Highlighting 7 ways Emirates has helped customers fly better, and support communities and the industry in 2021

Emirates progressed on its recovery path in 2021, rebuilding its passenger network to 128 cities by December including a new route to Miami launched in July. At the end of 2021, all of Emirates’ 133 Boeing 777 aircraft and nearly 60 of its A380 fleet are in active service, connecting people to their loved ones and businesses to global opportunities. In addition, over 120 Emirates Lounges and partner facilities have re-opened to serve Emirates’ premium customers and frequent flyers.

 

"Despite the recent rise of the Omicron variant and the slight slowdown it brought to our network, we are going into 2022 with optimism. We’ve built up some great momentum this year and expect business growth pick up speed in 2022. Aviation has always been resilient, and we will continue to work with our industry partners to build back better for our customers and communities," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive.

Here’s highlighting 7 ways Emirates has helped customers fly better, and support communities and the industry in 2021: 

1. Travel ease and confidence: This year, Emirates extended its generous rebooking waivers, the expiry of frequent flyer miles and tier status, and complimentary COVID-19 medical cover for all customers. emirates.com remains a top reference site for the latest travel requirements, updated at least once daily. Emirates also accelerated digital initiatives to provide customers with smoother and safer journeys...

2. Investment and innovation: In January, Emirates' Premium Economy entered service to a hugely positive response. In November, it announced a major retrofit program to equip 105 aircraft with Premium Economy seats and latest cabin interiors to ensure the Emirates experience remains best-in-sky...

3. Partnerships: Helping travelers access even more destinations, Emirates joined hands with new interline and codeshare partners – Aeromar, airBaltic, Airlink, Azul, Cemair, Garuda, Gulf Air, South African Airways, TAP Portugal; and reinforced existing strategic partnerships with Qantas and flydubai. Emirates also signed agreements and launched initiatives to support tourism to Seychelles, Maldives, Indonesia and Costa Rica.

 

4. Supporting global communities: Ensuring communities get rapid access to COVID-19 vaccines and other medical supplies, Emirates helped form the Dubai Vaccine Logistics Alliance, and signed an MoU with UNICEF to prioritize vaccine transport for the COVAX initiative which focuses on the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. By December, Emirates had transported 600 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines on its flights to over 80 destinations, one of the largest volumes globally by any airline cargo carrier. In May, it established a humanitarian airbridge to support India in its pandemic response.

 

An early champion of COVID-19 vaccination, Emirates ran programs to encourage its workforce to vaccinate to protect themselves and their communities and enable a safe return to travel. In February, Emirates operated a special flight operated by fully vaccinated employees to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and showcase the success of the UAE’s vaccination drive.

5. Sustainability: Emirates partnered with Falcon Aircraft Recycling and Wings Craft in a pioneering project to upcycle its first retired A380 aircraft entirely in the UAE, reducing waste to landfill and environmental impact. It also announced at the Dubai Airshow an initiative with GE Aviation to conduct a test flight fully powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on its Boeing 777 aircraft. Emirates is an active member of the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow coalition which supports a transition to SAF as a part of the journey towards carbon-neutral flying.

It also has various ongoing initiatives to reduce fuel burn and emissions, and ensure the responsible use of resources. This includes its longstanding use of sustainable blankets made from 100% recycled plastic bottles in Economy Class, and its latest amenity kit bags which contain items made from sustainable materials like wheat straw and rice paper.

6. Future of aviation: Building a pipeline of commercial pilots, Emirates Flight Training Academy graduated its 50th cadet with its successful second cohort of cadets this year. In October, Emirates hosted global aviation security stakeholders at the 5th AVESEC Global Symposium to share best practice in strengthening capabilities amid pandemic challenges. Emirates also continued to support Intelak and Aviation X-lab - incubator programs focused on future solutions for travel and aviation.

7. Bringing the world together at Expo Dubai: The Expo 2020 Dubai opened in October, and visits to the global mega-event have climbed to 8 million, as people from all around the globe come together to celebrate human achievement and inspire future solutions for the world. Through various initiatives, including programs to encourage visitation from small and medium sized businesses, Emirates continues to bring the world to Dubai for the Expo. It is also showcasing future aviation technology concepts at its Emirates Pavilion.

