ASUS partners with the Republic of Gamers this year to offer the best school must-haves with our Cool for School 2023 promo

 

ASUS and Republic of Gamers (ROG) have teamed up again this year to offer the best school must-haves with their Cool for School 2023 promo. Score up to PHP 44,000 plus worth of bundled products and ace the next academic year with the latest participating ASUS and ROG laptops and ROG smartphones. The promo starts on July 1 until August 31, 2023, and Filipinos can get their hands on an ROG Phone 6, ROG Azoth Wireless, ROG Delta 5 Wireless, ROG Claymore II, Canon PIXMA printer, Genius SoundBar, ASUS Washable Paper Bag, and ASUS and ROG merch for free upon purchase of participating products. As ASUS continues to provide solutions to the technology needs of Filipinos, this promo also makes it accessible to more students. To view the full promo mechanics, visit this link https://ph.asus.click/CoolForSchool.

Welcome to the world of OLED

Now is the best time to get on the vibrant and mesmerizing OLED train and get up to PHP 6,700 worth of freebies in select ASUS Zenbook and Vivobook laptops. 

Ideal for students and young professionals who are always on the road and want a laptop that's easy to bring from one station to the next yet also features a sleek style that screams premium, the Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) and Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP3404) are the best bets. These laptops are incredibly thin and light but pack the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors to perform any task – even those extracurricular activities. The Zenbook S 13 OLED is only 1cm. thin, 1kg. light, made of eco-friendly materials, including its pioneering plasma ceramic aluminum lid, eco-conscious packaging, and certified power efficiency. As the most eco-friendly Zenbook yet, Zenbook S 13 OLED is best for earth warriors who practice conscious living. On the flip side is the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED that carries multiple hats perfect for multitaskers – a student by day, org president in the afternoon, and a hobbyist by night. With four different modes to choose from – laptop, tent, stand, or tablet – one can easily tick off every box in that to-do list. This 360-degree ultra-thin perfection features an ErgoLift Hinge that also comes with an ASUS Pen 2.0 that can be used for notetaking or quick doodle sessions, perfect for the versatile student who can do it all. The ASUS Lumina OLED display on both laptops lets users experience a more accurate, more adaptive, and more reliable viewing experience like no other. ASUS Zenbook laptops start at PHP 59,995.00, and Filipinos can have the chance to get up to PHP 5,100 worth of freebies that include a Canon PIXMA printer and ASUS Washable Paper Bag or an ASUS tumbler in a reusable Cool for School eco-friendly packaging, among others.

For the creatives of the bunch, ASUS developed the most advanced creator tools that will make their creative workflow more seamless, customizable, and streamlined. Create like a pro while still chasing that diploma with ASUS Creator Series. Discover new ways to create with ASUS DialPad – an intuitive rotary controller that lets users adjust the brush size or exposure with simple precision found on the Zenbook Pro 16X OLED (UX7602). Get the best of both worlds with the Zenbook Pro 14/15 Duo OLED (UX8402, UX582) and their next-generation ScreenPad Plus secondary touchscreen. This full-width secondary touchscreen supports the latest high-precision styluses and allows efficient and more comfortable workflow for nitty-gritty operations, such as image touch-ups, animation, and graphic design. Achieve enhanced multidimensional entertainment while maximizing the laptop's performance with MUX Switch in the Vivobook Pro 15/16 OLED (K6502, K6602). All those exclusive innovations, high-performing Intel Core processors, and creator-grade NVIDIA GeForce with NVIDIA Studio drivers make the ASUS Creator Series a need for every creative. ASUS Creator laptops start at PHP 44,995.00, and Filipinos can have the chance to score as much as PHP 6,700 worth of freebies, such as a Canon PIXMA printer, Genius SoundBar, and a Zenbook Tote Bag.

