TV5 partners with Meta to launch a Philippine-first broadcast innovation through its program Sing Galing

 

Cignal’s broadcast network, TV5, partners with Meta to launch a Philippine-first broadcast innovation through its program Sing Galing. Through the partnership, Sing Galing fans are given the power to vote for their favorite grand finalists through a free voting experience on Messenger, highlighting a seamless merging of broadcast and social platforms that will allow audiences to watch entertaining content and be a part of it as well.

 

The Messenger voting platform was successfully implemented for the first time on the Sing Galing: Sing-lebrity Edition Ultimate Pa-SING-katan (grand finals) last March 5, with thousands of Ka-awitbahays (Sing Galing viewers) voting for FREE and “Coverboy Crushie” Patrick Quiroz emerging as Ultimate BidaOke Sing-lebrity with 67% of the total votes.

“Our partnership with Meta strengthens our commitment to integrate live television with digital and bring together quality content, audience engagement and free social platforms to enrich the content experiences of our viewers. We at Cignal are thrilled to explore the possibilities of expanding our platforms by collaborating with partners like Meta who have shaped the way we consume content,” said Robert P. Galang, President and CEO of Cignal TV and TV5.

 

Once again, during the upcoming Sing Galing Kantastic Finale on March 12, fans can vote for their favorite artists by typing VOTE as a comment in Sing Galing’s Facebook Page or via Messenger. Clicking “Get Started” will show a photo carousel of the acts eligible for voting. They can scroll through the carousel, choose their favorite act, then click to VOTE. One vote per Facebook profile will be accepted.

 

“We are proud to empower Filipinos with a way to support their favorite artists during the Sing Galing finale. By partnering with Meta, we can provide Filipino fans with accessible voting access through Messenger anywhere in the Philippines, allowing our audience not only to watch entertaining content but to engage and be a part of it,” shared Peter Edward Dizon, Head of Business Development at Cignal.

 

“Messenger brings friends, families, and communities closer together while giving them access to a world beyond their walls. Beyond connecting with friends, it has also become a thriving channel for brands, developers, and consumers to connect with each other and the things they love. Our partnership with TV5 reflects a dynamic and integrated way for artists and fans to stay connected,” said Joyee Biswas, APAC Director of Media Partnerships at Meta.

 

The Sing Galing Kantastic Finale will air on March 12, 6 PM on TV5 and will stream on the official Facebook pages of TV5 and Sing Galing.

 

See how love blooms in Jollibee Studios’ My Crush is a Cactus Killer mini-series

Sometimes, it’s the unexpected change and uncertainties in our lives that bring us to a deep realization that our fate, indeed, has a funny way of making things fall into place. The same is true for the characters of Mandy and Mikey — the main characters in Jollibee Studios’ first ever three-episode mini series, My Crush is a Cactus Killer.

 

Mandy and Mikey, played by Gigi de Lana and Raphael Balaccua, respectively, are plant-lovers who faced setbacks in their professional and personal lives due to the pandemic. Struggling to put their lives back together, they discover how their shared love for plants may just bring them a deeper connection.

“What I love about my character is how accepting she is,” said singer-actress Gigi De Lana. “She doesn’t judge and gives up. This story is about believing that there is still hope for when you make a decision and set your goals, even if there are a lot of things that hinder you,” she continued.

 

Known for her vocal prowess, Gigi has been put under the showbiz spotlight with her new venture as a leading lady in My Crush is a Cactus Killer. This transition into an acting career has become a journey of growth for Gigi, one that she pursues with joy, love, and passion.  

 

“First love ko ‘yung singing but acting is also a big accomplishment for me and something that I’d love to continue to explore.” According to her, both crafts have allowed her to embrace her vulnerability.

 

Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Jollibee Studios’ My Crush is a Cactus Killer is a quirky romance story that shows how to find joy in love despite the struggles that come along the way. And when it comes to narrating stories like this, no brand does it quite like Jollibee.

