Enjoy cashback rewards when you settle your SSS, PAG-IBIG, PRC, and BIR fees

PayMaya is bringing Filipinos the convenience, safety, and time-saving benefits of paying for their fees and dues to the Social Security System (SSS), the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) with the Bills Bayad Promo.

 

From February 1 to March 31, customers who will pay for their Pag-IBIG, SSS, PRC, and BIR fees and dues for the first time using PayMaya can get a 10% cashback voucher. Meanwhile, existing customers who are paying their recurring fees using PayMaya can also enjoy a 5% cashback voucher monthly during the promo period. Users can get up to P200 cashback.

"We are always looking for ways to make everyday transactions easier and more rewarding. These include encouraging more consumers to use digital payments when transacting with national government agencies. We want to give users a more convenient experience as we also help promote ease of doing business with the government," said Pepe Torres, Chief Marketing Officer at PayMaya. 

 

Paying fees and dues to the four participating national government agencies is easy - here are the different channels where you can pay using PayMaya: 

• SSS – pay for your social security contributions via the PayMaya app and the SSS mobile app
• Pag-IBIG – remit your regular housing amortizations via the PayMaya app and the Pag-IBIG website
• PRC – pay for your professional fees via the commission’s website 
• BIR – settle your taxes and fees via the PayMaya app. 

 

On top of the cashback rewards, individuals who will sign up and upgrade their account can enjoy a P100 voucher when they use the code BILLSBAYAD upon registration. 

 

So if you have government fees and dues to pay—pay now with PayMaya and enjoy the sweet benefits of getting your money back! Basta government payments, pay it with PayMaya! 

 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.   

  

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.   

  

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/ 

BBM Survey Rating Drops as Leni Enjoys Steady Rise

Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. suffered a huge drop in his rating due to his refusal to attend television and radio interviews while the momentum has shifted to Vice President Leni Robredo as she experienced a steady rise in her rating from Jan. 23 to 27, 2022.

 

This was the result of the special study of the International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC) on the 2022 national elections where it commissioned WR Numero Research for its opinion poll.

 

Based on the survey conducted by WR Numero Research, Marcos suffered a 9-point drop in his rating from 59 percent last Jan. 2-7 (Week 1)to 50 percent on Jan. 23 to 27 (Week 4) after he turned down an appearance in the “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews.” 

Leni Robredo, for her part, gained a 4-percent increase in her rating, from 16 percent last Jan. 2 to 7, to 20 percent on Jan. 23 to 27, owing to her strong showing in the “The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews” aired last 22 January and “The 2022 Presidential One-on-One Interviews with Boy Abunda” that was streamlined from 24 to 28 January. 

 

Robredo also gained new supporters during the said interviews as “she laid clear plans for the country based on knowledge and experience.” 

 

“Her ability to articulate her thoughts in layman’s terms dismantled the elitist image that others ascribed to her. Moreover, the launching of Robredo’s campaign tagline, “Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat,” in mid- January consolidated the efforts of her supporters.

 

The new slogan also highlighted how a Robredo presidency, banking on transparency and competence, would be different from the rest of the candidates, according to IDSC.

 

“The slogan also encapsulates the inclusive and participative administration she employs,” the report added.

 

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso garnered 9 percent while Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Manny Pacquiao gained 4.12 percent and 2.41 percent, respectively, in the survey conducted from Jan. 23 to 27, 2022.

Cignal Connect to provide satellite broadband for Typhoon Odette relief efforts

 

Typhoon Odette displaced more than 1M families as it swept through Visayas and Mindanao last December 16, 2021. While humanitarian and relief operations are ongoing, many families are still left without connectivity as cell towers and fiber cables are being repaired and restored.

 

Cignal understands the importance of internet connectivity in helping these families communicate with loved ones and start their recovery and rebuilding journey. Thus, Cignal’s Satellite Broadband Service, Cignal Connect, in cooperation with its generous partners — satellite provider KTSAT and PLDT, and Cignal Territory Partners CRFT, Save and Earn, Cellcom, and Digilife — will provide free connectivity to 5 sites located in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; Maasin City, Southern Leyte; and Dinagat Islands.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of all our partners in helping us provide free internet access to communities devastated by Typhoon Odette. Communication is essential at this stage of their recovery efforts, and Cignal Connect is happy to be of service through our satellite broadband as the people in these communities start to rebuild their lives,” said Robert P. Galang, Cignal President and CEO.

