#NormalForMe Campaign Marks Avon’s 30th Year in Their Crusade Against Breast Cancer | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Here’s how you can participate in this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Avon.

Manila, Philippines – 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

In 2019, Filipina women are even more vulnerable as it was estimated that the Philippines has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia and the ninth highest in the world. The following year, Breast Cancer, was still one of the top 2 most common among Filipino women with the majority diagnosed at advanced stages. 

This alarming rate is most likely caused by low health literacy and gendered socio-cultural pressures including the absence of organized national screening programs. Fortunately, early detection of symptoms has helped patients with a 90% survival rate through immediate treatment and medication.

This is why every year during October, the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage more people to know more about this indiscriminate disease and be more proactive in regular self-checks that can help detect preliminary symptoms.

Global beauty brand Avon has been one of the most prominent brands that supports this cause, now marking three decades of being at the forefront of the fight against the disease since launching the Breast Cancer Crusade in the UK in 1992.

Through the support of over five million Representatives worldwide, associates, customers, and the Avon Foundation for Women, the beauty brand has donated more than US$947 million to breast cancer-related causes, educated over 180 million people about the disease, and funded screenings for approximately 16.6 million women over the last three decades.

NORMAL FOR ME

This year, Avon continues this worthy cause with a global campaign encouraging everyone to discover what’s #NormalForMe by asking themselves: what three words best describe their boobs?

The campaign invites women to know their normal by coming up with three words according to how their breasts usually look and feel and sharing those three words and the initiative to inspire others to also regularly check themselves. Knowing one’s normal can prevent potentially life-threatening changes that can lead to Breast Cancer.

In partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society and to make sure this advocacy is internally practiced, Avon encourages their local Avon Representatives to avail the free clinical breast examinations at select branches—October 17 at Taft/San Fernando, October 21 at Shaw Blvd and Batangas, and October 31 at Cebu and Davao. Associates are also motivated to get free breast checkups at the Avon Head Office in Makati on October 19 and 20.

Finally, Avon extends this advocacy to a larger network and invites everyone to pink it up by supporting products and services from Avon and partner brands to raise awareness and raise funds on behalf of the Philippine Cancer Society.

Save lives by shopping dedicated fundraising products like the Self-Check Watch, Mariposa 2-in-1 Accessory Giftset, Avon Empower Non-Wire Mastectomy Bra, and the Avon Empower Bra Prosthesis. Purchase these items via avonshop.ph or contact an Avon Representative.

The public may also donate any amount directly via GCash by scanning the QR. Interested parties can also participate in the fundraiser through various partners:

· Food Panda. Use “AVONFP50” to donate and enjoy a discount for every checkout from October 15 to 31.

· Electric Studio. Participate in special fundraising spin classes on October 19, 26, and 29 at select branches (Bonifacio Global City, The Podium, and Molito Alabang) where proceeds will be donated to the cause.

· LiveLoveParty.TV. Join a Self-Check Zumba at SM by The Bay on October 22 with minimum donation of PhP50.

“For the last 30 years, we’ve committed to this cause to raise funds and awareness to help more women to join the initiative to battle Breast Cancer not just for themselves, but also for their loved ones,” shares Avon Head of Communications for Philippines & APAC, Marion Limlengco. “This is why we’ll always push for everyone to know the signs, know the risks, and know how to take action because early detection will help save lives.”

All proceeds will be donated to Avon’s partner beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society, who is also offering consultation should you spot a lump or need more help in screening your breasts and pecs.

For more information about Avon’s #NormalForMe campaign please visit bit.ly/avonbreastcancerpromise. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and shop your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon Representative.  

Federal Land Holds Spooky Halloween Fun at the Bay Area | PR Post | MarkMyName

Are you looking for spooktacular activities for the kids over the weekend? 

Federal Land Inc. is inviting both kids and kids at heart to join the Halloween festivities happening on October 29 and 30 at Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live in Pasay City. 

Candies and treats are up for grabs at Blue Bay Walk and Met Live as different mall establishments swing open their doors for kids to enjoy the spooky season.

“The Bay Area is about to get spirited! We are super thrilled to organize different activities to give kids the most awesome time this Halloween weekend. Admission is free, so be sure to drop by,” said Federal Land Commercial Development Head Mylene del Rosario.

For those who are joining in the fun, you may proceed to The Spine at Blue Bay Walk on Saturday, October 29, and the Atrium of Met Live on Sunday, October 30 to register and get your stamp card to participate in the events.

Various brands will be sponsoring exciting treats that you wouldn’t want to miss. Games, arts and crafts, a KPop-themed photo booth, and a lot more await participants. The Halloween activities for both malls will start at 3PM and until 5PM. 

