BIR-led tax innovation challenge kicks off bootcamp with top 20 finalists

From over hundreds of entries received for Hack-A-Tax Philippines, an innovation challenge to improve tax services launched in November last year, the most innovative proposals have been selected to complete the top 20 finalists. The Hack-a-Tax Bootcamp kicked off last January 18, 2020 gathering the 20 shortlisted candidates coming from different regions across the Philippines. The teams were a mix of students and IT professionals who took the time to submit one-of-a-kind solutions to help improve taxpayer experience and transactions.

Hack-A-Tax bootcamp gathered Top 20 finalists from different regions across the Philippines  

The top 20 finalists are: 1) Tax Aide (Northern Luzon); 2) Wyvern Innovations-Onnet (Metro Manila); 3) Yashua BIR-Men (Mindanao); 4) STI College-Novaliches (Metro Manila); 5) Nex Team (Metro Manila); 6) BIR Mini App-Gorated (Metro Manila); 7) Digitax (Metro Manila); 8) Taxccelerate (Mindanao); 9. Team Virtualandes (Visayas); 10. Tax Office (Metro Manila); 11. Team Artax (Metro Manila); 12) Third Channel (Metro Manila); 13) ECTAX (Southern Luzon); 
14) eConnectors; 15) Tax I.T.; 16) Tax Heroes (Southern Luzon); 16) Tax Heroes (Southern Luzon); 17) eKasilicon (Metro Manila); 18) Juan Pos (Mindanao); 19. BIzz App (Southern Luzon); 20) Easy Tax v1.0 (Metro Manila).

The entries have been evaluated by a panel of tax and IT experts headed by executives from the Operations Group and Information Systems Group of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and industry leaders from the private sector. Categories of the 20 finalists include Accounting and Bookkeeping System, Taxpayer Registration System, Tax Filing and Payment System
E-receipting and E-invoicing System and Point-of-Sale System. Proposals were judged based on relevance to the challenge or responsiveness of the proposed solution to the problem, impact or the potential contribution to serve taxpayers, technical innovation or creativity to address the problem and quality of proposal or clarity and cohesiveness of materials presented. 

"With increasing number of challenges that our tax administration is facing today, it is gratifying and heartwarming to see students and young professionals genuinely passionate about helping the government in improving its services to the citizens. We are immensely grateful for all your efforts,” shares Atty. Lanee Cui-David, BIR Deputy Commissioner of the Information System Group. 

The 20 finalists will be participating in a series of mentoring and technical sessions to complete their system development and testing in consultation with the BIR and other innovation partners such as Microsoft Philippines, PayMaya, Amazon Web Services, PAGCOR, Talino Venture Lab, and Pencilstate Design among others. The candidates will also be part of a community immersion called “Dev4Dev Code Camp + Solutions Building Hackathon” on February 15 to 22 in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Final pitching and announcement of winners will be on February 29, 2020.

All top three winners will get a six-month mentorship from industry leaders, free cloud credits from sponsors, BIR-accredited platform plus a cash prize of Php300,000 for the first placer; Php200,000 for the 2nd placer; and Php100,000 for the 3rd placer. The teams will own their respective solutions that will be developed from the #HACKATAXPH Challenge. Organizers and partners will have no intellectual property (IP) share or interest in any product or solution from
the competition.    

In addressing taxpayers’ pain points including paper works and multiple steps for tax compliance, the BIR, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and DEVCON, launched the Hack-A-Tax Challenge aimed at promoting simpler, efficient, and serviceable digital tax services for micro and small businesses. 

The competition invited individual developers, IT students and professionals to produce the best software that will enable a more convenient and favorable process for taxpayers to complete their tasks at BIR, which include tax registration, TIN application, tax filing and payments, among others. 

For more information, visit hackatax.ph, follow @hackataxph on Facebook or email info@hackatax.ph.

Australian Creams Soon To Launch In The Philippines

"Invest in your skin. Its going to represent you for a very long time".

Your skin is your best accessory, so don't deprive yourself of the skincare that you deserve, but that doesn't mean that you need to spend a lot to get the result that you want. With all the cosmetic products available in the market today, creams are one of the most sought after by consumers regardless of the age bracket, especially if the product is effective and affordable. 

