Inspiring Pinoys to #StayStrong with Century Tuna Superbods 2020

The road to Century Tuna Superbods 2020 was all set: launched earlier this year by showbiz royalties Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the message “Every day is a chance to be a better you", the annual fitness competition had all 34 finalists lined up. But when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the competition pivoted to become a   platform with an inspiring message for all.

Times are tough but Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, proved that Pinoys are tougher as it relaunched Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 with a more inclusive and relevant theme: Stay strong, Pilipinas!

Streamed on the Century Superbods Facebook page, the launch featured celebrity Superbods Nadine and Alden, together with the 34 Century Tuna Superbods finalists enjoining everyone to witness the strength of the Superbods spirit to continue pursuing their passion and dreams of a healthier future that begin with proper diet and exercise.   

PayMaya, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls help local farmers and merchants bounce back through safe contactless payments

#ScanToPay via PayMaya QR at Eastwood City's Harvest to Goodness weekend market

Buyers and diners in merchants around Eastwood City as well as local farmers participating in the Harvest to Goodness weekend market can feel safer and more secure as Megaworld Lifestyle Malls taps digital financial services leader PayMaya to offer contactless payment options to customers via PayMaya QR.

By equipping participating booths and stalls at Eastwood City's Harvest to Goodness weekend market with PayMaya QR, customers can now use contactless payments when they purchase homegrown produce and goods until July 30, 2020 –helping eliminate the risk of handling cash and making it easier and safer to support local businesses.  

Patrons can also use their PayMaya app to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, seafood, and even meals from local stores around the Eastwood Central Plaza and Eastwood Mall’s Open Park. These merchants were equipped with QR payments acceptance through PayMaya's faster onboarding process for merchants that makes on-the-spot activation of PayMaya QR for merchants possible.

Palacio de Memoria reopens for intimate weddings

As the country adapts to the new normal following the nationwide quarantine, Palacio de Memoria is reopening its doors to couples who would like to tie the knot and spend the rest of lives together.

Palacio de Memoria is now accepting reservations for intimate civil wedding ceremonies, receptions, and pre-nuptial photo shoots. The resplendent Lhuillier-managed estate features a luxuriously restored pre-war mansion which houses the family's unrivaled curated collection of Euro-Filipino art pieces, making it the perfect place for couples looking to celebrate their love.

Couples can have a fun intimate affair at various locations on the Palacio de Memoria estate. After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their loved ones can enjoy a private dinner at a special dining hall at the ground floor of the mansion. The couple may also opt to set up their dining area at the Los Tamaraos Ballroom, style it to their liking, and dine under an impressive Murano chandelier. For the bride and groom who love the outdoors, they can also dance the night away at the Loggia by the garden.

Go pro with HP ProBook 400 series laptops’ enhanced security features and durability

For millions of people working from home, using the right technology is part of getting the job done. That is why most professionals invest in efficient and reliable equipment to help them perform better and achieve more, wherever business takes them.

Combining style, efficiency, and durability, the new HP ProBook 400 series allows one to work smarter and look good while at it. It counts on a thin, stylish durable design that protects technology that is built strong from the core up. It also boasts of integrated security and a spill-resistant keyboard feature, letting one meet the demands of work proficiently.

URCommunity Mart: Bringing well-loved URC products closer to communities

Getting your favorite quality URC products closer to you is now made possible by URC’s roving store.

In spite of the limitations of the times, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) continues to reach out to communities in different and safest ways possible. 

Recently, the food manufacturing company has been bringing its quality products closer to Filipino families all over Metro Manila through its URCommunity Mart.

URC utilized its food truck to make well-loved goodies more accessible to Pinoys. This weekend, URCommunity Mart will visit select barangays in Quezon City Districts 1 and 2 from 7am to 4pm: on August 1, 2020, areas are Masambong (Near Barangay Hall) and Commonwealth (Barangay covered court); and on August 2, 2020, Culiat (Luzon Avenue) and Holy Spirit (Barangay covered court).

Over 100 movies and specials arrive for ‘After School’ with YouTube Kids

Over 100 Movies & Specials now on YouTube Kids

With the extended time being spent at home, parents may be more open to allowing their children some extra screen-time. With this, it is even more important for parents to choose the right content for their kids and ensure a wholesome watching experience.To help parents keep their kids engaged, enriched and entertained, YouTube Kids is expanding its library of kid-friendly content with over 100 high-quality full-length movies and specials. 

