IKEA Pasay City Opens its Homes for the Filipino Christmas Tradition of Carolling

Pasay City, Philippines – The holiday season in the Philippines is all about traditions, and this year, IKEA Pasay City is waking up the festive spirit with a weeklong celebration for the many Filipinos. As a destination for a fun day out, IKEA creates inspiration and memorable experiences for its customers through engaging store activities, making it the perfect place to celebrate the joy and traditions of Christmas.

From December 16 to 20, IKEA Pasay City invites everyone to relive a beloved Filipino tradition with its Carolling Week. As Christmas carolling begins to fade in today’s fast-paced generation, this event offers a chance to bring back the joy and nostalgia of going door-to-door singing holiday classics. Customers are welcome to step into IKEA’s roomsets and fill the spaces with the warmth of Christmas songs.

Adding a creative twist, participants can craft their own instruments, blending the timeless spirit of carolling with IKEA’s commitment to eco-friendly living. It’s more than just singing—it’s about creating cherished memories, reconnecting with traditions, and celebrating the season in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Participants of all ages, whether solo or in groups, are welcome to join the festivities. Perform one to two Christmas carols and have the chance to draw a special aguinaldo from IKEA co-workers. Lucky participants could win up to PHP 5,000 worth of IKEA Gift Cards to make their holidays even brighter! Everyone is invited to stay and get into the Christmas cheer as special performances have been lighting up the store throughout the week, including memorable performances by Christian Bautista and Maki, with a highly anticipated surprise performance on 20 December.

Whether it’s carolling, shopping for thoughtful gifts, or finding inspiration for holiday décor, IKEA Pasay City is the ultimate Christmas destination. It’s not just a store—it’s a happy place for making the season brighter and more meaningful.

Visit IKEA Pasay City from December 16 to 20, and let the sounds of Filipino Christmas bring your holiday dreams to life. For more details, visit IKEA Pasay City’s official Facebook page or shop online at www.IKEA.ph.

Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking Named Top Three Most Valuable Restaurant Brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 Rankings

MANILA, Philippines.– Demonstrating the strength of its brand portfolio, the Jollibee Group continues to make its mark on the global stage, with well-loved brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking recognized as the top three most valuable restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report. 

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. It conducts more than 6,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports which rank brands across all sectors and countries. The ASEAN 500 2024 report reveals that the region’s food, retail, hospitality, and leisure and tourism sectors are spearheading regional economic growth, driven by rising post-pandemic consumer spending and digital innovation.

“The top rankings of Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking as restaurant brands in Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2024 report is a testament to our collective commitment to excellence and sustainable growth,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. “We thank our teams who consistently make every experience at our stores delightful. We also share this recognition with our franchisees, and business partners who share our values and our mission while driving long-term growth.”

Jollibee: Most Valuable Restaurant Brand in ASEAN

Jollibee Group’s iconic flagship brand, Jollibee, recorded an impressive 51% increase in brand value, reaching USD2.3 billion. This milestone crowned Jollibee as the most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN and propelled it 19 places higher to secure the 23rd spot among the region's most valuable brands across categories.

This significant growth reflects Jollibee’s commitment to customer-centricity, product innovation, aggressive global expansion, strategic partnerships, and a stronger focus on sustainability—factors that have propelled its brand value and strength to new heights.

In a separate listing covering restaurant brands across the globe, Brand Finance has assessed Jollibee as the Top 2 fastest growing restaurant brand in the world, outperforming international giants.

Mang Inasal: ASEAN’s Fastest-Growing Brand

Mang Inasal, Jollibee Group’s beloved Filipino casual dining brand celebrated for its signature chicken inasal, was recognized as ASEAN’s fastest-growing brand for 2024 across categories. With an impressive 201% surge in brand value to USD 374 million, it soared 136 spots to rank as the 146th most valuable brand in the region. Notably, it also became the second most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN, following its sister brand, Jollibee.

Brand Finance’s research highlights Mang Inasal’s exceptional scores in ‘familiarity’ and ‘recommendation,’ underscoring its strong recognition and enduring loyalty among consumers. 

