The Toughest Smartphones Join Forces: HONOR and Nokia Just Signed a 5G Patent License Agreement

Manila, Philippines, January 30, 2023 –

Global tech giants HONOR and Nokia recently signed a new patent cross-license agreement in pursuit of significant inventions in 5G and other cellular technologies. 

“We are delighted to have concluded an amicable patent cross-license agreement with HONOR, one of the leading players in the Chinese smartphone market. It is the fourth major litigation-free smartphone agreement that Nokia has concluded over the past twelve months and highlights once again the strength of Nokia’s patent portfolio and decades-long contributions to cellular standards and other technologies,” Nokia Chief Licensing Officer Mobile Devices Susanna Martikainen said. 

“As both 5G SEP holder and implementor, HONOR highly respects IP rights and strongly believes that reasonable value of IP is important to the development of mobile industry. The conclusion of the patent cross-license agreement shows HONOR's commitment on innovation to enabling a smart life across all scenarios and all channels, for all people,” HONOR Head of Global Intellectual Property Wenyu Zhou also shared.

It is very recent that HONOR launched an Ultra-Tough smartphone HONOR X9b 5G shadowing the legacy of the classic Nokia 3310. HONOR takes pride in providing solutions to consumers’ everyday dilemma and bridge affordability and quality together. 

Experience the HONOR X9b 5G now and get yours at HONOR Experience and Partner stores or online via

Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease). 

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store! 

To know more about the complete features of HONOR X9b 5G, you may visit: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_X9b_Pressrelease and head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

Jollibee Group, Pasig LGU to Provide Jobs to Senior Citizens and PWDs

Inclusive Employment Program. The Jollibee Group and the Pasig City Government inked a partnership for the implementation of the company’s inclusive employment program that will provide qualified senior citizens and persons with disability in Pasig with jobs at select stores of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King in the city.

MANILA, Philippines. – The Jollibee Group has recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the city government of Pasig, represented by its Mayor Vico Sotto, as part of the company’s inclusive employment program that provides gainful employment to qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) in select stores in Pasig of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King. 

According to Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head, Global Organization Leadership and Culture and Head, Human Resources Philippines, the partnership with city government of Pasig is consistent with Jollibee Group’s commitment to providing equal employment opportunities to different sectors of society, while promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. 

“We are happy to support the local government unit of Pasig in advancing the interests of our elderly and the differently abled. Through this partnership, we recognize their invaluable role, capacity, and desire to work by giving them the opportunity to become productive members of the community,” Angeles added. 

Under the agreement, Pasig City’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO) will assist in conducting initial interviews and profiling of the applicants, while the People with Disability Affairs Office and the Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs will provide trainers to assist and instruct qualified applicants prior to deployment. 

Meanwhile, the City Health Office will serve as the official medical institution to conduct the health examinations and issue certificates as ‘fit to work’ for qualified applicants. Successful applicants will be given “front of house” duties, including work as customer relations staff. 

Besides Pasig City, Jollibee Group has also partnered with the local government units of Manila, Antipolo, and Muntinlupa, and the provincial government of Rizal so more senior citizens and PWDs can benefit from the program. 

“We aim to form partnerships with other LGUs in the future so we can help uplift more lives and find qualified and reliable staff who can join us in our mission of spreading the joy of eating to everyone,” Angeles said. 

# # #

It’s Time for Pasig. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto personally welcomed the delegation from the Jollibee Group during the MOA Signing ceremonies held at the Pasig City Hall.

Partners for Promoting the Well-Being of Senior Citizens and PWDs. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is joined by the Jollibee Group delegation that includes operations team from the participating brands Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King.

Sharing Gifts and Giving Hope through My Dream in A Shoebox

Children from Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Parañaque are all smiles as they receive their dream kits.

Education campaign My Dream In a Shoebox has once again brought cheers and smiles to communities during its recent gift-giving activities. In the last quarter of 2023, volunteers converged at the Ascension of our Lord Parish in Parañaque, joined by partner organizations Genpact and Indian Women in Enterprise Philippines (IWE Philippines).

TeamAsia President and Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin conducts a storytelling session for children from the  Ascension of our Lord Parish in Parañaque.

The most recent gift-giving event took place a couple of days before Christmas, with over 500 children in attendance. The day featured games, prizes, and storytelling led by TeamAsia President and Founder Monette Iturralde-Hamlin. Dream kits, containing school supplies collected through the campaign and donated by TeamAsians and other partners, were distributed to the children. There was also delicious and healthy food distributed to the children that was prepared “with love and care” by the IWE Philippines.

