Maxicare announces the appointment of Mervin Pobre, Ph.D. as the company’s new CEO

 

A a significant leadership transition is happening over at Maxilifie, the visionary life insurance start up.  After a remarkable journey of growth and success under the guidance of Jose Pastor Z. Puno as President and CEO, the reins of leadership have been passed on to Mervin L. Pobre, Ph.D. This transition marks a pivotal moment in MaxiLife's evolution and is a testament to the company's commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

 

Mr. Puno's legacy is etched in the foundation of MaxiLife's success story. His visionary leadership propelled the company from its inception, guiding it through remarkable milestones that solidified MaxiLife's position to be a prominent force in the insurance landscape, especially within the pivotal Year One. His strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and nurturing of a culture steeped in excellence and innovation have left an indelible mark on the organization.

Mr. Mervin L. Pobre, PhD, the newly appointed President and CEO

 

Under Mr. Puno's guidance, MaxiLife achieved extraordinary feats, obtaining approvals for its pioneering Group Life Insurance products and rapidly insuring 350,000 lives within the first five months of commercial operations in 2023. The company's footprint expanded, earning accolades such as the Great Place to Work certification, while forging robust strategic partnerships. His commitment to innovation, paired with a sincere focus on employee well-being and development, has shaped MaxiLife's distinctive culture, destined to inspire for years to come.

Jose Pastor Z. Puno as President and CEO
 

Stepping into this leadership role with enthusiasm and expertise is Mr. Mervin L. Pobre, PhD, the newly appointed President and CEO. Mervin is a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career spanning the insurance and banking sectors, both in the Philippines and the US. His most recent role as Chief of Strategy at FWD Insurance underscores his proficiency in steering organizations toward prosperity. Beyond the corporate realm, Mervin has also enriched the academic landscape, educating the next generation at esteemed institutions such as the Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo De Manila University, and De La Salle University.

 

Mervin's academic prowess, coupled with his strategic acumen, positions him perfectly to lead MaxiLife into the next exciting phase of its growth journey. Armed with a deep understanding of the life insurance industry, he is poised to uphold the company's commitment to excellence, innovation, and core values.

 

During this transition, MaxiLife remains resolute in its dedication to delivering exceptional service to valued customers, while nurturing a culture of excellence within its ranks. In this new chapter, the company continues to pursue their mission to simplify the insurance journey for Filipinos and protecting their aspirations for lifelong peace of mind.

TINY TRUCK TAKEOVER – F1 DRIVERS GO KEI-RAZY IN (UN)SERIOUS TOKYO SHOWDOWN

 

Improbable situations, unfathomable rules, excitable presenters, and extraordinary vehicles. No, it’s not another Formula One reality show, it’s round three of the most formidable F1 competition outside of F1: the (Un)serious Race Series – The Super Ultimate Japanese Racing Challenge Show.

 

The 2023 off-circuit series, which stops off in Japan for this episode, features Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers pitted against each other in peculiarly local vehicles. Having recently concluded a fun and unique cleaning cart challenge in Singapore, F1 World Drivers’ Championship leader Max Verstappen and Checo Perez take on local hero Yuki Tsundoa and up and comer, Liam Lawson across a series of challenges in a couple of very small trucks. Known as Kei trucks, the tiny, flatbed utility vehicles are normally seen ferrying (quite small) piles of goods around the narrow streets of towns and villages all across Japan. 

 

Four competitive drivers, some elaborate, oversized props and an overly excitable host set a scene that channelled the spirit of Japan’s craziest game shows. 

 

Assembling for battle at Tokyo’s Ariake Stadium, Max, Checo and Liam were keenly aware of Yuki’s current (Un)Serious Series dominance, with the Japanese driver reigning unbeaten across the first two events, in Miami and Spielberg. If they were going to beat the hometown hero in exacting challenges such as knocking down some supersized bowling pins, they’d have to bring their A-game – and a massive inflatable ball. 

And they did. After a series of surprising challenges, it was Max and Checo who emerged victorious, shattering Yuki’s unbroken run and on the Scuderia AlphaTauri driver's home turf, too.

