Lucky OFW won the ultimate cash prize in the second year of PLDT Home Reward’s Grand Giveaway promo

There are about 490,000 Filipino seafarers working on ships around the world, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of passengers on cruise ships, and helping make sure that cargo arrives safely to their destinations.  

 

One seafarer who has been away from his family for most of the past 12 years—missing Christmases, New Year celebrations, his son’s first steps and birthdays—says he can now be with them full time, thanks to thePLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway Promo’s P5 million prize! From the simple desire to earn rewards and discounts from their PLDT Home subscription via the PLDT Home Rewards program, the 36-year-old OFW won the ultimate cash prize in the second year of PLDT Home Reward’s Grand Giveaway promo. 

(From L to R) Cheryl Maxine P. Loyola, AVP and Head, PLDT Home Marketing PR, 5-Million PLDT Home Rewards 2022 Grand Giveaway Promo Winner, Partner of 5-Million PLDT Home Rewards 2022 Grand Giveaway Promo Winner, Jason Ignacio, AVP and Head, PLDT Home Loyalty and Planning

 The Grand Giveaway Promo simply requires PLDT Home subscribers to join the PLDT Home Rewards program for free. In addition to the various perks and discounts available from partner merchants, all PLDT Home Home Rewards members are automatically signed up and eligible to win the many raffle prizes of the Grand Giveaway Promo that are up for grabs.

 

They plan to use part of the prize to pay for their house. “Aside from that we will set aside some of the prize money as savings because we have a four-year-old son, so it’s going toward his schooling. We also plan to use the prize as seed money to start a business,” they said as they collected the check from the PLDT head office in Makati.

 

A fortunate switch to PLDT Home

The winner’s partner, who works from home for a BPO company, agrees with him on starting a business. She was actually instrumental in their winning because it was she who signed them up to the PLDT Home Rewards program while her huband was away at sea.

 

 “We actually switched to PLDT Home,” she says. “When we were living with my parents, their internet connection was PLDT Home. When we bought our own house, we tried to have it transferred, but at the time there were few households in the area and there was no available line yet. So, we used another service provider, pero sobrang mahal. In 2017, we switched back to PLDT Home.”

 

During the pandemic, her BPO company sent their employees to work from home but with a required minimum internet speed. She then upgraded their plan to P1,669, which came with a discount of P200. 

 

“We are very happy with the internet speed and the consistency of service, like when they’re doing maintenance, we always get a notification ahead of schedule,” she says. “We also got the FamCam promo so that while he was on the ship, he could monitor our son and see what we’re doing when we’re home. That was really important to us because our son was growing up and we wanted him to feel close to his dad even when he wasn’t beside us.”

 

When PLDT Home announced its bigger and better rewards program, she signed them up, not knowing that the simple act of joining and earning Crystals automatically entered them into the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway raffle promo. 

 

“We’ve never won a raffle in our life,” she says. “I got a notification with a link from PLDT Home last May. At first, we thought it might be one of those scams but we verified that it came from PLDT Home, and then we got a phone call that changed our lives.”

                        5-Million PLDT Home Rewards 2022 Grand Giveaway Promo Winner

 

A well-deserved rest at home

 

P5 million is an enormous windfall for anyone, but for the 36-year-old OFW, it is a gift that allows him to become a full-time partner and father. Seafaring contracts in the Philippines are usually for a period of several months to a year maximum and Filipino seafarers often sign back-to back-contracts to ensure that their income is continuous and they’re able to support their families back home, especially when they are working toward goals like a house, car, business or their children’s schooling.

 

Now, they can enjoy the fruits of his labor and all his sacrifices as an OFW: simply being with his family in a house they bought several years ago. He is now a full-time dad to his son, and is right beside him to guide him in his early years and watch him grow up.

 

“Rest muna sa seafaring and hopefully I never have to go back. That’s very possible if we choose the right business to invest in,” he says with relief in his voice, seemingly remembering all those years when he was abroad, lonely and missing his young family.

 

These days, the couple is always on the lookout for even more benefits of being a loyal PLDT Home subscriber. “We’re looking at the PLDT Home Rewards program more closely and what we can exchange for our points,” she says with a smile.

 

This new millionaire couple’s advice to people is to switch to PLDT Home because it’s faster, more reliable and generous to loyal subscribers. “If you’re already a subscriber, sign up for the PLDT Home Rewards. As long as you pay on time, you earn points that you can exchange for rewards,” she says.  