ShopeePay offers free and real time transfers, on top of other free services

ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, continues to make financial services more accessible and convenient for Filipinos. The e-wallet offers free and real time transfers, on top of other free services, to enable easier and more seamless digital transactions.

ShopeePay users can now enjoy free cash ins and bank transfers in real time with 35+ banks and e-wallet partners, including BDO, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), RCBC, Metrobank, Chinabank, UnionBank, and more with InstaPay. InstaPay is an electronic fund transfer (EFT) service that allows customers to transfer funds almost instantly between accounts and is available 24/7, all year round. On top of the new cash in via InstaPay option, users can  also link their bank account to their ShopeePay Wallet for free and easy cash ins.

 

Within the app, verified ShopeePay users can also instantly send money to any ShopeePay user for free, available 24/7. Additionally, senders can also personalize their send money transactions with themed virtual cards fit for any occasion. With ShopeePay, users can do more cashless transactions and get discounts on load products and cashbacks on bills payment.

 

As more consumers embrace and adopt digital transactions, ShopeePay aims to support the transition by providing hassle-free digital banking options. This year, the Philippines saw an exponential growth of new digital consumers, recording about 12 million since the start of the pandemic.^[1] Aside from the significant increase in digital consumers in the country, there is also a notable increase in the adoption of digital-only banking, recording 18.34 percent in 2021, and is expected to reach 36.18 percent by 2026.^[2]  

 

Ruoshan Tao, Head of ShopeePay Online, Philippines, said, “The digital market of Southeast Asia is rapidly growing, and digital transactions such as online payments and money transfers are also becoming more prevalent. At ShopeePay, we are committed to providing our users with seamless and easy access to digital financial services through a secure and integrated ecosystem. We look forward to continue helping Filipinos embrace digitalization.” 

 

Here’s how to cash in to your ShopeePay Wallet via InstaPay, and enjoy up to P25 cashback on your InstaPay fee: 

1. Tap ‘Cash in’ on your ShopeePay wallet. 
2. Click the ‘InstaPay’ dropdown. 
3. View the specific instructions and cash in from your preferred bank.
4. You will receive a notification if your cash in was successful. 
5. If eligible, you will receive the cashback after 7-10 working days.

 

 

To transfer money for free from your ShopeePay Wallet to your selected bank account or e-wallet via InstaPay, make sure that your ShopeePay account is verified. Here’s how to transfer:

 

1. Tap ‘Send Money’ on your ShopeePay wallet.
2. Select either ‘To Bank Account’ or ‘To E-Wallet’
3. Choose the bank/e-wallet you want to send money to and input the required details.
4. Enter the amount to be sent. 
5. Review all details to ensure accuracy and proceed with sending money.  

To send money for free to other ShopeePay users, you must have a verified ShopeePay account. Here’s how:

1. Tap ‘Send Money’ on your ShopeePay wallet.
2. Select ‘To Shopee User’.
3. Enter the phone number or Shopee username to send money to.
4. Input the amount to send. You may also personalize your transfer with a virtual card.
5. Enter your ShopeePay PIN to confirm the transaction.

To know more about ShopeePay’s InstaPay feature, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopeepay-instapay.

To enjoy free cash ins and transfers, and also save on additional fees, make sure to activate ShopeePay. With ShopeePay, you can also avail of exclusive deals when you Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

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^[1] e-Conomy: SEA 2021

^[2] Finder

Century Tuna unveils inspiring new video "Dahilan" by top director Antoinette Jadaone

 Everyone has reasons for staying strong and healthy. And in Century Tuna’s short film entitled ‘Dahilan’ directed by award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone, viewers will get to see the story of a young man and his fitness journey as it unfolds. 

 

If you haven’t seen 'Dahilan’ yet, watch the full video on Century Tuna’s official Facebook page (https://bit.ly/CenturyTunaLoveStrong) before you read this entire article as there are spoilers ahead.

 

The two-minute video, starts with a montage of the young man working out with improvised home equipment. It then cuts to him cooking a special meal, which he brings up to the rooftop of his small apartment for a simple but heartfelt ‘date’. It is then revealed that his date is actually his mom with disability, and he has to carry her up to the rooftop. They have been doing the breakfast dates on that same rooftop ever since he was young and he wanted to continue to bring happiness to his mom by doing the same.

“Sa panahon ngayon, we must be strong - not just physically but also mentally, and not just for ourselves but also for the people we love. Humuhugot tayo ng lakas sa isa't isa,” shared Jadaone. 

