Friday, January 31, 2025

SM Foundation Opens 2025 College Scholarship Application


SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, has opened its college scholarship program, with applications running from February 1 to March 31, 2025. 

The initiative aims to provide comprehensive educational support to qualified senior high school graduates nationwide.

The scholarship package includes full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and paid internship opportunities within the SM Group during semester breaks. For academic year 2024-2025, the foundation will accept applications from public school graduates and eligible private school students who are DepEd voucher beneficiaries with Grade 10 completion from public schools.

The said program has produced more than 4,000 graduates since its inception in 1993, focusing on key academic disciplines, including Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Accounting, and Education at partner colleges and universities across the Philippines.
The foundation's college scholarship incorporates personal development, enrichment activities, and academic support. Scholars participate in workshops and team-building exercises designed to enhance their workplace readiness.

Interested applicants can check the requirements and submit their applications through www.sm-foundation.org.
The SM College Scholarship Program continues the educational advocacy of the late SM Group founder, Henry Sy Sr., who established the scholarship with a strong belief in the power of education in uplifting communities.
Get more updates by following @SMFoundationInc on Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Get Ready for the Latest VR Entertainment in the Metro – Space Arcade!


The Philippines is about to experience fun-filled VR entertainment all in one place at Space Arcade, located on the Ground Floor of S Maison at Conrad Hotel, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City, next to Space & Time Cube – an immersive museum with 18 themed attractions and games for people of all ages.

Space Arcade features 9 attractions, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences that make you feel like you're right in the heart of the action. From racing challenges for both two-wheels and four-wheels to thrilling shooting games, there’s something for everyone! Some attractions even generate swift winds, intensifying the experience and motivating you to finish the game strong. Bring your friends along to form your squad or become your foes as you play together!

If you want to take a break and capture some memories, Space Arcade also offers a self photo booth. Choose from a variety of filters and layouts that you can mix and match according to your preferences.

This new VR arcade is sure to be enjoyed by everyone, whether you're coming solo, looking for a unique date experience, or hanging out with friends.

The games are affordable too! Start your adventure by topping up your card with a minimum of P200. Game prices range from P48 to P120, depending on the level of adventure you want. What's even more exciting is that Space Arcade offers extra free credits when you top up your card with a certain amount.

Get ready for the grand launch and prepare to enter a new realm of digital fun with Space Arcade!

Catch Up to 62% Savings at Discovery Hotels and Resorts at the 32nd Travel Tour Expo 2025


Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore or sipping coffee with a panoramic view of the sea. Discovery hotels and resorts is set to make your dream vacation a reality for stays of up to 62% savings at the 32nd Travel Tour Expo 2025, happening from February 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and continuing online from February 10 to 16.

Discover the Islands and Beyond

Picture yourself lounging by the shores of Boracay—a crowd-favorite destination where world-class comfort meets the Philippines' natural charm. Elevate your luxury island experience at Discovery Boracay with stays starting at PHP 14,000 nett, inclusive of a PHP 2,000 resort credits per night. 

Refreshing shades of blue, serving you a slice of paradise and more. Unlock the best of a private island getaway experience at Discovery Coron. A night’s stay in a Garden Suite starts at PHP 12,000 nett, which comes with a dinner for two (2) per night for bookings from December 1 to 15, 2025. This is in addition to the PHP 2,000 resort credits per night.

For those craving adventure, Discovery Samal is ready to offer unforgettable moments, from watersports to in-room spa treatments, ensuring relaxation after every thrilling escapade. Enjoy a room with a view of the Davao Gulf when you stay in a Junior Suite at PHP 25,221 nett for a two-night stay. Spend one night swimming under the stars, and the other having a relaxing spa treatment with your 10% savings in Samal Escape Spa. 

Bookings in these resorts come with daily breakfast and complimentary roundtrip land and boat transfers.

Discover the City and Beyond

For those who want a luxurious stay without leaving the city, Discovery Primea’s doors are open to welcome you. Room rates begin at PHP 9,500 nett for the Business Flat, inclusive of breakfast at Restaurant Tapenade. 

At Discovery Suites, you can finally set a date or two to relax with the family without the hassle of hauling everyone together and driving out of town. Room rates for two (2) start at PHP 4,800 nett, while bigger suites for the group go at PHP 11,000 nett for a Two-Bedroom Suite, all with daily breakfast. 