Earlier this year, Brand Finance has also cited Mang Inasal as the strongest brand in the Philippines.

Chowking: Top 3 Most Valuable ASEAN Restaurant Brand

Chowking, Jollibee Group’s popular brand blending Filipino and Chinese cuisines, demonstrated impressive growth with a 56% increase in brand value, reaching USD 252 million. With a strong Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 75.6 out of 100 and an AA+ brand strength rating, Chowking earned near-perfect marks in familiarity and consideration metrics. It is now recognized as the 22nd most valuable brand in the Philippines and has risen to become the third most valuable restaurant brand in ASEAN.

Alex Haigh, Managing Director of Brand Finance, Asia Pacific, said in a statement, “As the impact of strategic alignment and shared resources in building consumer loyalty and driving sustained growth, iconic brands like Mang Inasal and Jollibee are growing and excelling within their sector. The collective strength of these brands reflects ASEAN's unique ability to adapt and thrive, with its sector’s progress amplifying the region's overall resilience and forward momentum.”

SM’S CHRISMILES BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO OVER A HUNDRED KIDS IN CALOOCAN, VALENZUELA

Less than 10 days before Christmas, over a hundred children in the Caloocan, Valenzuela area experienced the magic of the season through SM Malls' heartwarming ChriSMiles initiative. Spearheaded by SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela, the annual project brought smiles, gifts, and lasting memories to underprivileged kids and families.

In Caloocan, SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan joined forces with Bountiful Children’s Foundation Philippines to uplift 50 children from Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, North Caloocan. Toddlers aged 1 to 5 enjoyed a day filled with surprises—a hearty meal, hygiene kits, and plush toys, all made possible by the generosity of mall employees and tenant partners like Fantasy World and Tom’s World.

Meanwhile, in Valenzuela, SM City Valenzuela extended the holiday cheer to the children of its janitorial and security personnel. Laughter filled the air as the young ones reveled in free play at Kidzoona, enjoyed gifts, and shared a festive meal with their families.

Beyond the gifts and meals, ChriSMiles sought to make these children feel cherished and celebrated during this season of giving. Fueled by the dedication of each mall and its employees, the ChriSMiles project embodies the true essence of the season. 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. 

“This event is a testament to the true spirit of Christmas—a time for giving and for bringing smiles to those who need it most. We are humbled and inspired by the outpouring of support from our employees and partners, who remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting impact,” said Senior Human Resources Manager Shella Marie Vito.

Through ChriSMiles, SM Supermalls underscores the power of community and compassion, reminding everyone that the joy of the season lies in sharing it with others. With every child’s laughter and every volunteer’s act of kindness, the project becomes a beacon of hope and goodwill, truly embodying the spirit of Christmas.

Accounting Technicians can help Boost the Philippine Airlines Economy, According to UK-Based Accounting Organization

Atty. Roland Cafe Pondoc, National President of PICPA and Sarah Beale, CEO, The Association of Accounting Technicians sign a memorandum of understanding

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), a globally recognized UK-based accounting body, underscored the vital role of appropriately qualified accounting technicians in driving the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the 79th Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Annual National Convention. The international conference also hosted the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA).

 

The conference, which was attended by over 4000 PICPA members and international particpants, brought together leading accounting bodies from across the globe to share insights and strategies to advance the profession. Among these was AAT, which emphasized the need for internationally aligned training standards and qualifications while highlighting the importance of gaining better recognition for Accounting Technicians and the value they add. 

 

AAT executives attend the 79th Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Annual National Convention.

Addressing Skills Gaps in the Accounting Sector 

 

Accounting Technicians play a pivotal role within the accountancy profession by expanding the pool of “professionalized” skilled accountants. They are one solution in addressing skill shortages in both the public and private sectors as well as changing the outdated perception of the profession. 

 

The Philippines faces a persistent shortage of accountancy talent due to the migration of Filipino accountants to overseas roles and freelance work. This shortage means that addressing the attractiveness of accounting and creating effective pathways for a diverse pool of talent is vital.