 

With over 700,000 subscribers on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and millions of views on each of their viral videos, Jollibee continues to share short films that tug at the heartstrings of its viewers. 

When asked about her initial reaction to the opportunity, Gigi was quick to say that it was an automatic “Yes” for her. “I’ve been such a huge fan of Jollibee’s short films. I think what makes it popular is it makes people laugh, fall in love, cry, and most importantly, binibigyan kami ng lesson sa bawat kwento,” said Gigi.

Her co-star Raphael Balaccua also has this to say, “Working with the creative minds behind the new Jollibee series has been such a joy. With Direk Sigrid guiding me and Gigi, I feel confident that we gave justice to the characters of Mandy and Mikee because I know the right emotions were pulled from us.”

Catch the three-part Jollibee Studios series, My Crush is Cactus Killer, now out on Jollibee Studios’ YouTube page. Share your kilig online through Jollibee’s official social media pages. 

 

Satisfy your cravings with Jollibee’s Tuna Pie!

When it comes to snacks, it’s absolutely true that Filipinos want to munch on something that’s deliciously satisfying. They want something that can easily fill them up, and they sure won’t settle for something that’s bitin.

That’s why you can’t go wrong with the satisfying goodness of the Jollibee Tuna Pie. It’s great to have anytime, anywhere, especially this season. The Jollibee Tuna Pie, available in both Original and Spicy  flavors, never fails to hit the spot with its creamy tuna filling and golden pie crust that delivers crispy-creamy goodness with every bite!

“We know that Jollibee fans absolutely love Tuna Pie—both the Original and Spicy flavors! The creamy tuna filling and that crispy golden pie crust will never let them down, especially when they’re craving for a great fish snack this season!” said Bea Bediones, Jollibee Marketing - Brand Manager for Pies.

The Jollibee Tuna Pie is available for only PHP 45 for the Original Solo, PHP 132 for the Original Trio, PHP 49 for Spicy Solo, and PHP 145 for the Spicy Trio in all Jollibee stores nationwide. Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, or #87000. Also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out!

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

realme ranks no. 1 in PH smartphone market for 2021 – Canalys

Three-year-old tech brand realme continues to showcase its strength in the local market, having been hailed the no. 1 smartphone brand in the Philippines for 2021 based on global research firms Canalys and IDC. 

 

According to Canalys, realme ranked first for Q4 2021 in terms of sell-in shipments, besting four other smartphone brands as it accounted for 20% of the local market share. The brand has held this position since Q1 2021 making it the leading vendor for the whole year with 23% unit share. Canalys reported a 19% year-over-year growth for the fast-rising tech and lifestyle brand as compared to its market share for 2020.

The brand’s market leadership for 2021 was further validated by International Data Corporation (IDC) as the research firm also reported the number 1 ranking of realme in its recent Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker report. 

 

According to IDC, realme clinched the top spot for the fourth consecutive quarter as it captured 20.6% of the local smartphone market, growing by 7.9% quarter-on-quarter.

For the entire year, the firm also reported a no. 1 finish for realme with an overall market share of 22.2%, generating 7.9% growth year-over-year. 

 

These achievements ultimately demonstrate the brand’s steady growth and momentum in the local industry despite being a relatively new contender in the Philippines. realme entered the Philippines in November 2018 and has since gone on to achieve tremendous success by offering quality tech innovations at accessible prices. This month, realme is set to launch its highly anticipated Number Series line-up: the realme 9 Pro Series, offering flagship-level features at the midrange segment. This will be held on March 15, 6PM, on the realme Philippines Facebook page. 

 

“2021 has been an incredible year for realme and we can’t thank our Filipino Squad enough for the love and support it has given the brand since 2018. This year, we dare to leap higher, further, and stronger by focusing on overall product innovation, portfolio expansion, and increased customer availability, providing only the best to our fans, partners, and stakeholders”, shares Austine Huang, VP for Marketing, realme Philippines. 

 

To know more about realme’s latest updates, follow the realme PH Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/.