Sporting a youthful design and performing like a daily driver, the ASUS Vivobook series has plenty to offer to those who always see the fun in learning. Feel the power and style in the Vivobook S Series (K3402, K3502) with a long-lasting 70wh battery complemented with Intel Evo benefits – instant wake-up, a faster WiFi connection, and high battery efficiency to keep you productive without any limits. Pulling an all-nighter is a no-brainer with these laptops as they come with the latest Intel Core Processors. Made to perform and entertain, the Vivobook 15X OLED (K3504, M3504) features the latest AMD and Intel Core Processors under its hood and ASUS Antimicrobial Guard on its surface to keep frequently touched areas hygienic at all times. Lastly, for OLED newbies, they can get their hands on Vivobook Go 15 OLED (E1504) – an everyday workhorse laptop that has a 15-inch FHD OLED display that emits 70% less harmful blue light, ideal for both kids and adults, the latest AMD 7000 series mobile processor, and a 180-degree hinge. ASUS Vivobook laptops start at PHP 14,995.00, and buyers can receive up to PHP 3,500 worth of bundles for free, including an ASUS tumbler, Genius Earbuds, and a 64GB flash drive.

All participating Zenbook and Vivobook laptops have a free lifetime Office Home & Student license. Purchased an ASUS laptop and love it? Share a review and get rewarded through the Your Voice Matters Campaign to receive up to 200 Gcash Credits.

Non-Stop Gaming with the Republic

Gaming never stops with ROG. And this season, ROG will amplify it even further with its latest back-to-school promotions! 

Combining performance and portability has been what the ROG Flow series is known for. The newest Flow Z13 sports a retro-futurism design while offering the best experience in tablet and laptop gaming. It features up to Intel Core i9 CPU while being able to fit a discrete NVIDIA RTX 40 series GPU. Its smooth 165hz refresh rate ensures gamers and creators enjoy the powerful device. Individuals that are interested in getting the Flow Z13 are in luck as they can enjoy incredible bundles, with up to PHP 13,049 worth, ranging from ROG Cetra True Wireless plus PHP 1,000 Steam Credits, ROG Strix Arion S500 Portable SSD plus ROG Hoodie., or an ROG Delta S Wireless plus ROG Hoodie.

The Zephyrus line-up offers exceptional performance while keeping its thin-and-light form factor DNA. The sleek Zephyrus M16 offers up to Intel Core i9 CPUs paired with powerful NVIDIA RTX 30 or 40 series GPU for an unhindered gaming adventure! It can also come with the ROG Nebula HDR™ Mini LED display offering up to 240Hz refresh rate, 1100 nits peak brightness, DisplayHDR1000, and Pantone validated for immersive and true-to-life experience when gaming or content creation. Participating Zephyrus M16 models can enjoy perks in this back-to-school promotion ranging from ROG Delta S Wireless plus ROG Hoodie, ROG Claymore II (RX Blue) plus ROG Hoodie, ROG Azoth (NX Blue) plus ROG Delta S Wireless, or an ROG Phone 6.

The Strix series has always been the go-to machine for competitive Esports players. The Strix SCAR 17 is unique as it offers the option of a top-performing Intel CPU or ultra-fast AMD CPU to be paired with the latest NVIDIA RTX GPU with MUX switch, achieving the highest framerates possible. Its fast 240Hz display ensures gamers enjoy all fast-paced action without missing a hit on their targets. Purchasing selected Strix SCAR laptops this back-to-school season can enjoy ranging from an ROG Delta S Wireless plus ROG Hoodie, ROG Claymore II (RX Blue) plus ROG Hoodie, ROG Azoth (NX Blue) plus ROG Delta S Wireless, or an ROG Phone 6.

TUF laptops are known for their durability and excellent price-to-performance value. The ASUS TUF Dash F15 is a perfect example, as this powerful gaming beast features up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series laptop GPU for a butter-smooth gameplay experience without breaking the bank. ASUS TUF Dash F15 also passes the MIL-STD-810H military grade standard, withstanding accidental bumps and drops. Participating TUF laptops, including the TUF Dash F15, TUF Gaming A15/F15 and A17/F17, and TUF Gaming A16 Advantage Edition, can receive additional items ranging from PHP 1,000 Steam credits, ROG Cetra True Wireless plus PHP 1,000 Steam credits, or an ROG Strix Arion S500 Portable SSD plus ROG Hoodie.

