SM MALLS IN CAMANAVA WRAP UP THE YEAR WITH CHRISMILES

DECEMBER 31- SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela capped off the year with their annual ChriSMiles project. Spearheaded by the Human Resources Department of each mall, ChriSMiles is a employee volunteerism initiative designed to bring smiles to the faces of children while spreading holiday cheer throughout the community.

In Caloocan, children from Tahanang Mapagkalinga Social Development Center were overjoyed as volunteers from SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan gave love and heartwarming surprises. SM City Grand Central became a hub of joy as the young ones were treated to a day filled with surprises, including a tour around SM City Grand Central, a hearty meal from Jollibee, engaging games from Tom's World, Quantum, and Jack Adventure, and entertaining movies from SM Cinema.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Caloocan City Government, City Social Welfare Officer Regina Embalsado conveyed her heartfelt thanks to SM, emphasizing the importance of the ChriSMiles project for the abandoned, neglected, and abused children. " We are very grateful po dahil may magagandang puso na yumayakap sa mga bata. Taos puso po ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo," she remarked.

Meanwhile, the employees of SM City Valenzuela brought joy to the children at Bahay Kalinga ng Valenzuela. Laughter echoed through the air as the youngsters were treated to gifts, entertainment, and a year-end party, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela go beyond their roles as shopping destinations, evolving into hubs of community spirit and generosity. Fueled by the dedication of each mall and its employees, the ChriSMiles project embodies the true essence of the holiday season. It also serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective efforts, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

SM ChriSMiles was made possible through the initiative of the malls and their employees. Each SM employee contributed generously, both in time and resources, to raise a substantial amount of money for the holiday celebrations of less fortunate children.

PLDT, Smart Scale 45M Reach for its #BetterToday Mental Health Program

PLDT and Smart forge ahead in leveraging technology to promote sound mental health for all. In 2023, PLDT and Smart recorded a reach of over 45 million for its #BetterToday program, bridging the digital divide, as it creates safe, happy, and inclusive spaces.

“Better Today journeys hand in hand with like-minded advocates from various sectors, including local governments, content creators, and civil society organizations. With over 45 million reach and over 20 community partners, PLDT and Smart believe in the continuous creation of shared value and on a whole-of-community approach to making the digital world safer, and better today,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head for Corporate Communications.

In 2023, PLDT and Smart strengthened their partnerships with LGUs by conducting health awareness events in Quezon City, Quirino Province, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro. Through the Better Today Psychological First Aid Program, PLDT and Smart also mobilized volunteers from different sectors to help address the mental health needs of distressed individuals within communities. Ensuring a safe and inclusive space, the volunteers included the youth, senior citizens, barangay healthcare workers from La Union and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) community in Porac, Pampanga.

“Promoting mental health has long been a personal advocacy, and I am very grateful to PLDT and Smart for helping us strengthen our mental health program in the province,” said Joy R. Ortega, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union Board Member.

Creating a ‘malasakit’ culture at the workplace, PLDT and Smart have also curated wellness campaigns for their over 14,000 employees. Through their Wellness Revolution Program, PLDT and Smart continuously promote for the holistic well-being of the workforce through weekly fitness classes in the workplace and mental health webinars for employees featuring experts. To promote a #HappySpace culture, exciting events are organized such as org-wide Halloween activities with employees and their families, employee recognition events for top performers and tenured employees, and a week-long year-end Christmas Thanksgiving celebration. The “Mind Your Health” program, launched in 2020, also continues to be a key part of the company’s efforts to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of the workforce. Well-being consultations with doctors and counselors are also provided as a company benefit.

Promoting digital wellness is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippines contribute to UNSDG #3: Good health and well-being.

Five Things You’ll Love with the Upgraded Cover Screen of the OPPO Find N3 Flip

The OPPO Find N3 Flip has been the talk of the town since its release, and it’s all for good reasons. With its offer of new upgrades in a sophisticated, pocket-sized foldable smartphone, the curiosity around it is more than just chatter – it's an anticipation worth exploring.

Setting new standards with its functional vertical cover screen and a unique three-camera setup that includes a Telephoto lens, this isn't your average device. It's a sleek blend of style, functionality, and unswerving reliability—all bundled into one sensational foldable phone.

