MPMG tops TikTok Philippines Men's Fashion Chart for Selling more than 10,000 Clothes in One Day

13 December 2023, Manila, Philippines — Make “Philippine-Made” Great (MPMG), a local clothing brand, has secured the top spot on the TikTok Philippines Men's Fashion chart for October and November 2023, following a surge in sales with over 10,000 orders in a single day. Demonstrating rapid growth since its inception in February 2023, MPMG has notably gained traction in the Philippine fashion industry, particularly among young consumers.

Known for its minimalist designs and diverse range of choices, MPMG offers affordable, basic wear that allows for versatile styling. The brand  is committed to providing high-quality, locally-made clothing, targeting the younger demographic with stylish yet cost-effective fashion solutions. MPMG recognizes the fashion needs of young consumers, providing affordable yet stylish clothing options. They emphasize that fashion is a means for personal expression, moving away from the traditional focus on luxury brands and expensive clothing.

A key strategy in MPMG's rise to success has been its effective use of social media, particularly TikTok, which is popular among younger audiences. The brand's "Buy 1 Take 1" campaign significantly increased its visibility and contributed to its success, including achieving over 10,000 sales in one day.

MPMG's recent achievement of securing the number one spot on the TikTok Philippines Men's Fashion chart for the past two consecutive months serves as a testament to its product quality and the team's hard work. Looking ahead, MPMG aims to expand its market reach, with plans to target Southeast Asia and the global market.

"This milestone marks a groundbreaking moment for MPMG as it is not just a win for our brand ergo, it's a bold statement about the rising influence and global potential of Philippine-made fashion. Our journey, from a local startup to a trendsetter in less than a year reflects our deep connection with the youth and our ability to turn minimalist designs into a fashion revolution. We're not just selling clothes; we're weaving the vibrant spirit and creativity of the Philippines into every fabric. This is more than fashion; it's a movement,” said Kevin Co, CEO of MPMG. 

MPMG aims to continue its growth in the fashion sector and invites customers to support Philippine-made fashion. The brand is set to introduce more initiatives as it strives to redefine fashion norms, empower young consumers, and make an impact in the global fashion market.

FIGHTING MAROONS STAY FIGHTING AMIDST COVID-19

The whole world of sports has come to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team (UP MBT) stay fighting.

Every member of the team is optimistic that Filipinos and the Philippines will get through the difficult challenges they are facing and are staying positive in words and deeds.

Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol has reminded his players to put in the same heart and passion they show in the game into their response to the pandemic, encouraging them to practice teamwork and find ways to help those who are affected by the scourge of the coronavirus.

“During these trying times, our “never give up” attitude on court should be evident in how we battle this pandemic together as a team. We are optimistic that we can bounce back and come out stronger. While we face our own personal battles, let’s not forget our fellow Filipinos who are greatly affected by this virus. Let’s do our share, no matter how big or small,” said Perasol.

The ongoing Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) have prohibited sports-related mass gatherings like training, competitions and tournaments. Holed up in their respective homes, the Maroons still find ways to stay competitive and in shape, both physically and mentally.

UAAP Season 82 team captain Noah Webb says they “try our best to stay in shape by doing our workouts at home since we can't go to the gym. Our coaches are always guiding us and giving us programs to follow. It’s also very important for us to stay mentally tough since this is a different opponent we are facing.”

UP MBT team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero said it is also important for the team and the players to be resilient since a lot of things will change and new protocols will be implemented even after the ECQ is lifted.

“Our primary concern will always be the safety of each and every one. But we will stay committed to keeping the team intact so we can still give our best performance with or without games in the near future,” Atty. Uvero said.

He reiterated his gratitude to all the team’s fans, supporters, and sponsors who continue to support the Fighting Maroons and their various initiatives.

“We will always stay thankful to our fans who never tire of supporting us whether we are in active competition or not. And we will always be indebted to our partners and sponsors -- Robinsons Retail Group, STATS Performance Apparel, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PayMaya -- for remaining committed to the team despite difficult times like these. Their support and their various efforts to provide assistance and relief to the frontliners and those most affected by the ECQ inspire us and buoy up our spirits,” Atty. Uvero added.

