YOUR 2022 CHINESE ZODIAC FORECAST

New year, new me – this adage is probably the most over-used statement that you’d hear at the start of the year. But indeed, every January brings about new beginnings and possibilities. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger and this mean it’s a year for bold actions! After a year of lockdowns and work-from-home madness, it’s time to embrace the unknown and venture forward as Sony brings you your zodiac predictions and best partners for the new year. 

Year of the Rat 

(born in 1984, 1996, 2009, 2020)

 

Rats are known for being smart planners and while it seems like your plans needs to be adjusted often in this fast-paced Tiger year, remind yourself to always stay calm and avoid overreacting when coping with Murphy’s law. 

 

Rats have lots of energy and you never give up, but you do sometimes tend to panic first. Plug in to your WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earphones and cancel away all negativity as you listen to positive beats and remember to believe in yourself for all situations that comes your way this year! 

 

 

Year of the Ox 

(born in 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

 

A year of flourishing success and monetary rewards are on the cards for the Ox! 

 

For individuals born in the year of the Ox, 2022 is set to be the year where you will see an upturn in all areas of your life – you may find your life partner or even consider settling down. 

Perfect time for you to spruce your home with the BRAVIA XR-X90J –the World’s first Cognitive Intelligence TV which takes vision and sound to the next level with the ingenious Cognitive Processor XR. Immerse your family and friends in a multi-dimensional experience like never before as you reap the rewards of your hard work with this revolutionary product. 

 

  

Year of the Tiger 

(born in 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

 

Individuals born in the year of the Tiger clash with Tai Sui in 2022, making it an arduous year ahead. 

 

Still amidst all the downs, there are also ups to look forward to for our Tiger friends. Your courage to take on each obstacle head-on will help you make it through the year safely. 

 

Take the time to nurture your love and capture nature’s beauty with the Alpha 7 IV full-frame hybrid camera as you head outdoors more often and continue to keep a positive outlook on life. 

 

 

Year of the Rabbit 

(born in 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

 

It’s been a challenging time for our sensitive Rabbits but in 2022, your time has come. Opportunities abound this year and do take the time to research before you invest time and money into things that come your way. 

 

People born in the year of the Rabbit are known for their exquisite taste. You appreciate the finer things in life and our flagship soundbar HT-A7000 is the perfect companion for your stylish home. 

Enjoy music the way the artists truly intended with High-Resolution Audio for crystal clear precision. With the HT-A7000, your music comes to life like never before.

 

 

Year of the Dragon 

(born in 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

 

Dragons are blessed with great strength of character and real leadership qualities. No matter what 2022 throws at you, you are smart and resourceful enough to adapt to the changes. 

 

Tough times don’t last but tough people do. For Dragons, the new SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Speaker is the perfect companion to tide us through this year as we walk around in comfort taking work calls and more. Just in time for Lunar New Year, the SRS-NB10 will be available locally beginning February 11, 2021.

  

Year of the Snake 

(born in 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

 

This energetic year might be a little stressful for the reserved Snake, but your calm and diplomatic nature will be a real asset in the corporate world – you may find your colleagues come asking for advice this year. 

As lucky stars elevate your relationship luck, you must shed the habit of overthinking and keeping things to yourself. For the married Snakes, maintain the spark with your partner by exploring new activities together – don’t forget to capture the action as it happens, in beautiful detail with the Alpha 7C Compact full-frame camera! With its state-of-the-art AF and speedy continuous shooting capability, the Alpha 7C will ensure that you won't miss that important split-second shot.

 

 

Year of the Horse 

(born in 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

 

Gallop into a year of increase as 2022 is set to be an easy race for all Horses! 

 

Romance is in the air for single Horses and relationships will be strengthened for those attached. Hardworking Horses can expect career successes in the workplace but do remember to take care of your health while reaping the rewards of your efforts. 

 

Soak in the sun and bring along the trusty WF-C500 Truly Wireless Headphones for all your hikes and fitness routines. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, splashes and sweat won’t stop these headphones – so you can keep on moving to the music.

