mWell unveiled a roster of groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell unveiled a roster of groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app at the forefront of  innovation anchored on good health and well-being.

In an event dubbed as PH1 hosted by no less than beauty queen, TV personality and youth advocate Catriona Gray, mWell celebrated the many firsts in a little over a year of its pilot launch and announced other pioneering efforts that help redefine not only telemedicine but the entire healthcare landscape.

PH1 witnessed the full display of mWell app features that showcase its holistic approach totelemedicine—from doctor consultation, e-pharmacy, emergency services and home care— to fitness and nutrition programs. 

Beyond patient care, it has also designed a cutting edge Electronic MedicalRecords and clinic management system for partner-doctors.

 

MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan says, “Metro Pacific Group’s mWell is the Philippines’ first fully integrated health app which brings together experts in technology, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living ecosystem. This high- performing platform gives access to quality healthcare and empowers our countrymen to be in control of their health as they rebuild their lives coming out of the pandemic. We shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare in thePhilippines.”

 

mWell’s many firsts include:

·                         👉First health app available globally to migrant workers/OFWs

👉First to offer the most affordable telemedicine with free accident insurance package via theHealthsavers Plan

   

👉First to launch the biggest nationwide digital medical mission with hundreds of volunteer doctorssimultaneously providing free consultation all over the country through the National mWellness Day

           👉First to offer a wellness score developed by data scientists--the mWellness Score which           measures physical activity, steps, and sleep

          👉First to provide a cutting-edge, full suite clinic management system designed by doctors for doctors—mWellMD 

            👉First to provide a portable mobile digital clinic to remote communities in the country—mWell OnTheGo

“We are celebrating so many firsts through sheer dedication, passion and purpose. We were able to comeup with these firsts in terms of product features, innovations not only for patients but also for doctors. Webelieve that uplifting the lives of Filipinos is a prerequisite to national progress. That’s why mWell helps uplift lives by providing access to better health, which after all is a basic right. It is both a digital health service and an advocacy because at the heart of mWell firsts is our mission to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos as we make health and wellness available and accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

The culture of innovation continues for mWell—not just as a super app but as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem that truly responds to the needs of Filipinos. Another first to be launched soon is the mWell Wellness Wearable. This is designed to democratize and empower more Filipinos by making wellness wearables more affordable especially in regional areas. Using the mWell Wellness Wearable, anyone can easily and more accurately track steps, physical activity, and sleep time through the mWellness Score on their watch. Soon they can even monitor temperature, oxygen level, heart rate and other vital signs that will make teleconsultation easier on the app. Another telemedicine innovation in the pipeline is the mWell kiosk to be used by local government units for their medical missions.

mWell is supported by top names in technology, wellness and healthcare including Microsoft, Highly Succeed, Telus, Maya, Bayad, Aktivo, Active8me, Smart, PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, PLDT SME, PLDT Global, PSG Global Solutions, The Solution, Department of Migrant Workers Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Metro Pacific Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Gabay Guro, Gabay Kalusugan, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, PCCSC,MedExpress, Healthlink, Lifeline 16-911, PhilCare and Generali.

Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Follow mWell on Facebook andmwellph on Instagram for more updates.

EIGHT MUST-WATCH DISNEY SHOWS TO CATCH ON DISNEY+ FROM NOVEMBER 17

With a plethora of movies and TV shows from iconic brands including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star to watch on Disney+, we understand that the struggle is real when it comes to deciding on a show.

To kickstart your perennial watchlist, we’ve curated eight must-watch movies from Disney including the immensely popular live-action reimaginings of classic Disney films such as Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast to highly anticipated sequels like Disenchanted, Hocus Pocus 2 and Oscar-winning hits like Encanto 

1. Encanto

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voice of Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope.

2. Pinocchio (2022)

Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action and CGI retelling of Pinocchio, the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the woodcarver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his real son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his "conscience".

3. Disenchanted

It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family. Watch it from November 24, 2022.

4. Hocus Pocus 2

The live-action comedy “Hocus Pocus 2” is a haunting sequel to the Halloween classic which brings back the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters for more comedic mayhem. “Hocus Pocus 2” stars Bette Midler (“The First Wives Club,” “Beaches”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City,” “Divorce”), and Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act,” “Younger”), and is directed by Anne Fletcher (“Dumplin,’” “The Proposal”).

It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve.