Discover Destinations and Beyond

Nothing gives complete serenity other than the exclusivity in nature at Manami Resort, a
nature resort nestled in the heart of Sipalay where you can wake up to breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and gardens from your villas and suites.

Those who seek to experience this can choose to stay at starting at PHP 15,000 nett for an Oceanview Suite. Enjoy this time of bliss with inclusions such as daily breakfast at Lingaw Restaurant for two (2) and PHP 1,000 F&B credit. 

Lounge and enjoy paradise at Chema’s By the Sea. Choose from stays in cottages and cabanas, all surrounded by lush foliage and a few steps away from the resort’s private shores. Booking in this garden resort already comes with boat transfers from Davao City and complimentary breakfast. 

For My Discovery Elite members

To add an extra sparkle to your getaway plans, Discovery’s My Discovery Elite Loyalty Program offers guests a chance to win a three-day, two-night stay at one of the five properties. With just a single purchase during the expo, and a sign-up to the program, participants are automatically entered into the e-raffle, where winners will be announced on February 18, 2025.

Plan ahead as these offers come with limited booking periods and blackout dates. The Travel Tour Expo 2025 is your ticket to unforgettable memories with Discovery hotels and resorts.

For more information, www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com  

GCash parent Mynt joins World Economic Forum Unicorn Community


The Philippines has been invited to join the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) Unicorn Community, a sub-community of the WEF’s Innovator Communities comprising the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups. Seen as a recognition of the rapid advancement of financial inclusion and fintech growth in the country, the WEF invitation was extended directly to Mynt, the parent company of GCash, the nation’s leading finance super app.

 

Mynt brings its vision of Finance for All to global business leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers, as the first and only Philippine member of the WEF Unicorn Community.

 

The World Economic Forum is a leading organization shaping global economic policies and fostering collaborative solutions through public-private cooperation – connecting communities of leaders around international issues.

 

Its Innovator Communities are a group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups at the forefront of technological and business model innovation.

 

By being part of the Unicorn Community, GCash will have the opportunity to contribute to a global agenda on how financial technology (fintech) can help advance financial inclusion in countries like the Philippines.

 

“We are honored to be part of the World Economic Forum Unicorns Community— representing the Philippines and its booming Fintech industry. This reflects our commitment to transforming financial services in our country and contributing to global financial inclusion and innovation conversations. We look forward to engaging with other leaders and exploring new ways to drive positive change,” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

 

Established in 1971 in Geneva, Switzerland, WEF also builds communities of purpose essential to addressing large-scale global challenges, converting ambition into focused action through structured multi-year initiatives and insight generation.

 

This year’s annual forum will be held at the Davos-Klosters in Switzerland from January 20 to January 24, gathering thousands of key leaders from both public and private sectors. The central idea for this year’s meeting is about “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.”

 

As it continues to champion “Finance for All”, GCash banners its game-changing innovation aimed at bridging financial gaps beyond the nation’s borders and helping improve Filipinos’ everyday lives.

Marking 70 Years of Excellence: PMA’s 43rd Agora Awards Honors Stellar Marketing Pioneers


30 January 2025, Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) rolled the carpet for the 43rd Agora Awards Gala at the Manila Ballroom, Manila Marriott Hotel, celebrating the pinnacle of marketing excellence, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations who have significantly shaped the industry landscape. 

Honoring this year’s celebration, the 43rd Agora Awards Gala brought a special meaning as it coincided with PMA’s 70th anniversary, encapsulated by the theme: “AGORA S.M.I.L.E. – Stellar Marketing Innovators: Legacy of Excellence.”

With the leadership of Director-in-Charge and Overall Chairperson Alpha Gracias C. Allanigui, the 43rd Agora Awards has become a landmark event over the years, and now, it has expanded its recognition to include groundbreaking new categories to celebrate innovative strategies and transformative contributions that push boundaries and set new standards of excellence.

"We are blessed to have not only notable luminaries but also outstanding enterprises in our Agora roster," said Allanigui. "These awardees are making waves and consistently raising their game through their legacy of excellence."

The 43rd Agora Awards introduced new categories to reflect the ever-changing marketing landscape, emphasizing the importance of addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities within the industry. These new categories include Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise, which recognizes marketing initiatives that empower communities and drive social change; Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Marketing, highlighting campaigns that promote environmental responsibility and sustainable practices; and Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Campaign, celebrating groundbreaking strategies and innovative approaches that deliver exceptional results. These additions underscore the awards’ commitment to acknowledging marketers who not only excel in their craft but also contribute meaningfully to society and the planet.

