Smart holds ‘Creativity Camp’ at Silliman University, Reinforcing Sustainability

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with Silliman University (SU), continues to promote sustainability among the youth through Smart Creativity Camp.

Smart teamed up with SU’s Fine Arts Department to hold a three-day Creativity Camp at the Romeo Ariniego Art Gallery to inspire the youth to become champions for sustainability and environmental awareness while fostering their creativity.

“This campaign is inspired by the youth’s efforts to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world, such as carrying their metal flasks to school rather than always consuming beverages in plastic bottles. We took the camp to various schools nationwide to encourage more youth to practice sustainability while celebrating their passion for the arts and promoting student wellness,” said Antonette Orpilla, Senior Manager, Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management.

The camp was held in time for the university’s Genesis Week and Hibalag Festival 2023, adding more meaning to SU’s school year opening activities and Founders’ Day celebrations.

"The project was able to facilitate a shared space for students from different colleges and departments where they may forge connections through art-making. The fellow-feeling and sense of community that this encourages are essential to the pursuit of sustainability," said W. Don Flores, Fine Arts Department chair at SU.

SU students expressed their commitment to sustainability through the designs they created on their metal beverage containers. Manta Cristina Macabali, an instructor at the Fine Arts Department, also delivered a talk about art patterns and designs to guide students in enhancing their creations.

The students with the best tumbler designs and their respective organizations received special prizes from Smart.

"The change that sustainability requires is only possible if we understand that the call toward it is not only directed to us as individual makers but more significantly as persons who are part of a larger whole. Through community, we share anxieties and hopes. By making art side-by-side, as Smart Creativity Camp has encouraged, we are able to cultivate this sense of a shared longing for a better, more sustainable world," added Flores.

The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empower and build bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future. 

Jollibee Group’s Hybrid Work Model Campaign Named Global Finalist at 2023 Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards

MANILA, Philippines. – Jollibee Group’s return to office campaign “Back with Joy” was among the finalists at this year’s Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards, a global program recognizing initiatives that push the marketing and communications function forward.

The Back with Joy campaign was shortlisted for Excellence in Change Communications, competing against international companies such as Cisco and Southwest Airlines. Jollibee Group is the only Philippine-based company in the category.

"Back with Joy’s recognition at the Gartner Marketing and Communication Awards affirms our efforts to build a safe and collaborative environment for our employees as we continue to thrive in the hybrid work model,” shared Arsenio Sabado, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group. “This recognition is timely as we celebrate our first year of our hybrid work model, with its success made possible by our JFC Team who embraced our joyful return to the office.”

The Excellence in Change Communications category recognizes campaigns that supported leaders and managers in creating clear and compelling change communication and helped drive employee understanding of the change and capability in taking supportive action, among others. 

Back with Joy 

Anchored on a human-centric approach to redesigning new employee’s work-life balance, Jollibee Group’s Back with Joy focused on health and well-being, enhanced collaboration, and social connection. The campaign equipped JFC teams and managers with tools and frameworks to thrive in the hybrid environment and also involved a one-month pilot phase to survey what went well and what could be improved in the back-to-office setup. 

Jollibee Group’s participation in the Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards reflects its continuing commitment to its people, as well as its goal of providing a safer and more encouraging work environment for its employees. 

This recent achievement joins the list of recognitions the company has received this year. In March, Jollibee Group took home two Silver Anvil Awards at the 58th Anvil Awards conferred by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. Silver Anvil Awards were given to the Jollibee Times Square New York Campaign and the JFC Annual Report.

BingoPlus Renews Partnership with PBA, Recommits Support for Basketball and Sports in General

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES –BingoPlus, the official Bingo partner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), has renewed its partnership with the league, ensuring that Filipino fans can continue to actively participate in its high-quality and thrilling basketball action.

BingoPlus avidly supported the upcoming 48th PBA season starting with its presence at the two-day PBA Draft Combine held September 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops in Mandaluyong. Then at the record-breaking Rookie Draft event held September 17 at Market! Market! In Taguig City, BingoPlus helped welcome a new batch of young players who will join the ranks of Asia’s first and oldest pro basketball league, which is also the second-oldest continuously operating professional basketball league in the world, next to the NBA.

This year has been special for the PBA as a total of 124 rookies competed for selection by the twelve PBA teams, all aiming for success in the upcoming PBA season which opens on November 5.