The OPPO Find N3 Flip steps up the game again in flip phones, delighting users with enhanced features that promise to elevate the experience, starting from its incredible functionality embedded within the cover screen. 

Here are some highlights to love about this upgrade.

Access Apps Straight from the Cover Screen 

The OPPO Find N3 Flip introduces more than 80 mini apps to access from the cover screen, including third-party apps like Gmail, Google Maps, WeChat, WhatsApp, TikTok, X (previously known as Twitter), YouTube Music and more. With its built-in keyboard and voice-to-text functionality, you may quickly and easily create emails without opening the device. 

These applications are available to access from the OPPO App lab so whether you need to manage emails or messages and enjoy some social media time, you can now easily do it from the cover screen. It only takes a swipe left to do it. This added feature lets you accomplish these tasks seamlessly without opening the device.

Add a Touch of Cuteness in the Cover Screen

Aside from the widgets and mini apps access in the home screen, you can also now add a dash of cuteness. While productivity remains a focus, the OPPO Find N3 Flip puts a playful touch by reintroducing interactive cover screen pets, now elevated from 2D to vibrant 3D animations. 

This time around, the selection expands, offering a wider array of pets like Bird, Cat, Dog, Hamster, Koala, Panda, Rabbit, and Tiger. These delightful animated companions mirror your activities, whether you're engrossed in music or taking a nap, while also showcasing their innate charm and playfulness.

Easily Take Photos from the Cover Screen 

Bringing out tripods for selfies or group photos won’t be necessary anymore as the OPPO Find N3 Flip makes life easier. Unlock the wonders of FlexForm Mode by gently folding the OPPO Find N3 Flip, fully utilizing the camera's potential. 

This mode revolutionizes your photography experience, delivering stability similar to a tripod setup on any flat or stable surface. Preview your selfies on the cover screen, harnessing the superior camera quality for flawless results, and conveniently position the device on a surface for steady, professional-grade selfies and remarkable group snapshots.

The Cosmos Ring Next to the Cover Screen Brings Out A Sophisticated Look

The OPPO Find N3 Flip takes the spotlight as the first flip phone having a triple camera setup, including the groundbreaking telephoto camera. 

Featuring the most generous sensors among all flip phones across its trio of cameras, OPPO has pulled off a camera system free from compromises by reintroducing the expansive vertical cover screen and crafting the eye-catching Cosmos Ring design which allows the device to deliver convenience without sacrificing reliable smartphone functionalities.

Add Your Go-to Widgets in the Cover Screen for Easier Access

The OPPO Find N3 Flip’s upgraded cover screen apps and widgets menu provides a heightened level of intuitiveness. 

From the reminiscent card-style interactions to a more familiar application tray of the first generation OPPO flip phone, navigating, organizing, and firing up your preferred apps or widgets has never been smoother. 

You can now customize your screen with an animated weather wallpaper paired with a corresponding Always-On Display (AOD), delivering real-time updates. Additionally, pinning three widgets or apps to the cover screen wallpaper allows instant access with a simple tap!

Get Your OPPO Find N3 Flip Today!

Time to cop the latest stylish and functional foldable phone in the market today. Dive into the sophisticated and reliable OPPO Find N3 Flip experience for Php 64,999!

Enjoy the Present with OPPO Philippines

Spread holiday cheer and enjoy exclusive promos when you purchase OPPO smartphones this Christmas. Make the most out of special discounts and freebies, exclusive benefits and gifts, and exciting festivities until January 7, 2024 for a merrier, more meaningful celebration.

 

Learn more about the new OPPO Find N3 Flip by visiting https://www.oppo.com/ph/find-n3-flip-opensale or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

BingoPlus Celebrates Filipino Films in MMFF Gabi ng Parangal

METRO MANILA – Staying true to its commitment to support and promote quality Filipino entertainment, BingoPlus, the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines, was event presenter of the climactic finale of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMMF), the annual MMFF Gabi ng Parangal on December 27 at the New Frontier Theater.