 

A joint study conducted by the PICPA and AAT showed that among the over 400 PICPA members surveyed during the annual conference in Davao, 38.5% struggled in recruiting the talent they needed for growth in the last 12 months, while 34% expect this to be a problem moving forward. Notably, only 13% of respondents believe that there will not be a problem with recruitment going forward. 

 

The most common challenges in filling in the vacancies were a shortage of qualified talent (67%), low pay (51%), lack of experience (40%), and lack of essential skills (34%). These findings keenly impact possible growth in the Philippines as 83% of those surveyed aim to achieve business growth locally in the country. 

 

“The challenges the Philippine accounting sector is facing are similar to what other countries are experiencing. However, the UK’s experience shows that Accounting Technicians can help all businesses and organizations adapt to changing times and workload pressures while maintaining high standards,” said Sarah Beale, CEO at AAT, in the panel titled “The Future of Accounting: Adapting to a Changing Landscape.” 

A study by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) titled “Nexus 2: The Accountancy Profession — A Global Value Add” showed that accountancy plays a pivotal role in the financial ecosystem and helps inform investors and stockholders on their investment decisions, which would then impact the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global capital market. 

Atty. Roland Cafe Pondoc, National President of PICPA signs an MOU to help recognize the accounting technicians in the country.

Export opportunities for accounting solutions 

 

The growing demand for accountancy services worldwide presents a unique opportunity for the Philippines. Countries like Australia, China, Canada, Cambodia, and Fiji have tapped into the expertise of accounting technicians to address their local talent shortages. 

 

“The industry is experiencing a talent crisis. But this poses a potential opportunity for the Philippines’ accountancy sector to shore up its own access to talent, as well as the export market. We’re seeing more UK clients and practices contending with local talent shortages there, who are looking internationally including the Philippines, to source the accountancy skills they need,” Beale stated. 

 

“For the Philippines to make the most of the opportunity, the country will need to ensure its own talent pipeline is healthy - and that means raising the attractiveness of the profession and multiplying the entry points available to potential recruits.”

 

AAT-qualified Accounting Technicians keep the finance team of businesses effective and ensure their day-to-day accounts run smoothly and efficiently. Furthermore, they help improve the accuracy and reliability of financial information, reducing the risks of fraud and corruption.

 

“The challenges facing the Philippine accounting sector mirror what many countries are encountering,” concludes Beale. “The UK's experience shows how Accounting Technicians can help businesses and organizations adapt to changing times and workload pressures, while maintaining high standards.”

AAT Chief Executive Sarah Beale discussed the importance of recognizing accounting technicians in the country.

Recognition of accounting technicians 

 

To further establish the status of accounting technicians in the country, Beale set meetings with PICPA officials and other Professional Accounting Organizations (PAOs).

 

Topics for discussion included the need for formal government recognition of Accounting Technicians, at the right standard, as part of the accounting profession, which will open new opportunities for the profession and become an alternative pathway to CPA status.

 

A memorandum of understanding between PICPA and AAT was signed on Saturday 23 November.

 

Atty. Roland Cafe Pondoc, National President of PICPA said: “We welcome this new agreement with AAT. Their knowledge of global standards and creating new pathways into the profession will be essential to PICPA’s ability to support our members and bring through the next generation of accounting professionals for the Philippines.”
 

With a global community of over 118,000 professional members and students and is chosen by over 5,000 employers for their finance training, AAT is recognized by prestigious bodies including IFAC, the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). 

 

To learn more about the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), visit https://aat.org.uk

Give the Gift of #OPPOLangSakalam this Christmas with OPPO’s A Series

Giving gifts to your loved ones that can last a long time is thoughtful and practical at the same time - it means that you are thinking of what they need the most while also getting the best value of your hard-earned money.

With the OPPO A60 and OPPO A3, OPPO’s latest A Series smartphones launched this year boasting durability and reliability, you can give your loved ones the gift of #OPPOLangSakalam this holiday season.

OPPO A3 - the gift of an ideal partner for outdoor battles 

Still looking for a device for your loved one that empowers them to carry on with their daily life without skipping a beat? OPPO’s most durable and reliable A Series smartphone, the OPPO A3 is something that you should add to your Christmas shopping list.