First-time parents Elisse and Mccoy shared some of their parenting struggles

A few days ago, netizens and fans expressed their support to new parents Elisse Joson and Mccoy de Leon after seeing the couple’s cryptic posts on Facebook and Instagram stories, hinting that both had enough already. 

 

After much probing, we found that the real cause was the couple’s lack of good night sleep. While most people can relate to having sleepless nights, first-time parents like Elisse and Mccoy are nodding their heads and saying, “We hear you.”

Parents’ Partner for Uninterrupted Sleep

McLisse, in a Pampers Power Parents Show Facebook Live with Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro on Monday, revealed that they had to wake up in the middle of the night to their daughter, Felize McKenzie, crying because of the discomfort and leaks caused by the previous diaper brand they were using. They recalled that the most difficult time for them was during Felize’s first six months – Elisse would get up in the middle of the night to feed and to change diapers multiple times. To prevent this from happening again, Elisse and Mccoy have taken shifts in changing Felize’s diapers which eventually left the couple tired, frustrated and not having enough sleep. For working parents like Elisse and Mccoy, a restful sleep is important. And when your baby is uncomfortable and does not get enough sleep, that also means that the whole family does not either.

 

Apparently, this is a common struggle for parents. Most nighttime diaper changes are either done before baby sleeps or around the parents’ sleeping schedule to reduce the need for parent and baby to wake up at night. However, parents still experience instances when they wake up in the middle of the night to check their baby’s diaper. They oftentimes worry of “babad” or the soaking in free liquid on diaper’s topsheet.

 

But after hearing recommendations from fellow Pampers parents, McLisse decided to try the new Pampers Overnight and saw the difference in their daughter’s sleep: comfortable, uninterrupted, and free of leaks. All thanks to its superior Zero Babad Night Lock that absorbs baby’s pee all night and helps prevent rashes! It has Zero Babad Technology that can absorb up to 1 night’s pee based on average overnight loading and Zero Babad NightLock belt to prevent nighttime leaks.

Call to Equal Parenting to Ease the Load for New Parents

 

During the same Facebook Live show, the couples discussed how parenting is not easy and how listening and supporting each other is essential. Saab pointed out, “Diaper problems man or other complex challenges, whether emotional, physical, mental - those are valid, and you can also always ask for help… and for us, let’s continue to give them support.”

 

Mccoy and Elisse said that amidst parenting struggles at home, they are both grateful that they equally share the caregiving duties which helps in lessening their parenting loads and worries. Saab and Jim added that having the support of other family members also helps alleviate stress as well.

 

The concept of equal parenting rings even more relevancy now with the celebration of the International Women’s day as it emphasizes that caregiving and housework are the responsibility of both parents, and they mentioned how we need to break outdated stereotypes that women are the sole, full-time caregiver in the early stages of a child’s life.

 

Procter & Gamble on Promoting Equal Parenting

Last year, P&G launched a program called “Share the Care” that gives its employees, regardless of their gender and marital status, 8 weeks of fully paid parental leave and offers all kinds of parents different opportunities to care for and bond with the children new to their family – biological or adopted. This is beyond the standard 7 days that is mandated by the Philippine law for fathers. Meanwhile, mothers continue to receive 105 calendar days of fully paid maternal leave.

 

Join the Pampers Power Parents and promote healthy sleep by giving your babies the night diaper that offers better value with zero babad protection. Shop the new Pampers Overnight Pants today by visiting our Lazada and Shopeestores and other major retailers now.

 

BBDO Guerrero has launched a new spot for Chowking Halo-Halo

 BBDO Guerrero has launched a new spot for Chowking’s bestselling dessert, the Chowking Halo-Halo. The fun spot showcases the 13 ingredients that make it a crowd favorite, and bringing to life the promise of “13 Sangkap, Halo-Halong Sarap” with Filipino-Chinese actress Kim Chiu. Just in time for summer.

