SM Mobilize Relief Efforts in Typhoon-Affected Communities

SM City Grand Central keeps the bayanihan spirit alive as it mobilizes relief efforts and extends immediate relief assistance to communities affected by the typhoon Kristine.

Following Typhoon "Kristine," SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc. coordinated relief efforts in Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela at the same time through their Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program.

Families in Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan city were happy to receive their relief packs distributed by the SM Foundation through SM City Grand Central. Under the program Operation Tulong Express, a total of 500 relief packs were distributed to Brgy 35 Maypajo in Caloocan City.

A heartwarming moment as a senior citizen receives a much-needed relief pack from SM City Valenzuela.

Truckloads of "kalinga packs" filled with rice, canned goods, noodles, and bottled water were distributed in Caloocan and Malabon by volunteers from SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM Savemore Malabon. Brgy was one of the hardest-hit barangays that received aid. 35 Brgy and Maypajo. Brgy. Tinajeros in Malabon City and 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan. In regions where there has been substantial displacement, 850 families received direct aid with the help of the local rescue team, offering vital relief. 

SM City Valenzuela conducts door-to-door relief pack distribution in Brgy.Viente Reales in Valenzuela City.

In the meantime, SM City Valenzuela distributed relief packs door-to-door in Brgy. Viente Reales, Valenzuela City, going above and beyond the call of duty. Individual home visits by volunteers made sure that those who couldn't get to relief centers had access to basic supplies. Two hundred families benefited from this customized distribution strategy. 

Volunteers from SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon were grouped, deployed, and sent to areas with the highest number of displaced families and recurring floodwaters, like Brgy 2 Sangandaan in Caloocan and Brgy.Tinajeros in Malabon City.

Rounds of relief operations were conducted by SM Center Sangandaan and SM Savemore Malabon in typhoon-stricken barangays in Caloocan and Malabon city. A total of 350 beneficiaries were given aid during the relief distribution.

The distribution of kalinga packs is a component of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social program run by the SM Foundation in association with SM Markets and SM Supermalls. It seeks to meet community needs in times of disaster and emergency. Close collaboration with SM Supermalls staff and volunteers is required for its execution.

Yoshinoya Philippines Heats Up Halloween with a Thrillingly Good Treat: FREE SPICY GYUDON!

The most popular dish at Yoshinoya, the well-known Beef Bowl chain in Japan, is the authentic and delicious gyudon. Yoshinoya Philippines challenges you to try an exciting take on your favorite beef bowl this Halloween! Prepare to be heated by their Spicy Gyudon, which consists of thin strips of beef simmered slowly in their special gyudon sauce, garnished with chili leeks, garlic chili oil, and togarashi. Your taste buds will be ignited by this fiery, bold take on the traditional Japanese dish.

SAVOR THE SPICE, NO PRICE!

This Halloween, dress up and visit Yoshinoya to spice up your celebration! Bring your friends or family, enjoy the spicy gyudon, and let the deliciously spicy spice leave you wanting more. The first 50 customers who come in costume between 2PM- 5PM will receive a FREE SPICY GYUDON. 

Don't pass up this time-limited deal! On October 31, 2024, stop by any Yoshinoya store to indulge in this spooky Halloween treat!

About Yoshinoya

Yoshinoya is dedicated to serving fresh, Japanese-inspired flavors, with its iconic Gyūdon Beef Bowl® and a range of other mouth-watering rice bowls. Established in Tokyo in 1899, Yoshinoya has grown and adapted to meet evolving customer tastes, maintaining high quality, affordability, and friendly service. With over 2,000 locations worldwide, Yoshinoya continues to share the delicious experience of Japanese cuisine with millions of customers daily.

The business development program at BPI assists new businesses

OhMi Krafts, one of the winners of SEAL-BEGIN, customizes souvenirs from polymer clays, beads, wood, and succulents.

The top 40 small businesses and top 20 nanobusinesses from this year's Small Enterprise Acceleration Lab (SEAL) program were recently revealed by the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), in collaboration with Bayan Academy, through its social development division, the BPI Foundation (BPIF).

The SEAL Project Series was established in 2022 with the goal of empowering aspiring entrepreneurs as well as micro and nano businesses. For small business owners hoping to grow and maintain their operations, SEAL has emerged as a ray of hope thanks to its strategic interventions and practical advice.