 

PLDT Home Rewards ​​lets you enjoy various perks and benefits, such as vouchers for a wide variety of partner brands and merchants, as well as entry into recurring, all by paying bills and earning Home Rewards Crystals. PLDT Home customers can sign up for the Home Rewards program by visiting the PLDT Home Rewards .

 

Agon by AOC Monitorsrecognized as the number one gaming monitor brand in the Philippines

Agon by AOC Monitors has been officially recognized as the number one gaming monitor brand in the Philippines, according to the IDC Quarterly Gaming Tracker for the second quarter of 2023. This prestigious acknowledgment solidifies their commitment to delivering top-tier gaming monitors and underscores their continued dominance in the gaming monitor segment.

The International Data Corporation (IDC), a premier global marketing intelligence firm, has provided authorization for the use of their data to confirm this remarkable achievement. The IDC data reveals that Agon by AOC Monitors captured a commanding market share, cementing their position as leaders in the gaming monitor industry.

The data, obtained from the IDC Quarterly Gaming Tracker, clearly highlights the gaming monitor market's landscape for the Philippines. Agon by AOC Monitors' unwavering dedication to innovation and product quality is reflected in their ability to surpass all competitors and secure the highest unit shipments, solidifying their reputation as the preferred choice for gamers in the country.

The recognition as the number one gaming monitor brand in the Philippines is a testament to AOC Monitors' commitment to providing gamers with state-of-the-art display technology. Whether it's competitive gaming, immersive single-player experiences, or cutting-edge graphics, Agon by AOC Monitors' product offerings consistently deliver unparalleled performance, elevating the gaming experience to new heights.

Recognizing the growing popularity of esports and the increasing demand for high-performance gaming equipment, Agon by AOC Monitors have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of gaming enthusiasts. Their wide range of gaming monitors boasts features such as fast refresh rates, high resolutions, and adaptive sync technologies, giving gamers a competitive edge and an unmatched level of gameplay precision.

Furthermore, Agon by AOC Monitors have actively supported the local esports community through various initiatives. By organizing and sponsoring tournaments, they aim to nurture the talents of aspiring esports athletes and contribute to the growth of the industry. Agon by AOC Monitors firmly believes in providing gamers with the tools they need to excel and achieve their full potential.

This recognition from IDC affirms Agon by AOC Monitors' position as leaders in the gaming monitor market, motivating them to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and ensuring that gamers in the Philippines receive nothing but the best.

Bask in the Magical Glow of the Sunsets in Crosswinds Tagaytay

Bask in the magical glow of the sunset as it descends and paints the sky with its blaze of colors like brush strokes leaping out of a canvas. There's nothing like a beautiful sunset to delight the eye, stir the soul, and appreciate life.

Perfect End to a Perfect Day

 

Located in the heart of Tagaytay, barely two hours drive from Manila via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), is Crosswinds Tagaytay, Brittany's 100-hectare Swiss-inspired development.

 

At Crosswinds, every ethereal sunset brings a unique experience as it accentuates the eye-candy hues and colors of the development, setting the mood for a grand respite from the everyday world.

Within Crosswinds' thoughtfully curated communities are Lausanne and Alpine Villas, with their charming Swiss architecture inspired by the rural chalets in Switzerland.

 

Grand residential lots, luxury homes, and condos in Swiss chalet styles sit amid breathtaking landscapes and mountains, a rolling terrain, and over 35,000 towering pine trees, boasting a lifestyle that blends nature with modern conveniences.

Lausanne is perched at the highest point of Crosswinds Tagaytay, spread over 24 hectares of prime residential lots. Lausanne offers lot-only properties for discerning buyers who prefer to build their own vacation homes and avail themselves of privacy and exclusivity.

 

Then there's Alpine Villas, a 2.8-hectare condo development of Swiss chalet-inspired mid-rise villas. Its mid-rise towers, Bernese, Blanc, Brienz, Biel, and Basel, offer one-bedroom units with a view of Crosswinds' community and commercial strip.

LUXURY AND EXCLUSIVITY IN EVERY UNIT

 

The well-designed, space-efficient condo units have signature amenities and services perfect for those who demand luxury and exclusivity.

