Palawan Express Pera Padala and BPI Join Forces to Provide Fast and Convenient Fund Transfer Service

Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), the Philippines' leading remittance and money transfer brand, is proud to announce its official partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) as one of its esteemed Remit-to-Bank Account (RTA) partners. This collaboration aims to provide customers with greater convenience and efficiency in money transfer and remittance services.

(From left) Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala Executives : Catherine Caporas, Account Specialist for Banks; Missy Baldemor, B2B Department Head; Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado,  Vice President for New Products and Services; Bank of the Philippine Islands Executives (BPI): John-C Syquia, Head of Institutional Banking; Reggie Cariaso, Head of Strategy, Products & Support - Institutional Banking; and Roderick Lucido, Head of Domestic, Manning, and SWIFT.

Through PEPP’s BPI Remit-to-Account service, customers can now conveniently visit any of the 3,300 authorized branches of PEPP nationwide and transfer money to their BPI Account. The remitted money will be credited to their accounts on the same day, ensuring swift and seamless transactions. Furthermore, this service allows customers to have additional channels for their remittance needs. PEPP’s branches are available even on weekends and holidays, allowing customers and sukis (loyal patrons) to access them whenever they need them. 

The partnership with BPI, one of the country's largest and most trusted banking institutions, marks a significant milestone for both PEPP and BPI. This collaboration holds the promise of improved and more convenient remittance services for Filipinos nationwide.

Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Pawnshop Group's Vice President for New Products and Services

"We firmly believe that this partnership will empower more Filipinos to achieve their financial goals and strengthen their connections with their loved ones by combining PEPP’'s expansive reach and user-friendly platforms with BPI's customer-centric approach. Together, we will realize our shared vision of making financial transactions more accessible, efficient, and secure for every Filipino, regardless of their location or circumstances," stated Lisa Lou Castro-Sabado, Palawan Pawnshop Group's Vice President for New Products and Services.

"We are very glad to share with Palawan Express Pera Padala the very important goal of financial inclusion. This new arrangement, along with our prior collaboration ventures, truly makes the lives of our fellow Filipinos better by facilitating the delivery of funds from Palawan's network via BPI's network. This can be done even after banking hours, on holidays, and on weekends. As we pursue BPI's thrust of building a better Philippines one family, one community at a time, we are committed to providing more convenient solutions to address the financial needs of the communities and businesses that we serve." said John-C L. Syquia, BPI's Head of Institutional Banking.

In addition to BPI, PEPP customers can also remit money to over 60 banks and e-wallets. This diverse range of options further enhances the flexibility and accessibility of the remittance services provided.

Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala is not only dedicated to innovation and improving its services but also to promoting financial inclusion in the Philippines. The company continuously seeks ways to better serve its customers and expand access to financial services for all. By leveraging technology, embracing innovation, and nurturing partnerships and synergies, Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala aims to set new industry standards, making financial transactions more accessible, efficient, and secure for every Filipino. With a strong commitment to its sukis and the goal of empowering individuals to achieve their financial aspirations, Palawan Pawnshop - Palawan Express Pera Padala is at the forefront of driving positive change in the remittance industry.

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” awaits moviegoers promising a colorful adventure filled with wonder, laughter, and lighthearted moments

 

The dazzling and mesmerizing world of Element City has now arrived in cinemas! Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” awaits moviegoers promising a colorful adventure filled with wonder, laughter, and lighthearted moments. The film tells the story of Ember, a tough young woman made of fire, meeting a cool go-with-the-flow guy named Wade, made of water. Together, they go on a colorful journey and experience all that Element City has to offer—exploring new places, meeting new faces, and challenging the beliefs of the world they live in. 

 

“Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film from the award-winning studio. The movie brings audiences to the bright and wonderful world of Element City, a place where the population, comprised of four different elements—fire, water, earth, and air—live together in relative harmony. 

 

Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream. The film stars Leah Lewis (Ember), Mamoudou Athie (Wade), Ronnie del Carmen (Bernie), Shila Ommi (Cinder), Wendi McLendon-Covey (Gale), Catherine O’Hara (Brook), Mason Wertheimer (Clod), and Joe Pera (Fern).