 

 

Year of the Goat 

(born in 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

 

Great news for our friends born in the year of the Goat as the energy of the Year of the Tiger will make you the star wherever you go!

 

Your flourishing relationship luck means you’ll be meeting more like-minded friends and potential collaborations. You are magnetically popular this year, and everyone wants to be your friend. 

Share your favorite films and feel-good shows with newfound friends and have a movie marathon on the BRAVIA KD-X80J. Discover worlds of entertainment on this Google TV™, brought to life in beautiful color by the realism of our picture and sound technology. With the powerful 4K HDR Processor X1—color, contrast, and clarity are enhanced for all your favorite content.

 

Year of the Monkey 

(born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)

 

2022 may seem like a challenging year for the Monkey but fret not, there is always a silver lining in every cloud. 

 

The Monkey likes to stay busy, and your social life is packed as ever. Bring forth your sociable characteristic and meet like-minded individuals as you bond over fun activities and good food. 

Whether you are hosting a party, a jamming session or just simply chilling around while listening to your favorite music, the SRS-XP700’s Omnidirectional sound and colorful ambient lighting surely makes it an ideal companion for small gatherings with friends.

 

 

Year of the Rooster 

(born in 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

 

Here’s the great news – the Rooster is luckiest of all the zodiac signs in the Year of the Tiger in 2022! People born in the year of the Rooster can look forward to sustained wealth and success, with the extra benefits of possible monetary rewards. 

 

It’s only the beginning of a year which will be full of fun and choices ahead. A you enjoy the fast-paced Tiger year, do remember to self-care and take some time out to curl up on the sofa with a good read and experience the perfect musical backdrop with ambient room-filling sound from our compact wireless speaker SRS-RA3000.

 

Year of the Dog 

(born in 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

 

Those who are born in the year of the Dog are known for their loyalty and courage. These great qualities are keys to your success in 2022 which is filled with opportunities. 

 

Mundane routines can make you feel dull and lonely. Take the first step to change up the usual by making use of your free time to upgrade your skills and learn something new! 

With the WF-1000XM4’s advanced noise-cancelling performance, you can focus on online lectures while on-the-go and not be distracted by the surroundings. Perfect for the go-getter attitude of yours!

 

Year of the Pig 

(born in 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

 

Lucky stars abound for the Pig in the Year of the Tiger as you are set to sail through life and work with happy tidings in 2022! 

 

Pigs are great networkers and known to have many ideas. For those who are seeking new opportunities, this is the time to make your #likeaboss dream a reality!

 

First impression counts and the ZV-1 Digital Camera is your best bet with its Product Showcase Setting which widens the angle and allows you to instantly focus on small products with just a single button – perfect for those product shots!   

Top 5 Chinese New Year Dishes for good luck specially made using ingredients from Mc Asia

The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world, starting from the first day of September and way past December 25--- up to the celebration of the Three Kings.

 

Now that I think about it though, our Christmas season could actually last up to five months as we also made the Chinese New Year a holiday.

 

The Lunar New Year, known in China as chūnjié or Spring Festival, is a festive time for many all over the world. Unlike before when it was only the Chinese who celebrate, a lot of Pinoy families also take part in the celebrations hoping that it would also bring them luck for the entire year.

 

Even the Malls have CNY displays and FengShui exhibits that attract attention from mall goers. At home we also add buy decorations and charms that are believed to bring good fortune and most importantly, tons of good food 

 

Chinese New Year food traditions are hugely symbolic for example serving two whole fish and saving one for leftovers to represent surplus in the new year, serving a whole chicken to represent wholeness and prosperity, and serving items like spring rolls, which resemble gold bars and symbolize wealth.

 

Planning a CNY feast for the family here are some recipes you might want to try!

 

For appetizers Chinese Spring Rolls. As mentioned Spring rolls (chun juan) take their name from the holiday for which they're traditionally prepared: the Spring Festival (chunjie) the crisp golden rolls are meant to symbolize bars of gold and bring wealth and prosperity in the year to come.

