3 Common Types of Scams You Should Be Aware Of

Philippine banks have been ramping up their digitization efforts to serve their consumers faster and make banking simpler and secured for them.  However, this improvement isn’t without risks. As banks innovate and enhances the security features of their products and services, scammers also advance in the technology and methods they employ.   

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) believes that being aware of the most common scams – how they are done and how to avoid them – can help you to protect yourself from becoming victims. 

Through its Be Aware campaign, PSBank shares three common scams you may come across:

B1G1, 1-peso-deal and up to 50% discount in Landers Superstore 3rd anniversary Super Crazy Sale

An awesome anniversary celebration with huge discounts and exciting deals awaits shoppers as Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping establishment in the country, celebrates its third anniversary with the Super Crazy Sale!

The Sirens are back!

Bristol Cove founder, Charles H Pownall, fell in love with a mermaid, with disastrous results.

Here’s what you need to know before you dive right back into Siren Season 2!

After a brief mid-season break, Siren is back to enthral viewers with its dark retelling of everything that can possibly occur when the world of humans and mermaids get entwined. If the details are a blur, here are a few refreshers to get you up to speed now that it’s back with fresh episodes airing every Sunday, 7:55pm only on Blue Ant Entertainment.

**Note: SPOILER ALERT if you haven’t watched Siren yet!**

Must-have products for fresh ‘back-to-school’ look

Just like huge transitions in life, the start of a new school year can be nerve-racking. Of course, first day jitters are common, but don’t let it get the best of you! 

Boost your confidence by feeling, looking and smelling good with the help of Blackwater, the cologne line of the country’s leading cosmetics brand Ever Bilena.

Blackwater offers fragrance variants to suit different personalities to match your back-to-school look:

TPB boosts efforts to attract Korean tourists

To boost efforts in attracting Korean tourists to visit the Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, will be participating in two major travel fairs happening in South Korea—The Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA) on 06 to 10 June 2019 and HanaTour International Travel Show on 07 to 09 June 2019.

KOTFA is the biggest international travel fair in Korea with the participation of both international and domestic tourism-related organizations. This year, KOTFA is expected to generate an attendance of approximately 500 companies and 70 countries. The Philippines reserved six (6) booth spaces to be shared with airlines, hotels and top Korean travel agents in Seoul.

SM and Cagayan de Oro partners with National Resilience Council’s Adopt-A-City campaign

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) signs a memorandum of understanding with Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) and the National Resilience Council (NRC), as part of NRC’s new Adopt-A-City campaign. By supporting NRC’s 3-year program, corporations can directly invest in reducing the city’s risk to old and new hazards and in the partnership’s long-term resilience. 

It implements a whole-of-society approach towards co-creating science and technology-based solutions and capacity building for evidence-informed risk governance. This program can include structural interventions and projects to address specific social, economic, and environmental exposure and vulnerability. This campaign enables the city not just to bounce back after a hazard strikes, but to also prepare for and prevent a disaster so as to “bounce forward” together in ways to reduce future risk. 

The best of both worlds at this high-valued development in the Metro South

When property investors examine a potential development to invest in, a careful review of the developer’s portfolio, the partners involved in the development, the features and amenities available, and of course, its location are qualities that can spell the difference in making a project a high-value investment in the long-term.

In the luxury real estate space today, one brand has caught the attention of investors and discriminating end-users: Filigree, which has fast become synonymous with exclusivity, exceptional craftsmanship, and unrivaled property values.

With every project initiated and completed—from high-rise condominiums to low-density horizontal developments—Filigree has challenged, and delivered, the very definition of what luxury should be—each project a prime investment offering blue chip returns.

TPB to tap huge MICE market in China during IT&CM

Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings in Shanghai, China.

To help position the Philippines not only as a top tourist destination but also as a premier venue for meetings, incentives, conventions, events, and exhibits  (MICE), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is set to tap into the Chinese MICE market through the annual Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings (IT&CM). To be held in Shanghai on 19 to 21 March 2019, IT&CM is the only MICE trade fair in Shanghai and Eastern China, making it China’s largest gathering of MICE professionals.