Hailed before for its innovative dual-screen design and its ultimate gaming performance, even winning the 2022 CES Innovation Award, the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 offers gamers incredible in-game framerates with up to AMD Ryzen 9 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. Its ROG Screenpad Plus offers users extra space for multitasking, whether for gaming, content creation, and more. And to keep its thin-and-light form factor, the Zephyrus Duo 16 features ROG Intelligent Cooling System reducing noise without sacrificing temperature and gaming performance. Participating notebooks, including specific models for Zephyrus Duo 16, Zephyrus M16, and Strix SCAR 18, will get a brand-new ROG Phone 6 (12GB/256GB), worth PHP 44,495, on top of their purchase. Now one can play in the comfort of their house or bring it outside!

And finally, for mobile gamers out there, ROG has a special offer for its ROG Phone 6 series. Choose from an all-powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform or ultra-fast Mediatek Dimensity 9000+, up to 18GB of LPDDR5X, and massive storage with up to 512GB of internal storage. This ultimate device can withstand long gaming sessions with its monstrous 6000 mAh battery. And to level up gaming with the King of gaming smartphones, ROG will slash its price up to PHP 6,000 this back-to-school season and throw in an ROG Cetra II Core, worth PHP 3,750, for the most immersive mobile gaming experience ever!

For the full list of participating ASUS and ROG products, visit https://ph.asus.click/CoolForSchool.

How threat actors are weaponizing social media, from phishing to AI-powered deepfakes

The Philippines is one of the most active social media communities worldwide, according to the Digital 2023 report. With 72.5% of the population on social media, Filipinos spend an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes on these channels to keep in touch with family and friends, read news stories, and find content.  As social media continues to exert its influence on everyday lives, it becomes increasingly crucial for Filipinos to remain vigilant regarding the evolving dangers associated with its usage. Recent technological advancements, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, have further exacerbated these risks, necessitating heightened awareness and precautionary measures.

 

With World Social Media Day around the corner, here are three ways social media is putting individuals and organizations at risk.

Social media preys on psychological weakness
Hackers consistently rely on user behavior to provide the openings they need to penetrate network defenses. While some look to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in a system or network, often the most efficient way to target a business is through social engineering methods that manipulate users into breaching security policies and giving away information that can be used to steal data or launch an attack. 

 

According to Palo Alto Networks Unit 42’s 2022 Incident Response Report, attackers used phishing, a form of social engineering, 40% of the time to gain initial access to a system. By studying an employee’s social media profile, cybercriminals are able to develop a comprehensive profile of their victim, which they can then use to launch a targeted attack. These attacks appeal to emotions such as fear, curiosity, urgency, and greed and beckon unsuspecting employees to click on a link or attachment, ignoring basic cybersecurity hygiene. And with the Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report finding that 66% of malware is delivered through PDFs, just one erroneous click of the button can lead to disastrous consequences, enabling malicious macros to infiltrate the system.

 

From catfishing to AI-cultivated deepfakes

Another risk associated with social media is that it involves people establishing connections without necessarily needing to establish authenticity. This requires a leap of faith, which can easily be exploited by threat actors. From identity theft to catfishing, cybercriminals use social media to capture information and content from unsuspecting victims, assume their identities, and commit fraudulent activity. 

 

But the breadth of ways impersonations or fake identities are being used in the security space is growing. As technological advancements improve the quality, customisability, and accessibility of artificial intelligence-enabled content creation, malicious actors are using this technology to exploit images and videos—often taken from social media platforms—and manipulate them into content that can be used for extortion, harassment, misinformation, and reputational damage. 

 

When disseminated through social media, convincing fake content—deepfakes—can instantly reach millions. A video altered to make it appear as if a CEO was announcing that profits were down could impact a company’s stock price; similarly, a presidential candidate appearing to confess complicity in a crime could lead to the disruption of an election. Although impersonators don’t necessarily need to be using techniques as advanced as deepfakes to cause havoc, such as the case of a fake account for a US pharma company announced it would be distributing free insulin, causing the company’s stock to plummet.

 

Malware and ransomware infiltrate the social web

Alongside using social media for intelligence gathering and dissemination, cybercriminals also share malicious links on social media directly. These links, harboring anything from viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware, help hackers access devices and networks to steal data and take control of systems. 

