Here’s how you can make your Christmas celebration extra fun and meaningful with Canva

For many Pinoys, celebrating Christmas for the past two years came with limitations due to the pandemic. Now, with restrictions being lifted, many Christmas traditions are making a comeback, including everyone’s favorite Christmas party and exchange gift tradition. 

The excitement to celebrate and reunite with your favorite Christmas kabarkada is definitely in the air. What better way to celebrate than to make sure everyone feels just how much you miss them? Here’s how you can make your Christmas celebration extra fun and meaningful with Canva:

For the reliable planner

Do you love to plan and convince everyone to get together this Christmas? From choosing the venue and budgeting and splitting your bills to taking care of the food or checking everyone’s availability, you are the group’s go-to person when it comes to organizing a party!

You’ll definitely benefit from having a party checklist so you don’t miss out on any details. You can also design your own invitation or event website easily and for free without any coding needed using Canva. 

For the generous Santa

Giving is your love language. You are everyone’s favorite because you’re way too generous when it comes to giving Christmas gifts. You like customizing gifts or sourcing presents from local businesses.

Take your gift giving up a notch higher and design your own gift tags using Canva! Design custom tags for gifts and more with free, printable tag templates that are easy to customize to suit your needs. 

For the holiday hustler

You may be too busy with work, school or your business but you can’t miss making Christmas extra despite your packed schedule. Sometimes things can get overwhelming too but because you always want to put your best foot forward for the people who matter to you, even simple gifts can look more extra if you design your own gift wraps from scratch with Canva.

If you really don’t have the time, consider giving cash as gifts—all you need is a QR code template that makes sending money a little extra.

 

For the ultimate performer

No Christmas party will be complete without you and your vibrant energy! You’re either the star performer, the host, the game master or everyone’s cheerleader. No one in the group feels left out because your presence makes any room light up. 

Surprise everyone with the perfect performance complete with visual backgrounds made on Canva or use these game presentation templates to start it all off.

For the sweet sentimentalist

You are the self-proclaimed official videographer and photographer of the night. While at times, you just like lurking around and observing on the side, what brings you real joy is to see everyone who’s important to you in one place and creating memories that last.

Your gift may be in the form of a printed photograph or a same-day-edit video or Instagram Reel so everyone has something to look back on. However you want to capture these special moments, make them more extra with Canva’s mobile video templates

Not sure which Christmas kabarkada you are? Check out Canva’s Christmas Persona Quiz here and start designing your way to an extra merrier Christmas.

Downloadable Assets here

NEGO KING PH is coming soon in the Philippines for FREE on ANIMA Studios’ YouTube Channel

 

South Korea's most watched reality show, “Nego King,” will finally reach the Philippines as KROMA's ANIMA Studios partners with one of the leading global entertainment content companies, A+E Networks™ Asia.

 

A Philippine version of the reality show is coming soon and will be made accessible to viewers in the Philippines for FREE on ANIMA Studios’ YouTube Channel. Hosted by popular Filipino radio and TV personality Sam YG, the show will be produced in Taglish (Tagalog-English). With a following of 453K on Instagram, 21K on Facebook, and 1.6M followers on Twitter, the new Nego King PH host is sure to keep the viewers engaged, laughing and haggling through every episode. 

 

Since the original South Korean “Nego King” premiered two years ago on YouTube, it has steadily gained fame. Now, the show, which has aired 60 episodes across 4 seasons, has amassed a total  135 million views, and the eyeballs keep coming.

 

In this popular web show, the host is “the king of negotiation,” interacting with ordinary customers through street interviews. The goal is to get to know the pulse of the people by asking for their opinion, critique, and wishes, especially on discounts and/or freebies on various “goods,” which may be an item or service such as beauty or cosmetic products, food, appliances or home items, and electronic gadgets, to name a few.

 

Later, the Nego King faces CEOs of the brands mentioned in each episode to leverage customer sentiment to get the best deals or discounts. This makes for highly relatable content in an era of belt-tightening due to inflation, especially among Filipinos who love a good bargain. 

 

Now, with ANIMA’s newest partnership with A+E Networks™  Asia, the best Nego Show (Negosyo) of South Korea will soon be entertaining Filipinos with a local version in Taglish, bringing excitement and better deals for the Philippine audience, from clothes to food and various accessories and services.

 

Watch out because the Nego King may just pop in your neighborhood for ambush interviews. 

 

Tara nang tumawa at tumawad sa Nego King PH!