G&M Cosmetics Pty Ltd. One of Australia's leading cosmetic company is about to launch its Australian Creams in the Philippines. This new product is made to match the delicate Filipina Skin to bring out its glow. Australian Creams provides an authentic and unique natural beauty skincare that is perfect for everyday use, these products are light-weight and easily absorbed by the skin. 

“We passionately believe in the products, what we show and present within will not truly demonstrate the Unique quality and benefits of the products.”  Said by founders of G&M

Australian Creams are of high quality, affordable skincare products, this is the same reason why it is one of the preferred brands in Australia and other Asian countries like Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and China these products are also sold in leading stores like Target and Coles in Australia and Watsons in Asia, so you can guarantee the quality of each product that is being sold.

G&M and P2P as the official partner and distributor of the Australian Creams range in the Philippines are very proud to manufacture and offer such a high-quality product for such an affordable price, which aims to provide better quality products to consumers. 

Australian Creams
The Australian Creams range features premium grade natural, iconic Australian active ingredients, which all have wonderful properties. These products are lightweight and have a quick absorption rate on the skin, which means they are an excellent option for both face and body. This range offers excellent value for money products and is suitable for everyday use for the whole family.

Lanolin Oil Cream (Moisturizes and Softens the Skin)
This cream helps the skin to minimize wrinkles, nourishes, and protects the skin, this is perfect for dry and damaged skin. Lanolin is a natural emollient that has a lipid (oil) profile very similar to sebum (skin oil) and therefore contributes moisture to the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin).

Lanolin adds to the natural protective mantel of the skin to prevent moisture loss. The Night Cream has a richer concentration of active ingredients, intended for a heavier, more prolonged absorption into the skin overnight, whilst your rest.

 Emu Oil Creams (Hydrates and Soothes the Skin) 
The active key ingredient of this cream (Emu Oil) helps skin rejuvenation, it relieves skin irritation and soothes muscle and joint pains. Our Emu Oil is purely sourced from sustainable emu farms and is pharmaceutical grade. The oil is a 100% natural derivative of our national icon and is extracted under the strictest conditions. Historically, Emu Oil has been used by the Aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, and bruises. With its powerful antioxidant properties, Emu Oil can also be considered for skin cell rejuvenation and anti-wrinkle defense.

Goat's Milk and Manuka Honey Cream

Nourishes and softens and rejuvenates skin It also has Anti-Bacterial, Anti-inflammatory & Anti-Oxidant qualities. Goats Milk is a natural wonder, with infusions of milk proteins, vitamins A, B12, B6E, amino acids, and natural lactic acid, which may contribute the regulating the pH of your skin and stimulate healthy skin renewal, a great option for combination and oily skin types.

Vitamin E Skin Repair Cream 

Repair and Soothes Skin Protects cell and supports skin natural healing abilities and provides soothing relief. Luxurious cream formulated to refresh and soothe dry & damaged skin. Because of its antioxidant activity, vitamin E is vital in protecting skin cells from ultraviolet light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell-damaging free radicals. Vitamin E also helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and age spots.

Aside from the Australian Creams range, the new and improved Australian Creams MKII series will also be available to the Philippine Market to meet the needs of Filipinos for better skincare products. The MKII Series are Paraben Free and Mineral Oil Free. Instead, Sunflower Oil and Sweet Almond Oil were used. 

The Australian Cream range and MKII series will be available this January in all Robinson's branches nationwide.

For more details visit Australian Creams PH Facebook Page and @AustralianCreamsPH on Instagram. 
#AustralianCreamsPH #NaturalBeautySkinCare 

FWD Life Philippines: Giving Filipinos the confidence to live life to the fullest

Why Wait?

This holiday season, FWD Philippines gives you the confidence so you “KanDuu” all the things you want to do, now. Imagine all the things you can do when you’re confident and secured enough to accomplish them.

1. Jump off a plane and freefall, the wind on your face,
your mind wide open.
2. Open your first solo exhibit or publish your first book.
3. Train, join, and finish a local triathlon or a marathon.
4. Nibble on freshly baked French macaroons you
made yourself in a baking class in Paris.
5. Trek through the magnificent forests and high alpine
meadows of Nepal, solo!
6. Quit your desk job to go freelance, full-time.
7. Explore the dive bars and architectural relics
of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai.
8. Turn your little passion project into an online startup.
9. Live in a far-flung community to film your
first documentary.
10. Go wreck diving in the Coron.