 

Of these formats, ransomware is seeing alarming growth. Philippine organizations were found by Unit 42’s Ransomware and Extortion Report to be severely affected by ransomware, with attacks surging to around 60% in 2022.

 

As public interest in generative AI grows, malicious actors also use this to their advantage, with ChatGPT-themed lures increasingly being used to spread malware across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Earlier this year, Meta’s security teams uncovered 10 malware families using ChatGPT (and similar themes) to deliver malicious software to users’ devices. In one instance, cybercriminals created malicious browser extensions available in official web stores that claim to offer ChatGPT-based tools, which were then promoted on social media and through sponsored search results to trick people into downloading malware. 

 

Tackling social media-powered cybercrime 

The above are just a few tools among a wide-ranging toolkit that cybercriminals are using to weaponize social media. And with the number of social media users worldwide predicted to grow to close to 6 billion by 2027, the risk that these platforms pose is unlikely to go away.

 

So what can organizations do to protect their employees? First and foremost, embedding cybersecurity education within the workplace curriculum and regularly testing the effectiveness of that training is crucial. Many companies incorporate measures like rewarding employees that spot phishing attempts and report them to the security operations team, and they see the value these practices can have for promoting cybersafety. 

 

On a company level, organizations should prioritize embedding a safety-first culture with a plan in place to manage the inevitability of a cyber incident. Business leaders should constantly be identifying, measuring, and evaluating risks and, where possible, limit access to sensitive information to need-to-know employees. Alongside building a robust defense plan, organizations should also establish a social media policy that sets standards around the organization’s online interactions, imposes consequences for misuse of social media, and mandates cyber awareness training for those directly involved with content publishing. 

 

Sean Duca, Vice President and Regional Chief Security Officer, Japan & Asia Pacific, said, “Ultimately, everyone has the right to feel safe online. And with the threat of a cyberattack ever-present in our personal and professional spaces, education is key to ensuring our digital identities and our business assets remain protected.”

 

Ling Nam's Delectable Rice Delights: Indulge in New and Exciting Flavors with Doña Maria

Popular Chinese food chain Ling Nam is serving up some new and delicious rice meals, in partnership with Doña Maria. 

These new Ling Nam Rice Bowls are on-the-go meals featuring Ling Nam’s famous rice toppings served on a bed of premium quality Doña Maria rice. For only ₱ 250, Chinese food lovers can enjoy a steaming bowl of rice topped with their choice of a perfectly tender Braised Beef Wanton, Braised Beef, Pork Asado, Lemon Chicken, Siomai, or Pork Dumplings. 

Ling Nam, which recently celebrated its 73rd anniversary, was acquired by House of Fruitas (HoF) in 2022. Ling Nam joins HoF as one of its premier brands, HoF remains one of the most successful food cart businesses in the country, with beloved brands such as Fruitas, Jamaican Pattie, and Balai Pandesal. 

“Ling Nam’s famous Beef-Wonton Noodles, congee, and dim sum selection are iconic dishes that made a once-humble restaurant parlor into a beloved brand. It is an honor and privilege to become a steward of its legacy. As we always do with brands under HoF, we take what’s amazing about Ling Nam and improve upon it,” said HoF CMO Shaun Aldrich Si.

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Doña Maria Premium Quality Rice is among the leading rice brand in the country and has established itself as the crème de la crème in premium rice. It is widely available in local supermarkets nationwide and has also gained popularity on an international scale, making it available in various countries like the USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, to name a few. 

Ling Nam has partnered with Doña Maria with the expansion of their products, offering only high-quality ingredients to their customers. 

Doña Maria's Marketing Director, Tiffany Ngo, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with the House of Fruitas, emphasizing Ling Nam's dedication to product innovation. She highlighted the alignment between Ling Nam and Doña Maria's shared goal of making premium-quality rice more accessible to a wider range of Filipino consumers, pursuing the advocacy “Rice for the Filipinos, made by the Filipinos” 

Visit Ling Nam’s 765 Banawe St., Quezon City branch and try out their Ling Nam Rice Bowls! Or visit the Ling Nam Facebook page for more information. 