Everyone is encouraged to be in their best costume for a chance to bring home more goodies. Halloween-themed sling bags will also be given away to the first few kids to finish the trip to all the booths. 

Metro Park is Federal Land’s 36-hectare master-planned community at Pasay City’s Manila Bay Area. It offers resort-style residential condominiums, delectable dining options, chic retail hubs, exciting weekend events, and a convenient office environment against the backdrop of the Manila Bay sunset.

 

Happy World Savings Day from Cebuana Lhuillier | PR Post | MarkMyName

On the first post-pandemic World Savings Day, even more Pinoys recognize the value of saving money.

More than two years after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos raring for a restart actually improved their mindset towards saving money, according to a recent survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

This is a welcome development, considering that 34% of the population lost their source of income during the pandemic years, based on a survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, many have relied entirely on their savings account to survive the last two years.

According to the BSP’s Consumer Expectations Survey for the first quarter of 2022, the percentage of households with savings increased marginally at 31.1 percent from 30.2 percent in Q4 of 2021.Majority of the respondents cited the need for emergencies, health and medical expenses, retirement, education, and business capital and investment as reasons to save their money.

A big help in this increase in mindset and enthusiasm is the availability of more options to save money, aside from traditional banking institutions.

Cebuana Lhuillier makes life easier and dreams come true with Micro Savings.

One of the most innovative means to save is through Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings. Launched in 2019 by Cebuana Lhuillier and its banking arm Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, this product has been in the forefront of bringing easy, accessible, reliable banking to the majority of Filipinos, with close to seven million micro-savings, account holders today.

“Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings empowered millions of Filipinos to embark on their very own financial journeys by giving them a reliable, accessible, and efficient way to save their money, which they can easily withdraw during times of need. The quick adaptation of our kababayans to micro-savings proved that the healthy mindset towards saving has always been there, as long as they are equipped with the right tools,” says Jean Henri Lhuillier, president, and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings—which allows customers to open an account in any of over 3,000 Cebuna Lhuillier branches nationwide for as low as only P50—was introduced as a means to address the barriers to saving, including lack of accessibility, high maintaining balance, and the need for numerous documentary requirements to open an account.

With businesses and the rest of the country slowly getting back to normal, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings remained a go-to product for many of our kababayans ready to resume their lives and dreams following two years of uncertainty.

James Tan, 18 years old, a working student from Laguna, who easily managed to save with Micro Savings to buy his won bike

For James Tan, an 18-year-old working student from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, saving meant enjoying the added mobility, safety, and convenience of having his own bike, a useful tool for his daily commute between work and school.

“Gusto ko kasi magka-bike kasi sapamasahe pa lang, malakinamatitipid ko papuntasa school at satrabaho. So, yungpaunti-untikongpag-iiponsaCebuana, ginamit ko yun para mabiliyungpangarapkong bike. Hindi naako nata-trapik o nale-late satrabahongayon,” he shares.

(“I want to own a bike because I can save so much on fares commuting to school and work. So that’s why I saved to Cebuana enough to buy my bike. Now I don’t get stuck in traffic and come to work late.”)

As a working student helping to support his family, James decided to continue his savings after buying the bike to also help augment the expenses from home.

Royce Jason Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker who saves using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account to provide a better future for his family

The need to provide a better future for their family is also why Royce Jayson Velez, a 36-year-old construction worker, decided to open a Micro Savings account. Earning an average of P400 per day, Royce and his wife needed to be creative in order to stretch his salary to last until the next payday. His micro savings carried the family during difficult times, and are now being allocated for the schooling of his children.

“Sabi ko sasarili ko, ipagpapatuloy ko ang ipon ko para magamit ng mgaanak ko sapag-aaral at balangaraw, magkaroonsila ng magandangtrabaho,” Velez shares.

(“I said to myself that I would continue saving so that I can send my children to school for them have good jobs in the future.”)

A former kasambahay, CarieLabro, 38 years old, was able to put up her own sari-sari store using Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings.

For CarieLabro, a 38-year-old former housekeeper, her micro savings paved the way for her micro-entrepreneurship. When her kids started asking for more time to spend with her, Carie decided to take a leap of faith and resign from her post as a housekeeper so she could be more present for her growing kids.

With the PHP10,000 she initially saved in her Micro Savings account, Labroopened a small store which she now maintains as her primary source of income. Like Velez, she has vigilantly kept up with her micro-savings. She now saves part of her earnings in her account as an emergency fund for her and her kids.