 

For Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, the short film takes on a new definition to health: “Many of our previous campaigns showcased fit and sexy bodies, which can be achieved with the help of Century Tuna. With ‘Dahilan’, we are telling the story of our consumers’ “why” – the reason for wanting to have a strong body to take on challenges. We wanted to highlight the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for the people we care about,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. (CPFI) VP and GM for Tuna Division Carlo Endaya.

 

Thankfully, Jadaone shares the same vision for her first project with Century Tuna, stressing that ‘Dahilan’ focuses more on the story and narrative. “Sa brief pa lang, nakita ko nang it's a different Century Tuna project - hindi naka-focus sa abs, sa katawan, sa muscles. It's about being strong pa rin - pero for the people you love.”

 

“Sa’yo ako humuhugot ng lakas,” narrated the son in a voice-over. “Kahit ang bigat ng mundo, kinakaya ko. Kasi ‘ma, kinaya mo.”

 

The voice-over, further complemented by the short film’s original song, was a creative touch by the esteemed director: “My editor Ben Tolentino—who's also my editor in my films like “Fan Girl” and “Never Not Love You”—and I added voice-overs of the son. So aside from the song lyrics, nakasilip tayo sa kung ano ang nararamdaman ni son while he's doing all these for his mom. I'm happy Century Tuna and the agency loved that additional touch.”

 

As the world continues to face the challenges of the pandemic, the short film’s “Love Strong” message serves as an inspiration for Filipinos to stay strong and healthy for themselves and for the people they love. 

 

Given the meaningful outcome of the video, Carlo Endaya considers Antoinette Jadaone the perfect choice for the “Love Strong” short film. “We’re happy to work with Direk Tonet on this project. Through powerful storytelling, she perfectly captured the message that we wanted to convey: that we stay strong and healthy not just for ourselves but for the people we love as well.” 

 

To know more about Century Tuna, visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.  

 

 

realme makes bold push into premium with GT 2 Series

 

 

realme Founder and CEO Sky Li announces the company’s high-end push plan and predicts it can be as hard as “starting a new business” all over again.

realme, the youngest among the world’s top 6 smartphone brands and the Philippines’ no. 1 smartphone brand for 2021, today unveiled its first-ever and much-anticipated premium flagship series in China. The three-year-old tech brand continues to take on challenges beyond its limits to pursue greater-than-ever tech and design innovations.

Creating a new premium tech lifestyle

Beyond just scaling up specifications and services, realme designed the GT 2 Series to be a premium companion for everyone’s modern tech needs. 

Co-designed by award-winning designer and former MUJI collaborator Naoto Fukasawa, the GT 2 Series features the world’s first bio-based eco-friendly polymer smartphone design. The Paper Tech Master Design offers customers a more sustainable alternative while not compromising overall aesthetic and durability.

The Paper Green version of the realme GT 2 Pro, the company’s most premium flagship ever.

With the realme GT 2 Series, users can enjoy a top-tier and exclusive experience with several leading technologies. Among them are the 2K Super Reality Display screen which offers more realistic perceptions and adaptive interactions, and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset for breakthrough experiences across 5G, gaming, camera and AI. It also features the world’s only 150-degree camera lens for unique fish-eye photography, as well as an interesting 360-degree NFC to make the likes of contactless payment and Bluetooth pairing easier.

 

Aiming at the global high-end market

“To be honest, for realme, which has only been established for three years, it is no less challenging to do a premium business than to start a new one,” shares realme’s Founder and CEO Sky Li at the virtual launch event, “Going premium is not just about shouting slogans or assigning sales tasks. We have encountered and will continue to encounter unprecedented challenges in terms of user insights, tech innovation and brand building. But we are still quite confident as we are fully prepared,” adds Li. 

realme has cracked the world’s top 6 smartphone brands in just three years, the fastest in the industry. It has made a strong mark in global markets with a TOP 5 spot in 21 markets as well as a rising momentum in 5G smartphone dominance. It was the fastest growing 5G Android smartphone brand globally in Q3 2021 with a yearly growth rate of 831%.

Given its strong momentum, realme has decided to further meet its customers’ needs and pull out all the stops to advance into the high-end segment. It commits to investing more than 70% of the company’s R&D resources to focus on advanced technologies research, expanding cooperation with trending designers and institutions to elevate product design, as well as having a deeper global market penetration with China and Europe as dual engines. 