Created to withstand accidental falls and spills from various liquids, the OPPO A3 embodies what #OPPOLangSakalam stands for and can be the ideal partner for Filipinos’ outdoor battles.

Perfect for friends who are subjected to rugged environments, the OPPO A3 is well fortified with the Military-Grade Shock Resistance and SGS Certification, ensuring that their phone comes out unscathed should it accidentally slip from their pocket or simply fall off their hand from as high as 1.6 meters. 

The OPPO A3 is also bannered by Multiple Liquid Resistance and Splash Touch technology, making it the smart companion for those who’s always exposed to liquids like chefs, mothers, and the likes. With the Multiple Liquid Resistance, they can just rinse water, soda, or even hot coffee, tea or soup off of it and continue its use.

Apart from its 5,100mAh Large Battery and with a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge, the OPPO A3 is also powered by the pioneering BeaconLink technology, enabling you to still make calls with supported devices via Bluetooth from distances of up to 80 meters in open and unobstructed areas and about 10 meters in crowded places.

Get your family and friends the ideal daily partner with the OPPO A3 in different variants and colorways. The OPPO A3 in 6GB ROM+128GB RAM is priced at PHP 8,999 and is available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black while the 8GB ROM+128GB RAM and 8GB ROM+256GB RAM are priced at PHP 9,999 and PHP 11,999, respectively, and is available in Starlight White and Sparkle Black. 

OPPO A60 - the gift of a durable and reliable daily driver

Designed with durability at its core, the OPPO A60 is crafted to handle life’s unexpected moments. 

If you know someone who always drops their phone or goes to work on a daily basis, the OPPO A60 is perfect for them because this device is built with the Military-Grade Shock Resistance, making it susceptible to drops from up to from up to 1.22 meters. 

For your loved one who cooks up a storm in the kitchen or uses their phone in the bathroom, the OPPO A60 is also engineered with the Splash Touch technology which allows users to continue using the phone seamlessly even if the screen gets wet. 

The OPPO A60 is also ideal for busy individuals who need a device that can keep up with their activities with its 5,000mAh battery matched with a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge feature which can power up the device from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. 

The OPPO A60 is available in Ripple Blue or Midnight Purple colorways, both sleek and stylish that can match any everyday style. You can get the OPPO A60 in two variants - the 8GB+128G is priced at just Php 9,999 while the 8GB+256GB version is available for Php 11,999.

Enjoy a #MaligayangPaskOPPO in the My OPPO app and in OPPO brand stores nationwide

Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores.

Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks.

For more information, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

NU BALIWAG CONTINUES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH ANNUAL ‘PASKONALIAN’

Marking excellence beyond academics, NU Baliwag recently celebrated its annual Paskonalian or Paskong Nationalian, with dance and music competitions, highlighted by a remarkable concert-for-cause attended by 2,123 participants in SM City Baliwag. 

A cherished tradition since 2020, what started as a simple live-streamed singing event showcasing the talents of NU Baliwag students—aimed at raising funds for the victims of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses—has grown into a grand celebration of community, charity, and holiday spirit.

This year’s Paskonalian was an even greater success, bringing an expanded program that began with Hataw Nasyonalyan— a group dance competition, and a Battle of the Bands, followed by an electrifying evening concert featuring guest performers and rising OPM bands Matilduh, Over October, and Cup of Joe. Proceeds will be donated to a chosen community with support from the university’s Community Extension Office.

For four years, Paskonalian has remained an instrument for conducting meaningful projects that will benefit the community. In 2023, Paskonalian reached new heights as the Student Development and Activities Office (SDAO) in collaboration with the NU Baliwag Central Student Government organized an impressive concert highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display. Proceeds from the event funded financial literacy workshops for parents and vegetable planting activities for selected students at Sulivan National High School in the City of Baliwag. The same project was conducted in 2022, featuring student bands from the NU Baliwag Center for Performing Arts.

In 2021, Paskonalian showcased a Christmas tree lighting ceremony for a cause held at NU Baliwag, with proceeds benefiting the Dumagat community in Norzagaray. 

Paskonalian continues to embody the true spirit of the season—bringing joy, fostering togetherness, and supporting those in need. This annual tradition promises to deliver even more exciting and meaningful experiences in the years to come.