Ingredients:

SHAOXING WINE 600ML

King chef Canola

JADE BRIDGE Light Soy sauce 500 ML

SPRING ROLLS CHILI SAUCE SWEET FLAVOR 300ML - THAI DANCER

 

For the pork

250g ground pork

To taste salt

½ tsp sesame oil

1 tsp Shaoxing wine

½ tsp cornstarch

¼ tsp white pepper

For the vegetables

2 tablespoons oil

1 clove garlic, chopped

10 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked until softened and thinly sliced)

1 cup carrots, julienned

1 cup bamboo shoots, julienned

1 small baguio pechay shredded

1 tbsp. Shaoxing wine

2 tbsp. light soy sauce

1 tsp. sesame oil

to taste salt (or)

to taste white pepper

1/4 tsp. sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp. water)

To assemble and fry

1 pack small square spring roll wrappers  

Canola oil , for frying

spring roll sauce for dipping

 

1.For the pork: mix all ingredients together until well combined. set aside.

2.In wok over medium heat, saute pork until  half cooked.

3.add the garlic, and continue sauteeing until fragrant. add the rest of the vegetables and seasoning.

4.Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Set aside to cool.

5.to assemble: place 2 heaping tablespoons of filling in the center of spring roll wrappers.

6.fold-in both sides, roll and seal ends. repeat process for the rest of the ingredients.

7.Deep fry until golden and drain off excess oil over paper towels.

8.Serve with dip on the side

 

Next is Pancit Bihon, also a staple in Pinoy celebrations, noodles unsurprisingly symbolize a wish for longevity. Their length and unsevered preparation are also symbolic of the eater's life and is a lucky food eaten on Chinese New Year Day .

 

TRADITIONAL RICE VERMICELLI 400G – PARROT

JADE BRIDGE Mushroom Soy sauce 500 ML

JADE BRIDGE Light Soy sauce 500 ML

CHICKEN POWDER SEASONING 800G - KNORR AROI SURE

THAI DANCER OYSTER SAUCE

¼ cup Canola oil

3 tbsp. Garlic, chopped

¼ cup Onion, chopped

2 pcs. Chinese sausage, sliced

½ cup Pork belly, thinly sliced

½ cup, shrimps, peeled and deveined

3Tbsp. Light soy sauce

3 Tbsp. Mushroom soy sauce

3 Tbsp. Oyster sauce

½ Tbsp. Chicken powder

To taste black pepper

1 ½ cup carrots, julienned

1 ½ cups snow peas

1 pack rice vermicelli, soaked for 20 minutes in tap water

1-2 cups water or chicken/pork broth

2 cups cabbage shredded

2 tbsp. Kinchay, chopped

Calamansi

 

1.In a wok over medium heat, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.

2.Add Chinese sausage, pork, shrimps and all seasoning and continue to sauté until shrimps are cooked. Take out shrimp and set aside.

3.Add the carrots, snow peas and rice vermicelli. Add 1 cup broth (add more as necessary) and bring to a boil until noodles are half done.

4.Stir in cabbage and kinchay.

 

Sweet and Sour Fish: Fish (pronounced as ‘yu’ in Chinese) signifies abundance, and is a sign of prosperity. The Chinese believe that tossing yusheng (prosperity salad) will bring prosperity, wealth and luck for the new year.

 

SWEET & SOUR SAUCE 300ML - THAI DANCER

CHICKEN POWDER SEASONING 800G - KNORR AROI SURE

King Chef Canola oil

For the fish

1 pc. Lapu-Lapu cleaned and scaled

 

To taste Chicken powder seasoning

To taste Pepper

¼ cup Flour

¼ cup cornstarch

 

Canola oil for frying

 

For the sauce

1 ½ cups Sweet and sour sauce

 

As needed red bell pepper, fine julienned

As needed Leeks, fine julienned 

1.Pat dry whole fish with paper towels. Cut slits on the sides of the fish

2.Season with chicken powder and pepper

3.Combine flour and cornstarch together. Dredge fish in flour mixture.