 

Celebrating the win, Checo said: “It’s been a funny day, it’s great being part of the Red Bull family as we get to do lots of crazy events around the world, I’d have never expected to be doing this challenge here in Tokyo. I just wish the kei trucks had more downforce [laughs].”

 

Fellow winner Max added: “First and foremost it’s important to mention that we finally won the challenge. The kei trucks have been fun to drive, I haven’t quite found the DRS yet though. It’s been good preparation for the race this weekend, I have a lot of special memories from Suzuka, my favourite memory is of course winning the championship here and also driving in my first ever official practice session too - on a track like this, it wasn’t the easiest but is something I will remember forever.”

 

Even with a competitive advantage of having driven Kei-trucks in his late teens, Yuki remained relaxed at seeing his (Un)Serious dominance disrupted “I drove kei-trucks a couple of times when I was 18. My grandfather had one for gardening. The truck was the perfect size, perfectly fitting and it was fun to drive, very controllable and sharp. This series is always fun, but we are racing drivers, so we are always competitive. So, at the same time we are always serious. It’s an unserious vehicle, but serious racing.”

 

Liam, taking part in first (Un)Serious Series challenge offered insight into what went wrong in Scuderia AlphaTauri’s quest to make it three round wins on the hop. “The highlight was the race at the end, stacking some boxes, and on the way back Yuki made an aggressive turn that I wasn’t ready for and I fell onto him, and knocked it into neutral. So, the last 50m or so, was just in neutral, on the limiter across the line.”

 

Oracle Red Bull Racing has a longstanding tradition of embracing unique local challenges in every country they visit during the F1 season. These unconventional showdowns not only allow the drivers to let loose and have some fun before the intensity of the race weekend but also celebrate the distinct cultures and traditions of each location. 

Similarly, last week in Singapore, the team engaged in a memorable challenge at the iconic Jewel Changi Airport, where Verstappen and Perez raced cleaning carts against the backdrop of the world's best airport.

 

The next stop for the four F1 racers is the legendary Suzuka Circuit, home of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. One of F1’s most iconic circuits, Suzuka was the scene of Max’s second title win last year. 

 

To watch Round 3 of the (Un)Serious Race Series – Japan in full, click HERE.

To watch the World's Cleanest Race in Singapore in its entirety, click HERE.

 

News cuts, plus rights free imagery, is available to view and download on the Red Bull Content Pool via the following links:

●      Tiny Truck Takeover

●      World’s Cleanest Race

Use the Jollibee App for Exclusive Deals and FREE Delivery with APPakasulit!

Filipinos love getting all kinds of sulit deals. There are few things as satisfying as getting the best value for your money, especially when buying your favorite meals. Wherever we go, we always want the most sulit experience, and there is no better place to find APPakasulit deals than the Jollibee App.

 

APPakasulit deals and prices!

 

Looking to bring Jollibee favorites closer to you? The app gives you the best prices online, making sure that each langhap sarap deal offers the most value available. You can order favorites like the 1-pc Chickenjoy for P82,  the langhap-sarap Yumburger for P40, or sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti for P60.

 

You can also make your orders more APPakasulit with app-exclusive deals. New and regular users can avail of special offers for meals and receive huge discounts. This September, new users can enjoy a free 2-pc Burger Steak for a minimum value of P700 or a free Yumburger for P550. Regular users can get a free Yumburger with Jolly Spaghetti for a minimum order value of P700. With these deals, you can truly get more value for your money!

The best part? You can stack these deals and freebies when making your APPakasulit orders. 

After getting all these sulit deals, users can also avail of free delivery when they reach a minimum order of P500 until September 30. Don’t miss this and get the most sulit deliveries straight to your doorstep!

We all love anything sulit, and the Jollibee App brings the APPakasulit jolly experience with just a few taps away. 

 

Download the Jollibee App here: https://bit.ly/JollibeeAPPakasulit and order your jolly faves now!