   

While other forms of communication have yet to be restored in the typhoon-affected areas, Cignal Connect has been steadily providing internet access to affected families and communities with the help of its satellite broadband technology and will continue to do so in the coming weeks as the need arises.

 

“Mabigat sa loob ang pinsala na dulot ng bagyong Odette sa aming barangay, ngunit ang pagiging matatag ng bawat isa at ang pagiging matulungin ng iba’t ibang institusyon ay nagbibigay sa amin ng lakas at pag-asa na magpatuloy. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Cignal para sa paglaan nila ng satellite broadband service sa aming barangay. Ang librenginternet ay lubos na makakatulong sa amin upang maging konektado habang bumabangon mula sa kalamidad,” shared Brgy. San Rafael, Puerto Princesa Brgy. Captain Roland Macula

 

Cignal, using its VSAT technology, was also able to extend support for SMART’s disaster recovery efforts in Palawan, Surigao, and Siargao.

 

BE THERE: Viatris are encouraging patients with diabetes to manage their cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of untimely death

We know that since the pandemic, its important to focus our attention to our health. 

We should watch what we eat, exercise 30 minutes a day, and take our vitamins everyday. 

With diabetes and comorbid conditions, Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent and serious medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide. 

By itself, diabetes already poses a series of health-related risks and complications¹. But coupled with unhealthy levels of cholesterol, patients with diabetes significantly become even more prone to suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)². These disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, and are commonly characterized by the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) that can lead to stroke and heart attack², account for 50% of deaths among persons with diabetes^3.

Dr. Bien Matawaran, past president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, leads the discussion on “Cholesterol management in diabetes: Why it’s essential and what should be done” during healthcare company Viatris’ online press conference.

 

In the Philippines alone, diabetes is recorded as the fourth leading cause of death based on a 2020 census of the Philippine Statistics Authority⁴. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes across all adult age groups and sex⁵ and with the imposing risk of cardiovascular death, the healthcare community is encouraging patients with diabetes to prioritize cholesterol management^6,7 – a message being similarly echoed by global healthcare company, Viatris.

 

With its BE THERE campaign, Viatris are encouraging patients with diabetes to manage their cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of untimely death so they can “be there” to enjoy their family’s important milestones. “At Viatris, we empower people to live healthier at every stage of life. We want to raise awareness on the complications of diabetes and help patients avoid the life-threatening risks associated with it—that they can and should be able to enjoy their lives to the fullest despite their illness,” says Viatris Philippines Medical Lead Dr. Jermaine Lim. 

Dr. Bien Matawaran is a past president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and currently is the Chief of the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital.

Through the campaign, partnering healthcare professionals can educate on proper cardiovascular risk reduction by guiding patients on how to properly manage their cholesterol levels on top of their overall diabetes care⁸. The campaign emphasizes heeding a doctor’s recommendation for lifestyle changes such as exercising, integrating a more heart-healthy diet, and most importantly, having the proper medication to lower cholesterol⁹.

 

“Cholesterol medication can greatly reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, making them an important part of diabetes care^6,9,” says Dr. Bien Matawaran, past president of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and current chief of the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism of the UST Hospital. “In fact, studies have shown that having the proper lifestyle changes and medical treatment can greatly reduce cardiovascular events among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus by more than 50%¹⁰.”

 

Furthermore, “it should be made known that people with diabetes are never at low risk for cardiovascular disease¹¹, thus it is recommended to lower bad cholesterol by 50%, especially in those who have been diagnosed for at least 10 years, regardless of current or baseline levels¹¹,” stresses Dr. Matawaran. “We must encourage patients to consult their doctors and have that thorough discussion regarding their case of diabetes. By doing so, patients with diabetes are prescribed anti-cholesterol medication that can provide the desired bad cholesterol reduction and are given the timely support and care that they need.”

 

According to Dr. Matawaran, some patients may be given a single medication while some may need a combination of cholesterol medications¹². “One form of medication are statins. Statins work by blocking a substance in the liver needed to make cholesterol thereby lowering bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol and lowering blood fats or triglycerides^9,12,” he explained. Patients with persistently high triglyceride levels may also be prescribed with fibrates¹³ or omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils)¹⁴ along with the statin.  Before taking any medication, it is important for diabetic patients to consult with their doctor the appropriate treatment for their condition⁹.