They say you can do anything you set your mind to. And setting goals for yourself seems so fairly simple. You think it. You write it down. You affirm it, And you do it. But it’s not always as easy as that, is it? Whether new to adulting or “adulting for a while now”, people have responsibilities—bills to pay, work to deliver, a family to take care of, a future to secure—that often stop them from doing all the things they are passionate about. But who ever said you can’t have it all?

When you want something so much, you have to be willing to do what it takes to make it happen including, and most importantly, financial planning. Saving up enough funds for a dream trip or to start a passion project is one thing. Securing yourself and those you love so you can go for it without a single worry is another.

Giving Filipinos the confidence to live life to the fullest, FWD Life Philippines (FWD PH), part of pan-Asian insurer FWD Group, recently launched KanDuu, a set of insurance products that covers you from death, critical illness, or accidents so you "Can Do" and pursue all the things you love.

Go ahead and do it!
Whether you’re an avid traveler, a fitness buff, or a lover of life, there’s a variant that’ll suit you—KanMend, KanLive, and KanGuard. And did we mention that aside from securing you and your family, each comes with really awesome rewards? Designed with wellness warriors and health buffs
in mind, KanMend gives you a cash benefit of Php100,000 once you get diagnosed with any of the 42 covered critical illnesses. Its welcome reward: Six months’ unlimited access to KonsultaMD’s 24/7 telemedicine service. No need to leave the house to consult with licensed Filipino doctors. All you need is to call. KanLive has a cash benefit of Php200,000, in case of death and this reward: One-year unlimited medical consultations at any Aventus Medical clinics, nationwide.

Love to travel? Have a thirst for adventure? Want to live life on the edge? KanGuard gives a Php500,000 cash benefit in case of accidental death or disability due to terror attacks, anywhere in the world. Its reward? One-year global emergency services by Assist America for travels.

Insurance marketplace
Who knew you’d someday shop for insurance online the way you’d shop for gadgets or limited edition bike parts? Who knew getting insured is as fast as picking that shade of red lipstick you don’t already have? True to its vision to change the way people feel about insurance, FWD has now made insurance more accessible, affordable, and covetable to more Filipinos via shop.fwd.com.ph.

If you’re 18 to 50 years old, you can purchase KanDuu online for only PhP1,799/year at shop.fwd.com.ph, FWD PH’s new online insurance marketplace. Just choose your variant (why not all??). Click buy. Fill out the one-page application form, pay via credit or debit card, and you’re done. You’re insured! Quick. Hassle-free. No medical. No paperwork. You just need a valid ID for verification. And with FWD’s insurance app, Tapp, you can access and manage your insurance and rewards, anytime, anywhere.

The gift that keeps on giving
There are only a few weeks left before 2019 leaves us. How many of your goals have you achieved already? Well, there is still time to do things you set your mind to. Just don’t get stuck on the “someday, I’ll…” stage. So this Christmas, instead of buying that new iPhone or going on a shopping binge, gift yourself the confidence to do the things you love. Because once your future and your loved ones are financially secured, there’s no limit to the things you can do. Go on, FWD’s got your back! Go to bit.ly/MetroManilaLovesShopFWD to purchase your KanDuu insurance now!

Want to know more about FWD Life Philippines, part of the pan-Asian insurer FWD Group?
Visit www.fwd.com.ph

Please use this hyperlinks for FWD Life Philippines: FWD Life Philippines Hyperlink:
https://www.fwd.com.ph/en/ Financial Security at Your Fingertips FWD Philippines secures you and your family in about the same time it takes you to finish singing two Christmas carols.

In the fast-paced, technology-driven, hyperconnected world, there are countless things you can do with a tap or a click. Whether it’s paying bills, shopping for hard-to-find items, or booking an adventure trip halfway around the world, every chore that once required stepping out of the house is now just a click away. Now, you can even secure yourself and your loved ones’ future in the amount of time it takes you to finish singing two Christmas carols! Enabling more Filipinos to live life to the fullest, FWD Life Philippines (FWD PH), part of pan-Asian insurer FWD Group, recently launched its new online insurance marketplace Shop.fwd.com.ph, making insurance more accessible and affordable. You can choose from three insurance variants that only costs PhP1,799/year each.