 

For more info and updates, visit Jollibee.com.ph, and follow Jollibee on Facebook, and on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @Jollibee.

 

UNIQLO Manila's 5th Anniversary Celebration: A Half-Decade of Fashion Excellence in the Philippines

 

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO marks the 5th anniversary of its Global Flagship store in the Philippines with exciting experiences and fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy.

 

Since its opening in 2018, the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store has brought customers exciting things over the years. Being the biggest Global Flagship store in Southeast Asia, it is the home to the complete line-up of LifeWear items in the country, as well as unique experiences such as the custom printing service, UTme!, and special displays and collaborations with various local talents.

 

As part of the brand’s appreciation for being part of Filipinos’ daily lives, UNIQLO is bringing customers an even better shopping experience as they ring in their 5th year from October 13 to 26, 2023. 

Elevated Store. Elevated Essentials. Embrace the Future.

UNIQLO Manila’s 5^th anniversary promises to be one for the books with the theme “Elevated Store. Elevated Essentials. Embrace the Future.”

 

Bringing the concept to life is UNIQLO’s partnership with five young and distinguished individuals who have achieved global recognition in their respective fields. Each partner represents one of the brand’s biggest item lines which all hold innovative functionality at its core. These LifeWear items champion the Filipino people, elevating everyone’s essentials, wardrobe, and lifestyle. 

·       Food and lifestyle content creator Erwan Heussaff, recognized by the prestigious James Beard Media Awards last June, joins the group for AIRism

·       Groundbreaking director Martika Escobar, the first Philippine director to win an award at the Sundance Film Festival, represents HEATTECH

·       Part of the group as well modeling for the AirSense line-up is entrepreneur Gio Visitacion, owner of the Good Cup Coffee Company and 2020 Philippine Brewers Cup champion

·       Southeast Asian Games Medalist and Guinness World Record holder Kaizen Dela Serna for UV Protectionproducts

·       Award-winning singer and actress, popstar royalty Sarah Geronimo for Bra Tops

 

Discover new experiences

Opening on the second floor of the Global Flagship Store, customers are treated to new and revamped experiences. 

 

 

UNIQLO is introducing UNIQLO Coffee to the country, bringing Filipinos the brand’s cafe-style offerings that first opened in 2021 at the renewed UNIQLO Global Flagship Store in Ginza. Highlighting the brand’s commitment to being one with the community, the coffee drinks will be made with locally sourced, high quality coffee beans from Mt. Apo, and will feature goods and pastries that mix Filipino and Japanese flavors. 

 

As part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, UNIQLO is also set to bring to Manila its Re.UNIQLO Studio. Visitors to the Global Flagship Store will get to enjoy repair services on their pre-loved UNIQLO items, bringing new life to their favorite LifeWear pieces. This stays true to the LifeWear philosophy of quality, enabling customers to enjoy their UNIQLO items for a longer period of time.

 

Lastly, UNIQLO refreshes their UTme! line-up, collaborating with local artists from all over the country to bring customers unique designs they can customize on t-shirts and tote bags. The artists include Gianne Encarnacion and Ross Du of Metro Manila, Johanna Velasco and Myka Arnado of Cebu, and Kajo Baldisimo of Davao. Muralist Glendford Lumbao also joins in to contribute a piece to be displayed at the new experience areas on the second floor of the Flagship Store.

 

Enjoy special UNIQLO items and limited-time offers

The celebration doesn’t stop here! From October 13 to 31, customers can expect exciting freebies and promos exclusive to the UNIQLO Manila Flagship store. 

 

Moreover, customers should also stay tuned for fun and educational workshops led by select UTme! artists and endorsers throughout the month of October. 

 

Make the most of the fun activities and special offers by visiting the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship store in Glorietta 5 in Makati City from October 13 to 26, 2023.

 

Stay updated on the latest news and promos by following UNIQLO Philippines on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram and Tiktok, and on www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/.