Delegates from the Philippines will include TPB representatives and ten Philippine co-exhibitors from different MICE industries: hotel and restaurant, travel agencies, tour operators, convention venues, and incentive houses. IT&CM is a great opportunity to expand the delegates’ business and networking capabilities through a series of MICE-related functions and tours.

Find out which Toy Story Character you are with SM Cinema

Whether you were a kid or an adult when the first Toy Story movie came out, this movie undeniably resonates in all of us. It is instantly relatable to anyone who owned any kind of toy in their childhood and seeing the toys come to life is indeed a dream we all had at one point. It's been over two decades since the first Toy Story film was released and starting this June 20, these toys from our childhood are returning for another fun-filled adventure with new characters for us to love with the upcoming release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4. So which of the lovable characters is your kindred spirit? 

If you are protective and usually think of other people first, you are most like Sheriff Woody Pride. The leader of Andy’s toys, Woody is responsible, competent, and devoted to his friends. He is also a natural-born leader who inspires the loyalty of people around him.

Are you ready to be the next Greenhills EntrePinoy?

Greenhills and Mercato Centrale launch a one-of-a-kind competition giving aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to build successful startup businesses

Do you want to become an entrepreneur? Do you have a business concept that you’d like to pitch? Do you aspire to be part of the growing community of Greenhills entrepreneurs?

If you said yes to these questions, then it would be worth joining Greenhills’ EntrePinoy, a nationwide search for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses right at VMall Greenhills, the shopping mecca and renowned business incubator of Metro Manila. 

AXA introduces Smart Traveller to travel bloggers

It’s officially travel season! AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, held a special event to share the benefits of AXA Smart Traveller, its comprehensive travel insurance product. 

It has a wide range of benefits including 24-hour travel assistance, personal accident coverage up to P5 million, medical coverage, protection of personal belongings, and refunds for travel inconveniences. 

Pack Light but Pack Right

Source: Pexels.com

Pet Food Institute shares a list of things to bring as pet owners travel with their pets

Thousands of pet owners now consider their furry companions as family and would often bring them along when they go on vacation. Veterinarians remind owners that leaving their homes and traveling to foreign places can be overwhelming and stressful to pets; these animals therefore have a tendency to avoid eating, become lethargic, and even run away from their owners. To avoid these instances, owners must remember to bring their pets’ essentials in order to make the journey fun and enjoyable for their beloved pets. 

The Pet Food Institute (PFI), together with its members from pet food and treat manufacturers, reinforces its commitment to educate the Filipino pet community about nutrition and proper pet care as they share a list of essential things pet owners must bring as they travel with their pets this summer. 

More Than a Responsibility - LG Nurtures Ties with the Community

L-R: LG Philippines’ Managing Director Mr. Inkwun Heo and San Joaquin Kalawaan Highschool Principal Mr. Lazaro P. Torres Jr.

Over the years, companies engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have become the norm, expected even, in doing business. It’s a trend that’s happening across the globe. Consumers as well have become more discerning with regard to a company’s advocacies and how it resonates with them. More importantly, consumers have been looking for and demanding authenticity in all areas where CSR is concerned. This notion of authenticity shows how these programs play an important role in how consumers view companies. CSR nowadays is more than just writing a check, donating a few items, and having a photo op. 

One of the pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility is community engagement. You have to reach out and work hard to be embraced by your local community. It shows sincerity, develops relationships, and inspires loyalty. 

One Championship hosts media open workout for Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held a Media Open Workout, Tuesday, 18 June at Petchyindee Gym featuring ONE Championship superstar Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy of Thailand. Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy was also in attendance at the Media Open Workout as a special guest.

Petchmorakot is scheduled to face kickboxing legend Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan of Italy in a ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Quarter-final contest at ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY, set for 12 July at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ticket information for ONE: MASTERS OF DESTINY is available at www.onefc.com.

A day of endless possibilities in the Metro South

There are, indeed, endless possibilities down Metro South as Filinvest City hosted yet another successful Festival of Possibilities, a rocking town-wide fair aimed at bringing the community together through music and play. 