UPMBT players and alumni along with various UP teams and organizations sprang to action soon after the ECQ was declared. They initiated efforts to provide frontliners with necessary items like personal protective equipment (PPEs) and meals. They also reached out to affected communities with rice and other daily necessities.

Among those who raised funds and donated in kind are Fighting Maroons Paul Desiderio, Jett Manuel, Ricci Rivero, Diego Dario, Kyles Lao, Jarrell Lim, Ibrahim Ouattara, Jaybie Mantilla, and the Gomez de Liaño brothers, Joe, Javi, and Juan. NowheretogobutUP Foundation, the UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK), and the Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes also conducted fundraisers to help the frontliners, stranded UP students and staff, and various communities.

“There is so much uncertainty right now and these are extremely difficult times for many Filipinos. That’s why this is the time to be one with our people as we all go through these hardships together. Let’s all do our share in helping one another. Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. The goal of resilience is to thrive,” said NowheretogobutUP Foundation founding chairman Renan Dalisay.

Canva Now Lets You Create Your Own Zoom Background

Global drag-and-drop graphic design platform, Canva, has released a Zoom background creator as working from home continues to become routine around the world. Now, users can create a custom background to prevent any embarrassing moments or ‘Zoombombing’ while keeping their private space, private.

Canva’s background removal tool also allows for users to have some fun designing backgrounds - join your next call from a beach, virtual office or simply a colourful wallpaper!

Other key features include

• A rich library with millions of images, illustrations and icons to choose from
• No design skills needed - Canva’s simple interface and templates have it covered!
• Agenda lists and even infographics can be added to backgrounds for a more practical use-casevideo
• Over 80 templates are already available with more to come

To see just how easy it is to create your own Zoom background using Canva, check out the video here . We’ve also listed the instructions for uploading your Canva background to Zoom here.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Akbayan Calls for Vigilance Against Corruption and Abuse amid Humanitarian Crisis

Just over a week, since President Duterte signed the Bayanihan to Heal as One (BAHO) Act, the emergency powers vested on him bared its fangs on the Filipino people.

Alongside the increase of cases of COVID-19, there seems to be an outbreak of violence and rights violations too. Last March 27, a teacher and her son were arrested in General Santos City for criticizing the mayor's inaction on food distribution. On April 1, the NBI filed a case against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for insisting on ferrying health workers with tricycles in the city. Later that evening, in reaction to public protest by residents of Sitio San Roque to clamor for food, Duterte ordered the military to "shoot them [any protesters] dead" in a nationwide address. In the morning of April 2, Atty. Chel Diokno released to the public that the NBI has filed subpoenas to individuals for critical opinions on social media.

It is clear in these cases how the BAHO Act has been weaponized to punish and silence critics of the government's insufficient response to the pandemic. The Filipino people need food, cash aid, and solidarity but are instead met with fear and threats of violence. This litany of abuses against civil liberties will continue to grow if we are to turn a blind eye to their actions - precisely what they want by keeping the people silent.

Our vigilance is part of our social solidarity. Government has launched today the social packages for the 18 million families. While we welcome this to aid struggling Filipino families, we demand the transparent and detailed breakdown of the P275 billion. We warn against red tape, unauthorized fees and other impediments in accessing the assistance. We continue our vigilance against corruption and abuse amidst this humanitarian crisis.

The solidarity of the people keep us strong. The health workers who take long shifts, the farmers and fisherfolk who put food on our table, and the ordinary volunteers and donors have kept us safe and strong in the middle of this crisis. While the government continues to threaten us while failing to keep us safe, we must continue to stand for each other against the sickness and the excessive violence they throw at us.

LBC Moving to 'Flatten The Curve': P50M for Mass Program

LBC heeds the government’s call to move for the nation, during this time of COVID-19, and commits Php 50 million worth of supply of (washable/reusable) 2-ply masks, to support Filipino communities and mitigate the virus’ spread in at-risk areas. This affirmative action is part of LBC’s response, and in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the temporary shortage of masks and distribution of these in densely populated areas of the country will be addressed. “The current situation calls for people to do their ‘part’: be it by staying at home or having to risk their own safety by going to work, to treat the sick. For us at LBC, our ‘part’ is to move-- together with our courageous frontliners, and join the fight,” said Executive Director of the LBC Foundation, Nena L. Wuthrich.