 

Don’t miss Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” and join conversations online by using the hashtag #ElementalPH. For more updates, you can also follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

 

For images, access film stills and behind-the-scenes images here. Watch the latest and official trailer here.

 

Alodia and Christopher Quimbo with Ashley Gosiengfiao and Kevin Lapena at the Philippine premiere of Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” held at the A-Giant Screen in Ayala Malls Manila Bay

 

WELCOME TO ELEMENT CITY – Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” takes fire, water, earth and air and imagines what it would be like if they were alive and living in the same city – a place called Element City. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Party Cloudy” short) and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases on June 16, 2023. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

LIGHTHEARTED FUN -- In Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” go-with-the-flow guy Wade (Mamoudou Athie) ushers fiery young woman Ember (voice of Leah Lewis) out of her comfort zone to experience Elemental City like never before. Directed by Peter Sohn (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Party Cloudy” short) and produced by Denise Ream (“The Good Dinosaur,” “Cars 2”), Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” releases on June 16, 2023. © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

 

HONOR Philippines just unveiled the Guinness World record-breaking HONOR Magic5 Pro

HONOR Philippines just unveiled the Guinness World record-breaking HONOR Magic5 Pro on June 8, priced at Php 59,990. Pre-order until June 15 to avail the FREE HONOR Band 6 and Earbuds X3 Lite both worth Php 6,000.

 

“Since the launch of HONOR Magic5 Pro, we have received an overwhelming amount of pre-orders which meant the world to us. This feat encourages us even more to provide the service our HONOR fans deserve,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga with HONOR Stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz

 

In a magical evening, HONOR Magic5 Pro was officially introduced to the market on June 8, 2023. HONOR stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz serenaded the guests with a back-to-back performance while photographers Belle Dinglasa and Ryan Audencial discussed the powerful camera capabilities of HONOR Magic5 Pro.

 

One of the night’s highlights was the water dip test where HONOR Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Joepy Libo-on challenged Julie Anne and Rayver to showcase the water-resistant feature of HONOR’s new flagship.

HONOR Magic5 Pro Specs

 

The HONOR Magic5 Pro features a powerful Triple Main Camera combination comprising a 50MP Wide Camera, a 50MP Ultra Wide Camera, and a 50MP Telephoto Camera. With an increased sensor size for superior light sensing performance, the camera system produces photos in refined detail every time, no matter the lighting conditions. Ultra Fusion Computational Optics, a computational optical algorithm complementing the camera system, drastically improves image clarity at 3.5x-100x zoom, setting the device apart from other smartphones on the market.

Featuring a 6.81-inch LTPO Display with a unique Quad-Curved Floating Screen, the HONOR Magic5 Pro guarantees an immersive viewing experience whether users are browsing, gaming or reading.

This new HONOR flagship sports the latest Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform from Qualcomm®, enabling enhanced productivity and entertainment at all times. With the industry's first Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standalone antenna architecture, the HONOR Magic5 Pro improves Wi-Fi performance by 200%  and reduces Wi-Fi latency by 30%.

 

Supporting 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, the HONOR Magic5 Pro packs with a super large 5100mAh battery to deliver a full day of uninterrupted usage.

 

Available in Midnight Black and Meadow Green, HONOR Magic5 Pro will be available for pre-order until June 15 for Php 59,990 with FREE HONOR Band 6 smartwatch and HONOR X3 Lite Earbuds both worth Php 6,000 at select HONOR and partner dealer stores or online via Lazada (https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.hsr3z), Shopee (https://shope.ee/1LApXmPIen), and Tiktok Shop (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSLN2DNm1/).

 

HONOR Magic5 Pro will also be available via Globe Postpaid Plan 2499 with a one-time cashout of Php 17,900, and via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,718 monthly and on a 0% interest installment payment.

 

For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Spotify and BTS curated a love letter experience for Spotify listeners: My Top 5: BTS Songs

Over the last decade, BTS has captured the world's attention, emerging as a cultural phenomenon and propelling K-pop onto the global stage. With an ARMY of devoted fans, BTS has touched hearts with their music — from fun, dance-worthy tunes to their heartfelt and moving songs.