To know more about House of Fruitas’ brands you may email their Franchise Officers at franchise@fruitasholdings.com or send a text message to 0939-1010-101. You can also visit their website at www.fruitasholdings.com. 

TV5's Grand Nationwide Viewing Party: Celebrating the TVJ & Dabarkads Comeback with Kapatid Viewers!

The long wait is over for fans of TVJ & Legit Dabarkads as they make their highly anticipated return to TV at their new home starting this Saturday, July 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To celebrate their comeback, TV5 in partnership with Cignal TV, Inc., is organizing a nationwide viewing party inviting fans from Apparri to Jolo to watch the premiere episode together.

There will be more than 20 available venues to watch the nationwide viewing party in Cignal TV Inc. Experience and Kiosks, Mall Activity Centers and Barangays in different regions. Venues include the Basco Gym Batanes, Robinson’s Mall Tuguegarao, Robinsons’ Mall Laoag, Brgy. Sapang Bato Covered Court Pampanga, Brgy. Mojon Malolos, Bulacan, SM Sangandaan, Brgy. Western Bicutan Taguig, Sta. Lucia Mall, Cainta, Brgy. 201, Pasay, Robinsons’ Gentri, Cavite, Pavillon Mall at Binan, Laguna, Robinson’s Lipa Batangas, Nuciti Mall at Mindoro, Ayala Mall Legazpi, Bgy. Magapo, San Antonio Evacuation Center Legazpi, SM Mabolo Cebu,  Robinsons’ Mall Iloilo,  SM Bacolod, SM Roxas, Robinsons’ Tacloban North, Leyte, GMall Tagum, Davao del Norte, SM Butuan and Southway Mall, Zamboanga. 

In addition to the live event, TV5 and Cignal TV Inc., offers interactive activities for all attendees to enjoy!  Hosted by Denise Tan in Robinson’s Mall  Laoag, Lyn Olavario in SM Sangandaan in Manila, Eileen Shi in SM Mabolo, Cebu and Andre Co in Southway Mall, Zamboanga. The event kicks off with a motorcade followed by fun games and non-stop treats that will surely delight the audiences. 

TVJ and the legit Dabarkads have captured the hearts of millions with their timeless comedy and unparalleled stage presence. Their genuine friendship and wit have made them household names for decades. After a brief hiatus, the gang is ready to bring “Isang Libo’t, Isang Tuwa” back to the public. 

Can’t make it to the venue? Don’t fret! You may catch TVJ and the legit Dabarkads right at the comfort of your own home. Watch it on TV5 on Free TV and Sulit TV; TV5HD on Cignal ch. 15; simulcast on One PH (Ch. 1 on Cignal,  Satlite and all Digital TV Boxes); Next Day Catch up at 4:00pm on Buko, Ch. 2 on Cignal & Satlite and the Cignal Play App – stream TV5 HD, One PH and Buko on the go for as low as P75, available for PH subscribers only.  You  can also watch the show online via TVJ Official and TV5 Facebook page. Filipinos overseas  can watch the show on Kapatid Channel in the US, Canada, Middle East, Guam and Papua New Guinea. For more details, visit the Kapatid International FB page.

The Watsons Race for Wellness: Embark on a Beauty Adventure Filled with Fun, Wellness, and Unforgettable Experiences!

The Queen City of the South was buzzing with energy as Watsons Philippines successfully brought its highly anticipated Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure to Cebu City. Held at SM Seaside Cebu, the event offered a unique blend of beauty, sports, wellness, and excitement, leaving participants with unforgettable memories and a renewed commitment to their health and well-being.

 

The Watsons Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure in Cebu surpassed all expectations, providing a captivating atmosphere, surprises, and an abundance of freebies. Beauty enthusiasts were thrilled to conquer giant beauty obstacles strategically placed along the race course, adding an exciting twist to the run. From passing through giant blenders to navigating through make-up brushes, participants truly experienced a beauty adventure like no other.

 

One of the highlights of the event was the inflatable tunnel filled with foam, which added a fun and immersive element to the race. Runners couldn't contain their excitement as they dashed through the tunnel, feeling the foam engulfing them in a thrilling and exhilarating moment.