Over 200 entrepreneurs received priceless training in marketing, operations optimization, and product and service development over the course of the last year from the SEAL-Small Enterprise Growth Agenda (SEAL-SEGA). Beyond merely imparting knowledge, the program provided customized solutions that tackled particular issues these companies encountered. In addition to receiving knowledge, top-performing businesses also benefited from financial grants and professional mentoring to support their expansion.

This year, BPIF gave cash grants ranging from Php80,000 to Php120,000 to 40 businesses that demonstrated exceptional potential. These companies will continue to gain from continuous mentoring now that they have the authority to carry out their strategic plans.

The SEAL-Business Education and Growth Initiative for Nano-entrepreneurs (SEAL-BEGIN) is a new track that BPIF launched this year. In order to assist aspiring entrepreneurs, SEAL-BEGIN offered basic training and resources, emphasizing the integration of digital-age opportunities.

Over 240 registrants took part in SEAL-BEGIN, and 20 nano-enterprises were honored for their creative ideas and promising potential. After receiving training in entrepreneurship, the participants were urged to use government and local resources to further their business endeavors.

“We have witnessed the entrepreneurs’ determination through the program, and we’re excited to see how they will scale their businesses in the future. It has been an honor to be part of their journey. BPI Foundation is committed to empowering small enterprises, and we believe that with the right support, these entrepreneurs can significantly contribute to economic growth and financial inclusion. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they transform their visions into reality.” ~Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director

The SEAL program series has provided substantial cash grants to numerous businesses since its launch. The program is supporting a thriving and creative entrepreneurial ecosystem nationwide by providing extensive training, financial assistance, and mentorship.

Manila Water Foundation and partners underscore benefits of handwashing for Global Handwashing Day

On Global Handwashing Day itself, Manila Water Foundation and PHILUSA Corporation, held an event at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City with Barangay Urban Farmers, Solid Waste Management Workers and TODA members of Barangay Greater Lagro and Barangay Fairview.

In honor of Global Handwashing Day (GHD), Manila Water Foundation, the social development division of Manila Water Company, recently organized two on-site activities. In San Juan City, the first event was a much-anticipated celebration, and in Quezon City, GHD hosted an event at the La Mesa Ecopark.

San Juan City Representative Bel Zamora, the San Juan City Council, and Mayor Francis Zamora hosted MWF in San Juan City.  

The Manila Water Foundation and P&G Safeguard presented donations to the City Health Department during the flag ceremony held at San Juan City Hall on Monday. Three WASHup were donated by MWF! P&G Safeguard provided boxes of liquid hand soap for the city's health initiatives, along with handwashing stations. 

To help barangay health workers continue to promote hand hygiene in their families and in their city, a SAFEWASH in Families and Communities health talk was also organized. 

The Manila Water Foundation and PHILUSA Corporation hosted an event at Quezon City's La Mesa Ecopark on the actual Global Handwashing Day. The celebration of Global Handwashing Day was attended by Barangay Urban Farmers, Solid Waste Management Workers, and TODA members from Barangay Greater Lagro and Barangay Fairview. Representative Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City's 5th District was also present to commend the barangay workers' dedication to maintaining the district and to remind everyone of the importance of practicing good hand washing as a health habit.

In order to show their dedication to the environment, PHILUSA Corporation, under the direction of President and General Manager Neogin Evangelista, began the day with a tree-planting event at the Ecopark prior to the GHD event. The Manila Water Foundation, on the other hand, reminded the locals of the importance of handwashing and the seven steps to proper handwashing. 

In collaboration with the Quezon City Health Department, the Manila Water Foundation also commemorated Global Handwashing Day with students from the Early Childhood Care and Development Center. In an effort to engage the local communities, MWF collaborated with Boracay Water, Laguna Water, and Tagum Water in Davao del Norte to host Global Handwashing Day events.

Every year on October 15, the world observes Global Handwashing Day, an advocacy day aimed at raising awareness of the value of washing hands with soap and water as a simple, practical, and reasonably priced method of halting the spread of infectious diseases and saving lives. The Manila Water Foundation is still dedicated to spearheading campaigns for this celebration through its program, Health in Our Hands, which aims to support community health and well-being by reaching out to schools and communities. 

On Global Handwashing Day in October, and in every day, Manila Water Foundation reminds everyone to keep safe and WASHup, WASHup! 

HUAWEI Unveils ABPM-capable Smartwatch, Now Available for PHP 19,999 in the Philippines

You can buy the Huawei WATCH D21, the company's first smartwatch with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). With improved, more precise health and wellness tracking features, the newest HUAWEI wearable gadget raises the bar for these metrics. The Huawei Watch D2, which retails for PHP 19,999, will be accessible starting on October 25.