 

To celebrate the 10-year journey of this powerhouse K-pop group and their incredible discography, leading audio platform Spotify and BTS  curated a love letter experience for Spotify listeners:  My Top 5: BTS Songs, which launches today

While renowned for hits like Grammy-nominated bop “Dynamite” and the ultra-smooth pop track “Butter”, BTS has treated fans with diverse music and amazing songwriting throughout their career: from long-time favorite "Spring Day" with its beautiful symbolism of changing seasons, to the most recently released "Take Two", which expresses their appreciation for their fans.

 

With My Top 5: BTS Songs listeners now have the opportunity to rank and curate their personal favorite songs from a selection of BTS discography, and then share their picks with friends on social media.

 

BTS curated this special selection with Spotify that celebrates their collective discography of the past decade for the in-app experience (the selection of songs does not include the full BTS catalog or songs by other artists where BTS is featured). Here's how it works*:

●      Make sure your mobile app is up to date with the latest version available in the App store. 

●      Visit https://spotify.com/top5 on your device.

●      The experience will present a curated selection of BTS songs and allow you to select your five favorite songs. Drag and reorder them in the visual display to create your definitive list.

●      You’ll then receive a personalized digital card with your selections to share and compare on social media. Plus, for the first time in My Top 5, you can select a sharecard that showcases your BTS group bias — the member who holds a special place in your heart!

 

"Each step of our journey together has been unique and has sounded different along the way. We hope many people enjoy this new experience with Spotify’s My Top 5: BTS Songs and share their favorites with us," BTS shares.

My Top 5: BTS Songs marks the next iteration of this Spotify interactive experience after seeing massive success with other iconic artists, including The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, and ROSALÍA, which received an overwhelming response from fans worldwide.

McDonald’s Philippines will be providing over 20,000 career opportunities to Filipinos

With now close to 60,000 employees to date, McDonald’s Philippines—under its master franchise holder and owner Dr. George T. Yang and President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang—will be providing over 20,000 career opportunities to Filipinos as it continues to open more stores all over the country.

 

“With every new store that we open, we are able to provide employment opportunities in local  communities where the store is located. We directly hire all our people and do not practice contractualization. This has always been the way we hire our people since our chairman, Dr. George T. Yang opened the 1st McDonald’s in the Philippines in Morayta, Manila in 1981—and it is something that we will continue to do. We believe that if our people working in the restaurants have job security first, it will allow them to focus and do well in their job of serving our customers. ” said Kenneth S. Yang, President and CEO of McDonald’s Philippines. 

Proud McDonald’s managers and crew ready to bring more feel-good moments in stores nationwide

 

More than job security, McDonald’s Philippines takes pride in the world-class training it provides its people, making them competitive in the industry as they get to learn global systems and processes in restaurant service. Through a robust learning and development curriculum, McDonald’s employees are able to not just learn life-long skills but grow and progress in the company. 

 

McDonald’s employees also receive annual salary increases, insurance, hospital and medical benefits, special employee discounts, and other allowances. 

 

According to the fast-food chain, priority areas for hiring Management Trainees are Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Montalban, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Makati, Manila, Quezon City, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Lucena and Pasig City. Priority areas for crew members are Parañaque, Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Marikina, Taytay, Antipolo, Kidapawan, and Davao City. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

 

McDonald’s Philippines takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer, providing career opportunities to working students and Filipinos from all walks of life—regardless of background, age, gender, or sexual orientation. 

 

From the crew room to the boardroom, the quick service restaurant (QSR) giant is driven by a good representation of women with more than 50% taking vital positions and leadership roles.

 

Along with providing regular employment, McDonald’s Philippines also ensures a safe and inclusive workplace that allows its people to thrive. As one of the country’s biggest employers, McDonald’s Philippines champions equity where all employees, whether in its head office or stores, have equal access to training and development and advancement opportunities.

 

McDonald’s extends this to more members of the community with programs like WIP or Workforce Immersion Program. WIP provides training for Senior High School students by allowing them firsthand experience of the fast food industry and its operations; the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), where McDonald’s helps in providing jobs for underprivileged students and out-of-school youth through employing them to become McDonald’s crew members. Since adopting SPES in 2011, McDonald’s has provided 16,319 Filipino youth with employment opportunities. 

 

In partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), McDonald’s Alternative Workforce Program offers work-based training positions for 5,000 unemployed and out-of-school youths through YouthWorksPH to provide beneficiaries with financial knowledge, skills, and access to resources necessary to effectively manage finances through adulthood. 