 

Dr. Matawaran further emphasizes that once medication has been given alongside the lifestyle interventions, it is imperative that patients strictly adhere to the advised diet and exercise plans as well as taking medications as prescribed. “Medication adherence is associated with improved outcomes, such as achieving good diabetes control, and even preventing mortality and morbidity¹⁵,” he adds. To help practice medication adherence, he recommends patients to take their medication at the same time everyday and keep a “medicine calendar”¹⁶.

 

Dr. Lim reminds patients with diabetes: “It has never been timelier to have a conversation with your doctor about cholesterol management. So don’t hesitate to seek medical help so that you can continue to BE THERE with your family for the sweeter things in life.”

vivo launches the V23 Series, the first color-changing vlogging phone Vlog

The world’s first color-changing phone is finally coming. Global tech brand vivo is launching its latest smartphone line that will let users vlog with style and it’s giving them first dibs with limited Shopee vouchers up to P1,000 off from February 5 to 19, 2022. Visit https://www.vivoglobal.ph/v23-prelaunch/ to know more about vivo’s latest series smartphone.

 

Vlog with style and have the freedom to express passions with the vivo V23 Series. vivo offers up to P1,000 off the V23 Series on Shopee and Lazada this February

 

The V23 Series allows people to express their individuality in several ways. The first standout feature is its Photochromic design technology, where the phone’s color changes from Sunshine Gold to a stunning aquamarine hue when exposed to UV light. It makes the phone’s design fresh, plus it becomes a fashionable accessory for mirror selfies.

 

As digital natives, Gen Zs love sharing their thoughts and passions on social media using the latest in tech. The V23 Series’ innovative design lets them play around with creative executions, be it via customizing their phone’s color-changing case or creating content for their pages.

 

The V23 Series is a vlogging phones that’s brought the front camera to the next level. It has a 50MP Autofocus Front Vlog Camera that captures clear and natural-looking selfies and videos; and an 8MP Super-Wide Angle Camera to fit several people in group photos. Meanwhile, its 64MP Auto-Focus Rear Bokeh Flare Portrait Camera is ideal for scenery shots. With the built-in customized JNV Sensor Chip, photos and videos will look crystal clear even in dim environments.

Apart from its impressive cameras, the V23 Series also boasts of a large memory space and processing power. It has 12GB + 256GB RAM with Extended 4GB RAM that ensures there’s enough space for media, as well as power, to handle multiple applications, working simultaneously, effortlessly. The phone also has Dual 5G Sim slots for all the user’s contacts.

 

Vlogging for hours can significantly drain any battery. Fortunately, the V23 Series has a 6NM Flagship Chip that lowers power consumption while maintaining an improved user interface, as well as a 44W Fast Charge to quickly power up the phone.

 

This February, users can get first dibs on the V23 Series. vivo is offering limited vouchers up to P1,000 off and freebies from February 5 to 19, 2022 in Shopee. They can cop the V23e for P19,999 plus a P500 off voucher and free Lavanda TWS earbuds; and the V23 5G for P27,999 plus a P500 off voucher and free 2in1 clock speaker. Freebies for both models will be available until supplies last.

 

Don’t miss out on these deals and experience the prowess of the V23 Series. Both V23e and V23 5G smartphones will be available for sale exclusive at:

 

·       V23e

o   Shopee: https://bit.ly/vivo-V23e-SHP-PR

o   Lazada: https://bit.ly/vivo-V23e-SHP-PR

·       V23 5G

o   Shopee: https://bit.ly/vivo-V23-SHP-PR

o   Lazada: https://bit.ly/vivo/235G-LZDPR

 

The V23 Series is also available for pre-order in vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide from February 5 to 11, 2022. Customers must make sure to pay a P500 down payment to get a voucher that ensures they can claim their phone starting February 12, 2022. Pre-ordered units also come with limited freebies: a Wireless Speaker and Digital Clock 2in1 for the V23 5G and TWS Wireless Earbuds for the V23e.

 

Today’s younger generation value expression and nurturing their passions, so they need a device that can cater to all their content creation needs. With the vivo V23 Series, budding and professional creators now have a stylish “it” phone with outstanding vlogging capabilities that will let them show their true authentic selves.

 

For more details, visit vivo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow vivo Philippines’ official pages on Shopee and Lazada to get updated on promo announcements and check out https://www.vivoglobal.ph/v23-prelaunch/ for more product information.

Let ShopeePay reward you with zero fees and special deals so you can save more

With all the household responsibilities, daily expenses, and, of course, shopping budols, saving money can be a challenging task — but it doesn’t have to be.  If you incorporate these simple and easy tips into your lifestyle,  you’ll see that small adjustments will add up and make a big impact on your finances.