"Watsons is your partner in attaining your health, wellness, and beauty goals. We all share the same passion to get active and to achieve for ourselves a healthier and more beautiful lifestyle. We hope that we’re able to put smiles on our customers’ faces through the Watsons Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure.  We also hope that everyone enjoyed all the exciting booth activities and performances. As we want all our customers to look good, do good and feel great!” said Kim Reyes, Trading Beauty Director of  Watsons Philippines

 

Attendees were treated to a showcase of local talent, creating a festive and entertaining atmosphere that perfectly complemented the energetic spirit of the run.

 

Participants were not only treated to a memorable experience but also received comprehensive race kits, including singlets, bibs, finisher's medals, and loot bags. Watsons' partner brands and exhibitors also contributed to the excitement, offering a variety of product freebies and samples throughout the race, further enhancing the participants' journey and fun experience. The Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure proudly featured the participation of Watsons’ brand partners, namely AHC, Anessa, Banila Co, Beach Hut, Belo, Biore, Carroten, Celeteque, Deoproce, Dermplus, Face Republic, Garnier, Kemans, Kojiesan, Luxe Organix, Neutrogena, Nivea, Oxecure, Ponds, Snailwhite, Some By Mi, Sunplay, Vaseline, and Watsons.

Watsons’  Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure has not only provided an avenue for people from all walks of life to come together but has also celebrated their unique identities and individualities. The diverse groups namely Mandaue PWD (Persons with Disabilities) Community,  Petlovers, and LoveYourself Cebu were seen having fun on the race tracks.  

 

The Grand winners in the 5K Male & Female category Mark Mahinay &  Evamie Villarin emerged as the 1st place winners. For the 10K Category, Dhem AJ Monton and Art Joy Torregosa bagged the 1st place. 

 

"We are thrilled to have successfully brought the Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure to Cebu City. This event truly embodies our dedication to providing our customers with countless ways while staying beautiful.  We believe in a holistic approach to health care that goes beyond traditional norms. The Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure is a perfect example of that." said Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing at Watsons Philippines.

Watsons Philippines extends heartfelt appreciation to the incredible participants, dedicated volunteers, invaluable partners, and supportive local government for their invaluable contributions to the resounding success of The Race for Wellness: The Beauty Adventure in Cebu City. The overwhelming support and unwavering enthusiasm from the vibrant Cebuano community have played a pivotal role in the event's remarkable achievement.

 

As Watsons continues to uplift the health and wellness of Filipinos, the brand looks forward to organizing more events and activities that inspire individuals to prioritize their well-being. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and initiatives from Watsons as they remain dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of their valued customers.

 

For your health and wellness needs, download the Watsons App now on Google Play and  Apple App Store  or visit any of the Watsons 1,000+ stores nationwide. For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok. 

 

Join 7-Eleven's Grand Anniversary Sale for an Incredible 'Grocery Day' with Over 300 Must-Have Items!

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven Philippines marks another anniversary with a giving-back treat to customers this 7-Eleven Day. Happening on July 7 to 11, the 24-hour, five-day birthday sale is dubbed as the brand’s biggest bash, with discounts of up to 50% across over 300 item categoriesplus limited-time deals on its in-house eats like Crunch Time Chicken, City Cafe, 7-Fresh Siopao, and Big Bite Hotdog.

As 7-Eleven continues to lead the industry in store footprint, meal innovations, and service enhancements, 7-Eleven Day is another effort to show gratitude to its customers who continue to flock to the brand’s thousands of neighborhood stores. What’s more, 7-Eleven is positioning this year’s celebration as a ‘grocery day’ for the public with big discounts and deals available for pantry essentials and personal care items.

Pantry favorites that will be on sale include soft drinks, noodles, sweets, biscuits, chips, bread, and even alcoholic beverages. The same discounts and deals also apply to personal care products such as popular toothpaste, lotion, and soap brands, making the five-day event the perfect time to save and stock up for Filipinos.