The Halo-halo is an iconically Filipino dessert, beloved for its complexity of flavors, textures and sweetness. Chowking is the pioneer in affordable, great tasting Chinese food with over 500 branches nationwide, and is a part of the Jollibee Foods Corporation group which is one of the country’s biggest providers of the local dessert. Sharon Tanganco, Chowking’s VP Head of Marketing said, “We went through a very stringent selection process to find the right creative partners to support our ambitions for Chowking. This new ad is a step-up and gears us towards the right direction to where we want to take the brand and our products.  And we look forward to working with BBDO Guerrero to provide an equally exciting and fresh way to experience our brands and products.”

Karen Go, Co-General Manager of BBDO Guerrero said, “We are delighted to be chosen as one of Chowking’s creative agencies on record. We are looking forward to helping them share their brand’s vision to the intented audiences.” 

BBDO Guerrero has recently been appointed as one of Chowking’s creative agencies following a competitive pitch last year. The restaurant chain aims to solidify its market position by strengthening the staples and offerings that every Filipino family loves. BBDO Guerrero is also currently agency of record of Red Ribbon, another leading brand under the Jollibee Foods Corporation group. 

McDonald’s encourages the public to receive a booster shot for higher immunity

Grounded by the QSR giant’s commitment to the safety of its people and customers, McDonald’s Philippines will be participating once again in the fourth nationwide Vaccination Drive on March 10-12, 2022. 

 

To enjoin the community to receive their booster shots against COVID-19 for continued protection, McDonald’s opens 15 of its stores to serve as temporary vaccination sites through Bayanihan, Bakunahan, to help achieve the government’s target of inoculating 72 million individuals with booster shots. Currently, the government has vaccinated 10,616,335 individuals with booster shots. 

 

“With increased mobility under Alert Level 1, it is important to accelerate our vaccination efforts and encourage those who have yet to receive their booster shots for increased protection since efficacy of the first and second doses wane over time. We support this by providing accessible venues [our restaurants] which  hopefully will increase the number of vaccinated Filipinos in the country,” said McDonald’s Philippines President & CEO Kenneth S. Yang. 

Similar to McDonald’s participation in the previous vaccination drives, McDonald’s laid out strict health and safety protocols for both vaccine recipients and regular customers to ensure their safety throughout the process. A 3-step process was followed for vaccine recipients starting with registration, recipients were then transferred to the jab administration where they were screened, counseled and administered with the vaccine. After getting jabbed, they were then moved to the party area for observation.

 

The fourth round of the National Vaccination Drive will prioritize unvaccinated individuals and those who have yet to receive booster shots. 

 

Individuals who wish to receive vaccination shots (primary series and booster shots) must register through partner LGU websites. Individuals scheduled for their doses may visit participating Bayanihan Bakunahan McDonald’s stores. For NCR starting March 10-12, Uptown Bonifacio (Taguig City), Luzon Commonwealth (Quezon City), Beehive (Valenzuela City), Blumentritt and Sta. Cruz (City of Manila), Dona Soledad and Moon Walk (Paranaque City); starting March 10, McKinley West (Taguig City) and Marcos Highway (Marikina) on March 11. While McDonald’s store Arcovia (Pasig City) will also accept vaccination for kids 5 to 11 years old from March 9 to April 9, 2022 (Monday to Friday).

 

For Luzon, McDonald’s stores in Capaz (Tarlac City), Pulong Buhangin and Sta. Clara (Bulacan)  from March 10-12, and MacArthur (Bayan ng Bocaue) from March 10 & 11, for Viasayas, McDonald’s store Lacson (Bacolod City) from March 10-12, 2022.

 

With these initiatives on boosting the country’s vaccination rate, more McDonald’s employees were encouraged to get jabbed. To date, 98% of McDonald’s PH employees systemwide have been fully vaccinated, while close to 50% of its restaurant managers and crew in NCR have received their booster shots. Numbers continue to climb as McDonald’s continues to support and enable its people to get booster shots.