 

To learn more about the Philippine’s Nego Show and other works of ANIMA, visit its official website at www.anima.ph

 

vivo announces more exciting holiday treats for its loyal customers and fans

It’s that time of the year when we buy gifts for our loved ones but this is also the season when we reward ourselves for all the hard work we’ve done throughout the year. Whether simple or extravagant, we all deserve the gift we truly wish for.

 

To make Christmas extra special, vivo, the recently named second-top smartphone brand in the Philippines, announces more exciting holiday treats for its loyal customers and fans.  From November 20 to December 24, customers can participate in the vivo Wish for Christmas and vivo Blue Santa promos by visiting select vivo kiosks and stores nationwide. Customers can join by purchasing vivo Y22s, vivo V25 5G or other participating vivo smartphone models. 

 

Lucky participants will have a chance to win exciting gifts and freebies that will surely bring joy and merriness this season. Lookout for the nearest participating store in your area because vivo is certainly the new Santa Claus this holiday.

 

Make your Christmas wish come true

Wishing to head out to Boracay, treat the family to Okada’s buffet or get a new bike or gadgets as presents this Christmas? No need to hang socks on Christmas eve and hope that Santa Claus grants your wish. vivo is giving out chances for everyone to make their wishes come true through the vivo Wish for Christmas holiday promo which will run from November 20 - December 20, 2022. vivo fans who will purchase a vivo Y22s or vivo V25 5G will have the chance to be the lucky grand winner who can choose one (1) gift from the vivo wish list below:

●      Round Trip Ticket to Boracay (1 pax only) 

●      Okada Buffet Meal worth Php 10,000 (maximum of 4 pax)

●      Rock Rider 27.5 Mountain Bike

●      Havit Projector

●      vivo Y15a Smartphone 

●      Standard E-scooter

 

Aside from the grand prize, four more winners will have the chance to take home any one of the following gift items: a neckband earphone, a Havit BT Earphone E505BT (black), a Havit Smart Bracelet H1100 (black), or a Baseus Encok TWS W3. Qualified participants can submit their raffle entries until 10:00 PM on December 20, 2022. Winners will be announced on December 23 at 12:00 PM via vivo’s Facebook page. This promo is a one-chance raffle. So, if you’re overflowing with luck and your name is drawn twice, you’ll get the prize with the higher value.

 

Winners must present a valid ID, proof of purchase with the correct date, and notification from vivo Philippines to the nearest vivo concept store. Claiming of prizes is only until 60 days upon receipt of notification, and unclaimed prizes shall be forfeited. The round-trip ticket winner must also select dates at least two months from the date of notification.

 

Head to the following vivo concept stores and kiosks to join the #vivoWishforChristmas promo: SM Sangandaan, SM North Edsa, Trinoma, Fishermall QC, Fairview Terraces, SM Valenzuela, Century Mall, SM Center Pasig, Ayala Feliz, Glorietta, Cash & Carry, Metropoint Pasay, Ayala Cloverleaf, Waltermart Sucat, SM Muntinlupa, Xentromall Sta. Ana, Lucky Chinatown, and Waltermart Bicutan.

 

Get ready for Blue Santa’s visit

 

If you think gifts and wishes stop there, you’re wrong! vivo will also give out additional prizes through the vivo Blue Santa holiday promo. Customers who purchase a vivo smartphone in any participating store where Blue Santa is located can get a free vivo baseball cap. All you need to do is take a photo with Blue Santa and post it on Facebook using the hashtag #vivoBlueSanta. More exciting prizes are up for grabs so catch and play with vivo Blue Santa in the following vivo stores and schedule: 

 

December 16: Glorietta, Century Mall, Cash & Carry, Xentromall, Lucky Chinatown

December 17: SM Muntinlupa, WM Sucat, WM Bicutan, Metropoint Pasay

December 23: SM Valenzuela, SM Sangandaan, Ayala Feliz, SM Center Pasig

December 24: Fishermall QC, Trinoma, SM North Edsa, Fairview Terraces

 

More holiday prizes await customers this holiday season with vivo’s  #PaskongLavivoLoca, vivo’s Christmas giveaway festival. Almost Php 2M worth of prizes will be given away in its #vivoChristmasParoleta2022 and #vivoChristmasRaffleWin2022 for fans who will purchase any of the participating vivo smartphone models from November 15, 2022 to January 31, 2023.

To know more about vivo and the Paskong La vivo Loca festival, visit their website and follow vivo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

“Autism Angels Take Flight” with Cebu Pacific

In celebration of the World Children’s Day, Cebu Pacific partnered with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) for a project that aims to familiarize persons with autism and their families with air travel.