According to a 2020 survey on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) in Asia, more than 95% of doctors advise HBPM for patients with hypertension2. Additionally, it claims that HBPM, a technique that allows hypertensive people to check their blood pressure at home, provides essential support for improved hypertension management. Regular self-monitoring is made easier and more convenient by the Huawei Watch D2's ABPM features. Both at home and on the go, users can easily monitor their blood pressure thanks to its lightweight, comfortable, and useful design.

On October 17, the HUAWEI Experience Store in SM North EDSA hosted the official launch of the HUAWEI WATCH D2 in the Philippines, providing guests with an intimate and comprehensive look at the latest model in the HUAWEI WATCH D Series.

Monitor Your Blood Pressure Levels with Ease

With the new Huawei Watch D2, users can now continuously monitor their blood pressure levels thanks to the ABPM feature. The watch gives users a better understanding of their cardiovascular health by tracking blood pressure all day and into the night. The watch's ultra-narrow mechanical airbag super-slim profile and lightweight design guarantee comfortable wear throughout the day.

By lifting their wrist, users of the Huawei Watch D2 can check their blood pressure. By enabling users to set reminders to check their blood pressure as soon as they wake up, the device also encourages them to take a more proactive approach to their health. The watch takes blood pressure automatically and without interruption at night. Although watch wearers can choose from 15 to 60-minute intervals, the ABPM is set by default to every 30 minutes.

The HUAWEI Health App makes the gathered data accessible, allowing users to view thorough reports that summarize blood pressure variations and suggest lifestyle changes. Even though the Huawei Watch D2's ABPM feature makes it a great tool for managing health, particularly for those who have high blood pressure, it shouldn't be used in place of expert medical care.

Track Your Health and Fitness Better

The Huawei TruSense System, which is a feature of the Huawei Watch D2, provides quicker and more accurate health monitoring. For more accurate and comfortable blood pressure readings, it uses the Fusion Blood Pressure Algorithm. Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, stress, skin temperature, ECG, vascular elasticity, pulse wave arrhythmia, and sleep apnea are among the nine critical health indicators that can be tracked with a single tap. A Health Glance3 report can be generated in as little as 90 seconds. The watch is regarded as a non-medical device and should not be used in place of professional diagnosis and treatment, even though it provides users with useful health insights.

With its pulse wave arrhythmia alerts and beat-by-beat ECG analysis, the watch offers real-time heart health reports. Stress management and skin temperature4 monitoring features provide additional insights, and the updated heart rate monitor adapts to activity. In order to promote all-encompassing family care, the Huawei Health App also enables users to keep an eye on the health of their family members and notify them of any abnormalities. Users can easily control the privacy settings for the health information of their family members, limiting access to only the people they want.

Watch Your Health in Style

The HUAWEI WATCH D2, which comes in clack in gold, is made to look chic and sophisticated while still being incredibly comfortable, making it ideal for all-day wear. It has a revolving crown, a segmented body, a smooth curved surface, and a sleek mirror bezel. A wider and more readable display is provided by the 1.82-inch 2.5D floating design.

The watch complements both formal and casual attire thanks to its elegant appearance and cozy design. No matter what users are doing, health tracking is made convenient by its small size. All wrist sizes can be comfortably fitted by the device's medium and large straps, which are included in the box. Because the straps are made of skin-friendly, sweat-resistant TPU, they remain comfortable even after prolonged use.

Experience Smarter Convenience on Your Wrist

With daily task tracking for exercise, diet, sleep, weight, and stress, the most recent model of the Huawei Watch D Series encourages healthier lifestyle choices. It has more than 80 sport modes, recognizes six common activities automatically, and uses GNSS positioning to provide precise workout data. While thorough sleep monitoring monitors heart rate, SpO2, and breathing patterns, the watch's Sleep Mode feature helps users unwind with white noise and soothing music.

Additionally, the watch has smart features like calendaring, alarms, NFC-enabled door and panel access, and Bluetooth calling. HUAWEI wants to combine GCash payment features with smart payment capabilities on the watch by the end of 2024. The watch has a battery that lasts up to six days and works with both iOS and Android devices typical use on a single charge.

