Puregold Tindahan ni Aling Puring ensures that popular brands are readily available to Filipino consumers

The streets can be a reliable indicator of success for consumer goods. When people are seen using and carrying a particular brand's products in public spaces, it can signify that the brand has achieved a level of popularity and acceptance among consumers. The visibility of a brand's products in everyday settings, such as on the streets, can create a sense of desirability and social proof for potential customers.

This May 18-20, Puregold is once again holding a convention to bridge the gap between businesses and small business owners.

 While makers of all consumer goods aspire to see their products lining the shelves of supermarkets and display racks at shopping malls, they also know that a reliable indicator of success is out there in the streets.

Big brands like San Miguel Corp, URC, Nestle, and Globe, among others, will be participating in the event to connect with local small business owners.

  

Small urban and rural communities are often considered the final frontier of brand distribution and recall, because patronage by the masses means a product has successfully turned into a cultural staple. But achieving this level of nationwide acceptance can be tricky, even for the most successful of brands.

The Tindahan ni Aling Puring program has over 800,000 members, each of whom will be very eager to participate in this year’s convention.

 

Thankfully, Puregold’s Tindahan ng Aling Puring (TNAP) program bridges the gap between the brands and the masses through our neighborhood sari-sari stores.

 

Today, over 1.1 million sari-sari stores across the country have become fixtures in the everyday lives of Filipinos. Thus, if a brand can make it to the sari-sari stores, they can make it out there. And a direct connection to these sari-sari stores is precisely what Puregold can provide brands through the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program.

The program, which was designed to give bulk discounts and financial aid opportunities to sari-sari store owners, also has massive benefits for brands and suppliers. Through its seminars and mixers, among others, the TNAP program allows brands to directly connect with the over 800,000 TNAP members nationwide, including thousands of sari-sari store owners.

 

One such event is the upcoming Tindahan ng Aling Puring Convention which will be held this May 18, 19 & 20, where brands will be able to sell their fast-moving items at huge discounts; conduct daily seminars; give away freebies and host games while allowing them to network with eager business owners including sari-sari store operators. The convention will allow Puregold to engage with small to medium business owners and further widen their reach to sari-sari stores all across the country.

Puregold looks to keep holding the TNAP Convention and bridge the gap between big business and sari-sari store owners for years to come.

 Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club, Inc., believes that their annual Sari-Sari Store Negosyo Convention is a way to further implement Tindahan ni Aling Puring’s mandate to foster relations between big brands and sari-sari stores.

 

“We’re proud and blessed to have grown the Aling Puring program to what it is today, and be able to help both big brands and thriving small business owners,” says Co. “At the end of the day, the success of Filipino business is the success of us all. And we’re gratified to keep holding this convention and make brands and sari-sari stories grow by developing mutually beneficial partnerships.”

Big FMCG companies such as Nestle, URC, Unilever, P&G, San Miguel, Monde Nissin, Century Pacific, Coca-Cola, Del Monte, Globe, Gcash, Kojiesan and Nutri-Asia, among others, are some of the big names that will be participating in the convention. Puregold hopes that the relationships between these big brands and the sari-sari stores will continue to flourish through the years.

 

Searching for the perfect smartphone companion this summer and beyond, look no further than the realme C55!

Everyone knows summer is all about enjoying the sun and sea—and looking good while you’re at it. To stand out this season as you pose in your sun-kissed skin and well-planned-out summer OOTDs, make sure to snap photos and more only with the new realme C55.

This latest coveted entry to the C-Series lineup of realme Philippines, the back-to-back champion according to Canalys and IDC sell-in reports published in 2021 & 2022, presents segment-leading features in camera, storage, charging and design at an entry-level price point. Between flaunting a cool aesthetic that goes well with any daily get-up to being a no-frills, all-around device that doesn’t break the bank, the realme C55 shines as the stylish champion that does not settle for the basic, allowing you to achieve more.

Image courtesy of @ohwdri on Instagram

If you feel like taking yourself out on a date as part of your goal to prioritize self-care this summer, similar to what Angel Ramido did, the realme C55 will make you look extra gorgeous with its powerful 64MP camera. It’s the highest resolution main rear camera ever in the realme C-Series, which proves more than enough to capture your IG-worthy content.