Insurance marketplace Whoever thought you’d someday be able to shop for insurance online the way you’d shop for gadgets or limited edition bike parts? Who knew getting insured is as fast as picking that shade of red lipstick you don’t already have? True to its vision of changing the way people feel about insurance, FWD PH has now made insurance more accessible, affordable, and covetable to more Filipinos via Shop.fwd.com.ph. 

Just choose your variant (why not all??). Click buy. Fill out the one-page application form, pay via credit or debit card, and you’re done. You’re insured! Quick. Hassle-free. No medical. No paperwork. You just need a valid ID for verification. And with FWD’s insurance app, Tapp, you can access and manage your insurance and rewards, anytime, anywhere. 

Exclusive products and rewards Exclusively available at Shop.fwd.com.ph, KanDuu is a set of insurance products that covers you from death, critical illness, or accidents so you "Can Do" and pursue all the things you love. And whether you’re an avid traveler, a fitness buff, or a lover of life, there’s a variant that’ll suit you—KanMend, KanLive, and KanGuard.

And did we mention that aside from securing you and your family, each comes with really awesome rewards? Designed with wellness warriors and health buffs in mind,  KanMend gives you a cash benefit of Php100,000 once you get diagnosed with any of the 42 covered critical illnesses. Its welcome reward: Six months’ unlimited access to KonsultaMD’s 24/7 telemedicine service. No need to leave the house to consult with licensed Filipino doctors. All you need is to call. 

KanLive has a cash benefit of Php200,000, in case of death and this reward: One-year unlimited medical consultations at any Aventus Medical clinics, nationwide. Love to travel? Have a thirst for adventure? 

Want to live life on the edge? KanGuard gives a Php500,000 cash benefit in case of accidental death or disability due to terror attacks, anywhere in the world. Its reward? One-year global emergency services by Assist America for travels.

The gift that keeps on giving There are only a few weeks left before 2019 leaves us. How many of your goals have you achieved already? Well, there is still time to do things you set your mind to. Just don’t get stuck on the “someday, I’ll…” stage. 

So this Christmas, instead of buying that new iPhone or going on a shopping binge, gift yourself the confidence to do the things you love. Because once your future and your loved ones are financially secured, there’s no limit to the things you can do. Go on, FWD’s got your back! Go to bit.ly/MetroManilaLovesShopFWD to purchase your KanDuu insurance now!

Want to know more about FWD Life Philippines,part of the pan-Asian insurer FWD Group? Visit www.fwd.com.ph Please use this hyperlinks for FWD Life Philippines: FWD Life Philippines Hyperlink: https://www.fwd.com.ph/en/

Realme Philippines to set a new standard of value with the realme 5i launch on January 29

Fastest-growing smartphone brand Realme Philippines offers tech-savvy, cost-conscious Filipinos another device that brings real smartphone value without the high price tag – the realme 5i! The quad-camera value hero will be launched in the Philippines on January 29.


Designed to offer hardworking Filipinos high-performing phones at more accessible price points, the realme 5i packs top-tier specs enjoyed by midrange smartphone users. The realme 5i is the first in its price segment to have a quad-camera setup comprising a primary lens, wide-angle lens, macro lens and portrait lens. It is also the first in its category to run on a Snapdragon 665 processor.


The realme 5i delivers immersive entertainment with its 6.5-inch screen with a large field of view. Its 5,000mAh large-capacity battery capacity ensures many hours of use while the new splash-resistant design that comes in two color variants – forest green and aqua blue – guarantees a stylish daily companion.

“We at Realme Philippines are very excited to start the year with a bang through the launch of the realme 5i. We heard the Filipinos’ demand for a smartphone that doesn’t compromise real value for its price. Our commitment to upgrade the smartphone user experience stays stronger than ever. This is just the first of many surprises in store for realme fans this year,” shares realme Philippines Marketing Director Austine Huang.

The realme 5i, packed with midrange features, caters to every Filipino user looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers over and beyond its cost, be it in gaming, photography or overall device performance.


Fans of realme products are also welcome to join the realme community on Facebook to see the latest news and discussions about the brand. Follow realme on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates.