Manage Your Health Smarter and Better with the HUAWEI WATCH D2

The Huawei Watch D2 will be accessible on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, the HUAWEI Online Store, Huawei Experience Stores, and authorized dealers across the country as of October 25. The cost of the watch is PHP 19,999. Inside the box are watch straps in sizes medium and large. Get a free body fat scale (worth PHP 1,499) and a one-year warranty extension (worth PHP 699) when you buy your Huawei Watch D2 today. Use coupons from Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok to save PHP 1,000 on the Huawei Watch D2 through November 30. Take advantage of 0% installment promotions for up to six months when you pay with SPayLater or LazPayLater, up to eighteen months when you use Home Credit, and up to twenty-four months when you use a credit card. Want to exchange your gadget?

This exclusive offer is available from October 25 to November 30.

To learn more, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: this page.

Sony Philippines Mounts First-Ever Creator’s Fest in Manila

Sony Philippines concluded its first Creator's Fest, an immersive event that aims to enable content creators to use advanced technology and knowledge to enhance their storytelling. This exclusive event, which took place in the historic and culturally rich area of Intramuros, included a day full of interesting experiences, exhibits, and talks from Sony's creative team.

In a touching speech, Sony President Shuhei Suhigara greets the audience and states that one of Sony's core values is “it is people that create and experience Kando,” which is why the company wants to become closer to the people who create and consume the digital world.

A Camera for Every Creator

Because of their exceptional specifications, Sony cameras are well-known throughout the world and are therefore perfect for artists who value excellence and originality. The Creator's Fest offered the ideal setting for exploring content creation, regardless of whether attendees were novices discovering their creative side, aspiring creators honing their craft, or industry titans pushing the envelope.

A wide range of Sony cameras were on display so that producers could see the equipment that would best suit their changing requirements. Sony provided a variety of choices to accommodate all content creators, ranging from the ZV-1 II, which is ideal for novices, to the A6700 and FX30, which are intended for more experienced storytellers. These cameras were designed to produce the highest quality content, guaranteeing that each shot is recorded with unmatched clarity and precision.

Experiential Zones to Inspire and Ignite Creativity

Sony's philosophy of Kando, which means "the power of emotions" in Japanese, was embodied by five experiential zones at the center of the Creator's Fest. These zones gave guests hands-on experiences that inspired creativity and passion.

Gastro Experience with Erwan Heussaff and Abi Marquez: Erwan Heussaff and Abi Marquez led a session at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant that focused on food styling and photography. They demonstrated how to plate and take the ideal photo of the traditional Filipino dessert, brazo de Mercedes. Participants learned how to emphasize texture, color, and cultural context in their food photos using the ZV-E10 II. With a contemporary take on classic Filipino dishes, this hands-on session brought food photography to life through inventive plating techniques and indoor lighting mastery.

Lifestyle Fashion Shoot with Janina Manipol and Marco Gallo: Under the direction of Janina and Marco, participants attempted to capture radiant outdoor beauty by concentrating on soft natural light, angles, textures, and background blur. Using editorial fashion photography and professional equipment powered by Aputure PH, creators explored the intersection of colonial and modern styles. The focus of the session was on capturing fine fashion details so that each picture conveyed a distinct narrative.

Beauty and Lifestyle with Jaz Reyes: With the assistance of Ellana Cosmetics, Jaz Reyes demonstrated beauty photography techniques. In order to create visually striking images, creators experimented with the interaction of sunlight, shadows, and textures, learning how to organically incorporate product elements into the scenery.

Travel Content Creation with Anjohn Sorza: In partnership with Herschel, Anjohn Sorza demonstrated how to produce visually striking travel content by traveling through photography. The ZV-E10 II, A6700, and A7CII taught artists how to use architectural features in their visual narratives, utilizing human elements, imaginative angles, and dramatic natural light to breathe life into historic spaces.

Lifestyle Bar and Action Photography with Jessica Lee: During a live cocktail flaring performance with Hikaru, Jessica Lee led participants through the craft of taking dynamic action shots. Through innovative lighting techniques, creators were able to enhance the motion and shine of bottles and glasses while also freezing fast movements. Creators were tasked with capturing the drama and excitement of bartending tricks from unusual perspectives during this session.

A Celebration of Creativity and Innovation

In addition to engaging in interactive workshops and immersive experiences, attendees had the exceptional chance to get a firsthand look at the newest Sony products, such as the eagerly awaited ZV-E10 II. Product specialists were available to lead creators through demonstrations, highlighting how Sony's cameras and accessories are made to improve content creation in a variety of niches. Participants received special giveaways from Sony and its partner brands in addition to the exclusive product showcases, making the event rewarding and educational for all.