Among the highlights was the Agora Special Trailblazer Award, which honors individuals or companies with triumphs in three distinct Agora categories, showcasing sustained innovation and excellence. This year’s recipient, Century Pacific Food, Inc., exemplified this through its unparalleled achievements, including Agora Company of the Year (2011), Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management (2014), and Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing (2018).

Another notable category, the Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building, celebrates individuals who have elevated the nation’s status through exemplary contributions in their respective fields. This honor was bestowed upon Mansmith and Fielders, Inc., under the leadership of Josiah and Chiqui Go, for their transformative impact on marketing education. Their commitment to fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and sharing best practices has cemented their role as a cornerstone of marketing innovation and nation-building.

Other winners who embody ingenuity and excellence in their fields included Global Dominion Financing, Inc., SPD Inc., and Avocadoria for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship across large, medium, and small-scale business categories, respectively. ACEN and Jos Ortega were recognized for their achievements in marketing communication, while Unmeat shone in export marketing. UST and individual educators Enrique Caeg and Dr. Antonio Etrata were celebrated for their contributions to marketing education. The evening also highlighted Rags2Riches’ excellence in social enterprise, Agridom’s sustainability marketing efforts, and Knowledge Channel’s advocacy marketing initiatives. GCash received accolades for its standout marketing campaign, while Greg Banzon and Robert Hechanova were honored for their achievements in marketing management and overseas marketing, respectively.

Significantly, Century Pacific Food’s UnMEAT brand and Greg Banzon each received their second recognition in Export Marketing and Marketing Management, respectively. These distinguished achievements place them on the path to Hall of Fame induction, contingent upon securing another win within the next five years.

COMPLETE LIST OF AWARDEES

Agora Special Trailblazer Award: Century Pacific Food, Inc.


SET 1: Marketing Education and Advocacy

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education: University of Sto. Tomas

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Collegiate: Dr. Antonio E. Etrata – UST

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Education – Higher Education/Professional: Enrique Pablo O. Caeg, CPM Asia

Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Marketing: Agridom Solutions Corporation

Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Marketing: Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.

Outstanding Achievement in Social Enterprise: Rags2Riches


SET 2: MarCom & Entrepreneurship

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Individual: Joselito B. Ortega

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications – Company/Enterprise: ACEN RES / Tony Valdez

Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing: UnMEAT

Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Small Scale: Czarina J. Sevilla, Avocadoria.ph

Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Medium Scale: Sarah P. Deloraya-Matero, SPD Jobs, Inc.

Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship – Large Scale: Patricia P. Palacios, Global Dominion Financing, Inc.


SET 3: Marketing Management

Outstanding Achievement in Overseas Marketing: Roberto Hechanova

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management: Gregory Francis H. Banzon, Century Pacific Food, Inc.

Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Campaign: GCash


Agora Distinction Award for Nation-Building Marketing Leadership: Mansmith & Fielders


PMA made the conscious decision not to award a Marketing Company of the Year this year, upholding its commitment to maintaining integrity and ensuring a rigorous, fair judging process.

JUDGING PROCESS

The Agora Awards follows a meticulous and transparent process to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are recognized. Nominations are carefully screened for eligibility, and nominees are informed of their status and submission requirements. Throughout the process, confidentiality is strictly upheld, with all committee members signing agreements to protect sensitive information.

Entries are assessed by category heads and validated via thorough verification, which includes interviews and due diligence. Judges are then selected based on their expertise, forming three panels that evaluate categories aligned with their areas of practice. To maintain objectivity, judges receive documents for review days before deliberations. During the deliberation process, only judges and the official tabulator, SGV, are present, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Winners are announced only after SGV verifies the results.

Chairperson Allanigui expressed her gratitude to the judges, category heads, committees, and supporters who worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. She also shared her personal reflection on leading the Agora Awards: “The Agora Awards is my way of giving back to the marketing and business community. It is a labor of love, a journey of learning and patience, and a constant reminder of Filipino ingenuity. The stories of our nominees and awardees are inspiring testaments to innovation and integrity. For me, the Agora is more than an event—it is a beacon of hope that highlights the brighter side of our nation’s future.”