4.Deep-Fry in Canola Oil until crisp and golden. Set aside to drain excess oil.

5.Meanwhile, in another pan heat sweet and sour sauce and add the vegetables. Reserve some for garnish

6.Transfer fish into a platter and pour sweet and sour sauce on top.

7.Garnish with leeks and red bell pepper.

 

To add something that’s not only lucky but healthy to your feast, why not serve some Stir-fried Vegetables. 

Vegetable stir-fried are also believed to bring good fortune. Some might include, for example, the lengthy, slender Chinese long beans, symbolizing long life; or bean sprouts, for abundance; or bamboo shoots, promising fresh starts. Other cooks aim to have 10 kinds of vegetables in their stir-fries because the Chinese word for “10,” shi, also means “abundance.”

 

KING CHEF CANOLA OIL

JADE BRIDGE MUSHROOM SOYSAUCE 500 ML

JADE BRIDGE LIGHT SOYSAUCE 500 ML

CHICKEN POWDER SEASONING 800G - KNORR AROI SURE

SHAOXING WINE 600ML

KING CHEF WHOLE MUSHROOMS

THAI DANCER OYSTER SAUCE

3 Tbsp. Canola Oil

1/3 Cup Pork liempo, sliced

To taste Salt

To taste Pepper

As needed Cornstarch

1/3 Cup  SHRIMP

½ Pc White onions, sliced

3 Cloves Garlic, sliced

2 Tbsp. Shao Xing Wine

3  Tbsp. light soy sauce

3 Tbsp. Oyster Sauce

1 tsp. Chicken powder

To taste Pepper

To taste sugar

¼ cup Water or stock

½ Can Young corn, cut in half

½ Can King Chef Whole Mushrooms, halved

1 cup Baguio beans, cut in half

½ Pc carrot, rondelle

2 Stalks Celery, oriental cut

2 Stalks Leeks, oriental cut

1 Pc Bell pepper, diced

1 cup Cauli flower, florets, blanched

1 cup broccoli florets, blanched

½ Whole Baguio pechay, cut 2”

As needed Corn-starch slurry

1.In a clean bowl, season pork with salt and pepper and toss in cornstarch.

2.Heat up wok over medium flame. Add oil.

3.Fry pork until slightly cooked.

4.Add in shrimps and cooked until half done.

5.Add in onions and garlic.

6.Deglaze pan with wine, simmer until slightly reduced.

7.Add in soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken pepper, sugar and stock.

8.Toss in young corn, mushrooms, carrots and celery.

9.Add in the rest of the vegetables.

10.Thicken with slurry and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened.

 

Lastly, what would a feast be without dessert? Complete your Chinese New Year meal with some Buchi. An irresistible dessert Buchi is best for Newly weds or those planning to start a family as the seeds-sesame Seeds represent fertility and eating them promises lots of babies for the family.

 

BUCHI

CONDENSED MILK SWEETENED 380G-MALI

SESAME SEED WHITE 1KG- KATAGI

KING CHEF CANOLA OIL

For the Mung Bean Filling

2 cans Red Mung Beans,, drained

¼ - ½  cup condensed milk

For the Dough

1 1/3 cups water

3/4 cup sugar

3 cups glutinous rice flour

 

1 cup sesame seeds

 

canola oil, for deep frying

1.for the filling: Mix condensed milk and mung beans in a food processor or blender and pulse until pureed and smooth.

2.Transfer into a non-stick pan and cook over low heat until very thick and paste-like consistency.  set aside to cool.

3.For the dough: mix sugar water and rice flour in a bowl until it forms into a smooth dough. cover with cling wrap rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4.To assemble:  divide dough into 20-24 equal portions. roll into 2” size balls and cover with cling wrap to prevent from drying.

5.Take 1 rice ball and slightly flatten, place a small scoop of filling and seal by gathering the edges together.

6.Roll  into sesame seeds then form  into a smooth ball.

7.Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

8.Deep fry until it floats and golden in color.

