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Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Gigi de Lana believes that spending quality time with her family at home is what makes every day rewarding


If there’s one reward that Gigi De Lana would love to receive from all her hard work as the fastest-rising singer and musician today, it is certainly not something material. 

“I’m very thankful for all the good things that have been happening to me lately, but that one thing that will make me be truly at my happiest is seeing my mom healthy and happy and live a longer life,” Gigi confided to the media in her online launch event as PLDT Home’s ambassador.

“My mom is battling stage 4 breast cancer, and she has been my inspiration and motivation to pursue my dreams.”

From being the frontwoman of viral YouTube cover band The Gigi Vibes, Gigi, at 26, is fast becoming local entertainment's next big star. She recently released her self-titled debut album under Star Music and made her feature film debut as Love Mae in Four Sisters before the Wedding in 2020.

Yet, Gigi considers being busy and swamped with work a blessing. She calls this career take-off the start of a fulfilled dream, one Mommy Imelda has long prayed for.

“My mother has a lot of dreams and hopes for me. I want to make at least some of them come true. And I want to prove to her that she has been right all along to believe in me even before anyone else ever did. She dreamed I’d make it big one day, be seen on huge billboards and all that,” Gigi revealed.

And so, Gigi’s role as PLDT Home ambassador was another welcome blessing for someone who’s built her career around fast, strong, and interactive connections online.

“So, imagine how happy she was when I told her the news that I am now a PLDT Home ambassador! It was a dream come true for both of us and it felt very rewarding,” Gigi added. 

Having just successfully released her first single “Sakalam”, Gigi has never been busier, having just released her album a few months ago. She’s just thankful that on most days she can work from home with her band and spend quality time with her mom.  

“You know, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the connection my mom and I share is as strong as PLDT Home’s internet service. We always try to connect online even when I’m away! She’s the sweetest! She makes it a point to support me by buying me clothes online and catching my band's next livestream! Thanks to PLDT Home,” she gushed. Gigi De Lana and the Gigi Vibes weekly YouTube live show is powered by PLDT Home Fiber’s lag-free and seamless internet connection. 

Gigi wishes to spend more years with her mom. She prays that Mommy Imelda gets to see her fulfill all their dreams together, including singing for a teleserye, appearing on a billboard, and starting a family. She hopes to do more things with her—eating out, traveling, shopping, more traveling and shopping!

For now, Gigi sees to it she spends quality time with family no matter how busy her career gets. It’s one of her non-negotiables and one that allows her internal compass to always point to the true north. Because, for Gigi, having a successful career will always remain secondary to having a fulfilling life with her family.

“When I can’t balance my time with work and family, I feel like there’s an empty space inside of me. And I don’t want to feel that way. I wouldn’t trade being with her for anything in the world. I love her so much,” Gigi said.

Make every day rewarding with PLDT Home Rewards

Like Gigi who believes that spending quality time with her family at home is what makes every day rewarding, PLDT Home subscribers can make building the strongest connections at home even more rewarding with the PLDT Home Rewards program.

Join the PLDT Home Rewards Getaway Giveaway! Simply register for free via pldthome.info/caltexpldtrewards untilJune 30, 2022. And you’ll get a chance to win one (1) of five (25) Caltex StarCash Cards worth P20,000 each to gas up and more

Once registered, start collecting Crystals for simply enrolling your account to electronic billing, signing up for upgrades, or paying your bills on-time and in-full. And now, earning from PLDT bills payments are made even easier as members can now earn 5x more Crystals monthly as PLDT Home Rewards now gives 1 Crystal for every P50 paid. Collect enough Crystals and get more amazing treats and perks including discount vouchers from dining and retail partners (such as The SM Store, Shopee, GrabFood and a whole lot more!) and bill credits for PLDT, Smart, Cignal, and Maynilad.

Learn more about PLDT Home Rewards and the Getaway Giveaway promo by visiting pldthome.com/rewards

Watch the new trailer for Columbia Pictures’ new action-thriller Bullet Train

The end of the line is just the beginning.  Watch the new trailer for Columbia Pictures’ new action-thriller Bullet Train, starring Brad Pitt, exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines August 03, 2022.

 

In Bullet Train, Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug's latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe – all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives – on the world's fastest train...and he's got to figure out how to get off. From the director of Deadpool 2, David Leitch, the end of the line is only the beginning in a wild, non-stop thrill ride through modern-day Japan.


Directed by David Leitch, screenplay by Zak Olkewicz based upon the book Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka.