The re-commitment of support for the PBA and basketball in general by BingoPlus holds special significance as it coincides with the participation of the national team, GILAS Pilipinas, in the ongoing Asian Games.

BingoPlus, a supporter of sports, culture, festivities and quality entertainment, remains unwavering in its commitment to provide top-tier and enjoyable entertainment that is accessible anytime, anywhere.

For more information on BingoPlus visit www.bingoplus.com. 

Maximize your Grocery Savings this Weekend with a Payday PISO Sale

Payday weekends mean lots of fun and big savings, especially with MetroMart’s September Payday PISO Sale.

Various items will be available at ONLY ₱1.00 from S&R and Landmark this September 29 to October 1, 2023. These products include rice, premium canned meats, and other pantry staples.

Please see the September Payday PISO SALE itineraries below:

S&R
DATE	TIME	SALE ITEMS	RETAIL PRICE	PROMO  PRICE
Sept 29 - Oct 1	9 AM - 2PM	Ranch House Corned Beef 330g	₱ 164.00	₱1.00
	3 PM - 8 PM	Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood 75g	₱ 134.00	₱1.00

LANDMARK
DATE	TIME	SALE ITEMS	RETAIL PRICE	PROMO  PRICE
Sept 29 - Oct 1	9 AM - 2PM	Cowhead Pure Milk 1L	₱107.00	₱1.00
	3 PM - 8 PM	Harvester's Thai Jasmine Rice 2kg	₱210.00	₱1.00

*Sale items are subject to availability in S&R and Landmark branches. 

Customers may get even more discounts with their MetroMart orders through the Payday Specials promo, running this September 29 to October 1, 2023. By using codes SEPTPAYDAY500, SEPTPAYDAY300, and SEPTPAYDAY100, shoppers may avail of discounts up to ₱500, ₱300 and ₱100, respectively. This promo is valid for ALL Users, for a 2-time redemption within the promo period, and applicable across all stores, terms and conditions apply. 

MetroMart will also offer Unlimited FREE Delivery this October. By using the code UNLIFREEDEL, shoppers may avail FREE Delivery for orders across all supermarkets and specialty stores, with a minimum spend of ₱4,000. This month-long promo is valid for ALL Users with unlimited redemption, and applicable across all stores, terms and conditions apply.

The MetroMart September Payday PISO Sale is applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A minimum spend of only ₱2,500 is required in order to avail the discounted items from the supermarket. Each item will be available in two time slots per day, namely from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or at 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Only completed checkout of orders within the scheduled day and time can avail the sale items.

The MetroMart September Payday PISO Sale is available in participating branches of S&R and Landmark. MetroMart’s online delivery service is available all over Metro Manila and key locations throughout the Philippines, including Cebu, Cavite, Davao, Iloilo, Bicol, Baguio, Pangasinan, and more.

Honda Philippines Launches The All-New BeAT and The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition designed especially for The All-New BeAT and CLICK125

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, is celebrating 50 years of providing high-quality, innovative, and reliable motorcycles to bring the joy of mobility and comfort to every Filipino. 

                  

Modern Style Elements

The All-New BeAT had elevated its new body and color design, advance features, and performance that everyone knows and love. The result is a striking youthful look that takes its new design style a step further. It is also available in three variants, the Playful, Premium and the 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition, differentiated by stunning colors and stand-out design elements. These factors give riders the chance to match their individual sense of style.

        

New Body Design with 3D Emblem   |  New Body Sticker                

The Playful variant comes in eye-catching colors, Fighting Red, Pearl Sylvestris Gray, Pearl Nightfall Blue, and Clipper Yellow colors. These colors when combined with its unique decals make it ideal for individuals with different personas like guys with a sporty personality, artistic flair, or a gamer’s sensibility. Even the fashion-conscious individuals will love it! On the other hand, the Premium comes with a new 3D emblem and gold color cast wheel is available in Pearl Arctic White—perfect for riders with a sophisticated style, and Matte Axis Gray - ideal for those who prefer a dashing yet understated look. And its new Semi-Digital Meter Panel design is not only easy to read but visually striking.  

Unrivalled performance 

But it’s more than just style. The All-New BeAT delivers exciting performance with its 110cc ESP engine capable of producing 6.63kW of maximum power @7,500rpm and 9.30Nm of maximum torque @6,000rpm. This engine works in tandem with the bike’s Combined Braking System for complete handling control. What’s more, this engine is equipped with PGM-FI technology, the advanced fuel injection system engineered to give the bike an impressive   58.2 Km/L fuel efficiency. This factor when combined with its large 4.2L capacity gas tank lets you take the bike on long, worry-free adventures.