She concluded by lauding all the awardees, adding, “Their stories remind us that the best marketing comes from the heart, driven by purpose and a desire to uplift and inspire. Congratulations to all the awardees for being true beacons of excellence. May your work continue to inspire businesses to thrive while helping build a brighter future for all.”

To learn more about the PMA’s Agora Awards and see how you can be part of their annual prestigious event, you may visit the Facebook page of the Philippine Marketing Association or https://philippinemarketing.org/agora-awards/ 

Sun Life Foundation Brightens Futures with School Kit Donations


MANILA, PH – January 2025 – Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation, Inc. (Sun Life Foundation), in coordination with AHA Behavioral Design, continued its commitment to nurturing the learning of Filipino children by donating over 1,700 school kits to six elementary schools.

 

School kits comprising school bags, hygiene kits, lunch boxes, and tumblers were distributed at Aguho Elementary School in Pateros, Sta. Lucia Elementary School in San Juan City, and Col. Ramon Camus Integrated School in Malabon, giving students the perfect gift for a bright start to the school year. 

 

Proving that distance is no obstacle, the Sun Life Foundation and AHA Behavioral Design teams also hiked through remote forested areas in Laguna to deliver kits to Gisgis Elementary School in Pangil and Parang ng Buho Elementary School in Santa Maria. 

 

The highlight of the initiative was the distribution of over 760 kits at Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City, which was graced by executives Sun Life Philippines. 

 

“Beyond bringing joy to school communities, our greater goal is to give students the tools they need to learn,” said Kristine Millete, Executive Director of the Sun Life Foundation. “Children learn well when their needs are met. This donation is our way of helping build a brighter future for Filipino children, one school kit at a time.”

 

“AHA Behavioral Design supports Sun Life Foundation in donating school kits to not only help students but also show our teachers that they have a committed partner in making a difference in their classrooms and students’ lives,” said TJ Agulto, Chief Operating Officer of AHA Behavioral Design. “The schools chosen are part of Sun Pera-Aralan, Sun Life Foundation’s flagship financial management program for public school teachers, further underscoring their dedication to empowering educators and learners alike.” 

 

As the philanthropic arm of life insurer Sun Life Philippines, the first and longest-standing life insurance company in the country, the Sun Life Foundation donates school kits annually in support of school communities.

Live Out Your Passions with the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G, Now Available for Pre-Order in the Philippines


Ready to discover and explore the world like never before? The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G is here to empower you in your travels, nights out, and personal passions with AI-powered innovations, stunning design, and unparalleled durability. The newest OPPO AI Phone is made for people who are eager to capture every moment and express themselves without limits.

Capture clear underwater moments with its industry-leading Underwater Mode
For the thrill-seekers who love to swim and dive, the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G is the perfect partner to immortalize their freshwater adventures as it stands out as the first caseless underwater photography phone in its class.

As summer draws near, the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G allows you to capture your adventures in lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and in swimming pools like never before. With its impressive IP69 rating, you can plunge up to two meters deep in fresh water for 30 minutes without the need for a specialized case to protect your device.

The specialized Underwater Photography Mode ensures vibrant, distortion-free shots by optimizing focus, color, and contrast. Simply use the volume buttons to capture mesmerizing underwater moments effortlessly.

Unleash your creativity with cutting-edge camera system
Every passion deserves the perfect shot and the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G’s blend of powerful camera system will elevate your pictures to a new level. 

The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G features a trifecta of a 50MP Main Camera, Telephoto Camera and Selfie Camera which are all supported by Auto-Focus, perfect whenever you need to snap a selfie or a group photo with your friends while on vacations, road trips and concerts. It also has an 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera with a 116° field of view  that can capture stunning landscape photos.

On the other hand, the OPPO Reno13 5G is bannered by a duo of Ultra-Clear 50MP Main Camera with a 1.8 focal length and Selfie Camera with a 90° field of view, maintaining its reputation as OPPO’s Portrait Experts. The more accessible variant of the new Reno Series, the OPPO Reno13 F 5G also boasts an impressive camera system highlighted by a 50MP Main Camera with a 1.8 focal length and a 32MP Selfie Camera to go along with an 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera.

Harness the power of its powerful AI imaging features
The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G’s excellent camera system is perfectly complemented by its equally impressive suite of AI imaging features that will make your photographs as stunning as ever.