Taking advantage of the renewed interest in saving, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank continues to push for accessibility and convenience for their breakthrough product. The two-time Asian Banking & Finance Award winner for Rural Bank of the Year has adopted an innovative approach by adapting more tech features for micro-savings.

“The success of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings encouraged us to further push the envelope in bringing convenience, accessibility, reliability, and efficient banking to our clients. The change in how people access financial services nowadays served as our push towards digitalization,” said Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President Dennis Valdes.

Aside from Cebuana Lhuillier branches, micro savings accountholders can also withdraw cash anytime, anywhere in over 21,000+ BancNet ATMs nationwide, purchase online thru UnionPay merchants worldwide, enjoy 24/7 unlimited banking access with the eCebuana app, and make cashless payments in over 350,000 UnionPay and BancNet accredited stores nationwide. 

Sugar shortage? Make life sweeter with Stevia! | PR Post | MarkMyName

The country has been undergoing a sugar shortage for the past few months, causing sugar prices to soar. The price surge of this kitchen staple has affected the purchasing power of Filipinos, who are already having difficulty coping with inflation. Given how sugar is a key ingredient in most dishes, many people have struggled to make their lives and dishes sweeter.

Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative that can help solve Filipinos’ sugar woes. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories and does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is better than chemical-based artificial sweeteners because it does not have any aftertaste or carry potential health risks.

This wonder plant can be used for baking, as a food enhancer for cooking, and to sweeten hot and cold drinks without guilt. What’s great about Stevia is how it sweetens food and beverages naturally, unlike sugar which has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Moreover, Stevia is considered nonglycemic, meaning it does not affect one’s blood pressure levels. 

Given these health benefits, swapping Stevia with refined sugar can be a complete game changer for people who want to make healthier food and beverage choices and maintain a healthy weight range. 

Understanding Stevia’s potential to address Filipinos’ sugary dilemma, Glorious Industrial & Development Corporation (GIDC), also known as the Stevia Company, launched a lineup of naturally-sweetened and healthy beverages. GIDC, the Stevia Company’s line-up of products under its Glorious brand, includes the Glorious 3in1 Premium Coffee and Glorious Iced Tea Mixes and the Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea.

“We understand how important sweetness is to Filipinos’ taste palette,” said Ms. Au De Leon, president, and CEO of GIDC, The Stevia Company. “By making Glorious available nationwide, we want to empower more Filipinos to discover a healthier way to make their lives sweeter.”

The company’s latest products are not only good for one’s body, but they taste great too. Hence, people don’t need to sacrifice flavor to care for their health. All Glorious beverages are sweetened with Stevia, and every teaspoon of Stevia is equivalent to three teaspoons of refined sugar. 

Glorious Premium 3in1 Coffee Mix is a delicious coffee blend sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. It is recommended for people with sugar-related concerns, weight watchers, and other health-conscious individuals. Sweet & Fit Stevia has zero calories, zero fat, zero sodium, zero carbohydrates, and zero cholesterol.

People who want to control their sugar intake can now sweeten up their lives and favorite fruit teas with Glorious Iced Tea Mixes. This product comes in three flavors: Red Berries, Lemon, and Cucumber. Meanwhile, Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea can be used to make other hot or cold beverages together with non-dairy milk or fresh fruits for a healthy little pick-me-up. 

For more information about stevia, visit www.glorious.com.ph and www.sweetandfitstevia.com.

Enjoy Free Concerts at Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live in October | PR Post | MarkMyName

Providing a space for families and friends to enjoy music and entertainment, Metro Park’s Blue Bay Walk and Met Live are set to hold free concerts this October.

Titled “Concert at the Spine,” rising music artist Paul Pablo will hold special performances for guests of all ages at the Blue Bay Walk on October 1, Saturday at 7:30p.m.

Pablo, a Davao City-based singer-songwriter, is the artist behind the hit songs “Bangin,” “Bai,” and “Kalawakan,” all produced by Warner Music Philippines (WMP). He describes his sound as “hugot-tronic,” which is a combination of hugotlyrics and electro-pop sound. Issues on love, identity, and social tension are among the key themes of his music.

“Blue Bay Walk is a place where everyone, regardless of age and gender, can have a great time. Now, with these free concerts, we hope to reignite the excitement that live events give us, offering a time to bond with family and friends as we start living in a post-pandemic world, slowly, safely, and surely,” said Federal Land Commercial Development Head Mylene del Rosario.

Another concert dubbed, “Serenade at the Atrium” featuring Quartet Manila, will also take place at the first floor of Met Live on October 2, Sunday at 5:00p.m.