 

The film is produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Antoine Fuqua.  The executive producers are Brent O’Connor, Ryosuke Saegusa, Yuma Terada, Kat Samick.

 

The cast is led by Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A Martínez Ocasio.

 

In Philippine cinemas August 03, 2022, Bullet Train is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #BulletTrainMovie

 

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

Calum Scott announces his biggest “BRIDGES” Asia Tour

 

Following the release of “Heaven”, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Calum Scott today announces his biggest headline Asia tour to date, the  “BRIDGES” Asia Tour, including his debut shows in Tokyo, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. He will come back to Manila on October 20, 2022 at New Frontier Theatre. Promoted by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions, tickets will go on sale on Wednesday June 15 at 10am local via ticketnet.com.ph 

 

Calum will kick off the Asia tour in Tokyo, Japan on October 18 before performing in Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.  

CALUM SCOTT ‘BRIDGES’ ASIA TOUR DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

 

2022

October 18                  Tokyo, Japan                           Ex Theater Roppongi

October 20                  Manila, Philippines                 New Frontier Theater

October 22                  Bangkok, Thailand                  Moonstar Studio

October 25                  Jakarta, Indonesia                   Bengkel Space SCBD

October 27                  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia         Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre

October 28                  Singapore, Singapore              Capitol Theatre

Says Calum, It feels so incredible to announce my Asia tour! It’s been a long time coming and a lot of planning but after the last few years we’ve had, you can just tell how excited people are for live music again and I’m so happy to be a part of it. I am coming back with my band to play the songs that people discovered me on, as well as new songs from my second album which I would say is my best and most personal work yet - I can’t wait to see you there.”

Calum has announced that his highly awaited sophomore album Bridges will arrive on June 17. The fourth single released from Bridges, “Heaven” once again reveals Calum’s gift for finding unexpected ways to express universal emotions. “As songwriters, we’re always searching for new ways of saying ‘I miss you’ or ‘I love you’ or ‘I want you back,’” says Calum, who co-wrote “Heaven” with Hayley Warner(an Australian singer/songwriter who’s also penned songs for artists like Katy Perry and Tori Kelly). “‘The concept of ‘Heaven’ is the love between two people being so powerful that it is far superior to anything else, any other form of paradise that could be offered. I loved the idea of putting the power into the relationship.”

 

The follow-up to Calum’s 2018 full-length debut Only Human—a widely acclaimed effort that hit No. 1 on the iTunes album chart in 21 countries across the globe, in addition to selling more than 3.6 million in adjusted album sales and garnering over 7.5 billion combined streams —Bridges will also feature the previously released singles “If You Ever Change Your Mind”(a bittersweet but empowered piece produced by Greg Kurstin, an eight-time GRAMMY Award® winner known for his work with Paul McCartney, Elton John, and Adele), “Rise”(a wildly soaring track whose video features a captivating performance from British actor Georgia Hirst), and “Biblical”(a heart-on-sleeve ballad Calum later followed with an American Sign Language version made in collaboration with the Tony Award®-winning Deaf West Theatre).

 

Concert Details

Calum Scott ‘BRIDGES’ Asia Tour Manila

Date: October 20, 2022, Thursday

Time: 8PM

Venue: New Frontier Theatre

Ticket Price: P3,750.00           

Ticketing: ticketnet.com.ph

Let's celebrate Independence Day and Father’s Day at Ortigas Malls this June!


 

Kids and adults alike can enjoy our Independence Day Celebration activities on June 12, 2022: 

 

GREENHILLS (GF, VMall) 

       Palarong Pinoy – 2-3PM 

       Traditional Filipino Cultural Dances – 4-5PM 

 

TIENDESITAS (Level 1, Building B) 

       Palarong Pinoy – 2-3PM 

       Traditional Filipino Cultural Dances – 4-5PM 

 

ESTANCIA (G/F East Wing) 

       Palarong Pinoy – 2-3PM 

       Traditional Filipino Cultural Dances – 5-6PM 

 

On June 19, 2022, join our Hail to the King activities and win royal treats with your dad: 

 

GREENHILLS (G/F VMall) 

       Rowing Machine Challenge – 10AM-3PM 

 

GREENHILLS (2/F Centermall) 

       Basketball Shoot-out Arcade Game – 3-4PM 

       Football Game Competition – 3-4PM 

 

 

GREENHILLS SKYLINE 

       Monster Burger Eating Contest – 7-9PM 

       Pedal Kart Competition – 5-6PM 

       Skyline Bike Trail – 4-10PM 

       Busking – 7-9PM 

 

TIENDESITAS (Level 1, Building B) 

       Acoustic Band – 7-9PM 

 

TIENDESITAS (Level 2, Building B) 

       Dart Tournament – 3-7PM 

 

ESTANCIA (LG/F East Wing) 

       Mini Golf Tournament – 3-5PM 

 

ESTANCIA (G/F East Wing) 

       Wood Carving Workshop – 1-2PM 

       Acoustic Band – 6-7PM 

 

Queens also get a chance to win prizes for their hubbies! Join Letter to My King from June 6 – 16 on the Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia Facebook pages. 