 

Here are some practical hacks to help you get started:

 

Know your spending habits and choose the right platform for your needs.

For starters, understand your transactions and list down the things you usually spend money on such as groceries, utilities, and payments. Once you have those laid out, choose a financial platform that can complement your spending habits. 

 

More Filipinos are finding ways to go digital with their errands these days, and e-wallets have been very useful when it comes to both online and offline transactions. When choosing an e-wallet, use one that affords you many benefits. ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet, has got you covered in terms of features and perks with no additional transaction charges.   With ShopeePay, users can conveniently send money, buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at stores nationwide. Activate and verify your ShopeePay account now to experience its countless features and services.

 

No transfer fees, more savings

Online transfers are quick and easy, and have become the norm; but some platforms charge fees that add to your expenses. Avoid paying transfer fees when you send money and make the most out of ShopeePay’s free and real time transfers for a hassle-free experience. This feature allows you to withdraw funds from your ShopeePay wallet to your bank account, or send money to your friends’ and family’s ShopeePay wallet or bank account. When sending money to any Shopee user, you can even personalize your transfers with themed virtual cards, fit for any occasion. “Here’s a gift for my favorite person” and “Dropping by to say I appreciate you!” are just some of the virtual cards you can use to make your transfers extra special! Whichever way you use this feature, transfers made with ShopeePay are free, instant, and available 24/7. 

 

Transfer fees eat up a portion of your expenses which can be savings or used for necessities. When on a budget, it’s important to see what expenses are avoidable to help you save more. With ShopeePay, there’s no need to worry about any added fees when you need to transfer money. Plus, no need to stand in line at the bank for your cash transfers, so you get to save both time and money! 

 

Take advantage of discounts and cashback promos when paying utilities. 

On a monthly basis, we have expenses for water, electricity, load, internet, and more that we need to pay regularly. With these bills going up to thousands of pesos, it’s best to take advantage of whatever promos we can to lessen our expenses.

 

When you pay your bills online with ShopeePay, you can get up to 10% off on load across all networks and up to 25% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers from partners such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Converge, and more.

 

Go cashless when going out to stick to your budget and score deals.

Another great tip for sticking to your budget is to only cash in your e-wallet with the amount you’ve set aside for expenses. Especially when going out to run errands, this lets you stay focused only on the things you need to purchase or pay for. To help you with this, ShopeePay offers free cash ins via InstaPay, where you can get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee. 

 

When shopping for essentials or favorite finds, make sure to check out discounted deals exclusively for ShopeePay. Browse the Shopee app daily to avail of ₱1 Deals on essentials and food via ShopeePay Near Me, and redeem your vouchers when you scan-to-pay with ShopeePay at partner merchants nationwide. 

 

Stay updated on the latest ShopeePay promos at https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. 

 

Shopee Nurtures Top Tech Talent with the Global Leaders Program

 The continued rise of Southeast Asia’s “digital decade”, now projected to gross around $1 trillion across the region by 2030^[1], has increased the demand for tech talents who can drive the digital economy. Amidst this growing digital landscape, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to seek for the next generation of industry leaders through the Global Leaders Program (GLP).

 

The Shopee Global Leaders Program is a 2-year graduate program consisting of four 6-month local and overseas rotations. It is designed for highly enthusiastic and ambitious young Filipino talents who have the potential to boost the country’s e-commerce industry. Final-year students or young professionals with up to two years of working experience can apply for GLP and be part of a structured learning and development program. Participants will also receive dedicated mentorship from Shopee leaders.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Digital transformation has been an ongoing focus in several key economic sectors. As a result, the demand for tech talent has been on the rise in recent years. Shopee remains committed to developing the next generation of talents in the Philippines through immersive training and mentorship initiatives like the Global Leaders Program. We will continue to come up with various programs that aim to value-add to the Philippines’ digital economy.” 

 

Now in its 4th year, the program continues to provide its participants with eye-opening experiences and regional exposure

 

CJ, a GLP participant, shares why she chose Shopee to grow her career in e-commerce. “Shopee has been taking big strides to enhance the user experience and keep up with the recent changes in the retail market industry. It’s evident that the company is constantly growing bigger, better, and faster—and I want to be part of this growth.” 

