visit and follow their social accounts: 

FACEBOOK @ABIZO OFW 

INSTAGRAM @ABIZO_OFW 

TWITTER @ABIZO_OFW 

PH’s top streamers battle it out for charity in realme Mobile Legends Cup: Streamers Royale Grand Finals

realme’s highly anticipated Mobile Legends tournament is back, this time with its first-ever off-season tournament in the name of charity. 

 

The country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for three consecutive quarters in 2021 recently launched the all-star edition of its multi-awarded realme Mobile Legends Cup (RMC) where top Filipino streamers and gaming hotshots were invited to play not only for Mobile Legends supremacy, but also for a charity of their choice. A prize pool of P200,000 will be donated to the winning team’s beneficiary. 

 

After a series of play-offs that commenced on November 25, four (4) teams have qualified for the Grand Finals to be held on December 22. Team Panda will go head-to-head with Team Dogie for the first matchup, followed by the exciting showdown between Team Hypebits and Team Wrecker. 

 

Aside from the final matches, the realme Squad can also look forward to a surprise celebrity showmatch between two of the country’s top gaming personalities. 

 

With all these and more, the realme Mobile Legends Cup Streamers Royale Grand Finals is definitely something you would not want to miss! Be sure to catch the action live on December 22, Wednesday, at 1PM on realme Philippines’ Facebook page. 

The realme Mobile Legends Cup Streamers Royale is co-presented by official car partner Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, official telco partner DITO Telecommunity, official courier partner J&T Express, and official gaming gear Logitech.

For more info on the realme Mobile Legends Cup and other exciting updates, follow the realme PH Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines and visit the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/.

Smart and Mystery Manila have teamed up once again to bring the themed virtual escape room called “The Professor’s Puzzle”

 To extend the thrill of the epic season finale of Netflix’s hit original series Money Heist (La Casa De Papel), mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and game organizer Mystery Manila have teamed up once again to bring the themed virtual escape room called “The Professor’s Puzzle” for all fans of the show.

 

Experience the excitement and fun as you race against time in solving puzzles, answering riddles, and figuring out the clues left by The Professor to escape the heist in this virtual escape room. To make it more exciting, players who have the fastest time in solving the escape room can get a chance to win a 5G handset from Smart Signature. 

 

Join the resistance in the Professor’s Puzzle escape room experience by visiting https://smart.com.ph/Pages/prof-puzzles.

 

Get a Netflix mobile subscription with Signature Plans+

 

Watch the final season of Money Heist on Netflix with Smart Signature Plans+, the first and only postpaid line-up in the country that features Unli 5G access for subscribers. 

 

Smart Signature Plans+ also come with a Netflix mobile plan subscription for unlimited enjoyment of thousands of award-winning shows, series, and more. The plans also include Unli Calls & Texts to All Networks, and Unli Calls to All Landline Numbers

 

Smart Signature Plans + starts at 999 per month. Customers who are looking for a lite version may also avail Smart Signature Lite Plan 599 that also comes with a Netflix subscription. 

 

Powered by the country’s fastest 5G mobile network 

 

Smart Signature Plans+ is powered by the country’s fastest and most reliable 5G mobile network as reported by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To date, Smart has already fired up around 6,400 5G base stations nationwide making it the country's first, fastest, and widest 5G network.

 

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, based on analysis by Ookla of tests taken with Speedtest® covering the first half of 2021.

 

Moreover, independent mobile analytics firm Opensignal recently gave Smart seven awards in its first 5G Experience Report for the Philippines.

 

To know the Smart Signature Plan the suits your lifestyle, visit https://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/signature

Be a Sweet Santa to your family by bringing home any of Red Ribbon’s delectable and must-try cakes

This year’s Christmas may continue to be an at-home affair with close family members and limited interactions with friends and relatives, but that doesn’t mean the Holidays can’t be as festive as ever. While many may still be wary of holding the usual Christmas celebratory traditions with loved ones and relatives -- like attending big family reunions and singing karaoke in between gift-giving – people can still bring out the holiday spirit and be their loved ones’ sweet Santas through Red Ribbon’s cakes and pastries!