 

This exclusive enclave also has impressive Swiss chalet-style homes and entire communities, such as The Swiss Quadrilles and Deux Pointe.

 

The Grand Quartier offers an escape into the mountainside with various amenities and commercial establishments.

 

The first two towers are fully operational as condotels, the Crosswinds Resort Suites. In contrast, the third tower, composed of six stories, offers the option for unit owners to use their unit or invest and earn by leasing it.

 

Happily, nature blends seamlessly with Crosswinds' well-appointed amenities. The property features a central amenity area that includes a swimming pool, jogging path, biking trail, and picnic areas, among others, amid generous open spaces.

Soon, the addition of farm-to-table dining concepts at Crosswinds will complement its existing unique retail concepts, which include Dear Joe, Windmill at Lausanne, Cafe Yama, Joe's Tavern, and Andersen's Bakery, Cafe Voila, Ruined Project?, and Napa at Crosswinds.

Crosswinds will soon have its own strawberry farm and sunflower field on top of the picturesque development's many pocket gardens and nature trails.

 

Crosswinds is easily accessible via the Sta. Rosa exit of SLEX or via Coastal Road. Its proximity to major thoroughfares and establishments assures residents easy access to modern comforts and conveniences while allowing them to enjoy nature's beauty. 

 

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.

 

 

Watsons wins top recognition at the Gold IIP Awards

The leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer brand, Watsons Philippines was recently awarded gold and silver recognition at the first annual Investors in People (IIP) Philippines Awards, a global affiliate company that provides advice and assessment services on people management. The awarding took place last July 27, 2023 at the Watsons Head Office.

 

The top honor is given to companies that champions the very best community of people that are driven by a purpose. It is about shining a light on a community-- making a difference to people's lives.

Watsons Philippines received the Investors in People Sixth Generation People Management Practices Gold Accreditation and Investors in People Well-being Silver Accreditation.  Watsons Philippines' Managing Director, Mr. Danilo Chiong, has received these awards on behalf of the Watsons community.

“It was such an honor receiving this award on behalf of the whole team. This has solidified our company’s ambition on having a good health and wellbeing strategy at the same having our principles in place.  We have established a wellbeing vision and framework thus receiving positive response from employees through our implemented initiatives,” Mr. Danilo Chiong said.

 

With Watsons scoring the gold level accreditation from IIP rightfully confirms that the organization has people practices in place and are successfully engaging the employees in creating a positive outcome or impact to the overall business.

 

Watsons was also awarded the Silver accreditation for Health and Wellbeing. The commendation assesses the organization’s employee wellbeing practices. Thus earning an IIP accreditation attests that a company’s people management initiatives are measured up with the international standards and best practices. 

 

Criteria was based from a completed survey by Watsons employees giving their assessment on Watsons as an employer  and organization specifically in the way it leads, supports and improves people performance. 85% of the total employees have completed the survey. Likewise, conversations, observations and context discussions with the senior leadership team and review of relevant documents were also part of the assessment conducted by Investors in People Assessors.

 

Watsons Philippines has also been an inspiring partner for Investors in People since 2016 which is aimed to lead, improve and support the company’s initiatives to attain exceptional performance within  the organization. The data used to develop the initiatives, the goals of wellbeing programs, the communication and implementation plans and the engagement of employees on the wellbeing initiatives.

 

“This partnership with Investors in People has made Watsons Philippines more progressive in terms of employee management to empower them and strengthen the organization. We acknowledge that our employees have become the driving force in Watsons Philippines’ overall success and we look forward to achieving more milestones with them,” Mr. Chiong added.

HONOR has officially unveiled its strategic vision for the future of smartphones at IFA 2023

 

Global technology brand HONOR has officially unveiled its strategic vision for the future of smartphones at IFA 2023. During its keynote session entitled “Unfold Tomorrow” HONOR CEO George Zhao outlined the brand’s commitment to making foldable smartphones mainstream, with its latest human-centric innovations including the lightest and slimmest inward foldable smartphone of HONOR, the Magic V2. The brand also unveiled the HONOR V Purse, a new concept that reimagines a foldable smartphone as a wearable, fashion-forward purse, offering endless possibilities for style and self-expression.