Unwrap Innovative Tech and Style with Exclusive Deals at the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale

PASIG CITY, Philippines, December 4, 2024 – ASUS Philippines is once again kicking-off the holiday season with the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale, bringing together the latest in technology and style. From December 5, 2024 to January 31, 2025, enjoy exclusive deals on the best ASUS laptops and ROG devices, and enjoy matching them with the newest kicks from Sole Academy – Philippines’ premium shoe store. Celebrate the season of giving with up to PHP 5,000 off shoes from Sole Academy when purchasing eligible ASUS products. Whether upgrading to an ASUS AI PC, an ASUS Lumina OLED or ROG Nebula Display-powered tech, or stepping up personal style, this holiday sale delivers the ultimate Christmas gift to begin a prosperous and stylish 2025. Complete Christmas wish lists with these incredible bundles and begin to experience the future of innovation now!

ACHIEVE EFFORTLESS PRODUCTIVITY AND STYLE WITH THE BEST ASUS LAPTOPS

The innovative ASUS Zenbook AI Laptops are ready to help get work done effortlessly. The thin 

and light Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) perfectly pairs performance and style with its functional aesthetics and superior AI power. Its chassis features the new, innovative ASUS Ceraluminum™, the industry-leading Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), and Intel Arc graphics that delivers up to 48 NPU TOPS. Its 14-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED 

touchscreen display delivers lifelike visuals with outstanding color and HDR performance. For everyday productivity and entertainment needs, the Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is a reliable AI laptop. Delivering premium portability, this OLED laptop features the AI-powered Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and true-to-life 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display. For those who lead a more active lifestyle and productivity, the comprehensive ASUS Vivobook S AI lineup is the perfect partner. With a wide variety of screen sizes to choose from, it’s not hard to match these ultraportable laptops with any sneakers. For the 14-inch girls and boys, the Vivobook S 14 (S5406) carries an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), an Intel Evo-certified, a built-in 47 TOPS NPU, and an ultraportable profile. For those who prefer a 15-inch display, the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) is the best bet. It features up to a Snapdragon X Elite processor, incredible portability, and a longer battery lifespan and battery life of up to 18+ hours. Lastly, for power users who live large can do so with the Vivobook S 16 (M5606), powered by a lightning-fast AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 processor with a built-in NPU capable of 50 TOPS of AI performance. Plus, it features an elegant all-metal body that houses up to 24 GB of memory, and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. 

Purchases of any ASUS AI Laptop will come with PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers, to help complete your work and style. 

Unlock next-level productivity with the ASUS Vivobook 16 (X1605, M1605) and its stunning three-sided NanoEdge 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect-ratio, its mega-sized touchpad that gives maximum room for fingers, and its durability of MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard. These Vivobook Classic laptops come with PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers for new kicks in the new year. Users can also opt for the classic 14-inch display or the bigger 15-inch alternative of the Vivobook 14/15 (X1405, M1405, X1505) or the Vivobook Go 14/15 (E1404, E1504). These daily drivers feature thoughtful designs with the 180-degree lay-flat hinge that allows easy collaboration and sharing, a full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard, and US MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Get any of these Vivobook Classic and Go Series laptops during the Christmas Sale with PHP 2,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers! 

Some ASUS Desktops and All-in-One (AiO) PCs are joining the Christmas festivities. The highly efficient ASUS S5 Mini Tower (S501) and space-saving ASUS A3402 AiO will be available along with up to PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers.

GAME HARD, LOOK SHARP WITH ROG AND TUF GAMING DEVICES

The ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403) and Zephyrus G16 (GU605) redefine the holiday season by offering a combination of cutting-edge gaming performance and stylish practicality. The Zephyrus G14, a sleek and portable gaming laptop, features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, delivering high-quality 3K 120Hz ROG Nebula visuals. 

Meanwhile, the Zephyrus G16 combines Intel Core Ultra processors with a 16-inch 240Hz ROG Nebula Display with OLED, ensuring vibrant clarity and fluid responsiveness. These models are perfect for those seeking the best gaming laptops this C inhristmas and come with a PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, making them ideal gifts for gamers looking to elevate their tech and style.