Get Lucky with Lazada’s Chinese New Year Deals from OnePlus

From January 22-25, OnePlus will have a grand sale on smartphone units and accessories only at Lazada. 

Consider yourself in luck! Now’s your chance to own OnePlus premium items at great discounts:

OnePlus 7T Pro with 8GB RAM / 256GB memory in Haze Blue is available for Php38,990 (before: Php42,990). It has 90Hz refresh rate and features a 6.67-inch full-view touchscreen. It has a triple camera with 1440P resolution and super stable video mode, 16MP pop-up selfie camera, Dolby Atmos sound, Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile platform, Oxygen OS based on Android 10, and 30W fast battery Warp Charge.

OnePlus 7T with 8GB RAM / 256GB memory in Frosted Silver or Glacier Blue is available for Php27,990 (before: Php29,990). It features 6.55-inch waterdrop notch touchscreen with 1080P display resolution, with 90Hz refresh rate. It has 48MP ultra wide triple camera with 2x optical zoom, and super stable video mode; 16MP selfie camera, Dolby Atmos sound, Snapdragon 855
plus mobile platform, and Oxygen OS based on Android 10. It also has 30W fast battery Warp Charge 30T.

OnePlus Bullets Wireless earphones in Black is available for Php3,432 (before: Php4,290). Charge for only 10 minutes to get 5 hours of listening time. Its Magnetic Control allows you to pause or stop music simply by clipping the Bullets together. Separate them to turn the music on. Use them with Google Assistant and Voice Calls for added convenience.

OnePlus Dash Charge car charger is available for Php1,512 (before: Php1,890) and comes with a Dash Type-C cable. It’s compatible with OnePlus 3/3T/5/5T/6/6T.

OnePlus Type-C OTG cable is available for Php552 (before: Php690). Quickly transfer files to and from your OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7, OnePlus 6T, OnePlus 6, OnePlus 5T, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3T, or OnePlus 3 by connecting your phone to a USB flash drive or other external storage devices.

Other promotions you shouldn’t miss:
- Php100 off on Protective Accessories for OnePlus 6 and below.
- Php500 off on Protective Accessories for OnePlus 6T units.
- 20% off on OnePlus 7 and 7 Pro Protective Accessories.

Be sure to catch the Lazada CNY Sale that will happen on January 22-25, 2020.

For more information, Lazada’s official store at https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/one

Values education, financial literacy and family bonding in OFW Family Day

Values reorientation and financial literacy seminars and a whole day of fun bonding with their families were the highlights of the OFW Family Day 2019 attended by thousands of OFWs at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

The OFW Family Day is an institutionalized nationwide activity that aims to give honor to OFWs and provide them with timeless experiences with their families. It is spearheaded by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This year, OWWA Regional Welfare Office – National Capital Region partnered with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SMX Convention Center and BDO. 

The event was participated by the OFW Family Circle (OFC) members in the National Capital Region (NCR) comprising of vacationing and former OFWs as well as their families. 

“Our support goes out to members of the OFW Family Circles who are the driving force and fruitful reminder of the hardships of our OFWs. You are the symbol of love, unity, and courage of all OFWs across the globe,” said OWWA deputy administrator Josefino Torres.  

“For OFWs who come home for Christmas, family time is important and that’s why we offer SM as their second home, for them to create wonderful memories. We thank OWWA for trusting SM Cares to be a partner for this year’s OFW Family Day,” added SM AVP for CSR Marketing Chito Bauzon.

Top officials of OWWA, deputy administrator Esther Margaux “Mocha” Uson, deputy administrator Josefino Torres and administrator Hans Leo Cacdac graced the event among other OWWA Officers. Also present for an inspirational message was Model OFW Family of the Year Awards 2019 National Winner for landbased category Josephine Jasa. 

The whole day event was filled with exciting games special numbers and surprises. Comedians MC and Lassie delivered their funny antics. Leah Patricio of “The Voice Philippines” Season 2 meanwhile, entertained the crowd with song numbers. Members of the OFCs donned Christmas costumes made of recyclable materials and formed chorale groups for the event’s competition. Face painting and games for the kids were also prepared for them to enjoy.