 

M Safe practices in-store

 

With NCR under lesser mobility restrictions, McDonald’s stores are ready to welcome more customers for dine-in following the IATF guidelines for Alert Level 1. 

 

For dine-in, customers are also assured with peace of mind as McDonald’s stores are equipped with hand sanitizers, proper ventilation, and a fresh air supply system. Upon entering, customers are required to wear a face mask and must provide proof of vaccination (vaccination card must be presented for 18 y.o and above for dine-in; presenting vaccination card not required for outdoor dining.) 

 

With 100% store capacity for stores operating in Alert Level 1 areas, stringent sanitation protocols continue to be implemented: wearing of hand gloves for cashiers, order takers, and food handling, no touch transactions, as well as frequent sanitation of highly-touched surfaces. 

 

Whether dine-in, delivery, or ride thru, customers are assured that their food is safely prepared by fully vaccinated employees who work in a safe environment while following stringent global food quality standards. To stay updated, please visit McDonald’s website at www.mcdonalds.ph for more information. McDonald’s also encourages customers to send their feedback to msafe@ph.mcd.com.

 

Top 5 things to consider when choosing the right bank

Are you in a long-term relationship with your bank? If you can think of many reasons why you’re loyal to your bank, then good for you. It looks like your bank’s a keeper.  But depending on what life stage you are in right now, financial needs change. And so, we should be open to new financial partners who can cater to our evolving needs, in keeping with your long-term financial goals. 

 

To help you decide, here are some things to consider.

 

Convenience

 

Beyond the branch locations and ATMs, you should have instant access to your funds through a slew of digital banking features that you can use anywhere, anytime, on any device. It’s being able to do your transactions 24/7, without the need to visit your branch or go to an ATM. 

 

Even though restrictions on physical movement are slowly being lifted, it is still important that your bank offers digital banking services. This allows you to skip the trip to the bank for a transaction that should only take you two minutes on a mobile banking app. Not to mention digital banking is safer and reduces your health worries by being out in public. 

 

With just a few taps on your device―you’re done! 

Relevant and Reliable Products

 

Banking should never be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is a product that allows you to maximize your funds. For some, it makes sense to have multiple deposit accounts depending on your financial goals. 

 

Whatever you think suits your needs, you should be able to conveniently open an account that has the features you will need, or at least, should give you the option to choose the features that matters most to you, to help you manage your funds better – without costing you so much to maintain.

 

Customization is key.

 

Intuitive and User-Friendly Online Banking Platform 

 

Whether you’re using your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop computer, your digital banking experience should be easy, seamless, and uncomplicated. It means being able to navigate the app effortlessly, enabling you to accomplish your goals in no time. Signing up should be quick and simple, too. 

 

Check out the rating of the app too! If it’s 4 stars out of 5, that’s a good indicator that the app is comprehensive enough, packed with superior features, but less complicated.

 

Your banking app should be responsive and allow you to perform transactions in just a few taps and swipes.

 

Reliable Security 

 

Your data should always be protected and secured. With banks’ many innovative technologies, there should also be strict regulatory data requirements that will protect sensitive customer information. 

 

Look for multi-factor authentication protocols and suspicious activity notifications. As much as possible, you should be able to activate in-app alerts to monitor your transactions and protect yourself from unauthorized transactions. 

 

These are a must for digital banking.

 

Customer Service 

 

Good and reliable customer service is one of the major drivers of the banking business. While everything else is done online, you should still be able to talk to someone not just during banking hours, but anytime you need to. Especially when you have time-sensitive account issues that need to be sorted out.  

 

Bottom Line

 

When it comes to choosing the right bank for your long-term financial goals, convenience and simplicity should be top of mind. 

 

Consider a bank with fast and reliable digital-first experiences. It’s also important that the bank is tuned to your needs and removes the barriers to opening a digital account. Wouldn’t you prefer to submit just a few requirements and only wait a few minutes to get an account opened? 