 

To celebrate the Holiday cheer, Filipinos can follow the lead of influencers Bianca Gonzales, Iya Villania-Arellano and more who have stepped up to become their respective Neighborhood Sweet Santas through Red Ribbon. These celebrities have brought home a taste of the holidays by serving to their families a Red Ribbon Black Forest, and, to make their festivities even more heartfelt, have also brought home a delicious Chocolate Dedication Cake complete with a personalized message.

 

In the same way, every Filipino can also be a Sweet Santa to their families by bringing home any of Red Ribbon’s delectable and must-try cakes. These include Filipino favorites such as Red Ribbon’s Black Forest (P600), Tiramisu Meltdown (P590), and Mango Sunrise (P720), among many others – all of which are exquisitely designed and deliciously crafted but come at very affordable prices! As another special treat, instead of the usual Christmas card, why not write “Season’s Greetings'' right on Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Dedication Cake. At an affordable price of P535 for the 8x12 variant, one can already have a personalized message written to express love and gratitude to the family and have a delicious cake for dessert too!

 

Of course, holiday celebrations need not be limited within the home. Just like our Neighborhood Sweet Santas, you can also extend the holiday love to friends and relatives apart from you or even within the people in your community. Send your loved ones a delicious Triple Chocolate Full Roll (P300), a great dessert choice after a hefty holiday dinner or gift a 5-piece pack of Assorted Ensaimada (P155). These can be gifted to anyone you wish to thank this Christmas - a relative you haven’t seen for a while, close friends, neighbors, and even to our everyday frontliners. This delicious set of shareable treats is, indeed, one of the best ways to give love and spread the festive cheer to as many people as possible.

 

Celebrate and give love this Christmas with Red Ribbon’s sweet, shareable treats available in all stores nationwide or available via delivery through the new Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon app, RIA FB Messenger, Hotline #8-7777, and the GrabFood and foodpanda apps. ReGALO eGift cards are perfect gifts as well this coming Christmas! 

 

This holiday season, share a slice of joy and express gratitude to family and friends with Red Ribbon, the perfect holiday partner for those sweet, special moments.

Top BIGO Live personalities will be hosting the first BIGO Live Philippines Annual Awards Gala 2021

Top BIGO Live personalities will be hosting the first BIGO Live Philippines Annual Awards Gala 2021.

 

Global livestreaming social network app BIGO Live will be holding their first BIGO Live Philippines Annual Awards Gala on December 23, 2021, at 8:00 PM. 

 

The event celebrates the culmination of hard work and commitment of BIGO Live’s hosts, agencies and partners that keep the BIGO Live community strong. For the first time in the Philippines, the local awards gala will be held virtually, allowing BIGO Live hosts and users alike to simultaneously stream and interact with each other through a series of activities and performances. 

 

The awards comprises three major categories, “The Host Awards”, a category recognizing BIGO Live hosts who have made significant achievements during the year; “The Agency Awards”, a category that recognizes BIGO Live partners who have successfully scouted for talent and brought them onboard BIGO Live; and finally, “The Family Awards”, which commend groups created within the BIGO Live community that support and aid each other during player knock-out challenges.

 

The event will also feature live performances by top hosts who will be competing for in-event awards: “The Top Performer of the Night”, “The Best Team of the Night” and “The Best MC of the Night”. The winners will be determined through online votes that are cast during the event.

 

BIGO Live’s will officially launch their latest innovation, the3D Avatars. Allowing users to extend their creativity during live streams in the BIGO Live App. 

 

In addition, BIGO Live will also be officially launching their latest interactive feature in the Philippines, the Virtual Live 3D avatars. As Bigo Live continues to enhance social connection between users through innovation, this function aims to further integrate the digital world with the physical one, by letting users create a digital reflection of themselves through a blend of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology.