“Since 2009, we have been visiting our partner communities, meeting children to hear their stories, and sharing our dream kits. We are thrilled that, after three years, we get to do this again and witness the joy on the faces of the children who receive our little gifts, inspiring them to strive and continue their education,” said TeamAsia Managing Director Bea Lim.

The education campaign continues to adapt to and address the changing and expanding education requirements of Filipino children, particularly through its collaboration with Yellow Boat of Hope. The partnership has raised funds to establish educational hubs in remote areas of the Philippines, supports and sends deserving scholars to schools, and remains committed to fostering meaningful connections, enabling the development of impactful programs that inspire children to stay in school and make their bigger dreams come true.

‘Beacon of hope’

For the past few months, My Dream In a Shoebox has given hope to underprivileged children in several communities in Luzon through its activities.

Children from the Karangalan Cainta Community receive their dream kits

Aside from the one in Parañaque, other beneficiary communities were the Liberty Christian Baptist Church in Pasig, where a total of 675 dream kits were handed out; and the Sto. Nino de Baseco Parish in Manila where 100 dream kits were given out in partnership with the top 100 Filipinos and VB Consulting.

The Payatas Orione Foundation in Quezon City received a total of 530 dream kits, the Christ the King Parish got 500 dream kits, and the San Pedro Calungsod Parish was given 500 dream kits as well.

“My Dream In a Shoebox has become a beacon of hope, illuminating the lives of underprivileged children with moments of joy and endless possibilities. Together, we've sown the seeds of dreams, nurturing a future filled with promise and potential,” said Lim.

The sponsors for these gift-giving activities included TeamAsia, Genpact, Willis Towers Watson, ANZ, Eastern Communications, IWE Philippines, E-Guardian Philippines, and Sandugo Magilas Elite Eagles Club. Willis Towers Watson also donated one educational hub.

BingoPlus vibrates with the Cebuanos for “Prititit” Sinulog 2024

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES - BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment and amusement platform and the first online Bingo app in the country, honors the biggest and most popular festival in Cebu City, the Sinulog.

The Sinulog Festival is an annual celebration held every third Sunday of January in Cebu. The festival is also known for its street parties, which happen during the night. It is also tagged as one of the Grandest Festivals in the country. 

To kick-off the brand’s support, BingoPlus started its on-ground presence by staging its first booth on January 6 at the World Tent City. Cebuanos immediately felt the fun and entertainment through the games that were set up in the booths, such as the color game and ring toss. Additional BingoPlus booths were also staged at Fuente Osmena, Plaza Independencia, and SRP Grandstand to reach a larger audience and to spread the fun and entertainment. Adding-up to the activities previously mentioned, photo wall, winner drop ball, roll the dice, and archery were also an engagement activity in the BingoPlus booth. 

To further highlight Sinulog, BingoPlus gave recognition to Cebuanos who are seen dedicated and passionate in their craft in different events such as the Miss Cebu 2024, Sinulog Idol 2024, Sinulog Festival Queen, and Sinulog Dance Crew. 

The brand awarded Miss Runway by BingoPlus and a P10,000 cash to Zoe Cameron and Miss BingoPlus Cebu 2024 with a P30,000 cash to Sofia Mendheart Jumamoy during the Miss Cebu Pre-Pageant event held on January 10. Moreover, on January 17 during the Miss Cebu 2024 Coronation Night, Zoe Cameron received another award which is the Miss Charity by BingoPlus award and a P30,000 cash. The brand also supported the Sinulog Idol 2024 and awarded the BingoPlus Choice Award with P10,000 cash to JayR Panucialman, who was also hailed as the Grand Winner of Sinulog Idol and received an additional P5,000 in cash from BingoPlus. Sinulog Festival Queen and Sinulog Dance Crew both commenced on January 19. BingoPlus sponsored P10,000 in cash for the BingoPlus Choice Award. On the other hand, Mary Love Lopez was recognized as Miss BingoPlus Festival Queen and received P20,000 cash. 

To wrap off the brand presence,  BingoPlus participated in the float parade on January 21, where thousands of spectators witnessed all the beautiful, festive, and grandest floats from different sponsors and contingents. People endured the heat to show support to their favorites. On that same day, BingoPlus variety show day 1 was held in Plaza Independencia and in World Tent City for day 2. Cebuanos were truly entertained in this 2-day BingoPlus event as they witnessed performances by Tony Labrusca, Paul Salas, G22 and more. Furthermore, P150,000 worth of raffle prizes (minor and major) and game prizes were given away, and P50,000 in cash was raffled on the second day. It was indeed one successful prititit Sinulog experience for BingoPlus. 