 

Make your Chinese New Year celebration special and safe this year with these dishes specially made using ingredients from Mc Asia.  

You can order them through 

https://mcasiamart.ph/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mcasiamartph  

Ig: https://www.instagram.com/mcasiamart/ 

Mc Asia is also available through Grab, Shopee and Lazada. 

Tuloy ang sarap at saya ng Pasko: Jollibee ensures safe and joy-filled moments this Christmas

It’s Christmas time once again and while the celebrations this year are still different from the big get-togethers of the past, it doesn’t mean that Filipino families can’t find simple joys to revel in.

 

In its newly released safety video, Jollibee again underscored how the brand upholds high standards of quality and safety across its entire operations, while letting customers remember the priceless moments shared with family and friends over great-tasting Jollibee food. Set to an original Jollibee Christmas tune, the video shows how families seeking the familiar joy of the holidays won’t have to compromise their “sarap, saya” experiences because Jollibee ensures that safety continues to be prioritized during the happiest time of the year.

“Nothing compares to the joy of being with family especially during the Christmas season. As a brand that has always strived to bring joy, we want to make sure that we don’t only focus on serving langhap-sarap meals, but also assure customers that they can have fun, safe, and worry-free experiences with Jollibee, whether in store or at home,” shared Francis Flores, JFC Philippines Country/Regional Marketing Head and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head.

 

As more and more Jollibee stores in key cities reopen for dine-in services, the brand makes sure that its Alagang Jollibee promise is in the air just as much as the holiday spirit. Customers are warmly welcomed by fully-vaccinated store teams. Each staff strictly adheres to safety precautions such as wearing of masks and other personal protective equipment, promoting no-touch or cashless transactions, and regularly sanitizing different stations within the store.

For families who choose to have merry celebrations at home, Jollibee also ensures that their langhap-sarap favorites are prepared safely for Take Out and Delivery. Paper bags have safety seals on them, thermal delivery bags are always sanitized, and contactless delivery is practiced to guarantee safety once orders reach the customers’ doorsteps. 

 

To see how Jollibee prioritizes safety during the holiday season, you can check out the full video on Jollibee’s official Facebook page and Jollibee Philippines’ YouTube channel.

 

Visit JollibeeDelivery.com, download the Jollibee App, or order via GrabFood or Foodpanda to get your Jollibee favorites during the most wonderful time of the year.

 

PLDT Home remains undisputed as the fastest broadband network in the Philippines

PLDT Home remains undisputed as the fastest broadband network in the Philippines, dominating telco rivals with a Speed Score of 77.24 at the Ookla Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021.

The latest result showed a big jump from PLDT’s Speed Score of 27.28 in the second half of the previous year. Speed Score is a measure that takes into account both upload and download speeds. 

 

Latest data from the global benchmarking company also showed PLDT besting all other internet service providers (ISPs) in the country with top upload and download speeds of 217.07 Mbps and 203.97 Mbps, respectively. 

 

In determining the network speed of ISPs, Ookla compared data gathered from millions of consumer-initiated tests taken on Speedtest platforms. The data include tests done by Filipino internet users on various networks using digital devices connected via Wi-Fi and fixed networks.

 

“Fast internet is no longer a luxury because it’s what Filipinos depend on to earn, work, and study from home. We’ve been relentless in continuously building and upgrading our network so that our customers enjoy better and future-ready homes,” says Butch G. Jimenez, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Business.

 

Fastest Broadband in PH’s Key Cities 

Based on the latest Ookla® data, PLDT registered the highest upload and download speeds in key major cities in the Philippines – Manila, Cebu and Davao Cities. 

 

In Manila, PLDT bested major ISPs - including Converge, Globe, and Sky – with upload and download speeds of 54.52 Mbps and 58.57 Mbps, respectively. In Cebu, PLDT recorded 76.14 Mbps and 74.22 Mbps upload and download speeds, respectively. In Davao, PLDT is the fastest fixed network over ISPs Globe and Sky, with upload and download speeds of 70.06 Mbps and 71.50 Mbps, respectively. 

