ArenaPlus Awards P5 Million to Double Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo

ArenaPlus joins the rest of the nation by celebrating the momentous double gold medal victory of Carlos “Golden Boy” Yulo in the 2024 Olympic Games. To honor Yulo’s historic achievement, ArenaPlus is awarding the Olympian an “Astig Hero Bonus” of ₱5,000,000 in cash. This gesture of ArenaPlus’ pride and gratitude to Yulo for representing the country in the most prestigious sporting event in the world.

 

DigiPlus, the parent company of sports betting platform ArenaPlus, has been proudly championing Carlos Yulo since the start of the Olympic games. As one of ArenaPlus’ official brand ambassadors, Yulo has had the company’s full support throughout the entirety of his Olympic campaign. 

 

In a pre-Olympics send off with representatives from ArenaPlus, Yulo even spoke on the value of his partnership with the company. “Maraming maraming salamat po na recognize niyo po ako at gusto niyo ko supportahan,” he said. “Ibubuhos ko lahat at tatapatan ko po yung mga suportahan at salamat sa suporta niyong lahat at ipagdasal natin ang mga kasaling atleta sa Olympics.”

 

Yulo’s hard work and dedication resulted in the historic win of two gold medals in men’s artistic gymnastics in the men’s floor and men’s vault exercises. The victory makes him only the second ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist, and the most awarded one in history. 

 

DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco spoke on the hopes for Yulo’s future after these Olympic games. “Carlos Yulo truly embodies the ‘astig’ Pinoy spirit,” said Tanco. “We coudn’t be prouder of how he has represented both our country and DigiPlus. Our warmest congratulations to him!”

Yulo’s success in the Olympics also aligns with ArenaPlus’ vision of a thriving and diverse interest in sports here in the Philippines. With the money provided by ArenaPlus, Yulo now has the means and funding to further hone his skills and improve his training conditions. This will only aid him in his athletic career moving forward, setting him up for greater success down the line.

 

At the same time, ArenaPlus hopes Yulo’s victory turns eyes to the wide variety of athletic endeavors that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Young athletes should consider a wide variety of sports, and their interest should be nurtured. It’s only through young people exploring the diverse options of various sports that the country can achieve the highest potential of the Filipino athlete.

 

DigiPlus is the fastest-growing digital entertainment company in the country. It operates the country’s leading digital platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and BingoPlus Poker, with more to come. ArenaPlus, the leading sports betting app that provides various sports live streaming in the Philippines, serving as the leading sports entertainment gateway of Filipinos. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph or www.arenaplus.ph.

Watsons and Punlaan School Celebrate Graduation of First Batch of Pharmacy Assistant Scholars

 Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons, in partnership with Punlaan School, held the 1st commencement exercises for the apprenticeship program’s pioneer batch of 20 scholars who have successfully completed a six-month pharmacy assistant apprenticeship program.

Newly graduated scholars of the Watsons Punlaan School Apprenticeship Program’s pioneer batch with executives from Watsons Philippines, Punlaan School directors and Beiersdorf representatives

The apprenticeship program began with the hopes of Watsons fulfilling their commitment to provide job opportunities for the youth and to address the gap in employing pharmacy assistants. To fill the gap, Watsons entered into a partnership with Punlaan School with the goal of providing underprivileged young women adequate training to be pharmacy assistants, which would provide them with a steady career. 

 

The Watsons-Punlaan School apprenticeship program lasts for six months, including three months of in-school learning and three months of practical application conducted in Watsons stores.   Apprentices receive an allowance for the duration of their training , and those who have successfully completed the program are employed by Watsons. The program is also supported through a donation made by Beiersdorf Philippines. 

 

Watsons has set a target of 400 scholars spread across different partner schools,. By November, the partnership aims to reach 434 scholars who have fully accomplished the apprenticeship program.

 

“As the number of Watsons stores grow all over the country, the more that we are in need of pharmacy assistants to better serve our customers. The Watsons and Punlaan school pharmacy assistant apprenticeship program is not only a pioneer in the health, beauty & wellness industry, but it has also served as an instrument to prepare scholars through effective mentorship. This has transformed the scholars to become effective pharmacy assistants, helping jumpstart the careers of scholars towards a meaningful career path” said Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines during his keynote speech.