Quartet Manila started from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. The group performs a full selection of music ranging from the standards of the classical wedding songs to arrangements of OPM, pop, standards, jazz, Broadway, and movie themes, among others.

The members are part of the biggest and most reputable orchestras in the country namely Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Metro Park, is Federal Land’s 36-hectare master planned community at Pasay City’s Manila Bay Area. It offers resort-style residential condominiums, delectable dining options, chic retail hubs, exciting weekend events, and a convenient office environment against the backdrop of the Manila Bay sunset.

Jollibee Buzzes to the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Larger than life Chickenjoy Buckets Bring Joy to the Billboards of New York Times Square as Jollibee continues to expand rapidly in North America.

Homegrown restaurant brand Jollibee joins other global brands in the Billboard Capital of the World, New York Times Square.

TIMES SQUARE, New York. 29 Sept 2022 – After a blockbuster opening at New York Times Square, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee continues to make waves in the Big Apple with digital billboards now already up at the iconic Times Square in New York, the global epicenter of outdoor advertising.

Three billboards featuring its flagship product–the world-famous Jollibee Chickenjoy fried chicken—are now showing at the heart of Times Square’s famous bowtie. It features two models who, after seeing a piece of the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy, couldn’t resist a bite and grabbed a piece of the bestselling fried chicken from an adjacent billboard.

In August, Jollibee Chickenjoy was named “the best chain fried chicken in America” by Eater.com. The distinction comes after Jollibee’s Chickenjoy bested over 15 global brands in four rounds of contests across different categories of chicken – from bone-in, to fillets, to nuggets. Earlier in July, Jollibee was also recognized as one of the Hottest Brands in America for 2022 by Ad Age, driven by its power to draw huge queues to its restaurants.

 Today, Jollibee joins other global brands which have made a presence in the Billboard Capital of the World and is one of the few Filipino brands and personalities who have appeared on a Times Square billboard. 

Taste is Timeless. The creative execution of the Times Square Billboard features a model on a billboard adjacent to Jollibee’s Chickenjoy billboard who breaks character and grabs a piece of Chickenjoy fried chicken from its bucket after seeing it.

This comes at the heels of Jollibee’s successful debut in Times Square, with over 2500 locals and tourists queueing up on opening day and consistently outperforming targets. Alongside its bestselling extra crispy, extra tasty, and juicy Chickenjoy fried chicken, Jollibee Times Square also offers other crowd favorites including the hefty Chicken Sandwich, and Peach Mango Pie, which is made of a crispy and flaky shell filled with real mango and peach.

Jollibee has likewise introduced new offerings into its menu, including a new host of all beef burgers, salads, and sides that are exclusive to the Times Square location. A notable standout in the exclusive menu is the Jollibee Double Deluxe Burger, which features two 100% beef patties and double the melted sharp American cheese.

The Jollibee Times Square store is the brand’s fourth location in New York. This milestone opening is part of Jollibee Group’s goal of expanding its presence in the U.S. and Canada, in line with its vision to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. To learn more about Jollibee North America, visit www.jollibeefoods.com. To learn more about Jollibee Group, its parent company, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

# # # About Jollibee Group Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 34 countries, with over 6,300 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Panama, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Australia.

Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin' and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand.

Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. It also has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Jollibee Group also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. In 2020, Gallup awarded the Jollibee Group with the Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the first Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

Jollibee Group has grown brands that bring delightful dining experiences to its customers worldwide, thus spreading the joy of eating to everyone.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com 

Make Any Moment Deliciously Memorable With This Coffee Caramel Cake! | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Coffee meets caramel in Goldilocks’ newest premium greeting cake.

Having a slice of cake with your favorite flavors combined is like heaven on earth. Why settle with one flavor when you can treat yourself with the sweet combination of two – Coffee + Caramel -- as Goldilocks presents its newest premium greeting cake!

Perfect for celebrating birthdays or gifting to those who simply love coffee and caramel, the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake offers a luscious fusion of flavors and great value for money. Make it an occasion to remember where everyone gets a filling and satisfying slice of this hefty 9”Rd cake that can serve 12 people for only P649.

Any celebration, big or small, becomes even more enjoyable with the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake. This latest mocha cake creation is set to wow not only the taste buds, for it can wake all your other senses too...wait ‘til you smell its irresistible scent of coffee and caramel.

When it’s time to dig in, share with them the memorable moment of slicing through the rich and thick coating that encases levels of fluffy mocha-flavored layers. In between are delightful creams and filling, while fun and flavorful mocha buttercream icing rounds out the premium greeting cake design.