The TUF Gaming A14 (FA401) joins the lineup as a robust and reliable gaming laptop, featuring military-grade durability, an AMD Ryzen AI 9 Series processor with up to 50 TOPS AI performance, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Lightweight yet powerful, this 14-inch laptop adapts seamlessly between gaming and productivity, making it one of the best gaming laptops for versatile gamers who also need peak AI requirements. Each purchase includes a PHP 5,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, merging high performance with urban style for the perfect season’s package.

For those craving powerhouse capacity, the ROG Strix Series G18 (G814) and G16 (G614), along with the Strix SCAR 18 (G834), deliver high-speed gaming with Intel Core 14th Gen processors and advanced cooling systems. With refresh rates of up to 240Hz, these laptops cater to hardcore gamers seeking the best gaming laptops for competitive play. Each purchase 

includes a PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, combining exceptional gaming capabilities with a stylish Christmas upgrade.

The versatile ROG Flow X13 (GV302) is a compact and adaptable gaming laptop powered by AMD Ryzen 9 processors. Its 165Hz ROG Nebula Display ensures breathtaking visuals for gaming, creative work, or entertainment. This lightweight powerhouse comes with a PHP 3,000 Sole Academy e-voucher, offering the perfect combination of innovative tech and trendy style for the season.

Finally, the ROG Ally (RC71L) and ROG Ally X (RC72LA) push the boundaries of portable gaming, delivering exceptionally with AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor. Perfect for gaming on the go, these devices are top choices for those seeking compact, high-performing alternatives to traditional laptops. Both come with PHP 2,000 Sole Academy e-vouchers, making them thoughtful Christmas gifts for gamers and style enthusiasts alike.

Select ROG desktops, including the ROG Strix GT15 and ROG G22CH, are also part of the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale. Purchases of these models come with up to PHP 5,000 worth of Sole Academy e-vouchers, combining ultimate gaming performance with stylish holiday perks!

ASUS SHARE 2024 CHRISTMAS SALE

Experience these exclusive deals at the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale! Visit any Official ASUS and ROG Stores, Accredited Retailers, and Online Shops nationwide to grab amazing 

bundles on the must-have gadgets. To learn more about the ASUS Share 2024 Christmas Sale and its participating products, visit: https://ph.asus.click/christmasshare2024. To redeem the Sole Academy vouchers, simply follow these steps:

1. Buy any of the eligible products from ASUS and ROG Stores, Accredited Retailers, and Online Shops nationwide within December 5, 2024 – January 31, 2024.

2. Go to the official ASUS Share 2024 Website and register, be ready to provide the 

required information and documents.

3. Wait for verification within 5-14 business days and receive the bundle within 45 business 

days!

All participating laptops and handheld gaming devices come with the ASUS’ award-winning 

Quality and Service package, which includes a free 2-year warranty for the products – promising peace of mind for every purchase. Select gadgets are available with Home Credit, making it even easier to enjoy these premium devices with flexible installments for as low as 0% interest. For more updates on the ASUS Share 2024 sale, including the newest laptops and 

exclusive offers, check out the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page. 

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-208360 Series of 2024

GCash Champions Online Literacy and Consumer Protection Amid Rising Cyber Threats

As cyber threats and scams become even more rampant amid digitalization, the Philippines' leading finance super app and largest ecosystem, GCash, emphasized the critical role of online literacy in society. GCash lent its voice as the trusted financial partner of Filipinos at recent 2024 Social Good Summit, which focused on the fight against disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) during the election season.

 

During the "Protecting Information Integrity and Truth Tellers Amid Elections" breakout session, GCash chief risk officer Ingrid Beroña highlighted the company's dedication to consumer protection, outlining the platform's multi-faceted approach, which includes strengthening security measures, empowering customers through education, and forging strategic partnerships.

 

“Our vision has always been 'Finance For All', because we believe that financial inclusion means financial freedom. But it’s not just about this anymore–we’re progressing into financial health and wellness, making sure our service helps Filipinos thrive every day and ensuring they can rely on our products,” Beroña shared.