5. Raya and the Last Dragon

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. Raya and the Last Dragonfeatures the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, a warrior whose wit is as sharp as her blade, and Awkwafina as the magical, mythical, self-deprecating dragon named Sisu.

6. Frozen II

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough.

7. Aladdin (2019)

From Disney comes the thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of the animated classic Aladdin, the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, Aladdin features an all-star cast including Will Smith as the larger-than-life Genie, Mena Massoud as the clever scoundrel Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine, the beautiful, courageous princess of Agrabah.

8. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The story and characters you know and love come to spectacular life in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Experience the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff, and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.

Besides these Disney movies, fans in the Philippines can look forward to a variety of original feature-length films, live-action and animated series, short-form content and documentaries from Hollywood to Hallyu including our iconic brands Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPlus.com

Instagram: @DisneyPlusPH Facebook: @DisneyPlusPH Twitter: @DisneyPlusPH TikTok: @DisneyPlusPH YouTube: @DisneyPlusPH Hashtag: #DisneyPlusPH

Cebu Pacific Advisory Peak Travel Reminders

We know that this is the first time since 2019 that you will be with your families to pay your respects to your departed loved ones during the All-Saints’ Day holiday, and so, here are a few friendly reminders for those who will travel this season. 

 

Be On Time at the Airport 

 

Cebu Pacific and Cebgo passengers must allot time for traffic going to the airport. Passengers must be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and 4 at least three (2) hours before departure for domestic flights, and three (3) hours for international flights. Passengers traveling to Dubai are allowed to check in as early as seven (7) hours before departure. 

 

Check in Online 

 

Long lines may be avoided at the airport by checking in via the official CEB mobile app or via the Manage Booking section of the CEB website. Both options are available from seven (7) days up to one (1) hour before scheduled time of departure for domestic flights; and up to four (4) hours before scheduled departure for international fliers.  

Check Flight Information 

 

All check-in counters close one (1) hour before the scheduled time of departure to ensure there is ample time for all necessary pre-flight procedures. We encourage passengers to immediately proceed to their respective boarding gates. Boarding commences 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. 

 

Updated flight information may be viewed at https://www.cebupacificair.com/flight-status

 

Self-Tag Luggage for Select Domestic Destinations 

 

Guests flying out of select domestic destinations (Manila, Davao, Clark, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Bohol, Iloilo, and Zamboanga) are reminded to self-tag their check-in luggage prior to proceeding to counters for bag drops, in line with the airline’s contactless flight procedures. 

 

Single Hand Carry and Exemptions  

Passengers must bring only one carry-on bag for a more convenient flight experience. The carry-on bag must not exceed 7kg in weight and can fit in the overhead bins or under the seat. 

 

CEB has exempted items that are allowed to be carried aside of the single handcarried bag: 

·       Gadgets or food items that cannot be checked-in; 

·       Items purchased inside the airport (requires proof of receipt); 

·       Assistive or medical items such as walking canes, foldable walkers; 

·       Baby food and necessities for passengers traveling with infants; 

·       Or a small bag that can fit under the seat 

 

Checked Baggage Policy 

 

Passengers are encouraged to purchase prepaid baggage with their tickets during initial booking on the CEB website and mobile app. CEB has implemented a per piece baggage policy which applies to all passengers with checked baggage. A passenger may choose either a 20kg or a 32kg check-in baggage, or a maximum of the (2) two options. 

 

Any excess in size, weight and pieces are subject to oversized baggage fee, excess baggage fee and/or extra Bag Fee. 

 

Check The Airport Terminal Assignment of Your Flight 

 

Passengers must check their itineraries and boarding passes before proceeding to their designated airport terminal. Cebu Pacific’s 5J flights arrive at and depart from the NAIA Terminal 3, while Cebgo (DG) flights to and from Manila operate from the NAIA Terminal 4 at Domestic Road, Pasay City. 

 

Bring Vaccination Card, Check for other Travel Requirements 

 

Travel documents requirements may change from time to time, without prior notice.  We recommend all guests to continue checking relevant travel advisories to prepare for their flight. 

Passengers travelling to the Philippines must accomplish the new electronic ARRIVAL CARD (“eARRIVAL CARD”) within 72 hours prior to departure from country of origin.  This replaced the One Health Pass as entry requirement.  Save a printed/digital copy of the QR code at the end of the form, and present this at the check-in counter, and on arrival.