Mr. Danilo S. Chiong, Watsons Philippines Managing Director

 

Josie C. Arriola, Director for People Innovations Projects - Watsons Philippines

 

“With this pioneer batch of the Watsons and Punlaan school apprenticeship program being a success, we plan to conduct even more programs and expand our partnerships with different organizations inside and outside of Metro Manila. Through this constant effort, we hope to reach more scholars and bring them opportunities towards a better future” said Josie C. Arriola, Director for People Innovations Projects - Watsons Philippines.

 

“The main highlight of the entire program for me was the bond I have created with my classmates. From the time we started, even when we were all just starting to know one another, it felt like everyone treated each other like a family. My batchmates and I are grateful to be part of this first batch of graduates and to Watsons and Punlaan School for providing us a path to apply our learnings and work towards a great future” said the batch’s top 1 student Princess Bernadette A. Consinsino. 

 

Consinsino encouraged more women to take the chance and to not be afraid of grabbing new opportunities.

 

Batch top 1 student Princess Bernadette A. Consinsino during her valedictory speech

 

 

“It is an honor and privilege for Beiersdorf to have contributed to this wonderful cause of allowing young women the right resources and path to thrive. As our graduates move forwards, I encourage all of you to always dream big, be comfortable with the uncomfortable, break barriers to create and inclusive society and lastly, to pay it forwards–as the pioneer graduates of the Watsons and Punlaan School apprenticeship program, you pave the way as inspirations for the ones yet to come” says Nimisha Jain, Country Manager - Beiersdorf Philippines.

 

This program and other efforts geared towards sustainability and the community are some ways in which Watsons, with the help of its customers, continues to uphold its promise to help people look good, do good and feel great.

 

Shop your health and beauty favorites at over 1,000 Watsons stores nationwide or download the Watsons App for online shopping.

 

For more information on how to look good, do good, feel great, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

 

Catch the Hallyu Wave: A Week-Long Celebration of Korean Culture, Cuisine, and Entertainment at Solaire Resort

Catch the Hallyu wave at Solaire Resort 

Entertainment City and immerse yourself in the finest of Korean culture and cuisine with a week-long celebration of live music, games, and entertainment. 

Savor Korean comfort food with ChiMac, a combination of “chicken” (chi) and “mac” (beer) in Korean. Watch out for the ChiMac Festival happening on September 7 at the Grand Ballroom starting at 5PM, where you can indulge in mouthwatering Korean dishes and showstopping performances by the renowned DJ Kara and one of the Philippines’ most beloved bands, The Itchyworms.

The Itchyworms 

Start the feast with a variety of Tteokbokki flavors, kimbap, and kimchi. You can also try Korean-style sausage (Sundae) or skewered fish cake soup, a popular street snack and a healthier option among Korean fish cakes. 

Visit the Korean pancake station to enjoy your favorite Buchimgae with choices like kimchi, potato, seafood, zucchini, or shiitake mushroom. Indulge in friedKorean snacks such as fried dumplings, sausage and rice cake skewers, and sweet and sour fried chicken balls. 

At the Korean noodles station, choose from 3 types of noodles—guksu, glass or instant — with your choice of kimchi, sweet and sour or deep soysauce. The Korean hot station features chicken skewers, herb marinated fresh pork belly (Samgyupsal) skewers, Bulgogi, andbraised spicy pork ribs.

No ChiMac festival is complete without the renowned South Korean fried chicken, voted as the world’s most popular K-food.Pair it with your favorite Korean beer and join the festivities which include a chicken and beer drinking contest, a beer pong tournament, an electrifying performance by DJ Kara and the groovy rock beats of The Itchyworms.

DJ Kara

 Dive into Korean culture with activities like a traditional Hanbok dress experience and photoshoot. Hosted by Miss Korea Philippines 2018 and Korean Philippine TV personality, Shine Kuk, it will be a night to remember for all! 

 

Enjoy a continuous flow of Korean delicacies and unlimited beer and celebrate a night filled with fun and laughter. Call +632 8888 8888 or email chimacfestival@solaireresort.com to save your seat.