“LBC is starting this mask program with hopes of being one with all Filipinos--to ‘flatten the curve.’ This initiative is also set to assist in educating the public more, on the vital function of masks to protect not just themselves, but also others around them. We believe that masks can and will save lives,” Wuthrich adds. This initiative concurs with the recent announcement of The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, mandating the public to wear any type of mask before leaving their place of residence, to minimize or if not totally to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus from one person to another.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Canva Joins Fight Against COVID-19 by Giving all Public Health Organizations free Canva Pro to #StopTheSpread

Global design platform, Canva, has announced it is providing all public health organizations around the world free lifetime licenses for Canva Pro in an effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

To help spread accurate information across the globe, Canva has updated its Not For Profit (NFP) program which will now empower all public health organizations with premium design and publishing features such as access to more free diverse stock photos, illustrations, the ability to upload own font libraries and brand kits, as well as it’s productivity booster, the ‘Magic Resize’ button, which can automatically turn any design format into a collection optimized for sharing across more channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, posters, presentations, and more.

In its effort to educate the public on the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and supported, Canva also released #StopTheSpread graphics and templates which anyone can post and share online. These designs are available in Filipino which anyone can access by simply changing their language to Tagalog through the account settings. Find the step by step guide here.

Canva’s in-house design team has also committed to volunteering its services to local organizations in need of further assistance with delivering effective visual communications. Through its Enterprise team, Canva will aid in the design and graphic requirements of local government units, not for profit organizations, and hospitals who need to raise awareness about COVID-19. Interested individuals and groups can access this form to apply.

The move comes in response to the surge of misinformation surrounding the virus, as public health organizations struggle to fight back against myths and rumors gaining traction online.

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla-Donato said sharing accurate information about the pandemic is crucial in helping the country #StopTheSpread.
“Canva’s mission is to always be a force for good. We’d like to champion our concept of bayanihan by tapping into our resources to help spread accurate information about COVID-19 and how people can protect themselves from it,” said Donato.

With a vast collection of new health-related templates including flyers, posters and social media posts designed with pre-populated content based on the information supplied by the World Health Organization (WHO) - Canva hopes its platform can be used as a force for good.

For further information or to apply for a free lifetime Canva Pro account, all public health organizations can contact health-assistance@canva.com.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Canva Releases New Women in the Workplace Photography to Celebrate International Women's Day

Design platform, Canva, is celebrating International Women’s Day by releasing a new collection of design templates and free stock photography, featuring its very own Canva employees who volunteered as models.

The photoshoot, titled Canva Studio Women, showcases Canva’s women at work, building on this year’s theme of #GenerationEquality which highlights the importance of a collective effort to forge a path towards gender equality.

Canva studio curator Elle Hughes explains the inspiration behind this special collection.

“With over 70% of women feeling underrepresented in everyday images in the media, our new stock photography collection aims to shine a light on the amazing diversity of women in the workplace.

“We have so many talented women in Canva — what better to showcase a diverse team than through a fun photoshoot — and then giving it away as a completely free stock photo collection?” she added.

Yani Hornilla-Donato, country manager of Canva Philippines added, “Since inception, Canva has placed a key focus on diversity and inclusion. Having our employees in the Manila office be part of this shows how committed we are to empower women and provide them with a platform to freely express themselves.”

Canva has also released an additional 50 design templates, encouraging its design community around the world to celebrate, praise and unite with women this International Women’s Day.

Check out the full photography collection here.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

ABOUT CANVA

Launched in 2013, Canva is an intuitive online design and publishing platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast library of templates ranging from presentations, social media posts, posters, invitations to resumes, a huge collection of stock photography, illustrations and fonts, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on web, iOS and Android.

Filigree to Open More Upscale Projects in 2020

Luxury real estate brand Filigree is expanding its portfolio of masterfully crafted, upscale living spaces with more prestigious, high-value developments this year.