Remember that choosing the best premium greeting cake does not have to be a choice between one flavor or another. You can always get the best of both worlds from the new Goldilocks Coffee Caramel Cake, which is sure to satisfy plenty of your loved ones at an affordable price!

To #CelebrateWithGoldilocks and its new Coffee Caramel Cake, visit a Goldilocks store near you or order online through www.goldilocksldelivery.ph. Follow Goldilocks PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Launches a New Line of Brightening Products to Add to your #RadianceRoutine | PR Post | MarkMyName

 With the ever-evolving demands and needs of our skin, one thing remains the same: consistency is key, especially in routines and habits. Being consistent with your #RadianceRoutine and the products and ingredients you use can go a long way in maintaining your skin health. 

It can even transform your skin to make it look even brighter. To mark its 75th year of catering to the needs of sensitive skin, Dermatologist-recommended skincare brand Cetaphil continues to forge its mark on the skincare industry by introducing innovative brightening products with ingredients approved by Dermatologists through its Bright Healthy Radiance line.

Formulated with Gentle Bright Technology - a combination of Sea Daffodil and Niacinamide that visibly corrects dark spots without irritation boosts brightness and evens skin tone - the latest line from Cetaphil introduces more brightening products to the fold that will magnify skin’s brightness now powered by ingredients such as Advanced Peptide and Antioxidant C. 

With these upgraded ingredients combined with the effective GentleBright Technology, the newest products under the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance line promises to be the gentlest way to brighten skin in just 14 days and lets skinthusiasts continue being #BrightAboutSkin: For CleansingCetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Gentle Renewing CleanserStart your #RadianceRoutine with the new Gentle Renewing Cleanser. This 3-in-1brightening cleanser offers gentle exfoliation using Jojoba beads infused with Vitamin E to remove pollution and impurities, instantly brightening and improving skin texture.

Piracy Is Theft: Rex Education Rallies Consumers, Publishing Industry To Support Its Anti-Piracy Campaign | PR Post | MarkMyName

Piracy is theft: Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the MIBF 2022

Piracy is theft; piracy is a crime.

In a bid to encourage consumers to stand against piracy, protect intellectual property, and support the local book publishing industry, Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2022.

“After more than 70 years in the publishing industry, I can say that I am proud of the contribution and impact that every REX book has had in the lives of our learners. And we, at REX, would like to keep serving the Filipino learner through our learning materials—may it be printed, audio, or digital form. Through this anti-piracy campaign, we can keep the book industry flourishing and thriving. We can keep the passing of knowledge a sacred endeavor,” said Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman of Rex Education.

Piracy is punishable by law

Educational book publishing is protected by Republic Act (RA) 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Under this law, the unauthorized reproduction and distribution of books, audiobooks, and other printed or digital learning materials is illegal and punishable by imprisonment and fines of up to PHP 1.5 million.

However, piracy remains widespread in the country. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), they received a 25% increase in piracy reports from consumers and complaints from rights holders in 2021 compared with reports in 2020. General and educational books and e-books accounted for 49% of reports on piracy, suggesting that many learning materials are still being downloaded and distributed illegally despite the rise of legitimate e-commerce shops and the prevalent availability of e-books and audiobooks.

Rex Education launched its anti-piracy campaign to continue educating Filipinos about the damaging effects of piracy on authors and publishers. Rex also encourages consumers, who have become ubiquitous keepers of knowledge in this digital age, to help stop the illegal reproduction and distribution of books, e-books, audio books, and all other learning tools and materials.

The movement aims to protect the hard work and talent of creators, and ultimately create a ripple effect in strengthening the respect for published materials to keep the publishing industry thriving.

“Time, effort, money, and hard work go into every book that comes out of REX’s printing house. Hundreds of authors and thousands of employees are sustained by the learning materials we produce. Piracy is a crime. Piracy is disrespectful to authors, editors, artists, and the publishing industry as a whole,” said Jeanne Tordesillas, chief marketing officer of Rex Education.

No to book piracy; respect creativity

MIBF 2022 showed a strong confluence of the book publishing industry, educators, stakeholders from the education sector, creators and authors, consumers, and Filipino learners. Anchoring the movement at one of the biggest and most sought-after book fairs in the country meant bringing it closer to the learners and creators protected by the anti-piracy campaign.

With the call “No to book piracy, protect intellectual property, respect creativity,” REX staged a rally around the venue with placards, t-shirts, and flyers. The staged rally gained instant attention and traction throughout the fair, leading attendees to the REX booth where the launch of the anti-piracy campaign was held.