The star-studded and glamour-filled event paid homage to the outstanding Filipino films that participated in the all-Filipino-movies festival highly anticipated by Filipino movie enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The industry’s biggest stars such as Ms. Sharon Cuneta, Alden Richards, Miles Ocampo, BingoPlus’ brand endorser Piolo Pascual and the stars of the participating movies turned out for the event.

 

This year, ten (10) film entries were screened and selected for the awards with “Firefly” winning Best Picture, and Pepe Diokno of “Gomburza” winning Best Director. Best Supporting Actor was JC Santos for “Mallari”.

 

DigiPlus President Andy Tsui handed out the Best Actress award and a PHP 100,000 cash prize to Best Actress winner, Ms. Vilma Santos for "When I Met You In Tokyo'', while BingoPlus President Rafael Jasper Vicencio awarded the Best Actor trophy and the same cash prize to Cedrick Juan for "Gomburza''. Hundreds of attendees received premium merchandise from the brand, making the night extra special and memorable.

 

 

The MMFF has been consistently providing a monumental platform and appreciation for Filipino produced movies, encouraging the production of quality and entertaining films. BingoPlus president Jasper Vicencio said that as the leading online bingo platform in the country, “BingoPlus aims to ensure that this year’s festival is extra special and entertaining. We are staying true to our commitment to support quality Filipino entertainment and part of that support is to provide fun-filled season celebrations for all, anytime and anywhere”.

 

BingoPlus also supported the MMFF Parade of Stars last December 16 and the Summer MMFF in April.

 

BingoPlus and ArenaPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. For more updates, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net or download the apps via the App Store and Google Play.

Light up your New Year with Globe in NYE AT THE 5TH!

Are you ready to ring in 2024 with a bang? Globe is teaming up with Bonifacio Global City and the local government of Taguig for NYE AT THE 5TH – a street celebration that's going to brighten your world.

Prepare to dive into a night of unforgettable fun on December 31 at the Globe Booth at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre. As you step into this festive arena, feel the pulse of a community coming together, ready to set the stage for a truly fantastic year ahead.

 

A spectacular K-Pop performance

A stellar performance by one of K-Pop's biggest groups is set to electrify the evening,  which is why Globe KmmunityPH and Anything K-Pop Manila is teaming up once again to amp up the energy. Whether you're a long-time stan or new to the scene, there is a diverse array of awesome activities designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of K-Pop.

 

Capture your moments at the Globe photobooth

Make your New Year's Eve more memorable at the Globe photobooth. It's the perfect spot to snap your festive OOTD, gather with loved ones for a group photo, and capture the spirit of the celebration.

 

Arcade fun with friends

Challenge your friends and test your skills at Globe's arcade machines. It's not just about winning; it's about enjoying every playful moment and maybe even snagging some cool prizes.

 

Dance parties to keep you moving

Get ready to move and groove! Spontaneous dance parties are set to erupt, offering you a chance to dance your heart out. Mingle with fellow party-goers in these impromptu dance-offs and let the rhythm of the night take over.

 

Exclusive deals from 0917 Lifestyle

Fashion meets fandom with 0917 Lifestyle's exclusive freebies and discounts on some of their most popular collections. Enjoy up to 50% off on shirts, accessories, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and express your fandom.

 

Concert experience at the Globe booth

Experience the concert with added comfort at the Globe booth. This is your chance to enjoy the performance in a cozy setting, making your New Year's Eve celebration even more special.

 

"Joining BGC and Taguig City in this celebration is our way of bringing people together and fueling their passion. We’re creating a vibrant space where fans can connect, and we're excited to offer an experience that's both fun and meaningful as we welcome the new year,” said Crisela Magpayo-Cervantes, Globe’s Vice President for Marketing Communications.

 

As the countdown to the New Year begins, don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration. Join Globe at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre on December 31 for a gathering of hearts and dreams, all united by the excitement for new beginnings.

GCash Further Expands Global Remittance Network with PERA HUB

GCash continues to expand its global remittance network as it partners with Aboitiz retail network brand PERA HUB for cash-in transactions. The country’s leading fintech company has recently announced that PERA HUB partners will now be accessible via the GCash app.

“Through this partnership, millions of Filipinos around the world can benefit from easier and more affordable remittance services, ensuring they can always send money back home,” remarked Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of G-Xchange Inc., the mobile wallet operator of GCash.