 

Keys to the Heart, starring Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly De Leon, and Michelle Dee

Keys to the Heart, starring Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly De Leon, and Michelle Dee premieres on Netflix on October 4

Troubled and alone, a boxer moves in with his long-lost mother and autistic pianist brother — but must fit in with a family he hasn't known for years.

realme C51 is Now Officially Available in the Philippines Starting at Just PHP4,999 SRP

realme Philippines redefines the entry-level smartphone segment once again by officially bringing the realme C51 in the local market. Launched on September 20 via an unboxing video on realme’s official Facebook page, the realme C51 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation with the promise of “No Leap, no launch.” The realme C51 is a remarkable addition to the C-Series lineup, which focuses on what truly matters to users, with significant upgrades in four areas.

The realme C51 introduces a remarkable 50MP AI Dual Camera setup at its rear, setting a new standard in the entry-level smartphone market. Say goodbye to storage concerns, as it has two options, with up to a whopping 128GB storage capacity. Plus, experience the fastest charging technology in its class with its 33W SUPERVOOC Charging capacity, all wrapped in a stylish and glittering designed smartphone. With a starting price of just P4,999 for the 3GB+64GB variant and P6,499 for the 4GB+128GB version, the realme C51 offers a comprehensive smartphone experience at an affordable price.

Empowering You with Exceptional Features

Understanding the needs of entry-level smartphone users, the realme C51 ensures you never run out of space with its expansive storage. Thanks to Dynamic RAM Expansion Technology, you can enjoy a seamless experience, with up to 8GB total RAM that guarantees smoother performance.

The realme C51 can support 2 Nano SIM cards and 1 micro-SD card at the same time, enabling storage expansion of up to a massive 2TB.

In the camera department, the realme C51 has the one of the best 50MP primary cameras in its segment with an f/1.8 aperture alongside a 5P lens, making HD photography possible even at the entry-level. Whether you’re capturing detailed moments or taking stunning selfies with the 5MP front camera, the realme C51 provides endless possibilities for creative photography. 

Charge Faster, Worry Less

Experience the era of fast charging with the realme C51’s 33W SUPERVOOC Charge, which can power the phone to 50% battery in just 28 minutes, and 100% in 70 minutes. This is a 100% increase in charging speed compared to its predecessor, the realme C31. With a massive 5000mAh battery, the realme C51 ensures a hassle-free all-day performance, enhancing your daily user experience. 

Design Excellence at its Best

The realme C-Series is dedicated to setting the standard for entry-level smartphone design, and the realme C51 is no exception. Its comfortable grip and right-angle bezel provide an excellent in-hand feel. The ultra-slim 7.99mm body showcases a Stylish Glittering design, available in two captivating colors, Mint Green and Carbon Black. These textures blend and collide, resulting in a dynamic and fashionable design that truly stands out.

A Visual Feast

The realme C51 features a 6.7" 90Hz high-level display with a peak brightness of 560 nits and a mini-drop notch for a more comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, it introduces the Mini Capsule, cleverly adapting to the display and encasing the mini-dropped front camera for notifications. The Mini Capsule not only adds functionality but also adds a touch of dynamic lighting with green, blue, and red indicating different battery statuses and additional features such as data usage and step statistics.

Immersive Sound and Reliable Security

Equipped with a 150% UltraBoom speaker and fast-side fingerprint sensor, the realme C51 ensures a long-lasting user experience and quick, secure access to your device guaranteeing flagship-level quality.

As an entry-level groundbreaker, the realme C51 delivers four segment-leading features surpassing expectations to elevate your smartphone experience and embody the spirit of a true “champion”.

For those who want to try out our products firsthand and get expert advice, you can visit and enjoy the realme C51 at any realme Store nationwide for only P4,999 for the 3GB+64GB variant and P6,499 for the 4GB+128GB. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Champion in Online Offers 

Starting September 22, the Squad can catch the first wave of selling on realme’s E-store, where they can get the realme C51 with an exclusive P800 OFF, making the early bird prices only P5,699 for the 4GB + 128GB variant.