Such efforts are the brand’s own way of giving back all the support and gratitude that it has received. It is also indeed a reaffirmation that BingoPlus holds its mission to be the leading leisure and entertainment provider. 

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 now via the App Store and Google Play.

917Ventures’ Fundspace Offers Philippine MSMEs Grappling with Credit and Funding Issues New Seamless Digital-Based Solution

Manila, Philippines, 30 January 2024–  As fund sufficiency remains a major challenge for MSMEs, particularly in emerging markets, 917Ventures’s loan aggregator Fundspace is offering 

MSMEs and local entrepreneurs a swift, user-friendly, and easily accessible digital solution to bridge the financing gap in the Philippines.

“No one can deny the outsized impact of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to the United Nations Development Programme, these businesses contribute 40% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ 63% of the local workforce. Despite their substantial contributions, many MSMEs continue to be underfunded. This hinders the growth of these businesses, and in turn may hinder the growth of the economy,” said Martin Luchangco, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at 917Ventures.

Straightforward Application Process
FundSpace caters to enterprises of all sizes, ensuring easy access to the funding to ensure business growth and sustainability. It connects borrowers to different lending partners offering various loan products through an accessible mobile-friendly platform. 

Entrepreneurs can start their financing journey in four simple steps: 

1. Visit the FundSpace website

2. Specify the loan amount

3. Submit necessary business documents (such as Barangay and Mayor’s Permits, DTI Permits, valid IDs, and the latest three months bank statements), and; 

4. Wait for its dedicated account managers to get in touch. 

1. The platform has a quick 14-day loan approval timeline, a significant improvement over the typical 60-day timeline seen in traditional banks.

Together with its lender partners that include Alon Capital, iGlobal, Mt Fuji Lending, BPI Business Banking, First Circle, Zenith Capital, and Esquire, FundSpace provides loans from P5,000 to upwards of P100 million.

“It’s important to provide flexible loan amounts to better serve MSMEs across the board–from those who are just starting out, to those who want to aggressively grow their businesses,” Luchangco explained.

Since launch, FundSpace has facilitated loans across multiple businesses, including industries like retail, construction, food and beverage, services, and software industries, underscoring its position as a valuable partner of MSMEs, helping propel them toward sustainable growth and success.

Inclusive Access to All Types of Businesses

Data from the United Nations Development Program showed that more than half of MSMEs (67%) in the Philippines face challenges when it comes to securing funding. 

Many of these entrepreneurs rely on personal savings or loans from family and friends to start or expand their businesses, as banks and other financial institutions often subject entrepreneurs to a lengthy, tedious process, demanding extensive documentation. Rigid collateral requirements and high-interest rates pose additional barriers, limiting the accessibility of crucial financial resources and cost of business for these enterprises.

In response to these challenges, FundSpace was developed to simplify the borrowing process.

Features to look forward to

Beyond continuing to expand its loan offerings, FundSpace plans to launch a credit scoring feature later in the year. This feature is designed to streamline the application process for borrowers by reducing the required documentation. Simultaneously, for lenders, it will facilitate quicker assessments and enable the platform to deliver higher-quality leads. 

FundSpace's commitment to innovation not only enhances the user experience for borrowers but also strengthens the efficiency and effectiveness of the lending process for its valued network of financial partners.

"Empowering MSMEs with easy financial solutions is both an investment in their growth and in fostering economic resilience. By removing financial barriers for these enterprises we are contributing not only to their success but also to the sustainable development of communities and the Philippine economy,” Luchangco added.

Learn more about FundSpace by visiting fundspace.ph.

Golden Visa Centrale Unveils Greek Golden Visa Program, Offering Filipinos Prime Investment Opportunities

MANILA, Philippines, 30 January 2024 – Golden Visa Centrale (GVC), a leading international property marketing consultancy specializing in residency by investment, has announced its latest offering tailored for Filipino investors looking for opportunities in Greece through its new Greek Golden Visa program. 

“Residency-by-investment programs have been getting traction for investors across the world, including the Philippines. These programs not only grant investors and their families the freedom to travel, to study, to work, but also offer opportunities for wealth diversification,” said Vicky Luis, President and Founder of GVC. 