 

Ortigas Malls would like to thank its partners: 

Greenhills - Blade, Fitness First, Jollibee, Monster Burger, Pedway, Peri-Peri Charcoal 

Chicken and Sauce Bar, and Theo & Filo Artisan Chocolates 

Tiendesitas - Anytime Fitness Tiendesitas, Moonleaf, Mr. DIY, and Theo & Filo Artisan Chocolates 

Estancia - GNC, Hanako, Theo & Filo Artisan Chocolates, and Whistle Toys Café 

 

Download the Ortigas Malls app now to enjoy perks and privileges when you register for the Ortigas Community Card, Elite Pet Society, and Toy Club. Available on Android and iOS. 

 

You can also shop at your favorite Ortigas Malls stores through Your Daily Store at dailystoreatortigasmalls.com 

 

Visit the Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia at Capitol Commons Facebook pages for more details! 

 

#EnjoyEveryday #OrtigasMalls 

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

AXA Philippines partners with GrowSari to provide protection by offering free insurance coverage to member sari-sari store owners


Many small businesses like sari-sari stores are constantly at risk of encountering financial challenges. According to the World Bank, at least 81 percent of informal retailers like sari-sari stores suffered job losses at the height of the pandemic in 2020. With a relatively small capital, which they use to sustain daily operations, these micro enterprises are badly affected when the owner gets sick or hospitalized, especially when this is their main source of income.

To help sari-sari store owners and their families during health emergencies, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, recently partnered with GrowSari, a tech-enabled B2B platform that supports MSMEs in the Philippines, including sari-sari stores, carinderias, pharmacies, and other roadside and market shops, to provide protection during emergency situations by offering free insurance coverage to member . The coverage includes a death benefit as well as a Daily Hospital Income (DHI) benefit in case of hospitalization.

“Our partnership with GrowSari is in line with our advocacy of providing better protection and financial literacy among micro, small, and medium enterprise owners. Through this partnership, we hope we can better the lives of Filipino entrepreneurs amid this pandemic and beyond,” said Alok Rungta, AXA Philippines Chief of Retail Proposition.

Attesting to this was Mai Mai Punzalan, GrowSari Chief Marketing Officer, who said, “It’s important, in terms of financial inclusion to drive awareness and education among MSMEs such as sari-sari store owners, to let them know that there are a lot of financial products that can help them during health emergencies. We are happy to have this partnership with AXA Philippines because their mission of promoting health and protection is aligned with the more secure future we envision for sari-sari store owners.”

The free insurance coverage is part of GrowSari’s Loyalty Program that is available to its Gold members who opt to be part of the program. It offers life insurance worth P35,000, as well as a DHI benefit amounting to P1,500 for 3 days of confinement. The DHI helps alleviate the burden of income loss should the beneficiary need to be confined in the hospital. 

From only 1,000 members in 2018, GrowSari’s members grew to 50,000 at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and doubled in number in 2021 to 100,000 active stores in 220 municipalities. The partnership with AXA has so far protected over a thousand GrowSari members, as more sari-sari store owners embrace the importance of insurance in ensuring a more secure and safer future for their families.

To know more about AXA, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.

Team BTK beats Team Sibol!


realme, the PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand for 2021[1] just culminated the 6th Season of its most star-studded yet to date, realme Mobile Legends Cup (RMC) Grand Finals last June 5 at the SMX Convention Center, which had a shocking twist with Team BTK scoring victory against Team Sibol. 

 

The event last Sunday had viewers on their seats as they waited whether SEA Games Gold Medalist Team Sibol will battle the M3 World Championship Bronze Medalist Team BTK for the most anticipated showmatch of 2022. The two teams’ feud on social media was the talk of the town days before the event as BTK's team captain "MobaZane" previously challenged Team PH during one of his livestreams with Team Sibol retaliating with an ultimatum of battling them on the RMC Grand Finals. To everyone’s surprise, Team USA showed up and they were in it to win! 