Recently held at the Filinvest City Events Grounds and undoubtedly a highlight of the summer season in the Metro South, the second installation of Festival of Possibilities gathered an astounding 11,000 festival goers. The entire Filinvest City community, together with guests from different parts of the metro, enjoyed an unforgettable day of music and play as the country’s hottest bands such as Itchyworms, Rivermaya, Spongecola, I Belong To The Zoo, and This Band all electrified the stage and brought the house down.

TechnoMarine for Dad this Father’s Day

For the Padre de Pamilya, the pillar of the family, TechnoMarine presents for Father’s Day a special promotion on men’s watches from June 1 to 16, 2019. 

A discount of up to 30 percent is offered on iconic collections with face size of 42mm to 50mm – all stylish, durable, water resistant, and of exceptional accuracy. TechnoMarine timepieces inspire a change of attitude with the infusion of a carefree coastal resort spirit and water-inspired elements. 

For luxury property buyers, image is everything

Head of Property24 Tina Bautista

In this age of sharing and social media, lifestyle aspirations are driving consumer preferences in the real estate industry. 

This is according to Tina Bautista, head of Property24, one of the most powerful online enablers for property buyers and sellers. Bautista cites, in particular, upper mid and luxury properties expected to be in high demand in 2019.

The Philippines continues to lead the world in social media usage, spending the most amount of time online, about four hours and 12 minutes a day. The number of social media users in the country grew by 13 percent, with more than 9 million users added since January 2018. Social media penetration is at 71 percent, which is above the worldwide average of 45 percent. As for mobile phone social media use, 67 percent of online Filipinos access social media on their phone, making social media an influential force. This is according to the latest digital report released by We Are Social and Hootsuite.

Enjoy huge savings on appliances at the Electrolux Warehouse Sale

Check out the Electrolux Warehouse Sale this weekend and score big discounts on a variety of Electrolux and White-Westinghouse home appliances! 

Electrolux is hosting its Warehouse Sale from June 14-16, 2019, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the CEVA Logistics Olivares Warehouse located at Villa Olivarez Juanita De Leon St., Brgy. San Dionisio, Paranaque City. 

SM Directors Club Cinema offers complete X-Men Experience for the family

Almost two decades ago, movie-lovers and comic fans alike first witnessed Stan Lee’s X-Men come to life in the silver screen. 

Since then, the movie adaptation the superhero comic series has established a cult following making it an enduring superhero film franchise. After eleven movies, this sci-fi array concludes its action and drama-packed storyline with the rise of X-Men: Dark Phoenix. 

SM and Bureau of Fire Protection join hands to foster resilient communities

(L-R): Fire Director Leonard R. Bañago, Chief, Bureau of Fire Protection; Epimaco V. Densing III, Undersecretary for Operations, DILG; and Steven Tan, Chief Operating Officer, SM Supermalls during the Fire Prevention Month Culminating Activity at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Memorandum of Agreement signed to strengthen partnership

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) partnered with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., to promote community preparedness and resiliency against fire incidents.  

To seal the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between SM Supermalls’ chief operating officer Steven T. Tan (representing SM Prime), and Fire Director Leonard R. Bañago during the BFP’s Fire Prevention Month culminating activity at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. 

Under the agreement, BFP and SM Prime will collaborate in the promotion, information dissemination, and managing of fire safety protection and preparedness-related activities. SM has agreed to host several of BFP’s activities that are geared towards educating the public about fire safety, by means of mall events and information and education campaigns. Meanwhile, BFP committed to provide the necessary expertise to train and equip the employees, agency personnel, and tenants of the more than 70 SM Supermalls on fire safety and disaster resiliency.

Blue Ant Entertainment is now available on Cignal

Cignal subscribers are in for a treat starting 1 June 2019 as they will now have access to Blue Ant Entertainment’s wide range of programmes. The general entertainment channel will be on Cignal channel 120 where viewers can enjoy hit series and shows airing same day and express from the U.S. including Siren, Bull, FBI, Charmed, The InBetween and dailies including Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Blue Ant Entertainment also airs the biggest award shows LIVE from the US including the recently concluded Billboard Music Awards, and other top award shows such as The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards and American Music Awards.