“We would like to keep providing authors an avenue to share their talents and pass on their knowledge to the next generation. We would like to keep providing jobs to our employees and workers of the publishing industry, most especially during these trying times. We want to teach the culture of discipline and respect to the next generation, so they value what goes into every book that passes through their hands,” said Buhain during the launch. “Today, we invite you to join us. Support the local publishing industry. Say no to piracy.”

Join Rex Education in saying “no” to book piracy and “yes” to protecting creativity and intellectual property. Buy from legitimate sources; buy original. Watch and share the “Proud Ako” anti-piracy campaign video launched at the MIBF 2022, showcasing the hard work that goes behind every published book and learning material produced by REX.

To support Rex Education and its efforts to protect the publishing industry, visit www.rex.com.ph. 

(L-R) Alvin Halcon, Vice President of Philippine Group of Law Librarians (PGLL) and member of the Network of Academic Law Librarians; Alexis Vien Regala, National President of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP); Jeanne Marie Tordesillas, Chief Marketing Officer of Rex Education; Atty. Anna Marie Melanie B. Trinidad, Chairperson of the Legal Education Board; Atty. Dominador Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Group of Companies; Dean Gemy Lito Festin, President of Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS); Danda Crimelada Garcia, Chief External Affairs Officer of Rex Education; Franklin Benedict Guerra, General Manager of Rex Education’s Law Business Unit; and Bernice Mangabat, Treasurer of PGLL

Investors Summit to Promote QC as Top Business Destination | PR Post | MarkMyName

The highly-anticipated “Quezon City Investors Summit: Future Ready” will promote Quezon City as an ideal destination for investors and businesses as they continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The summit will put the spotlight on Quezon City as top business destination for local and international investors. We hope to attract many investors who can help further stimulate the economy and provide employment for QCitizens,” Mayor Belmonte said.

Scheduled on Oct. 7 at Novotel Manila at the Araneta City, the event will engage investors, business leaders, business associations, chambers of commerce, foreign dignitaries, and Quezon City government officials in discussions on key areas for investments, public-private partnerships and opportunities for expansion and growth. 

“Quezon City is future ready, ready for investors, ready to build a better and more prosperous city so that our QCitizens will be able to enjoy the resulting benefits,” said Margarita Santos, head of the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) of Quezon City.

Aside from its strategic location, Quezon City also has the homegrown QC E-Services platform that makes business processes such as permit and license applications easy for investors, according to Santos.

“The LGU has automated and digitized 95 percent of the city’s services through its QC E-Services platform. This means potential investors can apply for business permits online,” said Santos, adding that the “permit will even be delivered to the applicant’s business or home address free of charge.”

As a matter of principle, the Quezon City government constantly consults and coordinates with the business sector, which has enabled both sectors to build a relationship of mutual respect and support. “This continued dialogue with the private sector helps all stakeholders to address various challenges and issues, and to think up ways to create a free, fair and fertile business environment,” Perry Dominguez, head of the Local Economic Investment Promotions Office, points out.

The local government is known as an ardent supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with incentives from tax breaks, tax payment extensions to changing the validity of business permits and licenses to help businesses especially during the pandemic.

Soon, Quezon City will launch its Start-Up QC program to further strengthen and develop the city’s start-up business ecosystem. “This program is calibrated to provide financial gains to innovative, creative and promising business models that can help provide solutions and recommendations to social issues and challenges,” Jay Gatmaitan, Investment Affairs Office head, explained.

The city’s commitment to good governance saw results when the Quezon City government received its second straight unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit for its annual audit report for the year 2021. An unqualified opinion is the highest audit rating that can be rendered by COA to a government agency. 

Recognized for its quality public service, Quezon City has increased its social services budget over the past three years, enabling the local government to provide livelihood opportunities and create more jobs, support education, and provide permanent housing, better healthcare and social safety nets, among others.

Earlier, Margie Santos, head of the summit’s organizing committee, said this gathering of business leaders aims to build investor confidence in Quezon City; generate investments and public-private partnerships and make Quezon City the top of mind preferred investment destination.

Angkas: PH Poised to Leap Forward in Tech and Start-up Space in 2022 | PR Post | MarkMyName

IMMAP DigiCon’s co-presenter, Angkas, draws the roadmap for the tech-enabled industries and players in the coming years.

Manila, Philippines - Despite the global pandemic, the Philippines is poised to be one of five ASEAN countries to become tech powerhouses in the next fifteen years, according to the Center for Economics Business Research (CEBR).