Starting July 27 until August 31, families can give their kids a memorable ‘After School’ experience with YouTube kids through a wide variety of new movies and specials. This includes Tayo the Little Bus, Baby Shark and Pinkfong, Oggy & the Cockroaches and Paddington; a collection of the best animated short films including Oscar-winning short film Hair Love; and educational specials including Sesame Street’s Elmo’s World News, produced in collaboration with the Lego Foundation, and selections from BBC Studios’ hit series, Hey Duggee. 

The ultimate machine to ease and upgrade your laundry: XTREME Frontload Combo Washer and Dryer

The rainy season in the country has already started. Some cities have lifted their quarantine and initiated new ways of living. Those situations made consumers prioritize their health and efficiency. XTREME Appliances is continuously innovating caliber products to attain the needs of people. The brand wants to provide durable home devices with multi functions and practical features like the new XTREME Frontload Combo Washer and Dryer.

AXA Philippines offers convenient payment methods for customers

Policyholders will no longer have to worry about delayed payments with convenient payment options provided by AXA Philippines.

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is offering various convenient online payment methods to help customers be safe and worry-free during these times.

Policyholders can pay premiums in the safety of their homes through online banking channels including MetrobankDirect, PS Bank Online, BDO Online Banking, BPI Express Online, PNB Online Banking, China Bank Online Internet Banking, BancNet Online, as well as credit card online through the AXA Philippines website at www.axa.com.ph. Only VISA and Mastercard credit cards are accepted. 

CNN Philippines to deliver cross-platform comprehensive coverage of SONA 2020

During these unprecedented times, CNN Philippines brings extensive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), and the opening of the second regular session of the 18th Congress on Monday, July 27th. 

Kicking off the day’s coverage at 5:00 a.m. is a special edition of Politics As Usual with Pia Hontiveros, on the costs and consequences and the government’s recovery plan amid this pandemic. It will be followed by New Day SONA Edition, anchored live by Ria Trillo and Ruth Cabal.

DJ Khaled teams up with Drake on two new singles “Popstar” and “Greece”

What a surprise drop! GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum artist, music industry visionary, innovative influencer, mogul, and mega-producer DJ Khaled has released not one, but two new singles with Canadian music superstar Drake.

The massive singles “POPSTAR” and “GREECE” set the stage for his for his twelfth full-length album and one of the most anticipated hip-hop events of 2020, Khaled Khaled—coming very soon. Using his given name, it marks his most personal and powerful body of work yet.

Win P100,000 and free vouchers from AXA Philippines!

Get a chance to win amazing prizes by simply updating your contact information via the Emma by AXA app.

AXA Philippines, one of the country's leading insurance providers, is giving its life and general insurance customers a chance to win Grab Food and Lazada vouchers and P100,000 via GCash.

To qualify for the promo, all you have to do is download the Emma by AXA app and register. Then, simply update your contact information through the app. 

Ben&Ben portrays family drama on “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin” music video

Award-winning Filipino band Ben&Ben explores the complicated dynamics of a fictional family in the music video of “Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin.” 

Revolving around a realistic depiction of a family on the verge of dysfunction, the narrative hits home with each member learning how to listen to each other, and speak their minds.

Visual storyteller Cocoy Ponce holds mobile night photography masterclass with the vivo V19 Neo

Mobile photography enthusiasts were treated to a Night Photography masterclass as leading global technology company, vivo, and renowned photographer and videographer, Cocoy Ponce, teamed up to host the #V19PerfectTheNightWorkshop last July 15.

Through his impressive shots of the otherwise normal EDSA stretch, Ponce proved that with the vivo V19 Neo and low-light photography know-hows, one could make mundane things seem extraordinary.

Smart financial choices for millennials

One of the positive things that the lockdown has given us collectively is more time to think. People are spending a good amount of time thinking about the future, including long-term financial goals. The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting economic downturn may have drastically changed everything, forcing people to take a more serious look at their finances and consider making some adjustments. 

Millennials are especially affected because they are at the point of their lives where they start thinking and making some of the biggest decisions in life, like getting married, buying a place of their own, having kids, and needing to be more responsible with their finances.

CNN Philippines’ new business program The Exchange with Rico Hizon airs every Friday

The coronavirus pandemic has affected people all over the world. Due to quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, the business sector has greatly suffered causing several companies to close permanently, affecting employment. While some are trying to bounce back, adapt to the new normal or shift to a different venture, business owners and their workers are still faced with so much uncertainty. 

The political climate, monetary policies and the changing nature of work brought upon by the pandemic continue to challenge the outlook of business leaders everywhere. With the global economic future at stake, companies must continue to evolve, diversify, and adapt while taking calculated risks that yield good returns.

Pru Life UK, industry partners promote mobile health and AI to augment healthcare in the Philippines

The life insurer hosts free PRUWise Webinar on the topic on July 23

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK will launch the latest addition to its PRUWise Webinar series called ‘Healthscape PH’, a dialogue series on timely topics around healthcare in the Philippines, including accessibility and modernization of health services. 