Passengers may also refer to http://bit.ly/CEBTravelRequirements for more information. 

 

Guests must also update contact details on their bookings so they will be notified of pre-flight reminders and flight changes. 

 

CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure everyJuan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific. 

 

Visit www.cebupacificair.com for more information. 

Xiaomi sets to unleash yet another beyond the price deal for the launch of the Redmi A1

Christmas comes early for Xiaomi fans, as the smartphone brand sets to unleash yet another beyond the price deal for the launch of the Redmi A1, consistent with its mission of making technology accessible to all.

Power-packed with a quality camera, a huge battery, a large display, and a powerful chipset, the Redmi A1 is not short on specs – as befits an early holiday surprise for Pinoy shoppers.

Now, unli-sharing of fun and “bida” moments is within easier reach, as Redmi A1 is made surprisingly very affordable for a measly Php 3,999.

This unbelievably discounted price, however, is exclusively available for a very limited time, from October 29 to November 13. After the promo period is over, the phone reverts back to its standard retail price of Php 4,499, which is still extremely affordable for its specs and features. As an added, post-promo bonus, Xiaomi will give bluetooth speaker freebies to buyers after November 13, until supplies last.  

Quality specs, features

Sporting an elegant design, the Redmi A1 has a flat frame build and comes in three different colors: Light Green, Light Blue, and Black. Watching movies and binge gaming with friends is a delight with its crystal clear 6.52" full-screen display, which gives off a superb, visual experience.

For creating and sharing star-quality photos and videos, the phone’s AI-powered 8MP rear dual-camera is great at capturing your day’s memorable moments, along with the snappy 5MP selfie shooter in front.

Its long-lasting 5000mAh battery has got you covered all day, and boosted with a 10W fast charging. On a full charge, the Redmi A1 can last up to 30 call hours, 22 hours of video playback, and 161 hours of music.

The dual-SIM Redmi device takes power from the MediaTek Helio A22 chipset. It also has 3GB of RAM and 64GB ROM, which can expand up to 256GB via a MicroSD card.

To learn more about Redmi A1 and avail of the ultra-affordable, early-bird promo price on Xiaomi offline stores.

Alorica anticipates robust Q4 growth and strong showing for 2023

Alorica, one of the largest BPOs in the industry, has achieved its 7,000 monthly recruitment target last month, entering an early peak ramp season driven by the acquisition of new global clients from the consumer goods, retail, healthcare and financial services industries. 

Alorica’s usual Q4 client demands and opportunities started in as early as Q3 of this year as businesses start to open and adapt to the post-pandemic “new economy”, achieving normalcy faster than other industries.

“The 7,000 hiring target per month is something we’ve come close to before, but not in a consecutive series of months. Our highest was in 2021 where we achieved over 6k hires in 1 month,” explained Marvin Vinluan, Alorica’s Director for Talent Acquisition. “It’s a clear indication of the company’s rapid growth trajectory.” 

The organization is also set to launch two (2) new sites by year end, namely Davao 3 at the Matina IT Park, Davao City and TechZone, Buendia, Makati City; as well as a site expansion in Cebu City expected before the end of October to support the development in these locations.

On track to exceed forecasts

Sustained with a significant increase in volume, including a need for Alorica’s digital capabilities both coming from its existing and new clients, the organization is on track to achieve its buildup this year, even exceeding internal financial forecasts.

“Alorica has performed extremely well to attain our revenue targets for the quarter, which we credit to our ability to quickly scale and effectively perform,” added Sara Machan-De Silva, Divisional Vice-President for Customer Experience.

With new clients set to join before the end of 2022, the company is anticipating a fast and stable start to 2023.

Parallel to the slew of new partners and talents, the company expanded its operations up north opening its first Alorica Connection Hub in Candon, Ilocos Sur securing further success for the organization, as well as providing more work-at-home opportunities for the region.

Creating work-life balance and more opportunities for tenured talents

With a footprint of over 55,000 employees, the proactive hiring efforts continues with optimized talent attraction, including increased presence in social media, virtual recruitment activities, job fairs in partnership with LGUs and opening of new hiring facilities. Alorica also added new leadership positions, providing extended career paths through mentorship and training for tenured employees to explore other skills and interests. Work-life integration is also prioritized across the company, even with the remote setup, through employee engagement activities such as partnerships with non-profit MLBA, initiatives through TIDE (Alorica’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program) and awards from the Game Changer recognition program, solidifying the company’s culture of making lives better for employees, as well as its customers.

NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation Grow Trees Community project

 

John Dizon, Jr. of Benguet-based environmental conservation group NAMALISA plants trees in support of SM Foundation’s and Fast Retailing Foundation’s Grow Trees Community project. 

Like his father before him, John Dizon, Jr. and his family have been long-time stewards of protected trees in their community in Tuba, Benguet. When the time came for him to take up the mantle, he did so willingly to honor his father’s legacy.

 

“My father passed away in 2012. It was then that we found out that the area he is managing in collaboration with the government was part of a community-based forest management program,” said Mr. Dizon.

A year later, Mr. Dizon, who now heads Benguet-based environmental conservation group, Nagawa, Manganese, Liw-Liw, Sadle Agroforestry Assoc. Inc.  (NAMALISA), started working closely with the SM Foundation for an inaugural tree-planting campaign back in 2013 to pick up where his father had left off in his advocacy.

 

With the impact of climate change more felt in recent years, Mr. Dizon shared the importance of planting more trees in communities to thin out air pollutants in keeping the air fresh and people healthier. The trees which his father planted also helped prevent soil erosion and landslides caused by earthquakes.

He nurtures a dream that some of his children will take after him to help protect the environment. Getting closer to that dream, one of his sons is eyeing a career in forestry, a nod to his father’s chosen field.

 

To further this advocacy, Mr. Dizon supports the reforestation initiative of SM Foundation, Inc., the social good arm of SM and the Fast Retailing Foundation (FR Foundation), a general incorporated foundation in Japan through the Grow Trees Community campaign. 

 

The project aims to plant and grow forest trees such as the Benguet pine, Alnus or Calliandra and Coffee trees to also help create livelihood opportunities for the community by working closely with People’s Organizations such as NAMALISA in Tuba, Benguet.

 

People’s Organization NAMALISA plant trees at the launch of Grow Trees Community in Tuba, Benguet

 

The proponents teamed up with SM Supermalls and government partners such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police, Philippine Information Agency and the local government of Tuba. 

 

Grow Trees Community was previously launched in Nasugbu, Batangas and Macabebe, Pampanga.  Across the three locations, the project aims to plant over 200,000 seedlings and propagules. 

 

It is in support of the SM Green Movement that seeks to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture. 

 

FR Foundation focuses on promoting research designed to help make the world a better place, spurring technological development, nurturing human resources, and supporting socially vulnerable individuals or groups. 

 

It is part of Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the leading Japanese retail company that owns well-loved casual wear brand, Uniqlo.

Lazada's launches newest brand ambassador Multimedia Superstar Anne Curtis!

 

eCommerce pioneer Lazada is taking its 11.11 Biggest Sale to new heights with multimedia superstar Anne Curtis, who is headlining its mega sale happening from November 11 to 13, 2022. 

 

In Lazada’s latest campaign, Lazada’s newest brand ambassador, Anne, reveals how her favorite fashion and beauty Lazada finds on the platform inspire her to be her best self. The campaign also illustrates how Lazada, as an online shopping destination for lifestyle needs, enables shoppers to turn their passions into actions by giving them access to some of the best deals and widest range of trendy products. And with the 11.11 Lazada’s Biggest Sale coming up, there is no better time to go all out.

With the help of Lazada, Anne as an actress, host, singer, model, and business owner is able to do it all. Beyond being one of the most adored and timeless celebrities in the country, Anne's commitment to her craft, ability to constantly reinvent herself, and care for the Filipino community as a goodwill ambassador resonate with Lazada's brand purpose of providing better opportunities and supporting consumers through its services and innovations.

 

"Anne Curtis is an inspiration to many of us. With the energy that Anne brings to the Lazada family, we are inspired to unlock more value for Filipinos— as a platform for sellers and brands to reach their customers, and buyers to turn their passions into actions, and for our ecosystem to uplift more lives,” says Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera.       

 

With Lazada’s fast and free shipping, trendiest assortment, and branded LazFlash deals, shoppers can now go all out and bring their passions to life in no time. Exciting deals and offerings are yet to come; don’t miss out on Lazada’s updates in the coming days.

 

For more information about 11.11 Lazada’s Biggest Sale, visit Lazada,https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines, https://www.instagram.com/lazadaph/, and https://twitter.com/LazadaPH.