Your social media feed will have the premium aesthetic feels with perfectly framed photos worthy of sharing among your friends with the help of AI Livephoto. You can now find the most ideal frame of your picture with the help of AI algorithms and a whole range of AI-powered retouching effects, makeup filters, and creative effects.

Have you captured a special moment only to find out that it’s blurry? You won’t have to worry about that with AI Clarity Enhancer which converts blurry or low-quality images into vivid, crisp and high-resolution visuals. Additionally, the AI Unblur can restore details, colors and clarity to previously blurry photos.

If you're fond of mirror selfies or if you ever took a photo of something captivating through a glass wall, the AI Reflection Remover can easily remove distracting reflections and unwanted glare on your mirror shots without breaking a sweat.

Find your match with a stylish design that meets ultimate durability
Mixing and matching your OOTDs to show off self-expression, style and attitude will be a lot interesting as aesthetics and functionality come together with the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G.

You can stand out in the crowd with your outfit and the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G’s all-new Butterfly Shadow Design, a unique visual look for the series that is delicately designed to evoke a sense of revolution and renewal.

The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G comes in stylish Plume Purple and subtly elegant Graphite Grey while the OPPO Reno13 5G is available in exquisite Plume White and sophisticated Luminous Blue.

Its aerospace-grade aluminum frame provides 20% improved resistance to bending and 36% better drop resistance, ensuring your phone stays as stunning as the day you got it.

Discover and Explore with the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G!
Unleash your creativity and open yourself to endless possibilities with the newest AI Portrait Experts—the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G!

Choose the perfect partner for your discovery and exploration:
The OPPO Reno13 F 5G is available for Php 22,999 (12+256GB) or PHP 25,999 (12+512GB) and comes in Plume Purple, Luminous Blue, and Graphite Grey.
The OPPO Reno13 5G is priced at Php 34,999 in Plume White and Luminous Blue.
The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is available for Php 43,999 in Plume Purple and Graphite Grey.

Official OPPO E-Commerce Stores
You can now check out your all-new OPPO Reno13 Series 5G across OPPO official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop starting today.
The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is exclusively available via Shopee until February 6.
The OPPO Reno13 5G and the OPPO Reno13 F 5G are available on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok starting today.

A free OPPO Enco Air4 awaits when you order the OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G while you can get a free OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro when you order the OPPO Reno13 5G or the OPPO Reno13 F 5G until February 13.

Purchases via OPPO’s official e-commerce channels will also entitle you to the following benefits:
OPPO P1,000 off Product Voucher (Open to all)
 0% Interest, 12 Months ShopeePayLater Installment (Shopee only)
OPPO Care Elite
P200 GCash Product Review Cashback 
100% Free Shipping 

Offline stores nationwide
Pre-orders for the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G are also ongoing in all OPPO authorized offline stores nationwide until February 13. You can secure your reservation with just a PHP 1,000 deposit and enjoy a free OPPO Enco Buds2 and exclusive PHP 1,000 discount when you claim your unit plus an OPPO Care Elite freebie.

Comprehensive Protection with OPPO Care for Reno13 Series 5G
Discover and explore using your OPPO Reno13 Series 5G without any worries! Customers who pre-order today until February 13 will get  a complimentary 1-year OPPO Care Elite service, offering premium, all-around protection for their device—including Screen Protection and Liquid Infiltration Coverage.

Operators 
You can also purchase your OPPO Reno13 Series 5G via your preferred operators and get the following benefits:

Globe
First Sale starts on January 31
OPPO Reno13 5G (12GB + 512GB) will be available via GPlan 1999 with a Php 5,000 cashout
OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12GB + 256GB) will be available via GPlan 1799 with a Php 1,500 cashout
Comes with a free OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro until stocks last

Smart
First Sale starts on January 31
OPPO Reno13 5G (12GB + 512GB) will be available via Signature Plan +999 with a cash out of Php 23,700
OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12GB + 256GB) will be available via Signature Plan +999 with a cash out of Php 17,700
Comes with a free OPPO Enco Buds2 Pro until stocks last
Preorder freebie of free one-year OPPO Care Elite subscription (Screen Protection and Liquid Infiltration Plan)


Home Credit and Credit Cards
Flexible installment payment options are also available for the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G via Home Credit and Credit Cards.