The first event in the series is a webinar around the theme “Harnessing the Power of AI and Mobile Health in Transforming Philippine Healthcare”, and will be held on July 23, 2020, Thursday, 3:00 PM via Zoom. The session aims to look into the growing adoption of AI and mobile health (mHealth) especially during the pandemic, as well as current challenges and opportunities for health tech that lie ahead. 

AirAsia ramps up in-flight offerings for guest convenience and safety

Additional measures, related to the sale of in-flight meals and products, are being taken to ensure guests have a safe and convenient journey under AirAsia’s new norm of flying.

While AirAsia’s award-winning Santan meals will still be served onboard, guests will need to pre-book their hot meals online. In-flight purchasing of meals will be temporarily put on hold to lessen physical interactions in transit while cabin crew handling food wear extra protective gear for added safety. 

Rates for check-in baggage have also been marked down to ensure guest compliance with AirAsia’s strict one carry-on baggage policy.

National Artist Maestro Ryan Cayabyab leads top OPM artists in FREE virtual benefit concert with PLDT Home

National Artist for Music Maestro Ryan Cayabyab top bills the FREE virtual benefit concert of PLDT Home themed “At Home with PLDT: No Learner Left Behind,” in partnership with PLDT-Smart Foundation on July 14, 2020. 

With the aim to raise funds to address the needs of students, teachers, and schools nationwide as they face the new normal in online distance learning, PLDT Home hosts the livestream concert that will gather Filipino musical artists and OPM icons such as, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid alongside husband, Ogie, Martin Nievera, and Pops Fernandez. The concert will be hosted by comedian and theater actor Jon Santos and directed by the award-winning concert director, Paolo Valenciano. Viewers will likewise be serenaded with OPM favorites and timeless music by musical theater artists including 8 Taal Ensemble, Sheila Valderama, Yanah Laurel, Lara Maigue, Gabriela Pangilinan, Gian Magdangal, Arman Ferrer, Flord Tena, and David Ezra.

Sharpen your night photography skills with vivo V19 Neo

Millennials have learned to make the most out of the “new normal” by exploring different passions, even after hours. Some have learned how to cook, or make their own music. Others have even gotten into night photography. And with smartphones such as the vivo V19 Neo, which boasts of super night mode and super night selfie features, along with a camera array, this passion for igniting the night has become even more possible. 

While some may find practicing night photography at home difficult due to a lack of subjects to capture, the truth is, there are plenty of everyday objects in and around the house that one can use to practice, and maybe even master, night photography. Here are some examples:

Empower new kinds of learning with the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, now available nationwide!

SAMSUNG officially launches the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and is now available nationwide starting today.

Turn ideas into action with the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite’s precise and ergonomic S Pen, which lets users write down notes and accomplish their tasks with ease. From writing notes, creating artwork, and developing presentations, learning can be done easier with the S Pen. The best part is that it is magnetically attached to the tablet, ready for use anytime and anywhere.

HP 21.5-inch FHD monitor takes multitasking to greater lengths

The HP P22h Monitor has 100mm of adjustable height 

to offer the best viewing experience

Working from home can have its benefits—not having to wear a uniform or rushing to the office, enjoying more than the usual number of coffee breaks or snacks, or having extra time with the family.

Temporarily working from home or setting up a home-office will also mean achieving greater productivity, especially if one has a secondary screen such as the HP P22h G4 FHD Monitor. 

Studies reveal that multiple monitors can increase productivity by 42% or more . And the P22h Monitor is one stylish and sleek business display that can surely boost productivity as it serves as a bigger second screen for those using a desktop or laptop with smaller displays.

Indie Singer-Songwriter VANNA Releases Brand New Single ‘Voices’ Via Umami Records

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA has finally dropped ‘Voices,’ the third single from her debut EP ‘High Hopes’ via Singapore based indie label Umami Records. 

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), ‘Voices’ takes pride of its deeply melodic and hauntingly atmospheric folktronica production. Made more vulnerable with captivating vocals, the song is about VANNA’s experience in overcoming the voices and troubles inside her head.

K-Hiphop Indie Artist, Jungsu, releases new single "Need Ya Now" on Spotify and other music platforms

JUNGSU released his new hit single "Need Ya Now" on July 7, 2020, at 7 PM (Pacific Standard Time). When you listen to the new track, the song reflects the intense need of every person asking for God's help and mercy. The impact of the line, "Free me from all things scheming to hurt me," listeners may respond the same to the pleading sentiments of the character asking for forgiveness for the wrongs he had done in life.