New ACC Power Socket 

The All-New BeAT is equipped with new and advanced features - LED headlights offering outstanding visibility at night or during bad weather, a new ACC power socket that can work with most adaptors for easy and convenient smartphone charging. So, no matter what type of mobile phone you have, charging will not be a problem. It also features a new Integrated Seat Opener and a larger 12L U-Box capacity for greater storage capacity. Moreover, the bike’s Side Stand Switch, and Secured Key Shutter provides safety and security. 

50th Anniversary Limited Edition Variants

To celebrate the company’s 50th Anniversary, HPI rolled out a unique motorcyle, The All-New BeAT Limited Edition to mark the occasion. This unique variant features a Pearl Arctic White color, new accents, and a front position 50^th Anniversary logo to enable riders to experience a sense of exclusivity, fun, and stand-out style. 

Changing the game: The CLICK125 50th Anniversary Limited Edition 

In addition, HPI launched the ultimate game changer: The CLICK125 50th Anniversary Limited Edition. This 50th Anniversary bike features the signature Honda Tri-color accents highlighted by brand new decals and more refined front and body details. When combined with its special edition Pearl Arctic White color, Sports-Style muffler, and Matte Grizzly Brown color cast wheels, you get a bike that’s both sleek and stylish. And its 18-liter luggage box delivers loads of practicality that suit any lifestyle.

“2023 is a significant year for HPI since we are celebrating our 50^th anniversary as manufacturing company in the Philippines. As committed, we always bring the joy of mobility to every Filipinos and Honda never stops in creating and providing top quality products especially to the young market. We are proud to announce that these new models are locally manufactured here in Honda factory in Batangas to further cater the increasing demand of Filipino customers and strengthen the brand position of Honda as the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country”, says Sayaka Arai HPI President.  

These new and exciting bikes are well within the reach of Filipinos who want only the best. The All-New BeAT variants are priced as follows: Php71,400.00 for the Playful, Php72,400.00 for the Premium and P74,400.00 for the 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition. On the other hand, The CLICK125 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition can be yours for Php83,900.00. These new models will be available to all Honda 3S dealerships nationwide this September 2023. 

For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook (facebook.com/hondaph) and Instagram (instagram.com/hondaph_mc/), YouTube (HondaPhilippines_Motorcycle) and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines) or contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632. 

Jollibee Group Joins Filipino Trailblazers in Global PHTimeIsNow Forum in New York

MANILA, Philippines. – Global Filipino trailblazers will take centerstage in New York on October 28, when PHTimeIsNow: A Time and Place to Connect with Fellow Filipino Trailblazers will be held at the Harvard Club of New York City, with Jollibee Group’s Beth  Dela Cruz among its speakers. 

“I am honored to share our Jollibee Group story at the historic Harvard Club NYC for the PHTimeIsNow forum,” shared Beth Dela Cruz, President for Jollibee Group North America Asian Brands (Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon). “Being on stage with accomplished Filipinos like Bobby Lopez and Loida Lewis inspires us to work even harder to share Filipino pride here in the United States and around the world.” 

Dela Cruz joins the ranks of renowned trailblazers such as Bobby Lopez, Double EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar & Tony) award-winning composer for Frozen, Coco, Avenue Q, and Book of Mormon, and Loida Lewis, philanthropist, businesswoman, and author of “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?”.

Lopez was born in Manhattan to a Filipino-American family and attended Yale University before writing songs for local theatres. Lopez received his first EGOT in 2013, at the age 39, making him the youngest individual to win all four awards and the first Asian to do so.  Lopez received his second Oscar in 2018, becoming the only person in history to obtain a double EGOT,  making him a legend in the fields of television, music, film, and theater. 

Lewis, a practicing attorney in both the Philippines and New York, was the first Asian and Filipino woman to pass the New York bar without having studied law in the United States. She also served 10 years as General Attorney in the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (currently U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) and won her discrimination action against INS in 1979. 

Headlining the full-day summit is Karen Davila, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated news anchors who has been recognized globally and locally for her achievements in journalism as well as her contributions to various advocacies and charities.