Home Credit offers installment plans of up to 18 months at 0% interest with lowest monthly payment for each device:
Php 979 for the OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12GB + 256GB)
Php 1,109 for the OPPO Reno13 F 5G (12GB + 512GB)
Php 1,489 for the OPPO Reno13 5G
Php 1,859 for the OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G

You may also opt to purchase your OPPO Reno13 Series 5G device via select credit cards, available in 6- or 12-month installments at 0% interest.

Get ready to redefine how you capture, create, and connect with the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G! For more details and updates on the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G, MyOPPO App benefits and OPPO Care plans, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok

HUAWEI Mate X6 Brings Tough Elegance and Elite Performance Right at Your Hands, Avail Today


Manila, Philippines (January 31, 2024) — HUAWEI’s innovation continues to redefine what’s possible on a foldable phone with the HUAWEI Mate X6. With its breakthrough features and industry-leading engineering, the latest foldable phone from HUAWEI brings together iconic design, robust durability, and powerful performance in a slim and lightweight device.

An absolute must-have device, the HUAWEI Mate X6 is available for purchase beginning January 31, 2025. 

Unfold Timeless Design and Stunning Visuals

Make a bold statement with the HUAWEI Mate X6. Featuring a Space-Age Orbit camera layout and a premium vegan fiber finish, it makes catching up on emails, snapping photos, and enjoying your favorite apps look better than ever. At 239g and 9.85mm thick when folded, 4.6mm when unfolded, the HUAWEI Mate X6 won’t take up too much space in your bag or your pocket. With its soft, quad-curve frame, you get a phone that looks elegant and feels comfortable to hold. 

Immerse in clear, fatigue-free displays on the HUAWEI Mate X6. Browsing the web, reading your favorite eBook, or streaming videos has never been more vibrant with the phone’s stunning dual-screen visual, powered by HUAWEI X-True™ Display. Whether you prefer using the 6.45-inch OLED exterior screen or the 7.93-inch OLED interior screen, you will undoubtedly enjoy an immersive viewing experience. 

Keep your eyes safe from strain and fatigue with the HUAWEI Mate X6’s 1440Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain in low light, keeping your eyes safe despite extended phone usage.

Unfold Innovative Engineering and Pioneering Durability

Experience smartphone durability like never before. Worried about accidentally dropping your phone? The HUAWEI Mate X6 is designed to withstand accidental drops and heavy impact.

Its aviation-grade aluminum middle frame and exterior screen, shielded by 2nd Generation KUNLUN Glass, keep the phone resilient and intact even during violent collisions. So, you can feel at ease using the HUAWEI Mate X6 wherever, whenever. 

Likely the biggest concern for foldable devices is the strain of constant folding and unfolding. With the HUAWEI Mate X6’s lightweight but heavy-duty hinge and an interior screen reinforced with carbon fiber inner plate, you can be certain that your phone’s hinge can handle frequent use, keeping your phone looking good as new.

With an innovative cooling system with graphene film, a 3D VC heat spreader, and Ultra-High Thermal Conductivity Graphene, you won’t have to worry about your phone overheating especially when gaming or video calling. The HUAWEI Mate X6 also has an innovative distributed architecture, which gives you a smooth experience and stable network signal. You can even drop the HUAWEI Mate X6 in waters as deep as 2 meters, thanks to its IPX8 water resistance. 

Unfold Groundbreaking Foldable Photography and Performance

Capture vibrant, true-to-life photos with pro-level photography features. You have never experienced the full potential of mobile photography until you snap a photo using the HUAWEI Mate X6. Your photos will look vibrant and true-to-life, brought on by the TÃœV Color Accuracy and Stability Certified Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera. You’ll capture photos like a pro with a camera system that includes a 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera with a 10-size adjustable aperture, a 48MP Telephoto Micro Camera with 4x optical zoom and macro capabilities, and a 40MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera. 

You can take sharp, detailed photos with true-to-life colors in any scenario — from low light to fast action — with the adjustable aperture feature and the Ultra Chroma Camera. You can add creative effects like multiple and long exposures with fun features, like the Moving Picture.

With the HUAWEI Mate X6, you can seamlessly switch between managing your finances, browsing the web, and hailing a ride. Multi-tasking features such as Smart Multi-Windows, Vertical and Horizontal Views, and an Adaptive UI Engine, optimize the dual-screen setup and let you run up to three apps simultaneously for effortless multitasking. You can also enjoy a playful mobile experience with Interactive features like Emoji Crush and Air Hoops.