 

Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows individuals and their families to obtain foreign residency or citizenship by meeting a minimum investment requirement indicated by the country’s government. It offers benefits like unrestricted travel and potential tax advantages. It is estimated that more than 130,000 people have obtained golden visas similar programs in European countries including Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Over 60 countries globally offer golden visa programs, with European countries including Portugal, Spain, and Greece being some of the most popular. 

GVC, established in 2019, successfully processed and facilitated hundreds of golden visa applications across various European countries and the U.S.

“Since 2019, we have seen the number of golden visa applications coming from the Philippines increase by at least 30% year-on-year, underscoring a growing trend of Filipinos seeking international residency and investment opportunities. We are excited to bring the Greek Golden Visa program to Filipino investors. This is a program perfect for those looking for profitable investments or those who want to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Luis added.

Greek Golden Visa program

The Greek Golden Visa program which began in 2013, granted 31,000 golden visas in 2022, contributing €2.3 billion into the Greek economy. With an initial investment of  €250,000, the program offers Filipinos an opportunity to invest in the vibrant city of Patra, the third-largest in Greece and a thriving university hub, located on the Pelopponese peninsula. The investment comes with a host of compelling benefits, annual income, including a five-year permanent residence visa, the possibility of reunification for up to three generations of family members, the convenience of remote application, visa-free travel within Schengen countries, one of the fastest processing times, and a no stay requirement.

“The program's appeal lies in its combination of a vibrant living experience and a reasonable investment threshold, making it a good choice for those seeking affordable and desirable residency opportunities,” explained Luis. "The Greek Golden Visa program, along with our other offerings, reflects our mission to offer clients the freedom to enjoy beautiful landscapes while actively contributing to the economic development of cities and countries worldwide."

Learn more about the Greek Golden Visa program by joining Golden Visa Centrale’s events on February 7, 5:30 p.m., Manila House, Taguig City; February 8, 11 a.m., Manila Polo Club, Makati City; and February 9, 9 a.m., Shangri-La at the Fort Horizon Lounge, Taguig City. Register your attendance by visiting bit.ly/GVC-Greece. For more information on GVC’s other offerings, visit https://goldenvisacentral.com/ or the GVC Facebook page.

Nadine Lustre and Bea Alonzo Feature in Behind-the-Scenes Film of OPPO’s nature-inspired Reno11 Series 5G TVC

Offering an exclusive first look at the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G, brand ambassadors Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre create anticipation for the groundbreaking phone as seen in the behind the scenes of the TVC for the newest addition to the Reno series, providing a sneak peek into the new Portrait Expert features that make it stand out.

Filmed amidst the vibrant greenery and sparkling waters of Batangas, the natural visual treat accentuated the impressive camera capabilities of the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G. “Shooting against a windy green backdrop was a poetic experience,” said Bea Alonzo expressing how the Reno11, held against her hair, made her feel like a character in a painting. The 32MP telephoto lens, a standout feature of the phone, is lauded for its ability to capture these moments perfectly, adding a magical touch to the visuals.

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G debuts as the latest Reno series offering from OPPO, inspired by nature as reflected in the phone’s design with the hues of Pearl White and Wave Green. A captivating behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the journey of Bea and Nadine into nature, which highlighted the OPPO Reno11's Telephoto Camera, is revealed in the TVC-making film video.

Rooted in the elegance of pearl white and the vibrancy of wave green, the phone’s design philosophy sets the stage for a visual masterpiece to capture the essence of the natural world. As seen in the video, scenes outdoors are presented, echoing the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G's deliberate integration of natural textures into its design. “Holding the Reno11 Pro 5G while walking on the beach, it felt like I was an explorer uncovering the secrets of pearl white.” Nadine excitedly shares.

The telephoto lens emerges as a signature weapon, capturing a moment within a moment. Bea emphasizes how the lens enhances the vividness of every performance, particularly in capturing interactions with the green scenery of nature. She also shared how the phone captured every subtle movement without disrupting her natural state, allowing the photographer to frame every smile and gaze, revealing her raw, standout emotion.

For Nadine, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is a game-changer, blending harmoniously with its surroundings, creating a magical and unforgettable feeling. To beautifully sum it up, it all goes back to embodying the Reno11 Series 5G's design philosophy – to stand out and make every portrait an extraordinary expression of an individual’s most natural and authentic self captured in the frame.

The OPPO Reno11 Series 5G is launching in the Philippines on February 1. Stay updated on the latest Reno series news by visiting OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.