 

Among the Philippines’ best employers 

McDonald’s Philippines was also recognized as one of the Philippines’ best employers in the inaugural list of The Philippines’ Best Employers for 2023 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and international market research firm Statista. The list shared a ranking of the country’s top-rated employers as evaluated by their employees.

 

“We are thrilled to have been named as one of the country’s best employers for 2023. This is not just a testament to our commitment, and the work we have done for our people, but it is also a challenge for us to always be a step better to bring out the best in them,” said Margot B. Torres, Managing Director, McDonald’s Philippines.

 

With more new store openings slated this 2023, McDonald’s Philippines will continue serving the communities they operate in to ensure its people — crew and customers alike, can continue enjoying more feel-good moments with McDonald’s.  

 

For more information, visit the McDonald’s Careers Facebook Page (McDo PH Careers FB Page) or McDonald’s Philippines LinkedIn to check out career opportunities with McDonald’s Philippines. 

 

One Meralco Foundation empowers island education in Antique

The One Meralco Foundation (OMF) recently energized an off-grid public school on the island of Liwagao in the municipality of Caluya in Antique in a bid to empower students with access to digital learning materials for their education.

The project involves a 1-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system for the Lim Elementary School, which can be reached via a four-hour boat ride from mainland Antique. The school caters to over 100 students who are taught by seven teachers.

The new solar facility will power crucial equipment that will provide lighting and ventilation to create a more conducive learning environment for students. It will also significantly contribute to the delivery modes for learning given that equipment such as printers, laptops, and televisions can now be used by both teachers and students.

“Investing on improvements in the learning environment of our students will help further not just their respective individual growth but also contribute towards the development of their community,” OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao said. “With electricity access, these students can explore a bigger world of knowledge with the help of multimedia equipment that they can now fully use.”

The support provided by OMF is a testament to the lasting impact that collaborations between government and the private sector can achieve for the collective benefit of learners according to Director Marge Ballesteros of the Department of Education (DepEd) External Partnerships Service.

“Social development is a product of collaboration between all sectors of society, and this latest initiative by the One Meralco Foundation shows the potential that the private sector and the government can be unlocked by continuously working together,” she said.

DepEd Superintendent for Antique Nicasio Frio added that it would greatly improve the quality of education provided to students at Lim Elementary School.

“We are turning the challenges that we encounter as part of our inspiration to do better,” he said, noting the importance of electricity in enriching the learning experience of students.

With the electrification of the institution, Shirley Cario, Lim Elementary School head, said she and her fellow educators can better teach students since they can now access equipment such as printers and laptops. She recalled how prior to the installation of the solar PV system, students cannot use digital learning materials during school hours due to the lack of electricity service.

“Our students used to have a challenging time studying since they cannot use facilities such as audiovisual equipment that can aid them in their studies before,” Cario said. “Now, we see our students becoming more active in school since we can now use different equipment like television that can enhance their learning experience.”

Improving the quality of education is among the top priorities of the local government unit (LGU) according to Caluya Vice Mayor Belfe Duran, who promised to maintain the installed solar PV system in the school.

“This project serves as an inspiration to the beneficiary students to do better in their studies,” he said.

Just recently, OMF also energized another island school in Antique, the Sibolo Elementary School located in Sibolo Island, which caters to 145 students who are under the care of seven teachers. The project also involved the installation of a 1kwP-portable solar PV system.

To date, a total of seven schools in Antique have been energized by OMF since 2015, benefitting more than 1,200 students and 46 teachers.

The energization of off-grid public schools is an initiative of OMF under its community electrification program which also covers, low-income households in the Meralco franchise area, rural health centers and barangay health stations, water access, and agricultural and livelihood programs.

This program, according to Tarayao, is an important initiative under OMF and Meralco’s sustainability commitment to spread the light and create lasting impact to underserved communities in the country.

“This also supports the government’s thrust to promote human and social development through improving education and lifelong learning, and eventually uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially those in far-flung communities,” he concluded.#

Airbnb and Universal Pictures today reveal 10 listings from around the world that perfectly fit Wes Anderson's aesthetic

So many people are creating their own version of Wes Anderson’s iconic symmetry and colour scheme on social media using the hashtag #wesanderson. The trend has amassed over 977M views.