 

The 3D Avatars allow users to extend creativity by allowing them to create a representation of themselves, combining the best of both their digital and physical selves.  Virtual Live is a part of Bigo Live’s ongoing commitment to building a holistic Metaverse experience for its 400 million users across 150 countries.

 

“We are excited to host the first BIGO Live Philippines Annual Awards Gala in recognition of Filipino talent and creativity. The country’s top BIGO Live hosts are gathered to showcase their talent through a series of curated performances during the event. Through this platform, we believe we are helping these talented content creators shape a community or a universe that’s inclusive, relevant and empowering. This is also our way of acknowledging Filipino resilience and providing hope and happiness during these trying times,” said Mike Ong, Vice President, BIGO Live.

 

BIGO LIVE hopes to empower people through technological innovations in the area of live virtual content creation and in connecting users through shared interests across the country or the globe, creating communities that transcend, despite cultural differences.

Scan the QR code to download the BIGO Live App and join the first BIGO Live Philippines Annual Awards Gala 2021.

 

Be a part of the BIGO Live community and watch the awards event on December 23. Download the BIGO Live app on the App Store and Google Play or visit its website at https://bigo.onelink.me/1168916328/PHGALA2021 or scan the QR code.

Sleigh the holidays and #TravelAsJuan to the Country’s Christmas Capital with Airbnb Superhosts

52 colorful lanterns along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Pampanga

The most awaited holiday of the year is just around the corner! For a country that celebrates one of the longest Christmases, many Filipinos have already decorated their houses, snagged their presents and started arranging festive get-togethers with family and friends. If you’ve been wanting to travel with your loved ones this yuletide season, then traveling up north to the country’s Christmas capital — Pampanga — may just be the perfect idea! 

 

The distinctly Pinoy parols do not come grander than they do every December in San Fernando, Pampanga. This year’s Ligligan Parul’s theme, ‘Sparkling Holiday,’ will again feature rows of beautiful kaleidoscopic parols. But aside from these stunning lanterns, Pampanga is also home to warm Airbnb Superhosts who can ensure that you and your family will have a December to remember.

 

Your home away from home in Pampanga

Massive private luxury villa hosted by Neil and Monica

Superhost Mary Ellaine’s 7-bedroom modern villa

                                                           Superhost’s Ronnie’s family house

Superhost Renzo’s 3-bedroom fully furnished villa

        This massive private luxury villa hosted by Neil and Monica is great for group vacations with family and friends. It comes with an array of top-notch recreational facilities including a pool, a basketball half-court, billiards, and ping pong tables for a fun-filled staycation.

      Superhost Mary Ellaine’s 7-bedroom modern villa with a common pool is also perfect for families, boasting a spacious compound and chic modern decor. It is located near Clark Freeport Zone and a few minutes' drive away from the malls and downtown Pampanga.

          Superhost’s Ronnie’s family house is located within a gated community and offers comfort and privacy to guests of up to 8 pax. It includes a car port and a large rear space perfect for holiday family gatherings. Previous guests have also praised its convenient location - a few mins away from malls and easy access from NLEX. 

          Another great home near Clark is Superhost Renzo’s 3-bedroom fully furnished villa. Newly renovated and beautifully designed for the comfort of guests, it is equipped with brand new amenities and includes stable WiFi connection so you can post those holiday photos right away!

Pampanga’s best: From savory Sisig to natural wonders and exquisite craftsmanship

#TravelAsJuan in Pampanga and rediscover the province’s charms

After settling down in your Airbnb holiday home, you might want to bring your family exploring! Pampanga boasts many hidden gems, must-try adventures and sumptuous dishes waiting to be rediscovered!