Image courtesy of @itsaiyana on Instagram

With a camera that good, it’s only natural to take a snap of anything you do and everything you see. But if you feel worried that those photos and videos might eat up all your storage, fret not and document away all of your summer adventures like Aiyana Perlas. The realme C55 houses a dedicated micro-SD card slot for expandable storage that can reach up to 1TB. How’s that for unrestrained photo and video shoots?

Image courtesy of @cessdtan on Tiktok

Meanwhile, if you channel your inner Cess Tan this summer by mixing and matching outfits with your accessories, gadgets included, know that realme C55’s top-tier design can keep up with any style. It comes in three dreamy colors of Sunshower, Rainy Night, and Rainforest, while sporting a modern aesthetic and ultra-slim design at 7.89mm, which is even thinner than some flagship-level models in the market. The style comes with substance as well by retaining its squared-off, boxier design with rounded corners for easy handling.

Finally, who says embarking on a fitness journey should only be done before the summer season? Buffing up or toning down is made much easier with one of realme C55’s biggest features, the Mini Capsule. A nifty software feature inspired by today’s flagship smartphones, it displays expanding animation on step tracking, along with charging and battery status and data cap usage. 

If you’re searching for the perfect smartphone companion this summer and beyond, look no further than the realme C55. Those who enjoy the convenience of online shopping can check out realme’s Official E-store or realme’s Lazada flagship store and realme Tiktok Shop for online. Meanwhile, for those who prefer seeing the smartphone in person before deciding to purchase, you may head over to the nearest realme offline store near you!

Stay posted on the latest realme updates by following the official realme Facebook page or visiting the official realme website.

If you’re looking to work in Qatar or are curious about the visa process, here’s a short list of Frequently Asked Questions

With some 250,000 Filipinos working in Qatar, the Gulf country remains one of the more popular destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers. Filipinos going to Qatar for work, must obtain a work visa (VRN) through their sponsor in Qatar and subsequently complete their biometric enrollment, undergo medical examinations and sign their work contracts by visiting the Qatar Visa Center in Manila, before traveling to Qatar.

 

Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These centers only handle administrative and non-judgmental aspects, including biometric enrollment and medical services following the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, state of Qatar.

 

If you’re looking to work in Qatar or are curious about the visa process, here’s a short list of Frequently Asked Questions you may use as a guide in your application process.

What is the role of Qatar Visa Center?

Qatar Visa Centers are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar, Qatar Visa Centers only handle the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the biometric enrollment and medical services as per the directives and requirements defined by MoI. 

 

What are the services that Qatar Visa Center offers?

Qatar Visa Center services include facial image capture, iris scan, finger roll, thumbprints, palm scan, medical check-ups covering X-rays, blood checks, eye tests, vaccinations, doctor examinations, and consultations.

 

What is the referral process? Why do applicants need to visit partner hospitals/ labs?

​​Medical examinations and referrals are part of the visa process and depending on the initial visa medical examination, some applicants (Lounge/VIP included) may need to undergo paid/unpaid medical investigations following protocols set by the Qatar Ministry of Health (MoH). Applicants requiring these advanced medical investigations are referred to as Medical Referrals and such investigations are referred to as Medical Referral Tests.

 

Some applicants may be asked to repeat tests such as X-Rays or do further tests for several reasons and will need to visit an approved external lab or hospital. These facilities are accredited by the Philippine Department of Health and are able to conduct the required tests.

 

These re-tests will require applicants to revisit the center and complete the process at no additional cost to the applicant. Usually revisits only take a day, however, in special cases, several revisits may be required as medical approvals depend on a lot of factors including the applicant’s current health status, guidelines, and protocols defined by the Qatar authorities.

What are the types of Medical Referrals?

1. Additional X-ray images - Applicants may be required to revisit the Qatar Medical Center (QMC) for additional X-ray images based on MoH instructions.
2. Additional lab tests - If additional lab tests are required, then blood samples are sent to external labs for further testing.
3. External Specialist tests - Applicants may be referred to specialists at approved hospitals for further tests based on MoH guidelines (may require the collection of referral letter/ document submission)

 

What are the reasons for an applicant’s medical status to remain pending?

As a visa-processing center, Qatar Visa Center submits the medical test reports directly to Qatar authorities. It usually takes 10-15 business days to determine whether the applicant is FIT or UNFIT to work in Qatar. In certain cases, the respective Qatar Authorities may take longer for additional investigations which may delay the declaration of results. Applicants may track the progress of their visa application conveniently through the Track Application or Status Check section by visiting our website.