For anyone wanting to star in their very own Wes Anderson movie, Airbnb and Universal Pictures today reveal 10 listings from around the world that perfectly fit the aesthetic — from The Grand Budapest Hotel to his much anticipated new film Asteroid City — giving fans the opportunity to recreate their own Wes movie moment, just like Jason Schwartzman and Scarlett Johansson. 

Set to land in cinemas this month, Asteroid City takes place in a fictional desert town circa 1955. In the film, a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention – organized to bring students and parents together from across the country for a scholarly competition – is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. Get ready for the film by checking out the Airbnb homes below, which offer the ideal setting for anyone who dreams of recreating their own Wes Anderson-inspired moments.

 

Off Grid and Forty Feet Up, Tiller, Oregon, US

 

Futuro styled Flying Saucer, Redberth, UK

Camp Grits Solar Yellow Camper, Tennessee, US

 

Private island, Vesterøy, Norway  

 

Kind of Blue 1959 Airstream, Joshua Tree, California

 

Pop art apartment, Puglia, Italy

   

Retro Caravan Nights, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Colorful Canalside Flat, Venice, Italy

Secret Suite, Santorini, Greece

 

 

Samsung offers the best air conditioner choices for every style and requirement in one spot with their 2023 WindFree Lineup

Finding the ideal air conditioner that matches your needs and preferences may be a challenging endeavor given the wide range of options available on the market. From customized design and specs to the latest technology and innovative features, air conditioners have come a long way and have vastly improved our daily lives. These days, you can control or even schedule smart air conditioners from your phone, or even leave it up to AI to work its magic in optimizing your room’s perfect temperature.

 

Samsung offers the best air conditioner choices for every style and requirement in one spot with their 2023 WindFree Lineup. The designs are sleek and modern yet still have all the features you want and need in an air conditioner. 

 

Here are the highlights of each WindFree air conditioners to help you choose the best: 

 

WindFree Inverter

This model features everything you need in an aircon, at a great deal! The WindFree Inverter provides the basic needs but is fully equipped with innovative features. This machine cools the room without direct air with WindFree Technology. Plus, it delivers powerful cooling without emptying the bank with its WindFree Cooling, saving up to  77% in energy!  

 

WindFree SmartThings

A brand new offering from Samsung, this smart aircon is truly designed for your convenience. WindFree SmartThings Inverter allows you to control your AC and monitor energy saving using your smartphone, accessing cooling comfort with your fingertips. Continuously adjusting the settings will not be a hassle with its AI Auto Cooling Technology that analyzes usage patterns and room conditions for best result. 

WindFree Bespoke 

 If you’re looking to minimize the look of the appliances in your room, the WindFree Bespoke is your best bet because it blends in with modern and minimal interiors in a brand new stylish colors, Midnight Black, Morning Blue, and Metallic Silver, keeping your room stylish without compromising the features that you need.  It features everything that you would look for—Windfree Technology, Digital Inverter, SmartThings, AI Auto Cooling—with a Bespoke aesthetic that will undoubtedly be a sleek addition to your home.

 

WindFree ActivClean

Looking to streamline your appliances? The WindFree ActivClean is an aircon and purifier in one, cleaning  in two ways, keeping both your aircon and the air clean through AI Auto Clean and Air Purifier PM 1.0 Filter. This model allows you to cool more and sleep more comfortably while keeping the air 99% clean and safe. 

 

WindFree Cassette

Looking for an industrial or commercial AC for your space? Samsung also offers options  for you under their WindFree lineup. First, the 4-Way Cassette provides fast cooling in wide areas with its large louver blades. With WindFree mode enabled, it effortlessly maintains the set and optimized temperature of the room, and with Motion Detect Sensors, it makes for energy efficient operation and customized air flow. On the other hand, the 1-Way Cassette lets you stay cool and comfortable without direct wind, with cool air gently dispersing through micro holes. It also features a large louver blade, designed to maximize coverage and cool the room quickly.

 

It’s never been easier to choose which air conditioner best fits your own style and needs than it is now with the Samsung! Cool, quiet, efficient—find the perfect AC for you from Samsung’s 2023 WindFree lineup. For more information, please visit samsung.com/ph.