The Squad can also buy the realme C51 on realme’s Shopee Flagship Store starting September 24 with a Flash Sale discount of P1,300 OFF for the 4GB + 128GB variant, making the price P5,199 only, until September 28.

Similarly, they can also catch realme C51 for the 4GB + 128GB on realme’s Lazada Flagship Store for P5,199when they purchase from September 27 to October 1.

Lastly, they can buy the realme C51 with an exclusive P500 OFF, making the discounted price P4,499 only for the 3GB + 64GB variant on realme’s Tiktok Shop.

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

Xiaomi’s Redmi 12 Hits Philippine Market

 

Xiaomi today announced Redmi 12, its latest entry-level smartphone packed with top-quality features designed for everyone seeking maximum value, excellent entertainment experience, and a buttery smooth operating system for a starting price of PHP 6,999. 

Redmi 12 brings to the market a new seamless experience. Measuring only 8.17mm¹ thick, featuring a premium glass back and an all-new infinite camera design, this smartphone has a sleek look yet also provides users with a comfortable handgrip. With its IP53 rating,² Redmi 12 is built to handle everyday dust and splashes. To further enhance convenient usage, it's equipped with an 18W Type-C fast charging port³and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Available in three different colors - Midnight Black, Sky Blue, and Polar Silver - the Redmi 12 is both functional and appealing.

Redmi 12 boasts an incredible 6.79” FHD+ DotDisplay screen with 90Hz Adaptive Sync. This display, with a resolution of 2460x1080, is also the largest so far in this Redmi series, delivering an upgraded viewing experience for reading, watching videos, gaming, and more. The phone is SGS Low Blue Light certified, and its Reading mode 3.0 enables users to enjoy content for longer without putting extra strain on the eye. ⁴

Redmi 12’s triple camera system features a 50MP main camera that captures details with clarity and precision. Completing this powerful trio is an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro camera. Moreover, Redmi 12 offers seven popular filmCamera filters to elevate your photography experience with pixel-level calculations and real-time previews.

Backed by the powerful MediaTek Helio G88 processor, Redmi 12 has a CPU that clocks up to 2.0GHz with memory extension, providing more opportunities for users to explore. An impressive 1TB expandable storage is also included in the package to support you through your busiest day, from photo taking to ensuring all your favorite tunes are always at your fingertips. The 5,000mAh⁵ battery removes all worries about power fading away, offering 23 days of standby time, 133 hours of music playback, 26 hours of online reading, or 16 hours of watching videos.⁶ Redmi 12 comes with a user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint sensor for fast and easy access. The smartphone can also be used as an IR remote to control devices at home. Further elevating the entertainment experience, Redmi 12 is equipped with a powerful loudspeaker for a captivating and dynamic auditory journey. 

Level Up Your Style with Redmi 12

 

Ready to experience the future of smartphone innovation? The Redmi 12 is your ultimate mobile companion, offering extraordinary features to redefine your style. With expanded storage, a superior camera system, and unbeatable value, the Redmi 12 is set to transform your mobile experience – all without breaking the bank.

 

There will be two variants of the Redmi 12: an online-exclusive model that sports 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and a higher-end model that packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Both have expandable RAM up to 16GB for more power and speed.

 

Here's the best part – for a limited time, you can snag the Redmi 12 8+128GB model for a low early bird price of only Php 6,999, down from its original price of Php 7,999. This amazing deal is exclusively available online via Xiaomi's official global store on Lazada from September 20th to 29th. The sale begins at 7:00 p.m. (Manila time) on September 20, immediately after the launch livestream. 

 

Looking for more storage and power? Get the Redmi 12 8+256GB for Php 8,999 online at Shopee and  Lazada starting September 20 at 7:00 p.m. You can also opt for a convenient installment plan at 0% interest rate for a 6-month term via Home Credit, available from September 29 onwards.

 

The same bigger storage variant version will be available at authorized Xiaomi stores nationwide and at Xiaomi Philippines’ TikTok Shop starting September 30. Level Up Your Style with the Redmi 12 today!

 

For more details, you may refer to the one pager here. Product images available here.