The participants also got the chance to bring home various prizes from OWWA – NCR including P300 and P500 gift certificates from SM and two 32” and 40” televisions during the raffle draw.

 To know more about OWWA’s program for OFWs, you may visit www.owwa.gov.ph

Best travel snack to bring abroad

When traveling with my partner, I always have snacks tucked in my backpack.  So that when hunger strikes, most of the times hahaha. I would just ask for a hot water for my cup noodles. Traveling with food helps you avoid some of these moments where you might go back to your accommodation hungry. 

Recently, we spent our holidays in Hongkong, we arrived late at night in our hotel. We were just lucky that I packed some cup noodles.  

Click the video what happened. 


#Tired + #Hungry is never a good combination especially when on a trip. Good thing I brought some #cupnoodles before my partner began his own #Hangry #Protest.

What about you? What's your favorite #travel #baon?

SM Cinema launches the newest entertainment complex in town — SM Cinema Mall of Asia!

If you want to experience relaxation and entertainment at its best.  Then its about time you go visit SM Cinema Mall of Asia together with your friends and family to enjoy your favorite movie.

Be sure to bring your jacket, shawl, cardigan or sweater to get you through 2 hours of screening time. Just because its fully renovated. The aircon inside the cinema is sooo cold, it can lull you to sleep. Hahaha.  I slept for 30 minutes lying in their Verona full-recliner leather seat. The cinema is equipped with a large advanced laser projection system and contemporary Dolby Atmos system. 

SM Cinema Mall of Asia now houses 16 theaters all in all. The new entertainment complex includes (11) regular cinemas, one (1) IMAX theatre, three (3) Director’s Club theatres, and one (1) event cinema. With the unveiling of the upgraded and refreshed theaters on Jan 22, SM Cinema seeks to give moviegoers a superb viewing experience.

With the opening of the upgraded theatres, SM Cinema Mall of Asia is now the cinema exhibitor’s biggest cinema complex, offering families and friends more ways to enjoy the latest movies through state-of-the-art technology complemented by modern architectural design.

SM Cinema’s redeveloped regular theatres boast of premium, upgraded features—from the most comfortable Opus Glide semi-recliner spectator seats and interior design, to Standard 7.1 Surround Sound setup and RGB Laser Projection System—giving viewers a much-elevated and immersive silver screen experience.

On the other hand, the 3 Director’s Club cinemas will each house Verona full-recliner leather seats, equipped with a large advanced laser projection system and contemporary Dolby Atmos system. Moviegoers also have the luxury of an in-theater butler service, allowing them to have a focused and in-depth movie viewing experience.

SM Cinema Mall of Asia introduces a new entertainment hub for people living in the South of Metro Manila. In the photo (L-R) SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Amy Gonzales, Viva Artist Gab Lagman, 2019 Ms. Earth Janelle Tee, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, SM Cinema Premier 3 VP Perkin So, SM Cinema VP for Marketing Ruby Ann Reyes  Pasay City Councilor Mark Calixto, Viva Artist Julian Trono, and SM Cinema VP for Operations Edwin Nava.


As a pioneer in the local theatre industry, SM Cinema has revolutionized movie watching by introducing movie theaters inside a shopping center, almost three decades ago. Since then, it has become a household name for being an inevitable go-to movie house.

“At SM, we always think of ways on how we can better serve our target market. With the introduction of the new and upgraded SM Cinema Mall of Asia, we further cement our unique position of being a household name by providing our customers with a premium movie experience they deserve,” shared Ruby Ann Reyes, SM Cinema Vice President for Marketing.

Ushering a whole new cinematic experience, SM Cinema Mall of Asia steps into a new decade, branding itself as an entertainment hub where people can enjoy seeing their favorite movies come to life through year-round installations and movie-centric experiential activities.

So, hurry, visit SM Cinema Mall of Asia starting January 22, and join the conversations using hashtag #PremierCinemaExperience. 

For more updates, ‘like’ SM Cinema Mall of Asia’s official Facebook page, and follow @SM_Cinema on Instagram.

Teleperformance Philippines inducted as Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride member, awarded for HIV/AIDS advocacy

Teleperformance Philippines has been inducted to the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride and received the 
Duyan Ambassador Award from Project Red Ribbon for the company’s strong support for the HIV/AIDS advocacy campaign

Teleperformance Philippines was recently inducted as the newest member of the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP) at the 6th Annual PFIP Gala held at the Forbes Ballroom, Conrad Manila, Pasay City.