There’s no word yet on the local availability of these new product innovations to the Philippines. In the meantime, you can know more about realme’s latest innovations by staying tuned at the realme PH Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visiting the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/.

Meet Madiskarte Moms PH, a new online community of mompreneurs helping fellow mompreneurs

The current economic condition has undoubtedly given rise to more home-based “mompreneurs,” or full-time moms wanting to start or grow an online business to earn additional income for their family. But as every entrepreneur knows, starting a business is not always easy, and it helps to have a community of fellow business-minded mommies for much-needed support and encouragement.

 

This is where Madiskarte Moms PH finds its purpose. A Facebook community launched in the thick of the pandemic, Madiskarte Moms PH encourages entrepreneurship among mommies wanting to earn from home through side hustles while still enjoying quality time with their families. Together with its highly engaging YouTube channel, Madiskarte Moms PH is a safe, friendly space where beginners can interact with more seasoned sellers for tried and tested tips on growing a business while attending to their duties at home.

 

Powering Filipino business owners with the strongest connections and the most reliable digital tools, PLDT Home Biz has recently reached out to Madiskarte Mom PH’s 95,000 mompreneur members to provide much-needed support for their ventures.

 

“We saw the rise of homebased entrepreneurs using online tools to grow their businesses when the pandemic struck. Many of these ‘homepreneurs’ are moms or homemakers who wanted to find an extra source of income to support their families during this time of uncertainty. As part of our advocacy to encourage entrepreneurship in the country, PLDT Home Biz is very supportive of these Filipino moms who are setting up their side hustles from the comfort and safety of their homes. At PLDT Home Biz, we believe in supporting the dreams of every Filipino family through strong connectivity,” says Patrick Tang, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Customer Management. “We are here to help them grow their side hustle into a registered and sustainable business.”

 

Join the Mommy Movement!

There are many exclusive perks to joining Madiskarte Moms PH. In this safe online space, members can meet, learn, and collaborate with other like-minded mompreneurs. They are also entitled to free webinars and trainings led by mom industry experts, to help them kick-start or upgrade their side hustle skills. 

 

Joining the ever-growing Facebook group and YouTube channel also gives easy and free access to community events and exclusive gatherings. This can expand our Madiskarte Moms’ network by connecting them with established enterprisers from different industries. Educational materials and other tailor-made resources for mompreneurs are also available anytime to help them in their home-based business. Other activities such as live interactive sessions with side hustling- experienced personalities are held monthly. 

 

"Dito sa Madiskarte Moms PH, madami kang matututunang diskarte para magsimula ng small business sa mas sulit na halaga. You get to meet other mommies who share the same interests and who can offer you tips and best practices. You can also interact with personalities who have already launched successful businesses and learn from them. Most of all, you can find partners or suppliers within the group who can help you grow your side hustle,” Tang says.

 

As part of PLDT Home Biz’s support for our Madiskarte Moms, the brand is set to launch Gawad Madiskarte 2022—the community’s first ever and grandest awards dedicated to its members who have stood out with their inspiring entrepreneurial stories.

 

Powered by PLDT Home Biz, Gawad Madiskarte 2022: Pagkilala sa Tagumpay ng Madiskarteng Pinay pays tribute to the Filipina entrepreneurial spirit and celebrates successful home business owners who also inspire others to pursue their dreams.

 

Grow your business with confidence by joining the Madiskarte Moms PH community and connect with other mompreneurs, mom experts, partners, and suppliers as you start earning from the comfort of your home. To be a member, click this link: https://pldthome.info/MMPHFBLaunch and to subscribe to the YouTube channel, visit https://pldthome.info/MMPHYTLaunch. 

Help Strengthen your Immune System with Santé Immunity Booster Pack

With the ongoing national vaccination rollout, COVID-19 cases slowly decrease every day. But this development does not mean that we need to let our guards down, primarily since the virus still exists. Nowadays, being complacent about our health is not an option, even if you’re fully vaccinated.

 

While there are many ways to keep your immune system healthy, like eating a well-balanced meal and keeping yourself active, it also pays to take other supplements that have all the nutrients you need. 

 

This time, Santé, a premier natural, and organic health and wellness product and services provider, helps make it easier for your body to get the daily essential supplements you need with its Immunity Booster Pack. 