 

RCBC Digital offers a fast and simple way to open a deposit account online. With just one government-issued ID requirement, you can open a customizable bank account with zero-maintaining balance subject to verification. Upon verification within 24 hours, you get full access to the online banking facility, enabling you to do advanced transactions such as converting foreign exchange, investing in UITFs, cardless withdrawal, and paying for shopping through QR codes. 

 

When you partner with the right bank, you’ll be rewarded with a great banking experience. So upgrade your digital banking experience today with RCBC Digital. Account opening is quick and easy. Its award-winning mobile banking app is also secure and easy to use, making it possible to do more than just banking on the app.

 

Smart to delight subscribers with exclusive treats

As more Filipinos embrace the K-Life through their love for K-Pop, K-dramas, K-food, and more, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) leads the way in bringing subscribers closer to what they love through exclusive perks and experiences. 

  

This month, Smart subscribers who are gearing up for the Permission To Dance On Stage - Seoul Global Viewing at SM Cinemas on March 12 can enjoy ticket giveaways and other awesome treats to make their concert experience one for the books. 

  

Smart subscribers can get a chance to claim SM Cinema tickets to watch the much-anticipated concert by simply presenting their GigaLife App with active promo subscription at Smart Stores located in SM Malls.  

On the other hand, non-Smart subscribers simply activate a Smart Prepaid SIM, download the GigaLife App and present a proof of an active promo subscription. 

  

Smart subscribers may claim one ticket for every account on a first-come first-served basis from March 10 to 11 at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and SM City Cebu. For more updates and details, you may visit Smart's official Facebook page. 

  

Aside from giving Smart subscribers an easy way to get hold of SM Cinema tickets, Smart is also cooking up more surprises that fans must not miss at Smart booths to be set up at select SM Cinemas on concert day. 

  

Whether it’s streaming their favorite K-Pop hits, watching music videos of their K-Pop idols on loop, or binge-watching the latest K-dramas and romcoms, Smart subscribers has the power to do it all and keep living what they love about their K-Life with Smart’s GIGA Power 499, which comes with a total of 84 GB for all sites and apps valid for 30 days.  

  

Smart customers may simply register to GIGA Power 499 on the GigaLife App, which is downloadable on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei Mobile Services. 

  

GigaLife App is powered by Smart, the country’s fastest 5G mobile network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. 

  

To know more about Smart’s latest K-Life treats and experiences for subscribers, visit https://smart.com.ph/prepaid/our-k-life.

 

UNIQLO will release the second Pokémon Meets Artists UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) collection on Monday, March 21

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will release the second Pokémon Meets Artists UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) collection on Monday, March 21. The first collection debuted in August 2021. UTs (UNIQLO T-shirts), offer an array of authentic pop culture and art graphics from around the world that allow wearers to express their individuality. The collection will feature unique takes on Pokémon by Magma, an artist duo that has earned accolades for their distinctive scrap collages.

For this collection, the duo has used helmets, balls, binoculars, and stationary, and other scrap materials with different textures to depict Pokémon, adding new appeal to beloved Pokémon as Pikachu and Magikarp. KIDS’items take inspiration from the game screen for designs depicting Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, and other Pokémon, creating a charming collection that will delight people of all ages.

Collaboration overview

Release date:  Monday, March 21, 2022

Items:             ADULT’S T-shirts: 4 designs at Php 790 each

                        KIDS’ T-shirts: 4 designs at Php 590 each

Availability:     Available in ALL UNIQLO stores nationwide 

and uniqlo.com/ph

UT Special Site:   https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/spl/ut-collection

Line Up for Men

 

Kids

 

 

 

©2022 Pokémon.

©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

 

 

About Magma

This artist duo of Jun Sugiyama and Kenichi Miyazawa uses a unique outlook to create works with waste materials, resin, and motor appliances. The duo expanded into furniture, products, and space direction. The duo is garnering considerable attention in Japan and abroad for nostalgic works that fuse analogue elements and zany colors.

Website：http://magma-web.jp/

Instagram：@magma.jp