 

Among the many interesting components of the GLP, CJ says what caught her attention the most was the regional experience and exposure it offers. “Working with other teams from various countries is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives and insights that can help further the industry in our country.”

 

Currently working with Shopee’s Business Development team, CJ’s exposure to different functions allowed her to grow, adapt and learn new things every day. “I am constantly pushed and supported to become a better version of myself every day. The projects that I handle allow me to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, good leadership, and proper time management skills. Seeing how e-commerce campaigns are brought to life, and how people communicate and collaborate to achieve success regularly definitely inspire me to keep growing and eventually contribute.”

 

CJ takes pride in being part of the GLP. “If you want to become a future tech leader and be part of the growing digital economy in the Philippines, the Global Leaders Program is the best way to jumpstart your dream. You get the best training and development possible: close mentorship from Senior Management, rotating stints in different markets, and you get to drive crucial projects across the business. The program is truly for those who are willing to push themselves every day to be better and keep growing. I am grateful and humbled to be part of all this.”

 

Are you an aspiring tech leader and interested in learning about the e-commerce industry? Apply to be part of Shopee’s Global Leaders Program starting February 14, 2022. For more information about the program, visit https://careers.shopee.ph/GLP.

---

^[1] e-Conomy Report SEA 2021

realme expands its TechLife ecosystem with its first partner brand DIZO to launch in PH on February 11

 

realme, the PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand for three consecutive quarters in 2021 (based on Canalys and IDC sell-in data Q1-Q3 2021), continues to expand its TechLife ecosystem by bringing its first partner brand DIZO to the Philippines this month. 

 

With its mission of encouraging its consumers to “Be Different”, DIZO aims to offer various tech products that complement every consumer’s individuality, and becomes an extension of their unique personalities. This philosophy, a strong consumer demand, and a shared strategic vision are reasons as to why realme decided to include the up-and-coming brand within its TechLife ecosystem globally.  

 

“With our goal of helping our consumers live more conveniently and efficiently everyday, realme continues to seek out other brands that share the same mission of providing the best tech products that empower our consumers and cater to their diverse needs”, shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing. “We fully believe in DIZO’s capability to uplift the lives of every Filipino and we are excited for the Squad to experience the various quality products DIZO has in store”, adds Huang. 

 

Being its partner brand, DIZO ventures into the country with realme’s unflinching support in three key aspects: industrial design, supply chain, and an all-around AIoT experience that works perfectly with the realme Link app. With this, consumers can be assured of the same quality and manufacturing standards that realme has been known for, while maintaining DIZO’s individuality and distinct product solutions to address the consumers’ needs. 

 

Launching in the Philippines on February 11, DIZO will enter three major product categories with 13 compelling tech products. Under the Smart Entertainment category, the brand will offer five stylish and impressive audio products, namely: DIZO GoPods (SRP P2,599), DIZO GoPods D (SRP P999), DIZO GoPods Neo (SRP P1,999), DIZO Buds Z (SRP P1,499), and DIZO Wireless (SRP P999). 

 

Stylish and synchronized: All DIZO audio products are customizable and controllable with the realme Link app.

 

Under the Smart Care category, DIZO will introduce the DIZO Watch 2 (SRP P1,999), which is designed to be a 24/7 health companion with its heart rate and blood oxygen monitors, 15 sports modes and a large 1.69” touchscreen display.

 

Tthe DIZO Watch 2 is designed to be a 24/7 health companion with its heart rate and blood oxygen monitors, 15 sports modes and a large 1.69” touchscreen display.

The brand is also set to offer Smart Accessories, including a 2-in-1 Cable (SRP P199), Type-C Cable (SRP P179), Micro-USB Cable (SRP P159), 5W Charger (SRP P179), and 12W Charger (P399) to provide optimal support for various devices.

 

In addition, DIZO will also be launching classic feature phones, the DIZO Star 500 (SRP P1,299) and the DIZO Star 300 (SRP P799). These phones offer a new standard of reliability as they boast essential capabilities for communication, storage, and battery. 

 

With the arrival of DIZO to the local market, consumers can look forward to more tech options that guarantee superb quality and value-for-money for today’s digital-driven lifestyles. 

 

Be sure to catch the official launch of DIZO during the realme Brand Summit livestream on February 11, 6PM on the realme Philippines Facebook page. DIZO products will be available starting February 12, 12MN, via the DIZO Philippines Official Store on Lazada. 

 

To know more about the complete line-up of products, discounts, and other updates, be sure to follow DIZO Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dizophilippines.