 

 

 

Back-to-School Hustle: Mastering Money Skills with Maya for a Fun and Savvy School Year

Back-to-school hustle can be tough not just for moms but also for students. Juggling allowances, school life, and saving up for those fun extras can feel like a lot. Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is here to flip the script and make this school year about mastering fun and savvy money skills! 

Get extra cash and new gadgets when you spend with Maya  

The key to winning P10,000 and HONOR gadgets is simply spending with Maya. Whether you’re buying school supplies, grabbing your favorite comfort food, or shopping for your school outfit, just pay with Maya. For every P250 spent, you get a raffle entry for the promo running from July 1 to August 31, 2024. The more you use Maya, the more chances of winning.  

Maximize your school allowance with Maya’s high savings interest  

Your school allowance can go a long way when you put it in Maya Savings, earning up to 15% p.a. interest, credited daily! No minimum balance is required. All you need to do is use Maya for your everyday transactions. Watch your savings grow every day and use those interest earnings to reward yourself after a tough week or cover other school expenses.  

 

Earn extra money when you get your friends to join Maya  

Let your friends experience the joy of having an all-in-one digital bank like Maya and reap the rewards! When they sign up, upgrade their account, and spend at least P20, both you and your friend earn P30. It’s a win-win! You get an easy P30 for every successful

 referral, and your friends get a cool reward too. So, share the Maya magic and boost your free earnings with each new signup! 

Get Funds When You Need Them Most via Maya Easy Credit  

Unexpected bills from your dorm rent? No worries! With Maya Easy Credit, students aged 21 and up can snag up to P30,000 in seconds – no paperwork, no hassle. Use it to pay directly at your favorite spots or transfer it to your wallet for some extra spending money. Handle surprises or treat yourself without stressing. Remember to borrow responsibly! 

Turn your daily transactions into thrilling opportunities and make this school year unforgettable. With Maya, you can focus on the fun parts of student life – making memories, hitting your goals, and enjoying every moment. Dive into the new school year with confidence because every time you use Maya, you’re stepping closer to your financial goals. 

 

Stay in the loop with Maya's exciting offers by visiting maya.ph and mayabank.ph. For the latest updates and exclusive content, follow Maya on social media: @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.  

  

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-196591 Series of 2024 

Beko’s commitment to sustainability has been recently recognized by TIME Magazine

Everyone has a part in taking care of our only home, the planet Earth. Beko, a global home appliance brand, recognizes that healthy living is only possible on a healthy planet. With technologies that are more sustainable for the environment, Beko strives to reduce its footprint in nature, one product at a time.

 

Beko’s commitment to sustainability has been recently recognized by TIME Magazine and Statista's first-ever list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. The brand reached an incredible feat, ranking 44th and is considered as the highest-ranking home appliance company in the list. This underscores Beko’s unwavering efforts and position as a leader in eco-friendly practices within the manufacturing sector.

Beko achieved a commendable score of 75.68 out of 100, also ranking fourth in the “manufacturing and industrial production” sector.

 

“Our ranking is a testament to the passionate commitment of our entire team,” said Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Beko. “At Beko, we firmly believe that a sustainable future begins at home, with each and every one of us. This recognition from TIME and Statista fuels our drive to innovate and redefine what’s possible in our industry. We are committed to developing products that not only make daily life easier but also contribute to a healthier planet for current and future generations.”

 

The TIME and Statista ranking reportedly assessed over 5,000 global companies to come up with its list of the top 100 most sustainable companies in the world. Criterias considered for the list were the exclusion of companies operating in environmentally damaging industries or facing significant sustainability controversies, an evaluation on its participation in recognized sustainability initiatives likes the Science Based Targets initiative and CDP ratings, a review of the companies’ adherence to international standards of companies’ sustainability reports, and an analysis of its environment and social stewardship. 

 

Beko’s commitment to sustainability is detailed in its recently published 2023 Sustainability Report, themed “Feels Like Home.” The annual report outlines the company’s progress towards its ambitious goal of becoming a net-zero business by 2050. Some of the key achievements from the report are the following:

 

● Reduced environmental impact: Beko achieved a 64 percent renewable energy usage rate in its manufacturing operations, saved and recycled 288,973 cubic metres of water, and prevented 6,983 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emission through energy efficiency projects. The company has also recycled 1.75 million units of electronic waste since 2014.