 

This reliance on digital financial platforms requires robust security measures, especially with the significant rise in online fraud. According to TransUnion, suspected digital fraud attempts increased by 80% globally from 2019 to 2022. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said losses from online fraud amounted to a staggering $10.3 billion in 2022, an increase of 49% year-on-year.

 

In the Philippines, prevalent scams include non-delivery of goods by fake sellers, online investment schemes, “love scams,” and social media account hacking. Beroña pointed out that the common denominator between these scams is preying on emotional vulnerability.

 

To combat such threats, GCash is continuing to implement stringent security measures. These include DoubleSafe, which integrates One-Time Pins (OTPs) and mandatory login passcodes (MPINs), now in tandem with facial recognition as an additional barrier. GCash is also strengthening its defenses through GCash Account Secure, which limits system access to one device per account, and is partnering with government organizations like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to bolster cybersecurity efforts.

 

On a consumer level, GCash's GSafe Tayo campaigns educate users about online safety, reminding them of common scams and the risks of sharing valuable personal information, including one’s date of birth or address.

 

Ultimately, Beroña cited consumers themselves as the key to digital risk aversion, stating, “You are our most valuable asset and our strongest line of defense,” Beroña said during the summit organized by Rappler. “No matter how many barriers we put, if you give away the keys to these locks and open the gates for threat actors, then they’ll succeed.”

 

Through its participation in events like Rappler’s Social Good Summit, GCash reinforces its commitment to consumer protection and online safety, equipping Filipinos with the knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Epson’s INKredible Pasko Parol Making Contest: A Fun, Sustainable Celebration of Filipino Traditions

MANILA, Philippines, 12 December 2024 – Epson, a global leader in professional printing, is proud to announce the launch of its INKredible Pasko Parol Making Contest, an exciting initiative designed to celebrate the Filipino Christmas tradition while championing sustainability. 

As part of Epson’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the INKredible Pasko contest invites participants to harness their creativity by transforming recycled materials and Epson ink bottles into eco-friendly parols, driving positive impact and waste reduction in communities, one parol at a time.

Create, Recycle, and Win Big!

This holiday season, Epson challenges you to make your own parol using recyclable items such as paper plates, plastic utensils, egg cartons, and newspapers, plus at least four genuine Epson ink bottles.

How to Join the Contest:

Follow these five simple steps to showcase your creativity while promoting sustainability with the INKredible Pasko contest:

Create a parol using recycled materials such as paper plates, plastic utensils, newspapers, egg cartons, and more, along with at least four genuine Epson ink bottles.

Post a photo or video showing the materials used, the process of creating your parol, and the final parol output.

Tag Epson Philippines on social media:

Facebook: @EpsonPhilippines

Instagram: @EpsonPH

LinkedIn: @Epson Philippines Corporation

And use the hashtags #EPSONInkrediblePasko and #EpsonPH.

Set your post to public viewing.

Fill out the promo participation form at: https://bit.ly/EpsonInkrediblePasko.

Deadline of entries is on December 31, 2024.

Amazing Prizes for the Winners

Epson is giving away exciting prizes, including:

6th–10th place: Epson 003 Genuine Inks

5th place: Epson LW-K400 Label Printer

4th place: Epson L1250 Printer

3rd place: Epson L3550 Printer

2nd place: Epson EB-001 Projector

1st place: Epson CO-FH02 Projector

Epson’s Sustainability Commitment

"At Epson, we are committed to achieving sustainability and enriching communities by working together with our customers and partners," said Masako Kusama, President and Director, Epson Philippines Corporation. "The INKredible Pasko contest is a perfect example of how we can practice sustainability while also celebrating local traditions. We hope that it inspires participants to think creatively, embrace recycling, and be more mindful of their environmental footprint during the holiday season."

Building on this promise, Epson continues to develop innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and enhance the well-being of communities worldwide. Through initiatives like the INKredible Pasko contest, Epson strives to create shared social value and drive meaningful change.

For more information about the INKredible Pasko contest or Epson’s sustainability initiatives, please follow Epson Philippines on social media.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-206920 Series of 2024