GCash users can now easily claim remittances and access PERA HUB’s vast network of remittance partners, which include, Remitly, IntelExpress, InstantCash, Ayannah, and soon, Uniteller, without the need to change applications or go outside their houses and line up at remittance centers.

"GCash is thrilled to have PERA HUB as a key partner in our international remittance network. This collaboration enhances the convenience and accessibility of remittances for our users, making financial inclusion now a global reality," noted Reyes.

Each year, millions of Filipinos find employment overseas to remit better earnings to their families back home. In 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported an all-time high in remittances to the Philippines, reaching a staggering $36.14 billion.

"GCash is proud to empower Filipinos worldwide to live their best lives through a range of tailored products and services, particularly designed to meet the unique needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Our International Remittance service is a prime example, enabling those abroad to send remittances directly to the GCash accounts of their loved ones in the Philippines," stated GCash International General Manager Paul Albano.

PERA HUB, the retail brand of PETNET, operates 186 company-owned locations and boasts thousands of sub-agents. PETNET, with a remarkable 25-year history in the remittance business, is majority-owned by City Savings Bank, Inc. and Union Properties, Inc., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Aboitiz Group’s Union Bank of the Philippines..

“With PERA HUB’s partners now part of the GCash platform, OFWs and their families now have access to an even broader selection of remittance partners, making the process of sending and receiving money more convenient than ever,” said Albano.

An HONORable Year: Take a Look at the HONOR Gadgets Launched this 2023

Manila, Philippines, December 28, 2023 – It is still not too late for presents! Here's a trip down memory lane for all the HONOR gadgets that were launched this year that can give you an idea for your well-deserved year-end gift! From budget phones to prestige gadgets, HONOR has the best deals that’s worth your money. 

 

“The Holiday Season is not yet over, so we give you this list of HONOR gadgets released this year for your needs and most importantly, for any budget that you may have,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President. 

 

Elegance Meets Quality  

 

Capturing memories can be disappointing when not shot right. This holiday season, HONOR Magic5 Pro is the best gift for memory hoarders. It ranked first in DXOMARK for the best camera smartphone when first released and was rated the best at Mobile World Congress 2023 for its triple rear camera quality which includes a shooter, ultrawide camera, and periscope telephoto camera, almost functioning like a compact DSLR. Alongside its inviolable 5100mAh battery quality, water and dust resistance technology, and huge storage memory, HONOR Magic5 Pro is the best gift to not miss ephemeral moments.  

 

On the other hand, the crowd favorite HONOR 90 5G has a 200MP Flagship Camera, stylish and jewelry inspired design if you’re looking for a flagship-level smartphone without breaking the bank. An even more affordable option is the HONOR 90 Lite 5G with a very capable 100MP camera. 

 

Your Deserved Value-for-Money 

 

The HONOR X5 Plus, HONOR X6a, HONOR X7a, and HONOR X8a are budget phones that won’t let you down. HONOR X5 Plus is a steal at an affordable price with its MediaTek Helio G36 processor that has a capacity of 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. HONOR X6a also has a quad-camera setup at the back with the main shooter being a 50-megapixel wide lens while the selfie camera is a 5-megapixel shooter. Main difference would be the storage capacity between the two phones. HONOR X7a is a great value for its battery capacity that can last up to 3 days on a standby mode and also offers a great camera quality with its quad camera setup: 50-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Lastly, HONOR X8a is a great option for entry-level phone photography with its 100MP Camera. 

 

Worth it Durability 

 

The first-launched phone of HONOR in the Philippine market this year is still the apple of the eye for durability. HONOR X9a 5G is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of Internal storage. 

 

Indulge in Productivity 

 

For students, working adults, and even for grandparents who find joy in playing games in a wider screen, HONOR Pad X9 is the ideal choice. It has an 11.5 Inches display powered by Snapdragon® 685 4G Mobile Platform. Lastly, HONOR Magicbook X14 and HONOR Magicbook X15 with very capable Intel processors are known for its eye care technology, especially made for preventing eye strain due to longer hours of screen exposure. 