Angkas CEO George Royeca, believes the country is ready for a big leap forward in the tech and startup sectors. These industries and their continuous growth in recent years will be the primary focus of this year’s IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022, which will be co-presented by Angkas, the leading motorcycle taxi, and delivery platform.

Angkas CEO George Royeca“While the pandemic has been the worst global crisis of the millennium undeniably opened new avenues for rapid growth in the country, particularly in the tech sector. Overnight, e-commerce, online payments, e-wallets, telemedicine, online gig employment, digital banks as well as delivery and logistics services experienced exponential growth which then had to be supported by faster internet speeds,” points out Royeca.

“The pandemic and the restricted mobility it necessitated primed the market in terms of tech literacy and a willingness to adopt tech-based solutions. There are products and services the market is ready for now that would not have been viable pre-pandemic, and that might have otherwise taken another 5-10 years for the country to be ready for,” adds Royeca. “We have had, and continue to have an ideal and unprecedented climate for both developing and funding tech startups. The kind of businesses that offer innovative products and services we couldn’t have even imagined pre-pandemic,” he concludes.

The road less trafficked.

Angkas was itself an innovation, far more unconventional than it seems on the surface. Motorcycle taxis were already in wide use for public transport all over the region at the time of Angkas’ inception in 2015. Despite the crippling traffic in Metro Manila and its staggering economic cost, motorcycle taxis were not a solution being considered by anyone at the time, because motorcycles had an appalling safety record.

The Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System (MMARAS) Traffic Accident report for 2015 indicated that motorcycle accidents comprised 39.6% of all vehicular accidents and 33.6% of all fatal accidents in Metro Manila. In each case they were by far the single largest contributors. Filipino motorcycle riders were regarded as too undisciplined for such a service to be reasonably safe.

Angkas’ innovation was in actually believing that with training, motivation and support, Filipinos could be the backbone of a safe and professionalized app-enabled motorcycle taxi service. “We shoulder the training of all rider applicants, then we carefully select only the top 30%.  We also hold regular company events that serve as refreshers, and venues for more training in soft skills, and even things like anti-sexual harassment education,” explains Royeca. “The result is that after literally millions of rides booked, our safety record is 99.997%,” he concludes.

Sense of purpose, grit resilience

“I think the number one thing that potential startups should begin with is seeing the bigger picture: are you solving a real problem?” asks Royeca. “Any business venture is always going have a money-making aspect, but in this day and age, it is businesses that have an innate sense of purpose and that offer real solutions to real problems that are embraced by the public,” Royeca points out,

Royeca had specific advice to would-be startups on failure: “Don’t be afraid of failure or adversity, these build grit. As long as you are imbued with a sense of purpose, you will overcome failure and adversity and come out stronger, and with more grit.”

In Angkas short history, they were ordered to cease operations twice, their rider pool was capped, and just when they seemed in the clear, the pandemic hit. Showing true resilience, it was then that Angkas launched a courier and buying assistant service, allowing more people to do errands and business safely from home. Angkas also formed a partnership with the Red Cross to assist with the delivery, and administration of COVID-19 test kits. When it became reasonably safe to do so, Angkas also offered free rides to medical frontliners.

Co-creation Breeds Innovation

Community building begins when everyone contributes for the welfare of everyone, and that is exactly what resonated with Angkas to sign up and be a co-presenter for this year’s IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022, one of the most anticipated digital conferences in the industry which gathers professionals from marketing, advertising, and digital sectors to hear and learn from world-renowned and celebrated local keynote speakers.

Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) is an organization that works toward educating and providing the necessary digital tools for advertising and integrated marketing professionals to make better communication decisions. One such effort is the yearly DigiCon.

Royeca explains, “When you have a business that serves many, it is impossible to innovate without co-creation. Angkas would not have been possible without the coming together of technology innovations, government regulators, customers, and of course our rider partners, to create a “winnovation”, an innovation in which everyone has a stake, and in which everybody wins.”

From L to R: Brian Go (Angkas Chief Marketing Officer), Denise Haak (IMMAP DigiCon Co-Chair), Janelle Barretto (IMMAP DigiCon Ways & Means Head), and Trish Elamparo-Esteban (IMMAP DigiCon Co-Chair).

After two years of purely virtual connections, this year’s IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022 will finally bring back face-to-face networking through the DigiCon After-Hours, which will be held during the evenings across the city, promising to provide cocktails and entertainment, and allow delegates to physically reconnect with other industry players.

“I think what Angkas is excited about is this live interaction; a lot of the best collaborations and partnerships happen because of these more spontaneous, in-person things, and human interaction is what makes all the creativity and innovation grow more,” muses Royeca.