Unfold Foldable Brilliance with the HUAWEI Mate X6

Discover an unparalleled foldable mobile phone experience with the HUAWEI Mate X6. HUAWEI’s breakthrough smartphone comes in Black and Nebula Red and retails for PHP 114,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

Get a free HUAWEI WATCH GT 4, a DJI NEO, a trade-in token worth PHP 10,000, and a 1-year Accidental Damage Protection service good for one-time use when you purchase the HUAWEI Mate X6. 

This exclusive offer is available from January 31 to February 28, 2025. 

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

Thursday, January 30, 2025

DOT, DSWD Formalize Partnership to Aid Disaster-Affected Tourism Front Liners


Tourism workers affected by natural calamities, disasters, and emergencies can now avail of financial and training assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

This, after Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian formally sealed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo (BBMT) program on Thursday (Jan. 23). Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Diana Rose Cajipe were also present and served as witnesses. 

This means that qualified tourism frontliners may now avail of the DSWD’s existing cash assistance programs, including the Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) and Cash for Work, while simultaneously receiving the DOT interventions on alternative livelihood training programs like basic hilot; candle making; beads and artwork training; basic bread and pastry making; detergent making; fun farm tour product development; tourism awareness and tourist reception seminar; community-based kulinarya; and the Filipino brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), if their usual sources of livelihood have been disrupted by calamities and emergencies, including those affected by the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental. 

The partnership seeks potential program participants who can be disaster-qualified tourism workers listed under the Listahanan 3; other qualified household beneficiaries under a standardized/unified targeting system used by the DSWD; other criteria prescribed in other disaster risk reduction guidelines that will be promulgated in the future; resident workers in tourism destinations or attractions; members of a community-based tourism organization or beneficiaries jointly approved by the DSWD and DOT; or may be affected by calamities or emergencies that disrupted their livelihood as tourism service providers. 

“I'm so grateful to Secretary Rex Gatchalian and to the entire team of the DSWD for the culmination of months of coordination that will benefit thousands of tourism workers across the country,” Secretary Frasco said in her speech during the signing ceremony held in Pasay City. 

“Tourism is such a reliable source of livelihood and a reliable pillar of our economy that notwithstanding climate-related disasters, it can continue to provide a source of employment and income. And what the partnership with the DSWD will do is that it will capacitate the DOT as well to come in and to provide the assistance that's necessary for them to go on with their lives and continue to have sources of livelihood,” she emphasized, noting that the partnership is just the beginning of more collaborations with the DSWD. 

“Through this partnership, we can also see where national government funding goes– that there is a concrete demonstration of the result of the government interventions given to our tourism workers. In the DOT, we are committed to continuing to uplift the lives of Filipino tourism workers all over the country and to capacitate them with skills that will ensure that tourism continues to be a positive force in their lives and the transformation of the quality of lives of their families,” she added. 

For his part, Secretary Gatchalian said that this partnership ensures “that the marginalized, those affected by natural calamities, or those with a greater poverty issue,”, are directly impacted by the financial capacities of the DSWD: “I would like to express our gratitude to the Department of Tourism for this groundbreaking partnership that will help our dedicated workers in the tourism industry. The tourism sector is undeniably a cornerstone of our economy. The tireless efforts of our tourism workers have played a crucial role in showcasing the beauty of the Philippines. However, because of the recent disasters that hit the country due to national calamity and natural and manmade hazards that were further aggravated by the effects of climate change, it is unfortunate to witness the devastating impacts of calamities in our poor communities. Part of these communities that are directly affected whenever we have disasters are the workers in the tourism center since their families, homes, and properties are not the only ones that are affected, but also their way of life.” 

“We are very excited that this partnership is a synergy of your vision with our mandate and making sure that we efficiently use government resources to reach as many communities to help as to many distinct communities there are in the country. In response, the DSWD is proud to partner with the DOT to implement the Bayanihan sa Bukas na may Pag-asa sa Turismo” or the BBMT,” he added. 

Last May 27, 2024, both Secretaries attended the pilot run of the BBMT to give financial and training assistance to the victims of widespread flooding in several areas of the Davao Region and Agusan Del Sur in the Caraga region in early February 2024. The ceremony was held in Mati City, Davao Oriental