Gifts Galore with HONOR 

Exciting FREE Gift Boxes worth Php 2,499 also await fans of other HONOR smartphone units including HONOR Magic5 Pro for Php 59,990, HONOR 90 5G for Php 24,990, HONOR X9A 5G for Php 16,990, HONOR 90 Lite 5G for Php 12,990, and HONOR X7A for Php 7,990. Such items will be the perfect gift for any age paired with the FREE Gift Boxes suitable for each user’s needs and favorite specs. 

The early bird catches a complimentary gift this upcoming Holidays! Avail yourself of these amazing holideals in any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores and online via Shopee: bit.ly/ShopeeHONORHolideals, Lazada: bit.ly/LazadaHONORHolideals, and TikTok Shop: bit.ly/TikTokHONORHolideals. 

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 Finals Wrap Up, Empowering Global Developers with Upgraded Pantanal Platform

OPPO announced the top three winning teams of OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 following the demonstration of the final ten teams’ work at the Final Event in Kuala Lumpur.  

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 Final Demo Event 

"We are extremely grateful for the support from global developers who have come with us on this journey. The intelligent products and experiences we’ve brought to users so far are just a starting point." said Nicole Zhang, General Manager of Software Innovation Center, OPPO. " We are now looking ahead to what comes next—working closely with global developers all over the world to create services that understand users even more deeply, and respond to their needs more intelligently."

 

Nicole Zhang, General Manager of Software Innovation Center, OPPO

Innovations in Development and Improved Efficiency with Pantanal Developer Services 

Since 2021, OPPO has held the ColorOSHack competition annually. This year's competition centered on the theme "Pantanal Service: Empowering Lives with Intelligence" and focused on the Asia-Pacific region, with an emphasis on three key scenarios: daily life, transportation, and entertainment. Participants were encouraged to learn the ropes of the Pantanal Platform, develop smart services catering to one of the three scenarios, and conceptualize scenarios 

and design forms of interaction so as to help explore a new service format for the Asia-Pacific market. Since the kick-off in July, the entire competition lasted over 150 days, attracting more than 200 participants from over 50 countries and regions around the world.

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 attracted more than 200 participants from over 50 countries

Pantanal Platform‘s capabilities, including Aqua Dynamics, firstly introduced in ColorOS 14, provide a framework in which a service is developed based a single template and then automatically adapted for compatibility with phones, tablets, earbuds, and automotive head units, as well as different access points, such as widgets, the cover screen on a flip phone, and more. These new tools can further boost the development efficiency for developers. OPPO now provides video tutorials, written guides, and codelabs documentation, as well as a Pantanal IDE and Pantanal development framework, as part of a comprehensive suite of resources intended to help developers get to grips with Pantanal.

 

Increasing Strength of Global Innovation Fuels Steady Eco-System Expansion

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 focused on three core scenarios, and was supplemented by a suite of newly upgraded developer services. Many excellent works emerged, of which ten were selected for the finals. The team creations addressed scenarios including navigation, payment, social interaction, study, health, 

and more. The final round lasted over three hours. A jury composed of OPPO experts and industry experts from the Asia-Pacific region evaluated the team’s work in terms of app prospects and 

innovation, and selected the top three winning teams. Each of the three will receive cash prizes to be put toward the incubation and implementation of their products.

 

“NavOpp”, a transportation and payment project by the Malaysian team End2End, earned unanimous approval from the judges and won first place. The project is an app that provides cross-device support for transportation and payment services. Relying on Pantanal's context-detection capabilities, the app enables the seamless flow of information and services, reducing steps and saving time on daily commutes and business trips, and making ubiquitous services more scalable.

OPPO ColorOSHack 2023 Platinum Award - NavOpp by End2End

 

Through this year’s ColorOSHack, OPPO connected developers on a global scale. Pantanal Developer Services lightened the workload of developers, abstracting away the need to understand the complex underlying hardware of different devices. Based on the open capabilities of the Pantanal Platform, OPPO ColorOS will continue to provide developers with a foundation on which to innovate and a communication platform through which they can showcase their creations, bringing developers, entrepreneurs, and startups together to develop and implement innovative solutions, and bring a smarter life to 600 million ColorOS users.