“HONOR's foldable smartphones have come a long way, with each iteration showcasing remarkable advancements in design, functionality, and durability,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR. “Not only that, but with our phone to purse concept brought to life through the HONOR V Purse, we are exploring sustainable solutions that leverage emerging foldable technology to empower creativity and shape tomorrow's lifestyle.”

Unfolding the Next Frontier of Fashion Forward Technology 

HONOR embraces its role in shaping future lifestyles and unveils the HONOR V Purse, a new “Phone-to-purse” concept that heralds the beginning of electronic devices being seen as an entirely new category of fashionable consumer goods that offer unlimited opportunities for self-expression.

 

Engineered with sustainability in mind, the HONOR V Purse epitomizes HONOR’s commitment to the environment. In addition to featuring sustainably sourced materials such as vegan leather for its straps, the concept’s endlessly customizable AODs can be paired with any outfit. As the fashion industry transcends the physical world into a more digital space, technology is enabling unlimited possibilities for style and self-expression.

Echoing its open-collaboration brand spirit, HONOR has teamed up with top cultural tastemakers from across its HONOR Talents Global Design Awards platform, including creative director from BURBERRY menswear Bram Van Diepen, contemporary artist Yunuene Esparza, professor of the China Academy of Art Yuan Youmin and crossover artist Xiao Hui Wang, to design a series of custom AODs for the device, offering endless fashion possibilities.

 

Initial Global Showcase of HONOR Magic V2 

During IFA 2023, HONOR also showcased its new flagship foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V2, for the first time ever at a global event, which is perfectly illustrating HONOR’s vision for foldable smartphones, redefining industry benchmarks with significant improvements across form factor, battery, display and user experience aspects.

The HONOR Magic V2 is the lightest and thinnest inward foldable smartphone that HONOR has introduced to date, weighing only 231g  and measuring just 9.9mm  thick when folded. It features a new generation of Silicon-Carbon-Dual-Battery with an average thickness of just 2.72mm, which achieves a high capacity of up to 5,000mAh in the space of a thin and light foldable flagship body.

 

In addition to the thin and lightweight, the HONOR Magic V2 features a first-of-its-kind Super-light Titanium Hinge and a new HONOR's proprietary steel, providing added robustness and durability to the hinge mechanism. The HONOR Magic V2 also earns the coveted durability certification from SGS, by enabling the hinge to withstand more than 400,000 folds, ensuring a lifespan of up to ten years for folding 100 times a day. The HONOR Magic V2 features a triple rear camera setup that includes 50MP Main Camera (f/1.9), a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.0), and a 20MP Telephoto Camera (f/2.4). The front-facing dual camera setup features two 16MP Cameras (f/2.2).

 

Incorporating human-centric innovation, the HONOR Magic V2 also supports industry-leading 3840Hz PWM Dimming technology minimizes eye strain, ensuring comfortable viewing even during extended use.

 

HONOR takes home 36 Media Awards

  

This year, HONOR received a total of 36 awards from media at IFA 2023. Android Headlines awarded the HONOR V Purse "Best of IFA 2023" and commented that "The HONOR V Purse is not only a phone, it's also a fashion statement, and a conversation starter. It was easily one of the more interesting announcements we've seen at IFA 2023." GSMArena also said about the design concept of the HONOR V Purse that "this is actually a very advanced device...we always appreciate when a company thinks outside the box."

 

For more information 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 Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

This New Espresso Maker is the Perfect Kitchen Companion

Coffee aficionados will likely concur that the convenience of grabbing your favorite cup of joe from a beloved coffee shop ranks among the most cherished aspects. This convenience proves especially invaluable to individuals with hectic schedules, particularly those who can spare only a few precious minutes each day for that essential caffeine boost.

 

One of the downsides of enjoying commercial coffee, however, is the quality you get to enjoy. While a lot of second-wave coffee brands have progressed in terms of taste and the process of creating their drinks, it cannot be argued that nothing still beats homemade, handcrafted cups of joe. There is just something incredibly romantic about creating it on your own, crafting it to suit your taste, and enjoying your cup in the comfort of your home. This is exactly what the Barista Express Impress offers—a chance for everyone to enjoy the process of making and creating high-quality coffee straight from their kitchens without the frills and unnecessary bells and whistles. 