 

 

When analyzing the fastest ISPs, Ookla assesses the fastest network speeds attained across a given network, accounting for tests that are taken on various Speedtest applications that connect to a fixed network, including tests taken on mobile phones over a Wi-Fi connection. Each top carrier accounts for at least 3% of the sample size in the geographic area.

 

Setting the Bar for PH Internet Speeds

PLDT consistently dominates the Ookla® Speedtest Awards™ in the past four years as a result of the telco giant’s aggressive network expansion initiatives. In the second half of 2021, PLDT Home launched its biggest speed upgrade for customers with thrice as much speeds versus the previous broadband plans. 

 

In November 2021, PLDT Home launched the country’s first-ever 10,000 Mbps fiber-optic service in the Philippines, putting the country alongside first-world nations that have access to such ultra-fast home interne speeds such as South Korea, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Italy, New Zealand, and USA. 

 

“The demand for the fastest broadband in the Philippines remains strong and we’re investing as well in our capabilities to install, upgrade, and repair throughout the year,” concludes Butch G. Jimenez, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Business.

 

PLDT Home continues to set the bar for the future of home internet connectivity in the Philippines as it provides access to future-ready innovations including top-of-the-line Smart Home solutions such as Wifi Mesh devices, Entertainment and Security services bundled with its flexible broadband plans. 

 

All these innovations are powered by the PLDT’s widest network in the country with its fiber infrastructure expanded to 743,700 kilometers, extending its reach to 13.9 million homes passed, and with over 5.77 million fiber-powered ports. 

 

To date, PLDT Home has connected over 3.6 Million subscribers, proving to be the most trusted telco of Filipino families for fast internet speeds for work at home, online school, and family entertainment at home amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in the country. 

 

More information on PLDT Home, visit www.pldthome.com.

Mom’s got your back: Iya Villania treats kids with fam fave Red Ribbon Triple Chocolate Roll

 

The saying that moms always know best has always been true for generations. Whatever the family needs—especially the kids—moms always give those that pass their strictest and most stringent standards.

 

Iya Villana-Arellano, TV host and mom of three (soon to be four!), is no different. She gives her all in all her pursuits, but no matter how busy her schedule gets, she always makes sure that her family only gets the best. Whenever Primo, Leon or Alana crave for that chocolate-y goodness, Iya most definitely chooses the Red Ribbon Triple Chocolate Roll.

A sweet and chocolate-y bonding moment is the highlight of the latest digital video of Red Ribbon’s Triple Chocolate Roll, where Iya makes sure that her family gets only the best experience by saving the day with her supermom flexes, speed and intuition and of course treating the family with the Red Ribbon Triple Chocolate Roll.

  

“At Red Ribbon, we’ve long taken to heart how moms only want to give the best to their families,” says Cathleen Capati, Marketing Head of Red Ribbon. “Because we want to help moms in making this happen for their loved ones, product quality and superior taste are of utmost importance to us. This commitment is well reflected in our Triple Chocolate Cake Roll – the chocolatiest treat for your precious bonding moments with family.”

 

Indeed, Red Ribbon’s Triple Chocolate Cake Roll allows moms to always give their very best, forging memories that are lasting and precious. With its soft chocolate cake, fudgy chocolate icing, and milk chocolate toppings – every bite translates to irresistible chocolate-y goodness that everyone is sure to love!

 

It is available in all Red Ribbon stores for takeout, pickup or delivery through the Red Ribbon Delivery Website redribbondelivery.com.ph, Red Ribbon RIA on Facebook Messenger, Red Ribbon Delivery Hotline #87777.

 

You can also order via the Red Ribbon App which may be downloaded thru Google Play or the App Store, and via GrabFood or Foodpanda app.

Manulife donates CAD$100,000 to support relief efforts in the Philippines

To support communities impacted by the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), Manulife announced that it will donate CAD 100,000 (approximately PHP4 million) to two aid organizations in the Philippines:

  CAD$50,000 to ACCORD, a national non-profit civil society organization, working with vulnerable communities in the Philippines on resilience-building; and CAD$50,000 to the Philippine Red Cross, to support its relief efforts, including food trucks and evacuation sites.