 

If your visa application status shows "under process" for longer than the usual processing time, you can contact QVC customer service for assistance. They will be able to provide you with more information on the status of your application and advise you on what steps to take next. As a reminder, the Qatar Visa Center and the Qatar Medical Center are not involved in the decision-making process when it comes to visa applications.

 

What should I do if I cannot reach QVC's call center?

If you cannot reach QVC's call center, you may contact them via email at info@qatarmedicalcenter.com or info.mnl@qatarvisacenter.com, or use the chat option available on the website www.qatarvisacenter.com. 

 

Do applicants need to pay for advanced medical tests?

Yes, applicants may need to pay for advanced medical tests conducted at approved external hospitals or labs and will receive a receipt for the payment. Blood samples may be collected at the center and sent to external labs to ensure security and prevent fraud. Please note that the QVC does not offer expedited processing or guaranteed approval for a fee.

 

What is the Qatar Visa Center lounge service?

Our Lounges at the Qatar Visa Centers are designed for patrons who wish for more personalized service in an enhanced atmosphere. The Lounge service entitles the applicant to a one-to-one service with a dedicated staff member ensuring a prioritized biometric enrolment and medical test. To access our Lounge service, kindly inform our reception on the day of your appointment.

 

The Lounge service at the Qatar Visa Centers is optional and does not affect or guarantee a faster visa or medical processing by the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar.

 

Learn more about the Qatar Visa Center and how to process your visa application by visiting www.qatarvisacenter.com.

realme C55 SOLD OUT on TikTok, dominates in-store nationwide!

 

Following the successful launch held April 18 streamed simultaneously via Facebook and TikTok, realme Philippines once again clinches the entry-level segment with its latest model, the Stylish Champion realme C55.

realme depleted its initial stock for both realme C55 variants during the maiden selling on TikTok Shop. Notably, the 8GB+256GB variant sold out in less than four hours, with customers buying two units per minute on average. The 6GB+128GB variant followed through within the next day by selling over a thousand units.

Fans who missed out on TikTok’s early bird promo can still head over to Lazada Flagship Store, where both storage variants of the realme C55 are made available with further discounts than the original first-selling price. On Lazada, the realme C55 6GB+128GB will be up for grabs at only PHP 7,699 starting April 25.

From L-R: E-Commerce Lead Ryan Ng, Content Creator Hazel Quing, Product Manager Jimm Gayo, VP for Marketing Jane Yan, and realme C55 Launch Host Aiyana Perlas. More images in this link.

“We are glad to elevate the budget smartphone experience for thousands of Filipino fans,” says Jane Yan, new Vice President for Marketing in realme Philippines. 

“The realme C55’s Facebook launch garnered a total of over 756k views and 7.9k peak concurrent viewers for the first day alone, and this warm welcome from the entire Squad inspires us to bring even more exciting offers in the future.”

Join thousands of Squad members in experiencing #TheStylishChampion

While TikTok fans flocked online for the first selling, the offline Squad also rushed to get their hands on Android’s first ever Mini Capsule in the Philippines, with realme stores facing a strong surge in demand during the long weekend. 

Customers who prefer buying offline can experience the realme C55’s segment-leading features by trying the new model out for themselves at any of the over 5,000 realme stores nationwide. The Stylish Champion is selling fast, but you can still get the chance to purchase and get exciting freebies like the TechLife Power Bank and TechLife Buds Classic, worth up to PHP 1,298 with realme’s in-store promotions. 

Finally, as a reminder to fans who reserved during the pre-order period: claiming is ongoing and will last only until April 30, before the unit reservations are forfeited to give a chance to new walk-in customers. realme Philippines strongly advises the Squad to claim their brand new realme C55 plus its pre-order freebies as soon as possible. 

For more information and all the latest updates, follow realme Philippines’ Official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines or visit the official realme website at https://www.realme.com/ph/. 

Bern Baguio is an exquisite destination that offers a luxurious and captivating experience throughout the year

 

A distinct kind of bliss and mystic charm will embrace you as soon as you set foot in beautiful Baguio City.