The activity, called “Autism Angels Take Flight”, was conducted alongside a sensitivity training for some Cebu Pacific employees so they may have better understanding about the needs of families traveling with a person with autism.

“Cebu Pacific believes in inclusivity, diversity and equality that is why we support the ASP. This is also in sync with the 2022 World Children’s Day theme “Choose Kind” which aims to raise awareness that kindness matters to everyone,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

 

Children on the spectrum normally face challenges when taking a plane ride. It takes a lot of preparation since any changes in routine, unfamiliar surroundings, hypersensitivity to noise, bright lights, and large crowds can be overwhelming for these children, causing sensory overload that can trigger uncontrollable meltdowns.

 

“Over the ASP’s 33-year history, one of the things that we had to contend with is the fact that persons on the autism spectrum often have problems with access in transportation. It is very important for them to receive sensitivity exposure to air travel, including the process of going through an airport. The opportunity to ride an aircraft before the actual trip allows them to gain familiarity with a unique environment. We are very happy that we have partners like Cebu Pacific who have been very welcoming and very accommodating,” said Mona Magno – Veluz, ASP National President. 

 

More than 50 Persons with Autism (PWA) from different Metro Manila ASP chapters and their families joined the activity. For the event, a mock airport with check-in area and boarding gate counter was set up for the group. Then, they were led to the Cebu Pacific plane for an inflight tour, short orientation and fun games. At the end of the activity, the kids were given loot bags that contained Universal Robina snacks and other Cebu Pacific merchandise items and inflight meals.

Maya is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market

  

Maya, the country's only all-in-one money app, is transforming Davao City's biggest Bankerohan Public Market with the launch of the Paleng-QR PH initiative in Mindanao today. 

  

Spearheading the "digi-palengke" program is Davao City Government with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Also supporting the launch are PLDT and Smart Communications. 

 

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the ceremonies held today at the city's Bankerohan Public Market. 

 

"By promoting the interoperable QR PH national standard codes, Paleng-QR PH creates a simple but more powerful digital finance experience at the local community level. At Maya, we fully support Davao City's vision to build a stronger digital ecosystem," said Orlando Vea, Maya CEO and Founder and Maya Bank Co-Founder.  

“Basta QR PH, pwede kami sa Maya,” Vea added. 

  

The Paleng-QR Ph program aims to digitalize transactions starting with public markets and local transportation. The program enables vendors and tricycle drivers to accept digital payments from customers regardless of their e-wallet or bank accounts via QR Ph, the national standard for QR payment. Maya's QR codes are QR Ph-compliant, and its app can scan any QR Ph-powered transaction.  

    

Creating digi-palengkes is part of Maya’s own LGUs Embracing and Accelerating Digitalization (L.E.A.D). Through this program, Maya equips local governments like Davao City with business-in-a-box payment acceptance solutions and disbursement tools to enable faster public service delivery. 
  

Maya is the first digital financial services platform to adopt QR Ph. More than 52 million users can enjoy a seamless experience using Maya's consumer platforms that can send and accept P2P payments from other QR Ph-participating financial institutions.  

  

Meanwhile, non-Maya users can pay at over 800,000 QR Ph-enabled Maya merchants, which are present in 96% of the total cities and municipalities.  

  

The BSP's OR Ph initiative is part of the overall financial services transformation roadmap of the Philippines. It aims to raise Filipinos' trust in digital financial services, as consumers and enterprises will get used to sending and receiving cashless payments for everyday transactions.  

  

Maya's full support to QR PH is in line with the BSP's thrust to increase the share of Filipino adults with a financial account from 56% in 2021 to 70% in 2023 and grow the volume of digital payments from 20% in 2021 to 50% by next year.  

  

"Digital payment is the entry point of Filipinos to the financial system. As they build their financial footprint, consumers and MSMEs can access more progressive digital banking services offered by Maya," said Vea.  

  

Maya has made it easier for consumers to spend, save, get credit, and invest in crypto just by using its top-rated all-in-one money app. Its merchant partners, meanwhile, can open a business deposit account and access revolving credit lines leveraging their payment transactions.  

 

To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, TikTok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join the Maya Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH

 

Huawei signs global ITU pledge to help 120 million people in remote areas

Huawei has signed a global commitment to join the International Telecommunication Union's Partner2Connect digital alliance, which will bring connectivity to about 120 million people in remote areas in more than 80 countries by 2025.