For an adrenaline rush, trek to the crater of the famous Mt. Pinatubo and jump on a 4x4 ride in lahar fields surrounded by panoramic sand walls. For a more laid-back trip, try riding a kalesa around San Fernando and enjoy the beautiful historic structures built during the colonial era. A trip to Pampanga wouldn’t be complete without dining at Aling Lucing Sisig, which serves up authentic Kapampangan sisig described by late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain as a “sweet symphony of pig parts”. After a hearty meal, head off to Razon’s of Guagua and enjoy the town’s iconic halo-halo dessert.

Before heading back home, drop by Pampaga’s local woodcrafters for a visit. Explore their wide array of elegant and intricately-designed furniture and wood products which can make a perfect addition to your home. For a fun time in the Christmas capital, come travel with Airbnb this wondrous season! 

UNIQLO continues to spread Christmas cheer with their Holiday Deals from December 24 to 30

Japanese global retailer, UNIQLO, continues to spread Christmas cheer with their Holiday Deals from December 24 to 30. Customers can enjoy exclusive offers on their favorite LifeWear items when they shop both online and in-stores.With these Holiday Deals, customers can keep gifting LifeWear to their family, friends and loved ones. 

 

HIGHLIGHTED OFFERS

 

Women’s Ultra Light Down Parka

UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down Parka is ultra-light and ultra-warm—made to provide comfort just in time for the cold season. Its newly updated design is made with wider quilting for a more casual look for everyday wear. It also has a pocketable design that can be stored in a pouch for easy carrying.

Now available at PHP 3490.00 from PHP 3990.00.

Women’s Cotton Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt

UNIQLO’s Cotton Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt looks great on its own with its fashionable and bold print. It also has a breezy open collar design and a boxy cut with a longer hem at the back.

Now available at PHP 790.00 from PHP 990.00.

 

Women’s Satin Drape Pants

Stay stylish and comfortable in UNIQLO’s Satin Drape Pants. This pair features an elegant design and has a luxurious silky smooth feel that makes it perfect for laid back days both indoors and out.

Now available at PHP 590.00 from PHP 790.00.

 

 

Men’s Oxford Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt

The classic UNIQLO’s Oxford Slim Fit Short Sleeve Shirt is a closet staple for everyday wear as it is made with 100% cotton and has an improved cut and design.

Now available at PHP 790.00 from PHP 990.00. 

 

 

Men’s Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants

UNIQLO’s Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants is great for both play and relaxation because of its functionality and streamlined silhouette. It is also made with quick-drying DRY technology and lightweight ultra-stretch material that makes the wearer move freely.

Now available at PHP 990.00 from PHP 1,490.00.

 

Additionally from December 24 to December 25, customers can receive a UNIQLO Japanese Knot Bag when they avail of the Click & Collect service form the UNIQLO App or UNIQLO.com/ph. Also, form December 26 to December 30 only, with a minimum purchase of Php 4,000 avail of the Krispy Kreme OG Card and instantly get free half dozen doughnuts.

 

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts: Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial) and UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph.

Mang Inasal’s family-sized meals perfect for holiday feasts

Filipinos take the holidays seriously. It’s a time when families and friends get together, spend time catching up, and simply enjoy each other’s company. 

 

While this year may not be like Christmases past, it is still an occasion worth celebrating because being together with the people who matter most to us is enough reason for the season. 

 

Since no Filipino celebration is complete without great food, Mang Inasal is offering its beloved juicy, ihaw-sarap favorites (and more) this Christmas in family-sized pans good for 4-6 people. These bulk orders allow people to spend more time with the people they love and bond over a meal without all the fuss that comes with preparing a feast. 

 

Get the classic favorite Chicken Inasal Large Paa (or Pecho) at home while getting the same freshly-grilled experience in-store with its new juicy-lock grilling process that maintains the natural juiciness of the chicken while the marinade seeps throughout the meat so every bite is as flavorful as the next. 