 

Each Immunity Booster Pack contains 10 Santé Barley Max 500mg capsules, two 3g sachets of Santé Barley Max^NZ powder, and 10 Calcium-Cee 605.3mg capsules that can help you boost your immune system. 

 

“Amid the pandemic, it’s vital to keep our immune system strong, especially with the growing threat of the new variant. Through Santé Immunity Booster Pack, we hope to provide everyone the daily essential supplements they need to achieve better health this new normal,” said Joey Marcelo, chief executive officer of Santé.

 

Barley Max is barley grass gathered at a young age and turned into powder and capsule forms. It contains pure organic barley grass certified by New Zealand’s leading organic produce and products agency, BioGro. Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, protein, carotenoids, dietary fibers, chlorophyll, and many more, it has all the requirements a human body needs for a healthy diet and boosts a person’s immune system. 

 

It also aids in providing a good number of antioxidants and assists in digestive health. Meanwhile, the Barley Max^NZcapsule form comes in vegetable capsules, which are easy to digest and convenient to carry. 

 

Calcium-Cee, on the other hand, is composed of calcium ascorbate, an ascorbic acid’s calcium salt. It is ascorbic acid neutralized by calcium, which removes its sourness and is gentle on the stomach. With pH levels ranging from 7.2 to 7.4, it’s safe for daily consumption, even if you have an empty stomach. 

 

Since it has Vitamin C, Calcium-Cee aids in strengthening the immune system to help the body fight sicknesses, assists in preventing infection, and promotes faster wound healing. And with its antioxidant properties, it helps to mitigate the risks of developing chronic health issues like cancer. 

 

Meanwhile, its calcium element aids to boost the circulatory system. It also assists in fighting osteoporosis as it helps to fortify bones in the body. In addition, aside from its various health benefits, it supports preventing kidney stones and colon cancer.

 

So, if you want to strengthen your immune system this new normal, grab Santé’s exclusive promo, the Santé Immunity Booster Pack, at Watsons stores nationwide to provide you with all the essential supplements that your body needs every day.

 

To learn more about the Santé Immunity Booster Pack, visit Santé Barley Max’s official Facebook and Instagram page: @barleymaxofficial.

PSBank helps provide a brighter future to underprivileged children

 

Photo courtesy of Chosen Children Village Foundation, Inc.

 

 

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) renews support for the welfare of visually impaired, indigent and special childrenthrough the Bank’s annual donation to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) partners -- World Vision, Chosen Children Village Foundation, Inc. (CCVFI), and Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI). 

 

PSBank donated a total of PhP300,000 to aid these three child-friendly organizations in providing shelter, basic necessities, education, and other special needs for the underprivileged children under their care. 

 

World Vision commits in using the financial assistance to continue their programs for the welfare of underserved Filipino families. The organization spearheads community development initiatives and helps parents find a source of livelihood to better support their kids. They also provide emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters.

 

“As the largest non-profit organization in the Philippines, World Vision helps over 1.5 million children every year.  With the support of thousands of Filipino sponsors and donors such as PSBank, the children, along with their families, were able to build a sustainable life in all of its fullness,” said World Vision Donor Care and Development manager Precious Hope Basco. 

 

The Bank’s other partner, Chosen Children Village Foundation, provides abandoned children with mental and physical handicaps a caring and loving home. They also train the children as they grow to adulthood to become productive and self-reliant members of the society despite their disabilities.  To date, there are over 80 children who are being rehabilitated and cared for in their facility in Silang, Cavite. 

 

 

CCVFI  Executive Director Adrian Mendoza expressed his gratitude to the bank in his remark: “Your generosity and love enable us to continue living with our mission of providing a haven for these angels and creating programs to maximize their potential and quality of life despite their mental, physical, and social difficulties.” 

 

Meanwhile, PSBank’s donation to the Resources for the Blind was intended to help realize the organization’s mission in helping blind Filipinos reach their full potential through counseling, education and training, and rehabilitation programs. RBI also aims to transform the children’s lives into becoming an integral part of society by teaching them basic functions like chores in the home and other daily activities.

 

“With the untiring support and generosity of our corporate partners like PSBank, we equipped the children with the means to go to school and access the education system, thus giving them a chance for a brighter future,” said RBI Executive Director Amelia M. Torrente.