Liang Hua, Chairman of Huawei, announced the decision at the company's 2022 Sustainability Forum, Connectivity+: Innovate for Impact. The forum explored how ICT innovation could unleash the business and social value of connectivity and drive sustainability in the digital economy era. Speakers at the event included senior leaders from the ITU and United Nations.

"It is clear connectivity alone is not enough. It must be affordable, the content must be relevant and in the local language, and users must have the skills to make best use of it," said ITU Deputy Secretary-General Malcolm Johnson. "Thank you to Huawei for their support of the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, and for their announced P2C pledges in the key areas of rural connectivity and digital skills."

Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, called for "multi-stakeholder partnerships" of policymakers, the private sector, academia, and civil society to close "the sobering reality" of a digital divide which excluded a third of the global population. 

"Our dynamic world urgently needs improved digital cooperation to capitalize on the transformational potential of technology to create new jobs, boost financial inclusion, close the gender gap, spur a green recovery and redesign our world to be more prosperous and inclusive," he said. "Now is the time to act".

In his keynote address, Dr Liang stressed that access to a stable network was a basic requirement and right in the digital age. For many who remain unconnected, access to reliable connectivity would mark the first step towards transforming their lives. 

Huawei Philippines is working together with local organizations to initiate Bohol Cacao Livelihood Recovery and Rehabilitation Program to help the cacao farmers.

As one of the biggest manufacturers of cacao in the Philippines, cacao farming is one of the primary sources of income for farmers in Bohol, but over 20,000 cacao trees were affected by Typhoon Odette last year. In order to help strengthen and create stability in the cacao industry in Bohol, the farmers will receive two days training in cacao rehabilitation and restoration, integrated pest and disease management, cacao harvesting, and post-harvest care. QR Code will also be implemented to aid in cocoa inventory and traceability. They can readily know and track the condition and state of cacao trees using the QR Code.

According to a report released by GSMA last July, based on Speedtest Intelligence data, Singapore led Southeast Asian on median 5G upload speeds in Q1 2022, Thailand and the Philippines followed with 207.27 Mbps and 163.51 Mbps median download speed, respectively.

Connectivity is not just a tool for convenient communications, but will help bring everyone into the digital world, and provide them with access to more information and skills, better services, and wider business opportunities. This will, in turn, drive further social and economic development. Huawei said during the event.

As ICT infrastructure continues to evolve, innovative technologies like cloud and AI are allowing those in rural and remote areas to enjoy the convenience of a digital world. Huawei Cloud has proposed the Everything as a Service strategy and made Huawei's more than 30 years of technical expertise and digital transformation experience available through cloud services. This means that access to Huawei's digital infrastructure capabilities on the cloud is now just as easy, affordable, and sustainable as water and electricity.

Digital transformation, digital talent, and new business models are all essential for balanced development in remote regions. Huawei previously announced that by 2025, with the improved ICT infrastructure, the company will work with partners to enable 500 million people to enjoy digital financial services and 500,000 people to enjoy inclusive education.

In the Philippines, Huawei also empowering educators and learners in the new normal. “To help the Filipinos get better digital education by providing diverse programs to teachers and students through innovative solutions. We are grateful to be able to contribute our effort in building a digital society in the Philippines,” said Daniel Guo, Huawei Philippines COO. 

Launched in 2015, Huawei Seeds for the Future program has covered over 210 students for the past 8 years in the Philippines. ICT Academy, cooperated with USeP, MSU-IIT, DLSU at the beginning, has partnered almost 70 universities in the Philippines, covered more than 15,000 students. 

Huawei is committed to inclusive development. Through its ongoing technological innovation, Huawei is contributing to a higher level of digitalization in remote regions, enabling everyone to enjoy the convenience of a digital life, and promoting the balanced development of the global digital economy.

OPPO A17k: Perfect for every student looking to ace their classes and make the most of their school days with their friends

Global smart device brand OPPO recently introduced the OPPO A17k, perfect for every student looking to ace their classes and make the most of their school days with their friends. Designed to keep up with life in and out of the classroom, the reliable smartphone features the right tools for you to stay top of your class, without breaking the bank. The power-packed device comes with OPPO’s signature features, like a powerful battery, high-powered camera and more, while staying at a friendly price for students on a budget.

 

Dependable all-day power for your busy school days

Keeping up with your long days in and out of class, the OPPO A17k comes packed with a durable and dependable 5000mAh battery. It’s enough juice to get you through your commute, classes, study groups and downtime with friends, even as you use multiple apps throughout the day. 