“Typhoon Odette has caused destruction of catastrophic scale in various parts of the country. We hope Manulife’s relief efforts for reconstruction and recovery can contribute to mitigating the typhoon’s impact on many Filipinos’ lives, property, and sources of livelihood,” said Richard Bates, President and CEO, Manulife Philippines. “In cooperation with ACCORD and the Philippine Red Cross, we aim to support their immediate needs on the ground, protect their health and safety, and help them bounce back from this challenging time.”

To assist Manulife customers affected by Typhoon Odette, Manulife Philippines and Manulife China Bank Life recently extended a premium payment grace period of 90 calendar days for policies with due dates from December 17, 2021 to January 31, 2022. The extension covers customers residing in Bohol Province, Butuan City, Cebu Province, Ormoc City and Tacloban City in Leyte Province, Surigao del Norte, and Palawan. 

In addition to these donations and customer supports, Manulife activated its employee giving program to further enable its global team to support affected communities. 

Eight Universities Advance as Qualifiers in PRSP Grand Prix Hack Sprint Edition

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) is thrilled to announce that eight (8) universities are moving forward to the second phase of the Grand Prix Hack Sprint Edition, the second leg of the recent Students’ PR Congress.

These are De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda University, Saint Louis University, University of the Philippines - Los Baños and University of the Philippines - Manila.

These universities successfully advanced after participating in the first phase of the initiative wherein students (1 team per school comprised of 3 members) from all over the country were invited to submit a position paper about “The Great Resignation”, a topic provided by JobStreet Philippines, the Platinum Sponsor of the 2021 PRSP Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix.

In the second phase – the Hack Sprint, the students will be given 24 hours to develop their communications plan. Students will be briefed on February 3 and must start developing their plan, presented in a maximum of 10 slides, for submission on February 4.  A distinguished jury will evaluate and score the entries and identify 5 outstanding teams advancing to the third and final phase.

The Top 5 teams will then proceed to the final round of the competition happening on February 5 – the Pitch Proper, where each team will be presenting their plan to a select jury composed of industry thought leaders and experts. The winners will be announced on the same day, and they can win exciting prizes courtesy of PRSP Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix Hack Sprint sponsors.

Being the first Hack Sprint edition of PRSP’s annual student event and competition, the upcoming Students’ Grand Prix will be fully virtual. 

The PRSP Grand Prix Hack Sprint is supported by JobStreet as platinum sponsor; Maynilad Water Services, NIVEA and PLDT as gold sponsors; Converge ICT Solutions, GCash, Maya, PayMaya, Smart, Unilab Consumer Health and Unilab Skin Sciences as silver sponsors; and Jollibee Foods Corporation, McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation), Meralco, Teleperformance and SM Supermalls as bronze sponsors. COMCO Southeast Asia serves as the event’s staging and creative partner with ABS-CBN, Adobo Magazine, Class A Magazine, ClickTheCity.com and WhenInManila.com as media partners and Warner Music Philippines and PhilPop Musicfest Foundation as entertainment partners. 

The event is also supported by student organization partners – ADPROS from Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila, Mass Communication Students’ League from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila), PRSSP (Public Relations Student Society of the Philippines) from University of the Philippines Manila, HAU Communicators' League from Holy Angel University in Pampanga, Journalism Guild from Cavite State University, Josenian AdComm Guild and Josenian Communication Society from San Jose Recoletos University in Cebu, Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators from Silliman University in Dumaguete, SWU Junior Communication Designers Guild from Southwestern University in Cebu, The Society of Student Communicators from Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete, and Junior Marketing Association from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro.

To learn more about the PRSP 2021 Students’ PR Con and Grand Prix, follow www.facebook.com/studentsprcongress or linkedin.com/company/prsp-students-pr-con-and-grand-prix. For inquiries, please email studentsprcongress@prsp.ph.