 

A Filipino spread naturally requires a noodle dish. This makes Mang Inasal’s Family-sized Palabok the perfect companion to the brand’s ihaw-sarap favorites. With its flavor-packed palabok sauce, pork chunks, smoky tinapa, crunchy chicharron, boiled egg, and green onion, the Mang Inasal Palabok is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 

 

Get the Family-sized Liempo, Pork BBQ, or Sisig for more variety to satisfy all kinds of different palates. Mang Inasal has also introduced its new Pork BBQ with the addition of peanut sauce and java rice. 

 

Meanwhile, the Chicken Empanada comes in a box of six. Enjoy this pastry that is loaded with chicken chunks, potatoes, and raisins. 

 

And the best part is each of these Mang Inasal family-sized favorites are available via take-out and delivery through the Mang Inasal website, Grab Food, and foodpanda so you can sit back, order, pick up your delicious meals or have it delivered – safely, conveniently, and fuss-free. 

 

For more information, visit the Mang Inasal Facebook page and order your Mang Inasal favorites by visiting www.manginasaldelivery.com.ph or the Mang Inasal app.  

Get rid of your worries this holiday season with a present that’s truly convenient—the EastWest Visa Gift Card!

The Christmas season is already just around the corner, and you may be feeling the stress of coming up with a gift list and thinking of what to give your loved ones. 

 

It’s time to get rid of your worries this holiday season with a present that’s truly convenient—the EastWest Visa Gift Card! 

 

The EastWest Visa Gift Card is a prepaid card that you load once for as low as P500. The cardholder can use the card anywhere Visa cards are accepted—such as all VISA-accredited establishments and online merchants —until the full amount is consumed. The card has an embedded EMV chip for safe, touch-free transactions and fraud protection, and the load can easily be tracked at any BancNet ATM or by calling the EastWest 24-Hour Customer Service Hotline at +63288881700.

 

Getting the EastWest Visa Gift Card is easy, too! All you have to do is visit any EastWest store, fill up an application form, present a valid ID, pay the P50 application fee, and load the card.

 

With the EastWest Visa Gift Card, your loved ones are free to choose and shop for anything they’d like to get this Christmas, eliminating the guesswork in gift-giving and empowering them with flexibility. Visit your nearest EastWest store today to avail of the EastWest Visa Gift Card. 

 

For more information and updates on EastWest’s promos, offers, and products, visit www.eastwestbanker.com, and follow EastWest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EastWestBanker and on Twitter at @EastWestBanker.

Reckitt partners with the Office of the Vice President in support of their Vaccine Express program

 Reckitt recently donated Php 1,242,480 worth Lysol protection kits to the Office of the Vice President during the recent Vaccine Express deployment held in Malolos, Bulacan, with no-less than Vice President Leni Robredo and Reckitt executives in attendance. Through the Vaccine Express program, the OVP is able help speed up the inoculation efforts of its various LGUs partners.

On hand during the formal turnover of Lysol protection kits during the Malolos, Bulacan, leg of the Vaccination Express were Vice President Leni Robredo (3rd from left), and representatives from Reckitt PH. from L-R: Atty. Diana R. Mari- Government Affairs Manager, Alfred So- Regulatory Affairs and Policy Director, Matt Davis- Marketing Director, Karol Canlas- Senior Brand Manager, Gian Yap- Hygiene Business Unit Head.

 

Reckitt has been actively donating Lysol protection kits—containing Lysol antibacterial hand soap, multipurpose surface wipes and hand sanitizers—as the company believes that protection is still one of the best defenses against the COVID-19 virus and that people should never let their guard down. Washing of hands and disinfecting surfaces should still play a vital role in ensuring one’s health and safety. 

“It’s an honor for us to partner with the Office of the Vice President in their efforts towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. It is through partnerships like this that we are able to reach out to more people, allowing us educate them on the importance of sanitation and disinfection,” says Alfred So, Reckitt Regulatory Affairs and Policy Director. 

Reckitt is fully committed to helping everyone take the best possible care of the world we all share. The company works tirelessly to make the best possible products that millions of people trust. This is anchored on Reckitt’s mission as a company, which is to protect, heal and nurture – their way of making a difference.