 

Team Sibol had a strong start as they scored the first win by killing 3 BTK members. Team BTK tied the score (1-1) during the 2nd round, all thanks to Filipino member Ichiji who managed a kill despite being cornered by Team Sibol who got back on their feet during the 3rd round as they eliminated Team USA’s tanks one after another. By the 4th round, Team BTK proved unbeatable when they unleashed heroes “Thamuz” and “Julian” for their counter-attacks,  eventually shutting down Team Sibol’s “Estes” and tying the score to 2-2. Ultimately, Team BTK surprised everyone when they took home the victory against the SEA Games Gold Medalist Team Sibol.

 

But aside from the thrilling showmatch that went down between the two teams, realme seems to have subtly hinted a new addition to their photography powerhouse 9 series line-up. Later on, it was confirmed by the realme PH team that the all new realme 9 will be coming. . Another surprise, isn't it?


Yes! Designed to #CaptureBeyondLimits the realme 9 is equipped with a 108MP ProLight Camera, 90Hz Super AMOLED Display and backed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Processor.  Adding to its impeccable camera features are its 16MP Selfie Camera and Street Photography Mode 2.0. In terms of battery and storage, the realme 9 is powered by a 5000mAh Battery with 33W Dart Charge, has a 128GB Large Internal Storage with Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE) of up to 5GB. It also houses an in-display fingerprint sensor with a heart rate monitor, and is packaged in a stunning 7.99 Slim body with a Ripple Holographic Design (for the White & Gold colors) for that premium design experience. 

 

“We at realme are always looking to innovate our products to accommodate the ever-changing needs and interest of today’s generation. As more and more youth express their creativity through content creation and photography, we feel obliged to help them thrive in their craft and provide them the best tech companion. The realme 9 is definitely a testament to this, and we are excited to unveil the newest member of the much-loved 9 series,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing. 

 

Stay tuned for the realme 9 launch happening on June 14 at 6 PM via the realme official Facebook and Youtube page. You can also head out to their official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/ to know about more updates.

 

 

 

 



[1]   based on Canalys and IDC sell-in reports for Q1-Q4 2021

The Nokia C10 combines decades of design ingenuity and expertise


Between family and work, prioritising a well-deserved me-time is a healthy habit that reboots one’s overall wellbeing. HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, shares this sentiment and brings its fans an exciting deal for its Nokia smartphone that lets users maximise their me-time – the Nokia C10. 

 

Perfect for one’s desired restful and enjoyable moments, the Nokia C10 is the most affordable smartphone to offer a full-day battery capacity that gives users freedom to roam around town and unwind without worrying about a plug charger. Its big and crystal-clear HD+ screen also supports user’s exclusive activities such as binge watching their favourite shows. It comes with AndroidTM 11 (Go Edition) software to keep data safe and the phone running smoothly, and built with the Nokia smartphone durability and quarterly security updates for two years.

 


Better me-time with Nokia C10

Fans can immerse themselves in their favourite tunes whilst travelling to work or settle in to watch their favourite films with Nokia C10’s all-day battery life[1] and stunningly clear 6.5-inch HD+ screen. Sporting a high dynamic range (HDR) and front and rear cameras with LED flash that take photography to the next level, the Nokia C10 lets users capture and share special moments in all their glory outdoors and even in low light, be it an indoor selfie or a candid wacky shot.

Faster, smoother and safer experience

Equipped with Android 11 (Go edition) straight out of the box, the Nokia C10 comes with today’s software innovations as it offers more memory and consumes less data. Based on HMD lab tests, loading speeds are up to 20 percent faster than before. With access to improved security features, user data will be safer with the Nokia C10 where data protection is subject to high EU standards. 

Longer me-time moments

Built to last and enables users to keep their phone for longer, the Nokia C10 combines decades of design ingenuity and expertise as it showcases its Nordic heritage in tandem with the trademark durability of a Nokia smartphone. Its superior build quality stems from rigorous testing and attention to the most minute details. The ergonomically designed casing with a micro-texture finish makes it easy to hold even for small hands. 

Pricing and availability

      Get Php 500 off your Nokia C10 1GB + 32GB purchase until June 30, 2022 only. From the original price of Php 3,590, this variant is now available for only Php 3,090 in all Nokia authorised resellers nationwide, physical stores and Nokia official stores on Shopee and Lazada

      The Nokia C10 2GB + 32GB configuration in Light Purple and Grey colour variants is also available for P3,990 at Nokia official stores on Shopee and Lazada and all authorised resellers nationwide.

 



[1] Based on real life usage test by HMD Global. See more info at www.nokia.com/phones/nokia-c-10.

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