Apart from the price markdowns on its grocery items, 7-Eleven is also slashing off prices from its in-house food classics.. Every order of one-piece Crunch Time Chicken will be sold at P10 off from July 6 to 11; City Cafe and Prima coffee selections in small cups are at P20 off on Jul 11; all variants of Big Bite Hotdog will only ring at the till for P23 on July 11; and the different flavors of the 7-Fresh Siopao – pancit crab, adobo, asado, and bola-bola – will have P6 discount on July 11 as well.

 

Rallying around the theme of customers “deserving” this special treat – 7-Eleven pulls all the stops to make this sulit sale event possible as it celebrates another year of being Filipinos’ convenience store favorite

Troop to the nearest 7-Eleven store nationwide from July 7 to 11 to avail of the sale items. To allow more people to enjoy the discounts, a quantity limit for each sale item per customer will be strictly implemented. Sale items per day may vary per store. For more information and updates, visit 7-Eleven’s website and social media pages.

 

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter for more information.

 

Make Shopping Even More Rewarding with Go Rewards!

Experience the convenience of seamless shopping and unlock accelerated rewards like never before. Every purchase effortlessly earns you 1 point for every 200 pesos spent, magnifying your Go Rewards points and enabling you to accumulate even more with ease.

Go Rewards and UnionBank partner to give Filipino shoppers the only credit card they’ll ever need at Robinsons establishments. The two brands recently launched the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card, an all-in-one credit card and loyalty rewards card on June 27, 2023 at the Robinsons Magnolia G/F Atrium. The new card not only boosts a shopper’s purchasing power, but it also makes the shopping experience more rewarding by offering a wealth of additional benefits that only the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card can provide.

Get ready to simplify your wallet with this all-in-one credit and rewards card that offers seamless shopping and accelerated rewards.  Earn more with every purchase as you effortlessly accumulate 1 point for every 200 pesos spent, multiplying the earning of your Go Rewards points.  For our esteemed Go Rewards Platinum cardholders, enjoy even faster reward accumulation at an incredible rate of 1 point for every 100 pesos spent.  Plus, rest easy knowing that your valuable points will never expire as long as your Go Rewards account remains active. 

These points can be used to redeem exciting freebies, such as flight tickets and other exclusive promos and offers from Go Rewards partners. They can also be used to pay for purchases at Robinsons Retail stores, with each point equivalent to one peso. And for a minimum spend, Go Rewards Gold and Platinum card holders can get a welcome gift of 3,000 and 5,000 points, respectively.

Go Rewards Gold and Platinum credit card holders will also get an automatic upgrade to Go Rewards Black membership status. This not only entitles them to an exclusive Black Member lane in Shopwise and The Marketplace for a smoother shopping experience, but also free parking at select Shopwise and The Marketplace branches. 

“The bar for exceptional customer experience has been raised more than ever before, and businesses must stay innovative and go beyond expectations to stay competitive.” says Go Rewards CEO Cindy Deng. “Through this powerful collaboration with UnionBank, we have developed a unique all-in-one credit card and loyalty program that enhances and elevates your shopping experience.”

In addition to earning rewards points, UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card holders also get priority access to sales at Robinsons Retail brands such as Toys R’ Us, True Value, No Brand, and Pet Lovers Centre.

To apply for the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card, all you have to do is click “Apply Now” at this link for the Go Rewards Gold card, and at this link for the Go Rewards Platinum card. 

Once you get your Go Rewards Credit Card, you can instantly earn points wherever you shop and multiply the earn rate by shopping at any of more than 2,000 Robinsons and Robinsons Retail stores, such as Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliances, South Star Drug, and many more nationwide. 

The Go Rewards Gold and Platinum Visa Credit Cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, allowing you to earn rewards points wherever you choose to go shopping. Points are credited automatically to your Go Rewards account every month based on your billing cycle, with no caps on the amount of points you can earn.

“We are grateful for Unionbank’s shared commitment to delivering exceptional value and unparalleled benefits to consumers.” Lisa Gokongwei Cheng, Chairman of Data Analytics Ventures, Inc. shares. “We’re also excited on behalf of all our shoppers, who will no doubt be enjoying the rewards from their loyalty.”

With the Go Rewards Credit Card now available to Pinoy shoppers everywhere, shopping at Robinsons just became a lot more rewarding.