As co-presentor for this year’s IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022, Angkas hopes that this can be a great model to induce new SMEs in the tech and startup sector, while also introducing a community mindset that can hopefully solve daily problems for Filipinos.

DigiCon Valley 2022 is happening on October 10-14 from 9AM to 1PM PST using ViVYD platform, with all new tracks that tackle the different stages of innovation: Launchpad, Hypergrowth, Breakthrough, and Enterprise.

This year’s prestigious keynote speakers include one of the most influential women in the world and Huffington Post founder, Arianna Huffington; Rappler Founder and the first Filipino Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Maria Ressa; internationally acclaimed marketing expert and academic, Mark Ritson; co-founder of Character ventures and Design Sprint inventor, Jake Knapp; and Global CMO of Dole Sunshine Company, Rupen Desai.

Buy tickets now and learn more about IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022 at www.digicon.com.ph and follow their social pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022 is co-presented by Angkas, and would like to thank Platinum Sponsors: Manulife Philippines, Share Treats, and TikTok; Gold Sponsors: Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government, Grab Ads, Kroma Entertainment, McDonald’s Philippines and Meta Philippines; and Silver Sponsors: Digital Turbine, Hepmil Philippines, and Metrobank.

A special thanks to IMMAP’s event partners: Creators and Influencers of the Philippines (CICP), Endeavor, and Kickstart Ventures.

Be an IMMAP Member today! To know more about IMMAP, please visit: www.immap.com.ph or contact us at: connect@immap.com.ph

SMS/Viber (0917) 6310206 / (0918) 577 2357.

Shopee Announces Biggest Brands Sale of the Year with the 10.10 Brands Festival | PR Post | MarkMyName

 Look forward to mas mura brand deals up to 50% off, back-to-back Super Brand Days, and new brand ambassador Toni Gonzaga at the 10.10 Brands Festival from October 1 to 12.

MANILA, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 - Shopee is collaborating with the country’s leading brands to bring Filipinos bigger, better, and mas mura deals on brand favorites with the 10.10 Brands Festival. From October 1 to 12, official brand stores are working with Shopee to offer eager shoppers 50% off brand deals, 15% off daily discounts, and free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend.

The 10.10 Brands Festival is the second in Shopee’s series of year-end shopping events, giving Filipinos more exciting deals to look forward to and get a head start on their holiday shopping. Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines  enthused, “The 10.10 Brands Festival continues to enliven the promise of offering mas mura prices to Filipino shoppers. We have worked closely with our partner brands in bringing the best of brand deals to create a more meaningful year-end shopping experience.”

 Toni Gonzaga joins the Shopee Fam as newest brand ambassador

To drum up anticipation for its 10.10 sale, Shopee welcomes Toni Gonzaga as their newest brand ambassador. Dubbed the Ultimate Multimedia Star, shoppers can look forward to watching the talented performer belt out the “Mas Mura sa Shopee” jingle as she stars in Shopee’s latest TV commercial. Fans will also be treated to entertaining content when they visit the app and Shopee’s official accounts on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Exciting, mas mura brand deals from October 1 to 12

The 10.10 festivities begin as early as October 1, with a wide assortment of official brand stores on Shopee offering exciting discounts for shoppers. The sale kicks off with back-to-back Super Brand Days from October 2 to 9, where users can enjoy up to 50% off on products from leading brands in fashion, electronics, beauty, and home & family essentials.

Unbeatable offers from top brands also await early-bird shoppers with the Big Midnight Sale from 12 midnight to 2 AM on October 10. Users can get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping with limited deals on bestselling wearable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live and OPPO Band B1, as well as trendy fashion and lifestyle items such as the Crocs Crocband™ Flip and Insulated Water Bottle from the widely popular brand Aquaflask.

Shoppers can also expect more exciting deals from other leading brands including: Tiny Buds, realme, Platinum Karaoke, INSPI, Johnson & Johnson, Huggies Philippines, Uni-Care, Cetaphil, Garnier, Unilever, Enfagrow, Nestlé, Lovito, SACE LADY, adidas, Infinix, GameXtreme, TP-Link, Ace Hardware, and Huawei.

The Big Midnight Sale also allows new parents to enjoy big savings with ₱1 deals on these Pampers Baby Dry Taped Diapers. Meanwhile, beauty lovers can score fan favorites like the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick and this Issy & Co. Brow Refiner, both at 50% off.

Download the Shopee app and discover mas mura deals from leading brands at the 10.10 Brands Festival. Head on to Shopee’s 10.10 page to know more about the latest promos or share your memorable 10.10 moments with the hashtag #ShopeePH1010BrandsFestival.