 

Barkada memories captured with a reliable camera

Taking photos and videos for assignments or projects, and even for keepsake moments with friends to look back on during reunions is a breeze with the OPPO A17k. The 8MP AI Main Camera delivers incredible image resolution for closeups and scenic views, while the 5MP Front Camera’s Night View Selfie and Portrait Mode guarantee clear portraits of you and your friends hanging out and even celebrating milestones together. 

 

Bigger memory, less lag for more school work storage

Deciding which photos, videos and apps to keep to save space is a thing of the past, as the OPPO A17k’s 64GBinternal storage is expandable up to 1TB. That’s more than enough memory to store a handy copy of your class modules, readings and more. The device’s 3GB RAM also comes with a RAM Expansion feature up to 4GB, to ensure your apps run smoothly. No need to worry about videos or calls lagging, thanks to the OPPO A17k! 

 

Zone in on studies and me-time

Catching up on asynchronous classes or even unwinding during your downtime with Youtube or Netflix becomes more enjoyable on the A17k’s 6.56” waterdrop HD+LCD. The display also comes with OPPO’s Color Rich Eye Care to ensure crisp detail on screen, while providing a comfortable viewing experience.

 

Boost the sound of your favorite study playlist or podcast by switching on Ultra Volume Mode. As it doubles the external volume of your device, you won’t ever miss your alarms, notifications and calls, or your professor’s lectures.   

 

Shortcuts and hacks for every student

With ColorOS 12 powering the A17k, you’re sure to get the most efficient smartphone experience. Quickly translate sentences from websites or even screenshots for your classes with Three-Finger Translate. Multitask in class like a pro with FlexDrop, which allows you to use split-screen views and floating windows to maximize use of your smartphone. Keep your data to yourself and customize the data you share across apps and functions with Five-Grade Access Control.

 

True value for money

The best part about the OPPO A17k is its price. At just Php5,999, the all-new smartphone, available in Gold and Navy Blue, proves #ItsAllYouNeed.

 

To know more about theOPPO A17k, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/. You can also check OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.

 

Lizzo fans and Drag Race PH fans unite!

 

Lizzo fans and Drag Race PH fans unite! A drag merienda is happening soon for the premiere of Lizzo’s latest documentary “Love, LIZZO”.

 

The event, titled Her Story, Her Way: “Love, LIZZO”, will happen on November 25, 3 PM at the Empty Stomach Cafe and Lounge Bar in BGC. Attendees can expect not only appearances from the iconic Drag Race PH queens, but also special performances! Precious Paula Nicole, Brigiding, Viñas Deluxe, and Turing will all be there, and the event will be hosted by Buknoy Gonzales.

 

Lizzo is recognized not only as an R&B superstar, but also as an LGBTQIA+ ally. In fact, she has been very vocal about always wanting her shows to be safe spaces for everyone. She has also invited several RuPaul's Drag Race queens to be part of her music video for “Juice,” and was even a guest judge on the show.

 

Based on the trailer of “Love, LIZZO”, there’s a lot that viewers can expect – from home videos of Lizzo’s childhood to behind-the-scenes footage of her sold out performances. “No matter what part of my story you come in at, I’m always chasing the music,” she shared.

 

This three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer and songwriter just recently concluded her biggest North American headline tour to date for her album “Special.” Fans were able to sing and groove to global hits like “2 B Loved (Am I Ready)”, and the uplifting title track “Special,” with both songs touching on self-love and self-empowerment.

 

Her tour has been critically acclaimed, with Forbes noting Lizzo’s “impressive vocal range throughout the show, incorporating elements of soul, rap, pop, and more.” Additionally, The Tennessean highlights Lizzo’s starpower and commanding presence, highlighting how she’s “a tireless, committed, and present performer.” 

 

Couple her no-skip album with her effervescence, and it comes as no surprise that Lizzo has received six nominations for the 2023 GRAMMYs, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

 

If you’re looking for something a little more in line with the season, the singer has also recorded a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas” for Amazon Music. “I chose to cover ‘Someday at Christmas’ not just because it’s a classic, but because it’s a reminder to us that almost 60 years later, we are still fighting for peace, compassion, and equality,” shared Lizzo in a statement. “A friendly reminder to spread love and kindness this holiday season.”

 

From championing body positivity and self-love and creating one hit after the other, Lizzo has proven over the years that she can do it all. More importantly, she does so while inspiring millions of people to move with more kindness for one another. 

 

Listen to Lizzo’s dance-inducing hits on this playlist!