● Earnings from products with lower environmental footprint: Energy-efficient products accounted for 50.2 percent of Beko’s 2023 turnover, while low-carbon products represented 62.4 percent. 

● Social responsibility: Beko demonstrated its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the “Her Business Her Power” project, which supported 108 female dealers, and the “500 Women Technicians Project,” which empowered 644 female technicians in 2023.

 

As Beko continues to innovate and lead in sustainability, it sets a powerful example for the industry and inspires a collective effort towards a greener, more sustainable world.

 

For more information, visit beko.ph and follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE arrives August 21 on Netflix!

The series follows 20 contestants from around the world over a year-long journey as they compete to become KATSEYE, a one-of-a-kind global girl group formed using KPOP methodologies. With unprecedented access, unfolding over eight episodes, the result is a compelling portrayal of the road to international stardom, including insight into the unique training and development program developed by HYBE and Geffen Records. Directed by Nadia Hallgren (Becoming) and produced by HYBE, Interscope Films and Boardwalk Pictures.

Check out some first look images from the docu-series!

https://www.netflix.com/title/81587828

Visa Boosts Consumer Options with E-Wallet Partnerships Across the Philippines and Southeast Asia

 Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is actively supporting Southeast Asia's journey into becoming a cashless society. As mobile wallet usage grows in the region, Visa enhances consumer options by enabling cardholders to use their cards directly with merchants or e-wallets such as Maya and GrabPay in the Philippines.

 

Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines, said: “Visa’s research found that in the Philippines, 87% of surveyed respondents have used their mobile wallets in the last 12 months. Our partnerships with e-wallets in the Philippines enable Visa cardholders to cash in their wallets using their cards issued in the Philippines, which is in alignment with the growing preference for cashless transactions in the Philippines. These partnerships provide consumers with more choices and support small businesses by enhancing their ability to accept payments, keeping pace with the expanding use of digital payment methods like cards and mobile wallets. At Visa, we're committed to broadening access to diverse digital payment options that are seamless and secure, to promote financial and digital inclusion."

 

In the Philippines, Visa cardholders can cash in their Maya wallets for free as part of the “Cash-In for Free” program, effective starting May 1, 2024. This offer is available during the promotional period to all Maya wallet users with a mobile number from any local telco provider who is currently residing in the Philippines.

 

Additionally, GrabPay users can continue to cash into their wallets for free with their Visa debit, credit, or prepaid cards, benefiting consumers and small businesses through the wider acceptance of mobile wallets. GrabPay users also have the option to set up automatic reloads, which replenish their wallet balances once they drop below a specific amount, creating a seamless payment experience.

 

Coexistence of cards and digital wallets, a rising trend in SEA

Across the region, Visa has likewise forged partnerships with Vietnam’s MoMo, VNPAY, and ZaloPay, alongside Indonesia’s DANA to provide Southeast Asia with seamless digital wallet funding options as Visa’s latest Consumer Payment Attitudes study shows that more than a quarter of cash-ins to e-wallets come from either bank accounts or credit and debit cards. This trend simplifies transactions by eliminating the need for repeated credential entry.

 

Previous Visa research supports this trend revealing that during the first half of 2023, one in three respondents applied for a new card, with 43% motivated by the desire to integrate these cards into mobile wallets, thus highlighting the growing convergence and coexistence of cards and digital wallets.

 

While the majority of payments are made from existing e-wallet balances, Visa's latest Green Shoots Radar survey found that consumers use their cards as a source of mobile wallet funding at 29% for Indonesia, 24% in the Philippines, and 39% of surveyed consumers in Vietnam. Respondents cited convenience, the ability to track expenses, seamlessness, and security as some of the top factors for topping up their wallets using cards. 

 

Poojyata Khattar, Head of Products and Solutions, Southeast Asia, said: “Innovation and strategic alliances are vital to advancing the payments system. Visa is broadening consumer options by partnering with leading e-wallets in the region to allow consumers to use their choice of funding methods, including their Visa cards. By collaborating with Southeast Asian e-wallets, Visa is set to revolutionize payment methods, creating a future for the payments industry focused on convenience, reliability, and security”

 

As Southeast Asia continues to embrace the integration of cards and digital wallets, Visa empowers individuals and businesses by providing access and fostering a more open and inclusive economy.