 

Set amid the cascading lush pine forests and the cool, refreshing mountain clime, the country’s “Summer Capital” easily brings you to a heavenly escape that is both idyllic and modern, quaint yet exciting. Whether you want a respite from the metro’s heat or a break from your usual grind, Baguio City will always be worth that drive up north, over and over.

How so? Besides the cold weather and the scenic views as you go up the winding roads of the Cordillera Mountain Range, Baguio City clearly has so much more to offer. Its vibrant culture continues to draw local and foreign tourists to the City of Pines.

 

New and unique experiences year-round

 

Expect to revel in new and unique experiences every time you go to Baguio. 

 

Its thriving homegrown restaurant scene will satisfy any craving you might have—whether you’re in the mood for Italian, American, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Filipino cuisine or for some locally crafted beers and a piping hot chocolate drink. Brave the night market to score for yourself amazing pre-loved clothing, bags, and shoes or to simply enjoy street food. 

 

Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting museums and art galleries here and in surrounding towns. You can also unwind and let loose at Baguio’s most famed attractions, like Burnham Park, or indulge in the revelries of the festivals here as well. 

 

It’s thus easy to understand why Baguio City never fails to amaze anyone who comes its way.

 

Swiss-inspired oasis

 

Soon, Baguio City will no longer just be a weekend getaway.

 

A quaint community is rising on the idyllic side of Baguio, offering a beautiful escape inspired by the picturesque capital city of Switzerland. It will undoubtedly prompt many discerning homebuyers and investors to get their hands on this Swiss-inspired oasis.

 

Bern, a four-tower high-end condominium development by Brittany Corp., will let you enjoy all the niceties and peculiarities of Baguio City while enabling you to enjoy the luxury and sophistication of a Swiss mountain lifestyle. This aspirational address will soon offer the same kind of Alpine paradise that the luxury residential arm of the country's largest homebuilder Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. has done for Tagaytay with the 100-ha Crosswinds, where you can find beautiful themed neighborhoods set amid over 35,000 towering pine trees.

 

Brittany’s first high-end condominium project in the City of Pines will undoubtedly emerge as a gem for many looking to revel in Baguio’s City's tranquil, relaxing vibe all year.

 

Unique peak experiences

 

Beyond that, however, Bern is bringing to Baguio exclusive, unrivaled experiences thanks to a host of curated lifestyle features, world-class facilities, and amenities at the peak of the four towers.

 

Time with family and friends becomes extra meaningful at the Eiger Tower, where you can find an imaginative, dedicated space featuring Jacuzzis and family lounges. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Those aspiring to keep their health in check and lead an active lifestyle will find their favorite amenities—including a gym, sauna, yoga, and pilates studio—at the Alpstein Tower.

 

Appenzell Tower gives you access to expansive mountain views and an entertainment space with a game room, view decks, lounges, and a fire pit that can be used exclusively by residents of Bern. Function rooms here can accommodate the residents’ private events and intimate celebrations.

 

Relax and appreciate nature at Via Nassa Tower, where you can find an indoor-outdoor bar, view deck, Jacuzzi, lounges, and fire pits. Get on the view deck to have a picturesque view of the city while enjoying the company of family and friends.

Spacious units

 

Those looking to find a second home in Bern can choose from any of its spacious, flexible units. Whether you go for the 46-sqm one-bedroom suite, the 51-sqm one-bedroom corner suite, or the 101-sqm two-bedroom suite, you will enjoy Baguio’s sweeping mountain views or city skyline from every angle of your room. 

 

What makes Bern more exclusive and private is the fact that there will only be four to eight units per floor, making it one of the most premium, low-density developments in Baguio.

 

Bern Baguio will undoubtedly be a luxurious indulgence, a great, sweet escape you can enjoy all year.

 

For more information on Brittany Corporation's collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

 

realme Philippines joins millions of youth around the country in celebrating the triumphs, hardships, and sacrifices of all our moms

realme Philippines joins millions of youth around the country in celebrating the triumphs, hardships, and sacrifices of all our moms and mother figures this coming Mother’s Day. 

The term “Mga Ilaw ng Tahanan”, as we Filipinos used to call them, holds true until today. As the unsung heroes of the daily grind, realme recognizes that our Champion Moms have given above and beyond for the welfare of their families: may it be at home or at the workplace, all the while staying awesome, bright, and true to themselves. 