Don't miss out on maximizing your rewards potential. Learn more about the Go Rewards Credit Card here. Apply for your card today by clicking “Apply Now” at this link for the Go Rewards Gold card, and at this link for the Go Rewards Platinum card. 

DOT unveils the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration

 On the celebration of the golden year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other officials, led the unveiling of the country’s enhanced tourism campaign “Love the Philippines” as the highlight of the Department’s 50th founding year celebration at the iconic Manila Hotel, Tuesday (June 27)

Proudly presenting “Love the Philippines” to a crowd composed of former DOT chiefs, officials and employees of the Department's central and regional offices, heads of government agencies including Cabinet Secretaries, house representatives, tourism stakeholders, and the media, Secretary Frasco described the enhanced campaign as timely for the DOT’s golden anniversary celebration.

“As we cap the last fifty years of the DOT and welcome this new era of tourism for the Philippines, it is but right that we welcome this opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said.

 

“Love the Philippines goes to the very heart of every single Filipino with the distinct grace and hospitality with which we welcome every guest that comes into our shores, our communities, and our homes. Love the Philippines is a recognition of our natural assets, our long and storied history, our rich culture and diversity,” she said, while noting that there is so much more to the country than “the fun and adventure” that has so far been articulated.

“The Philippines is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being only one of 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, a deep well of culture and history, a profound burst and taste of flavor and gastronomy, a tapestry of indigenous peoples and creative communities by whose work of their hands have safeguarded the dignity and integrity of the Filipino identity. This is who we are. These complexities and nuances of the Philippines have yet to be fully articulated to the world for indeed, the story of the Filipino has yet to be fully told, and we shall tell that story by telling them the story of love. Love the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco said.

 

PBBM’s unequivocal support

Gracing the milestone event for Philippine tourism, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his utmost support for "Love the Philippines", saying that the enhanced tourism campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines.”

 

“And what better way to express that love than by directly incorporating it into our country’s newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines. This new branding which we unveil today, will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine tourism industry moving forward. Allow me then to express my sincerest appreciation to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and for the DOT team, because aside from the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations, the campaign that you have conceptualized aims to enhance the overall experience of every travel, included in that list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infrastructure for ease of travel, and champion green movements, among others,” the President enthused.

 

 

Adjusting to the post-pandemic tourism landscape and changing trends

With the everchanging global tourism landscape post pandemic, and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences in their travels, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a timely response to the demands of the industry.

 

In a recent survey conducted by the United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) among its member countries, market repositioning and rebranding strategies is among the priorities identified after the pandemic based on its Survey Findings on Member Priorities for UNWTO program of work 2024-2025.

 

With an enhanced tourism campaign in tow, the DOT’s focus now is to show more of what there is to “Love the Philippines” as it works towards the realization of President Marcos, Jr.’s vision for the country to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.

 

“Indeed, if we are to compete with our neighbors in our effort as well to partner with them for Asia to become a powerhouse tourism region in the world, the time has come for us to add to the value proposition of the Philippines by telling the world how much more we have to offer,” Secretary Frasco said.

 

“We have multiple facets of tourism destinations that present a golden opportunity for we have only scratched the surface thus far,” she added.

 

Rosy prospects for Philippine tourism

According to Secretary Frasco, the world has “the world has noticed that there is so much to love about the Philippines.”

 

This, as the Philippines has recorded 2,641,993 visitors from January 1 to June 26, 2023, and is close to breaching the 2.65 million arrivals it recorded for 2022.

 

Further, the tourism sector is regarded as a stalwart as far as contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) is concerned. According to the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) share of the sector to the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was estimated at 6.2 percent and amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion in 2022.

 

The Philippines is also seeing a boost in tourism-related enterprise employment, with 5.35 million estimated tourism employment last year.

 

As she rallied their support for the DOT’s vision of showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world under the Marcos administration, the Secretary said: “As we usher in this golden era for tourism, for our fellow Filipinos, for our beautiful country, let us find it in our hearts to have that burning pride of place for the Philippines, to Love the Philippines, to usher us into the continued recovery and vigorous comeback of the Philippines to the world.”