PFIP is a collaborative, voluntary and non-profit community of practice composed of dedicated representatives from LGBT+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or Human Resource/Diversity Teams of the financial service industry. PFIP aims to foster an industry that is safe and inclusive for LGBT+, with key thrusts including promoting gender identity and sexual orientation to create an inclusive and safe working environment and to leverage on effective education programs and diversity training on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression across member organizations, among others. 

Teleperformance pledged to fully support the goals of the organization, as Teleperformance Philippines’ Diversity and Inclusion Manager Philip del Rosario shared, “Teleperformance is looking forward to working alongside our peers in the industry who share the belief that nurturing workplaces where people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression can bring and live their authentic selves in both ethical responsibility and a critical business imperative.”

During the event, Teleperformance Philippines also received the Duyan Ambassador Award from Project Red Ribbon for its strong support for the HIV/AIDS advocacy campaign. The award was received by Senior Director for Communications and Marketing Marilyn Ventenilla along with Manager for Diversity and Inclusion Philip Del Rosario. 

Teleperformance has been active in its advocacy and awareness campaign and holds the distinction of one of the first companies in the country to establish a comprehensive HIV/AIDS information program with strong ties with the Department of Health, and Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundations, Inc.

To learn more about Teleperformance Philippines and their various programs, you may visit their website at www.teleperformance.ph/en-us or their Facebook page at /teleperformance.philippines.

UP screens Imelda Marcos docu ‘The Kingmaker’ Jan. 29

Due to popular demand for more screenings of the critically acclaimed documentary film “The Kingmaker”, the University of the Philippines Film Center, Dakila and Active Vista will mount an on-campus screening at Cine Adarna on Wednesday, January 29, at 7 p.m. The UP screening coincides with the 50th anniversary of the First Quarter Storm, the 1970 student leaders protest against the government of Ferdinand Marcos that prompted the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

A gala screening will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Jan. 29 as well.

The documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and photographer Lauren Greenfield centers on former first lady Imelda Marcos, the wife of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos whose regime was stained with atrocities including human rights violations, disappearance of political dissidents, and widespread corruption.

“The Kingmaker” highlights Imelda’s confident rewriting of the Marcos family’s disturbing legacy with a narrative of a matriarch’s extravagant love for her country.

Beginning in 2014, Greenfield conducted interviews and filmed verité footage with Imelda Marcos herself, chronicling her present-day effort to restore the family to power in the Philippines, as well as filmed Bongbong Marcos’ 2016 vice-presidential campaign.

During the same period, Greenfield also talked to victims of the Marcos regime, from former Martial Law detainees to an elder Calauit resident who had been evicted from the island to make way for the Marcos’ private menagerie. 

The 100-minute documentary had its world premiere at the 2019 Venice Film Festival, followed by screenings at the 2019 Telluride, Toronto, and London Film Festivals—the first documentary film to be invited to all four of these top festivals. “The Kingmaker” has since garnered a Writers Guild Nomination, three Critics’ Choice Nominations, as well as the Critics’ Choice honor for the “Most Compelling Living Subject of a Documentary.”

The screening will begin at 7 pm, followed by a panel discussion. Get tickets for Philippine premiere of “The Kingmaker” at http://bit.ly/TicketsKINGMAKER or purchase them directly at the UP Film Center Ticket Booth on the screening date for 200 pesos

Justin Bieber officially joins TikTok

Is it too late now to say sorry that we’re not sorry?
Justin Bieber is officially on TikTok! On the cusp of releasing his highly anticipated new album, the hearthrob who we’ve loved for over a decade posted his video.

The effect is used in the TikTok trend where users share their own transformations and glow-ups. Currently already has over 2.3M followers. 

Check him out at @justinbieber.

VIDEO

♬ Yummy - Justin Bieber

@justinbieber DO YOUR YUMMY

The short-form video app empowers others to be themselves and express their creative ideas through a suite of editing tools and creative effects. No matter what music you’re dancing to, TikTok is where you’ll find light-hearted, joyful and eccentric videos that you might not see anywhere else.