To honor their unconditional love and support, realme created the #ChampionMOMents initiative, which involved the local media, content creators, the realme Community, and realme’s internal team members. realme invites the entire Squad to watch and share this video: 

realme #ChampionMOMents

Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes

realme advocates that motherhood is not locked only to childbearing—it’s an inclusive act of love, of putting others above self—that makes our mother figures Champions in their own right. 

realme Philippines sincerely wishes a Happy Mother’s Day to all those who aren’t mothers, but have acted as such: from our work moms, our single dads, fur parents, and even the lolos and lolas who tirelessly raised us to become the responsible young adults that we are today.

We owe a lot of who we are to our Champion Moms and our Champion Mother Figures, so if you’re reading this, make sure to give them a call (or a hug!) and let them know. 

Show your appreciation and win realme smartphones

Got any memorable photos or videos of you and your Champion Mom? Show them off and get a chance to win two (2) realme C11 smartphones, one for you and one for them! 

Share those treasured throwbacks by going to @realmephilippines on Instagram, and tapping “Add Yours” on the #ChampionMOMents sticker. Don’t forget to tag us by using the hashtag, and make sure it’s set to Public. Lucky winners will be announced on May 15, so stay tuned! 

For the latest news and content, check out realme’s official channels on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on realme smartphones, visit the official realme website.

 

Watsons and Operation Smile have been teaming up for a decade in helping children born with cleft conditions through free surgeries

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the courage, triumphs, and unconditional love of mothers. For many mothers, their greatest joy is to see their children smile and have a bright future. 

However, for some mothers, this joy is not easy to achieve, as their children suffer from cleft lip and palate, a congenital condition that affects their appearance, speech, nutrition, and self-esteem. Their unwavering love became the driving force that propelled them toward a path of transformation and hope.

 

A Mother’s Plight to Achieving Great Joy

Take the case of Lina, a mother of four from Negros Oriental, who faced this difficult reality when her youngest daughter, Mary Joy, was born with a cleft lip and palate. She was saddened when she saw her daughter’s condition and blamed herself, wondering what she did wrong during her pregnancy. Upon learning of her daughter's diagnosis, Lina’s heart was filled with both love and concern, and wanted to give her the best care possible. 

 

Lina searched for possible help and found out about Watsons and Operation Smile’s initiative in their province. She contacted Operation Smile and registered Mary Joy for free surgery. She was delighted when she received the confirmation that Mary Joy was scheduled for surgery in October 2017.

 

Lina and Mary Joy traveled to Dumaguete City, where they met other mothers and children who were also waiting for their surgeries. They received pre-operative care and counseling from Watsons and Operation Smile medical volunteers. Lina felt supported and hopeful as she saw the compassion and expertise of the doctors and nurses.

 

On the day of the surgery, Lina hugged Mary Joy and kissed her goodbye temporarily. She waited nervously outside the operating room for an hour. When the door opened, she saw Mary Joy being wheeled out on a stretcher. She was still asleep, but Lina could see her new smile. She burst into tears of joy and gratitude.

 

Lina thanked Watsons and Operation Smile for giving her daughter a new chance at life. She said that this was the best gift she could ever ask for and looked forward to seeing Mary Joy grow up healthy and happy. Mary Joy is now 9 years old and thriving. She attends school, plays with her friends, and speaks confidently. She loves to sing and dreams of becoming a musician. Lina is proud of her daughter and her achievements, saying that Mary Joy is her inspiration and motivation to keep working hard and overcome any challenges.

Empowering Smiles, Giving Inspiration

 

Lina's story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and boundless love that all mothers possess. It stands as a testament to the power of believing in a brighter future for their children. The partnership between Watsons and Operation Smile plays a crucial role in making dreams come true by providing resources, expertise, and support to families in need.

 

Watsons and Operation Smile have been teaming up for a decade in helping children born with cleft conditions through free surgeries.  Since then, the partnership has changed the lives of numerous children from all over the Philippines who were born with cleft lip and palate conditions through free surgeries. This noble endeavor is in line with A.S Watson’s global commitment to bring 10,000 perfect smiles. Watsons has been firm in its commitment to helping uplift the health and wellness of the community and putting a smile on customers' faces. With the continuous support of Johnson & Johnson, Watsons, and Operation Smile continue to make a lasting impact, bringing hope and transformation to these children and their families.