 

PHTimeIsNow was launched in June 2018 to create a platform for Global Filipino Trailblazers, Mentors, and Changemakers to share their personal stories of learning, success, and growth in hopes of helping the next generation to reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives.

#PHTimeIsNow2023 is supported by Jollibee Foods Corporation. To learn more about the event and the participating Global Filipino Trailblazers, Mentors, and Changemakers, visit www.phtimeisnow.com or follow PHTimeIsNow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Greenwich Payday Treat: Enjoy 'Buy 1, Get 75% Off' Deal at Just P325

Here’s the deal! This payday, the leading pizza chain in the country is offering a Buy 1, Get 75% Off promo for their bestselling pizza flavors. 

Greenwich is giving its customers all the right reasons to make every day a pizza day with their limited-time only deal. From September 29 to October 1, get a 9” Hawaiian Overload® Pizza and 9” Ham and Cheese Classic Pizza for only P325—you’ll save a total of P175*!

The Hawaiian Overload® Pizza is Greenwich’s bestseller, featuring sweet pineapples, ham, bacon, mozzarella, and cheddar. Meanwhile, their Ham and Cheese Pizza is also a standout with its classic, all-time favorite flavor.    

“Greenwich is always looking for ways to give barkadas the best food trip during payday. It’s the perfect time to serve them with our great-tasting pizza favorites, after a hard day’s work,” said Ali De Torres, the head of marketing of Greenwich. 

This Buy 1, Get 75% Off Payday Deal will be available in all Greenwich branches nationwide for dine-in, take-out, pick up, and #5-55-55. You may also order via GrabFood and foodpanda.

To get updates and more information about Greenwich bundles, dial #5-55-55 or message Greenwich Barkada on Facebook Messenger. 

PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV Empower Visually Impaired Persons with Digital Training in Negros Oriental

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with non-profit organization ATRIEV, held a ten-day Android accessibility training in Dumaguete City to upskill twenty visually impaired persons from eleven municipalities in Negros Oriental.

This training seeks to help participants navigate their Android devices independently with the help of a TalkBack screen reader.

“We want to share with them the power of technology and how it can make a difference in their daily lives. Through this initiative, we also intend to provide them with the knowledge they need to establish their own businesses,” said Jaelene Cristel Mina, Master Trainer II at ATRIEV.

ATRIEV is a non-profit organization that capacitates visually impaired persons using technology-enabled assistive programs. This digital training was also conducted by visually challenged members of ATRIEV.

Participants, composed of students, working adults, and small-time business owners, were also equipped with the basics on financial management and technology for business. ATRIEV trained them on how to use digital tools and applications that they can maximize for their daily activities and businesses, such as social media, email services, editing apps, and online word processors, among others.

Kris John Santillan, 32, from Valencia City, has been visually impaired since he was in high school. He can only see with his left eye now, and it is likewise foggy. “It's my first time using my device's screen reader feature, and it has been very helpful. This training has given me a lot more confidence, especially in my job search,” he said.

To provide additional livelihood opportunities, PLDT and Smart briefed participants about online payments and how they can start their own e-loading business. They also learned about the different types of phishing and how they can protect themselves from online scammers.

“This experience has given me a deeper appreciation for technology. It dawned on me that technology should be most accessible to those who have unique circumstances, like the visually impaired, because they deserve to experience the best things life has to offer,” said Armel Malijan, head of Consumer Business Fulfilment for PLDT Negros-Siquijor Division.

The success of Dumaguete City's training program relies heavily on the crucial support from the local government unit, private institutions such as PLDT and Smart, and NGOs such as NORFIL Foundation/Liliane Fonds and Voice Philippines. These collaborative efforts are vital in ensuring the program's effectiveness and its ability to positively impact the community.

The initiative forms part of PLDT and Smart’s Infoteach program, which is aligned with the group’s commitment to help the country achieve UNSDG #10 on reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities. It also helps underscore the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and to assist in the government's key digitalization efforts. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

Make the Best School Year Possible with Home Credit’s Sulit Study Laptops, Tablets

Taguig City, Philippines – With the new school year ahead, parents, especially moms, are taking charge of preparing everything their kids will need to equip them with essential tools this back-to-school season. However, as we embrace the era of modern learning, where technology has taken center stage in driving students’ education, providing them with the right study devices is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Luckily, getting these devices does not require breaking the bank, as Home Credit is the key to availing these gadgets in low monthly installment plans with 0% interest.