He is a new hip-hop and R&B musician who made his debut in April 2019. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, he moved to Los Angeles and lived there since the young age of 8. He had his first encounter with rap in an 8th grade mathematics class, where his teacher asked them to memorize the value of Pi (π). Who would have thought that one day, it will bring him to where he is now.

PayMaya your way for your government dues at the safety of your own homes

Now that we are still in General Community Quarantine, our movements are still restricted, and that is why eWallets like PayMaya has helped millions of Filipinos pay for their utility bills from the comfort of their homes. But apart from paying for water, electricity, and postpaid plans, PayMaya is also a safe and convenient option to settle your government dues.

Expert Advice on Flying During COVID-19

Feeling unsure about air travel these days? We know it’s an uncertain time but we would like to reassure you that flying remains one of the safest modes of transport amid COVID-19. While you’ve likely already heard about the precautionary measures AirAsia is taking to keep flying safe for you, we thought you might want to hear more about what global health and aviation experts are saying.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The leading authority on global health issues has stated the following:

PhilPop goes global with #MusicBreakingBorders

PhilPop has always been a reliable and trusted platform in fostering appreciation for quality and original compositions that reflect Filipino culture, experience, and identity. This year, the country’s premier songwriting competition plans to continue its mission of promoting homegrown music on a scale that’s never been done before: by going global and forging regional ties.

With #MusicBreakingBorders as its newest tagline, PhilPop is committed to celebrating and showcasing the diverse appeal of Filipino music through its Songwriting Festival.

This also serves as an opportunity to empower underrated music talents from the Philippines to harness their potential in the international music arena, and give them the necessary support to widen their reach and adapt to various challenges and trends in the industry. 

The best stores to go to for your daily essentials

Use PayMaya for safe, contactless payments and get great deals too! 

One of the biggest priorities during this pandemic is ensuring that our families stay safe and healthy. Apart from following standard health measures like social distancing, online shopping has also been the go-to of most consumers when it comes to purchasing essentials to limit their contact. But if you can't avoid going out to buy your day-to-day needs, make sure that you stay safe by using contactless payments like PayMaya QR. 

Paying via PayMaya QR lessens the risk of transmitting the virus through cash-handling. By simply scanning the QR code at the counter, you can already pay for your purchases within minutes - no need to exchange cash and coins with the cashier.  

On top of giving you a safe and convenient payment option, PayMaya also gives you the most value out of your hard-earned money. #ScanToPay with PayMaya QR for your purchases to get 1%, 10%, or 100% Balik Bayad or a maximum of P500 Balik Bayad for your transaction until September 30, 2020! You can enjoy up to P500 worth of cashback every month. 

Check out this list to see where you can #ScanToPay:  

Casa de Memoria launches new online auction platform for budding collectors

Bronze Lioness

Following the success of its Primero and Segundo anniversary and inaugural online auctions, Casa de Memoria, the Lhuillier-managed auction house now introduces The Casa Online.

Powered by Invaluable, The Casa Online is a series of auction events that aim to provide  budding art enthusiasts and younger collectors with an accessible platform featuring smaller art pieces and interesting bric-a-brac that are within the reach of this growing audience.  

vivo Mobile Legends event hosts gaming vloggers’ face-off, July 3

Professional gamers Junnie Boy and Bianca Yao are set to face-off and showcase their Mobile Legends: Bang Bang skills as they test the gaming features of the vivo V19 Neo. The Mobile Legends Live Stream event will also see the top vloggers captaining their respective teams.

The match will be livestreamed by vivo Philippines on its Facebook page on Friday, July 3 at 7 PM (PST). Junnie Boy and Bianca Yao will also host livestreams on their Facebook channels which have 2.65 million and 96,000 subscribers, respectively.

Two gamers can get a chance to play in the Mobile Legends Live Stream and win exciting prizes. They just have to “like” the vivo Philippines’ official Facebook page, take a selfie, comment why they want to be part of #TeamJunnieBoy or #TeamBianca on the post, and share this using the hashtags #IgniteYourNight, #vivoV19NeoMLLiveBattle.

Lockdown career tips: 5 pointers on how to be an all-star at work

Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory and seize opportunities to move it forward.

Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.

Pru Life UK bags international Gold Quill award for 2019 Prudential RideLondon

Leading insurer Pru Life UK earned an international Gold Quill for its 2019 Prudential RideLondon media campaign, a recognition bestowed by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The award was presented at IABC’s Virtual World Conference held in the United States on June 14-17, 2020.

Pru Life UK received the 2020 Gold Quill Award of Merit in the Programs Category – Media Relations, and was among the four winning entries from the Philippines this year.