The Barista Express Impress is the newest model from premium home lifestyle brand Breville Philippines. From its design to its features, the espresso machine is created to fit the lifestyle of those who want to get the most out of their coffee experience but do not have the luxury of time to make one. The model’s product DNA speaks for itself. As Breville’s first assisted manual espresso machine, the Barista Express Impress is the definition of convenience, quality, and simplicity.

One of the star features of the model is its Impress Puck System which helps craft the best cup for you. The system involves intelligent dosing which automatically calculates the dosage you need. From there, the machine will precisely tamp with a 10kg impression and 7-degree barista twist for a polished puck. The system also gauges when the correct level is achieved and makes sure to use this for your next brewing.

 

Similar to the other impressive models of espresso machines of Breville Philippines, the Barista Express Impress also delivers Third Wave Specialty Coffee using the four keys formula which, other than providing the ideal dosage, also sets the right temperature, optimal pressure, and sufficient steam for your coffee. 

 

From all angles, this newest offering from Breville Philippines reinvents the way coffee lovers approach and enjoy coffee. It is the perfect proof against the misconception that quality third-wave coffee is elitist and that enjoying it requires time and knowledge. The Barista Express Impress is the ideal entry model for budding coffee enthusiasts or those who simply want to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to convenience and quality. Furthermore, it proves that better coffee is for everyone and that anyone can #BringThemHome as long as they have the right home partners by their side.

 

The Breville Express Impress retails for P69,999 and is available in all major home appliance outlets carrying the Breville brand. Are you already a Breville owner? You can also opt to trade up a Breville espresso machine model to experience this newest offering from the line. For more information about the product, you can visit the official Breville website or follow their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels.

Score the best deals on POCO smartphones this 9.9 sale on Shopee and Lazada

The hunt for unbeatable smartphone deals is on, and POCO is taking center stage in the 9.9 Mega Sale on Shopee and Lazada on September 9.

 

If you’re looking for a smartphone that can deliver everything you need and more, you might want to check out POCO’s offerings during the 9.9 sale. Renowned for providing high-performance gadgets with exceptional value, POCO is rolling out discounts of up to 40% on selected smartphones. 

Unbeatable Discounts Await!

 

POCO has a range of smartphones that cater to different needs and preferences of users, from flagship killers to gaming beasts to budget-friendly 5G devices. Here are some of the best deals you can find on POCO smartphones this 9.9 sale:

 

●      POCO M5s 6+128 - A budget-friendly smartphone with a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, it has a 64MP quad rear camera and a 13MP front camera. The device has a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and dual stereo speakers. Save 40% on this product, now at Php 6,590 (from Php 10,899).

 

●      POCO X5 5G 8+256GB - This mid-range smartphone supports 5G connectivity and has a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The device has a 48MP triple rear camera, 13MP selfie camera, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5000mAh battery, 33W fast charging, infrared remote, and Hi-Res audio. It’s now available for only Php 9,990 (down from Php 15,999).

 

●      POCO F5 PRO 12+512GB - A flagship smartphone with a 6.67-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, it features a triple rear camera setup with a primary sensor of 64MP that can record videos in up to 8K resolution and a 16MP front-facing camera. The device has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, 12GB RAM, and 512GB storage. It also has a 5160mAh battery capacity that supports wired (67W) and wireless (30W) fast charging. Other features include an under-display fingerprint scanner and dual speakers with high-res audio. Get it for only Php 26,599 (down from Php 30,999).

 

Additional POCO 9.9 Deals

 

But that’s not all! POCO also has other products on sale that you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the other POCO products you can get at discounted prices this 9.9 sale:

 

 

Product Name	Original Price	Discounted Price
POCO M5S 8+256GB	Php 12,499	Php 7,990
POCO X5 PRO 5G 6+128GB	Php 16,999	Php 12,990
POCO X5 PRO 5G 8+256GB	Php 18,999	Php 14,590
POCO F5 8+256GB	Php 20,999	Php 15,999
POCO F5 12+256GB	Php 22,999	Php 17,999
POCO F5 PRO 8+256GB	Php 26,999	Php 19,599
POCO F5 PRO 12+256GB	Php 28,999	Php 24,599
POCO Watch Strap	Php 399	Php 199
POCO Watch	Php 3,999	Php 1,999

 

With POCO, you can enjoy premium features without breaking the bank. And now, you can get them at even lower prices at the POCO 9.9 Mega Sale on Shopee and Lazada. Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your smartphone with POCO!