 

From budget-friendly laptops under PhP1,499 per month to ‘sulit’ study tablets for schooling below PhP999 per month, the leading consumer finance company offers a wide range of options you can choose from to provide your kids with an efficient partner this academic year. Some of these options include:

 

ASUS Ryzen 3 Laptop: A reliable learning companion

First on the list of value-for-money laptops below PhP1,499 per month is the ASUS Ryzen 3 Laptop. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor complemented by 8GB of RAM, this ASUS laptop can easily handle everything without lags—whether it's taking notes, conducting research, working on assignments and projects, or accessing learning platforms.

 

This device also comes packed with 256GB of storage to provide your kids with enough space to save their school files and necessary applications. Additionally, it boasts a 14-inch display and weighs only 1.60kg, making it an excellent choice for students who are always on the go.

 

HP 15S i3 Silver Laptop: An efficient partner for school tasks

Another option is the HP 15S i3 Silver Laptop, which you can also get for less than PhP1,499 per month. Powered by an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor supported by 8GB of RAM, this laptop enables your kids to multitask easily, providing them with an efficient learning partner.

 

Built with a 512GB capacity for substantial storage and featuring a Windows 11 operating system, this HP laptop allows your kids to navigate it easily thanks to its user-friendly interface. With a 15.6-inch display, this device weighs only 1.7kg, providing a lightweight laptop that your kids can easily take to school.

 

Acer Aspire 3 i3: The perfect laptop to empower productivity anytime, anywhere

Next on the list of laptops below PhP1,499 per month is the Acer Aspire 3 i3. Packed with an Intel Core i3-1215U processor and partnered with 8GB of RAM, this device can smoothly handle basic school tasks like web browsing, opening documents and files, and much more.

 

Apart from that, this Acer laptop features a 512GB internal capacity, offering ample storage for your kids throughout the school year. Additionally, the device boasts a 15.6-inch display for comfortable viewing of study materials. With an approximate weight of 1.78kg, it is easy to carry.

 

Realme Pad 32GB/3GB Tablet: A reliable device to work around daily tasks

If you are looking for more portability for your kids, a tablet is the right fit. For this purpose, Home Credit offers a wide array of tablets to choose from, all below PhP999 per month. One of these options is the Realme Pad 32GB/3GB Tablet.

 

Built with a Helio G80 processor and 3GB of RAM, this budget-friendly tablet provides efficient performance that your kids can rely on when working on their school tasks. With a 32GB internal capacity, it offers enough storage to keep your kids’ notes, digital materials, and educational apps throughout the academic year.

 

For a more reliable device, this Realme tablet carries a substantial 7100mAh battery, providing students with enough power every day. It supports an 18W Quick Charge to easily recharge the battery, minimizing downtime for your kids while completing their assignments and projects on time. Sporting a 10.4-inch display and a lightweight design that weighs only 0.44kg, it is highly convenient.

 

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE: The ultimate companion for everyday school activities

Expanding your options for tablets below PhP999 per month is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 LTE. Powered by an Unisoc Tiger T618 processor with 4GB of memory, this Samsung tablet offers exceptional performance for your kids' day-to-day tasks.

 

These features are complemented by 128GB of internal storage, expandable with a microSD card of up to 1TB, ensuring that storing large files is never a problem. With a 10.5-inch screen and a 7040mAh battery capacity, this tablet provides your kids with an exceptional learning companion.

 

Furthermore, it includes a built-in screen recorder, enabling students to record live online classes and review them at their convenience. It also offers safety features like Samsung Kids, which allows your children to explore and connect to the Internet securely.

Huawei Matepad T10 LTE: The enabler of improved productivity

Another tablet below PhP999 per month, available via Home Credit, is the Huawei Matepad T10 LTE. Equipped with a Huawei Kirin 710A processor, this device delivers seamless multitasking, allowing your kids to switch smoothly from one app to the next without experiencing slow response times. This is supported by 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, contributing to better overall performance.

The Huawei Matepad T10 LTE also boasts a generous 5100mAh battery capacity, providing enough power for your kids to complete their tasks throughout the entire day. The Huawei Matepad also features a 9.7-inch HD screen for incredible viewing and weighs only 450g, ensuring easy portability for your kids.

 

Empower your children's school year now with ‘sulit’ study laptops and tablets! Don't miss out on Home Credit's back-to-school promotion, offering staggered payment options with 0% interest to provide your kids with the learning partner they deserve!

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. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace. 

 

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).