Filigree projects have all been remarkably successful. Thanks to its commitment of continuously providing luxurious spaces that are exemplars of sophistication, comfort, convenience, and leisure expected by the discriminating few.

"Ever since the establishment of Filigree, we have always pushed ourselves to be the gold standard in luxury real-estate developments," says Catherine Ilagan, Filigree head. "For this year, we have plans that will strengthen the brand with unmatched value of our projects."

So far, all of Filigree's projects have been well-received by the market such as the The Enclave Alabang. The 13-hectare tropical modern subdivision on Daang Hari is home to a world class Club House and Central Park.

Bristol at Parkway Place is another instant fast-seller due to its highly coveted address at Filinvest City’s Millionaires’ Row. It is one of the most in-demand high-end properties in Metro South because of its location, amenities, and great investment opportunities. Ready for occupancy, its leasing rate is on a constant upswing. Units in this 40-storey tower are almost sold out and plans are now underway for another high rise residential development also along the Millionaire’s Row.

Filigree became a front-runner in green condo living with Botanika Nature Residences. This lush and green development proves that modern and upscale living can be environmentally sustainable. The development received a 4-star rating from the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE), and it continues to redefine present-day low-density vertical homes in the metropolis.

With the favorable reception of the first tower, Filigree will soon launch Botanika Tower 2, which will offer one-bedroom units that were not available in the first. A sky lounge and function room are also included in the plan, and like the first tower, the new building will follow the same green principles and will be connected to the central garden.

Filigree is now bringing its luxury living experience outside Metro Manila with the Golf Ridge Private Estate in the Leisure City of Filinvest Mimosa+ in Clark, Pampanga. The low density condominium will rise on a carefully and deliberately chosen location with a vibrant, well-maintained, green, and tranquil environment.

As the name suggests, Golf Ridge has the unobstructed view of the Mimosa Golf Course for its main attraction. Exemplifying green living with its backdrop of greens, estate parks and open spaces, residents can enjoy a serene environment that seamlessly blends residential areas and premier hotels with retail and recreation.

With all of these impressive projects in the pipeline, Filigree is looking forward to a productive and successful year, as it hopes to get discerning clients to experience its version of high living that is at par with the world's best.

For more information, visit www.filigree.com.ph.

LBC Offers Lowest Rates Ever for Domestic Remittance Services

Committed to providing Filipinos access to cheap and convenient remittance services, LBC Express Inc., the leader in money remittance services, announces its lowest rate ever. For as low as Php2, senders can send their money to their loved ones with the help of LBC’s over 1,400 branches nationwide with its cheaper Instant Peso Padala service.

This announcement aims to benefit the over 52 million unbanked Filipinos, a number released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2018.

“We understand that sending and receiving money from your loved ones may be hindered with access to digital means. That is why our over 1,400 branches are open to serve as transaction points so Filipinos don’t have to worry about remitting money wherever in the country they may be. Our strong network coupled with these affordable rates will enable Filipinos to do quick, cheap, and safe financial transactions,” said OLV.

The new rates are as follows:

Amount	Provincial Rate	Manila Rate
Php0.01-Php100	Php2	Php3
Php100.01-Php200	Php3	Php6
Php200.01-Php300	Php5	Php9
Php300.01-Php400	Php8	Php12
Php400.01-Php500	Php8	Php15
Php500.01-Php600	Php10	Php18
Php600.01-Php700	Php10	Php21
Php700.01-Php800	Php12	Php24
Php800.01-Php900	Php12	Php27
Php900.01-Php1000	Php15	Php30
Php1000.01-Php1500	Php20	Php45
Php1500.01-Php2000	Php30	Php60
Php2000.01-Php2500	Php40	Php75
Php2500.01-Php3000	Php 50	Php90
Php3000.01-Php4000	Php70	Php120
Php4000.01-Php5000	Php90	Php125

To avail of the Instant Peso Padala service, LBC customers just need to go to the nearest LBC branch, fill out the form and hand their cash. In a few minutes, the cash is ready for pick up at any LBC branch in the Philippines.

LBC remains bullish of the remittance transactions in the Philippines citing that Filipinos are still looking after secured and fast means to send and encash money. For more information on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).