Sony Philippines reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating a community of creators who are enthusiastic about quality, innovation, and storytelling with this inaugural Creator's Fest. In a vibrant and motivating environment, the event provided a singular chance to learn, create, and connect with like-minded people.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/.

Salamat sa tiwala: Home Credit PH celebrates 11th anniversary, honors 11 loyal customers

The Philippines' top consumer loan provider, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), is celebrating its eleventh year of operation. This milestone signifies more than ten years of serving as the financial ally of the Filipino people and offering its clients dependable and easily accessible finance services.

HCPH is steadfast in its resolve to give its clients access to financing as it embarks on a new age of service. Through a variety of credit products and value-added services, it keeps creating cutting-edge financing options and credit opportunities to help Filipinos reach their objectives and adjust to the shifting financial landscape.

Having serviced 11 million clients in its eleventh year, HCPH is committed to becoming every Filipino's financial ally, enabling them at every stage of life. In order to make its solutions available to people who need them the most, the company has assiduously grown its sales networks across the country, reaching 75 out of 81 provinces.

The company celebrated its 11th year of operation by holding an event that showcased its users' tiwala for the brand. The event recognized individuals who have stayed faithful since HCPH's founding in 2013 and highlighted and praised its consumers who have trusted the organization throughout the years.

A celebration of milestones and trust

On October 25, a presentation at Trinoma's Activity Center honored eleven of the business's devoted patrons. These customers have used at least eleven HCPH items. They were each given a P20,000 check as a thank you, got to know Marian Rivera, HCPH's brand ambassador, and enjoyed a performance by the guest band Nobita.

“At Home Credit, we believe in building lasting partnerships with our customers. Our loyal customers are the heart of our brand, and their continued support has paved the way for our continued success in the past ten years. As we now welcome a new year of service, their trust serves as our fuel to grow and their support propels us to continue innovating our financial solutions. A trusted brand ambassador is more than just a face—they are a reflection of the values and integrity that drive one’s brand’s growth. When a respected individual endorses our company, it sends a powerful message to our customers that their trust is valued, and their well-being is a priority. This renewal of the partnership with Marian, who is known for her credibility and longevity in the entertainment industry aligns with Home Credit’s drive for trust and our commitment to being the Filipinos’ financial ally.” ~Sheila Paul, HCPH Chief Marketing Officer

A partnership built on trust

The Kapuso Primetime Queen herself, Marian Rivera, was among HCPH's guests at its anniversary celebration. In addition to establishing a rapport with the audience and the organization's eleven devoted clients, she was there to announce the extension of her collaboration with the business.

Marian, who has been a brand ambassador for over a year, consented to serve as the spokesperson for the top consumer financing company in the nation for an additional two years. Her comeback is more than simply a standard endorsement; it's a daring declaration of faith and her steadfast dedication to a company that empowers Filipinos.

A financial ally in times of need

As a reliable financial partner of the Filipino people, HCPH understands its responsibility to support its clients and communities during difficult times as part of its mission to empower them throughout their lives.

During the event, HCPH also revealed that it will be contributing financially to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, a reputable charity that Marian holds dear, in order to support relief efforts for those affected by the recent typhoon that has affected many lives throughout the nation.

“Home Credit is committed to assisting those in need. Apart from our donation, we hope that our products, such as Home Credit Protect, will provide some relief during this difficult time. Whether it’s through home coverage plans or loan flexibility features, we want our customers to know that we are here to support them through every challenge.” ~Zdenek Jankovsky, HCPH Chief Business Development Officer

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

 

About Home Credit

Home Credit Philippines is the leading consumer finance company in the Philippines. Backed by Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, the fifth largest bank in Thailand and by MUFG Bank Ltd., the largest banking group in Japan, and trusted by a strong and diverse set of banks locally and worldwide, the company plays a pivotal role in driving financial inclusion for Filipinos by expanding access to credit opportunities and transforming the consumer finance landscape in the Philippines.

In its 11th year, Home Credit has served 11 million customers and credited over 320 billion pesos worth of loans through its portfolio of products that cater to the different needs of its customers—installment financing, cash loans, credit cards, and a virtual spending limit named Qwarta. Trusted by Filipinos, Home Credit is registered with the Security and Exchange Commission and regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The company was recognized as the Best Finance Company of the Philippines in 2024 by the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.