USANA Philippines, PBA Mark Four Years of Championing Filipino Excellence and Wellness

USANA Philippines, PBA Mark Four Years of Championing Filipino Excellence and Wellness

Thursday, October 24, 2024

USANA Philippines and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrate four years of fueling excellence, powering performance, and championing the health and wellness within the sports community and beyond through health initiatives and proper supplementation.

Since 2020, USANA Philippines serves as the Official Nutritional Supplements of the PBA, fostering a culture of health and wellness among athletes, sports enthusiasts and the broader community to attain success in both their athletic and personal lives. The benefits of USANA products such as CellSentials have been proven vital to the players’ overall wellbeing.

“Through this renewed partnership, we aim to continuously realize the vision of USANA’s founder, Dr. Myron Wentz, of reaching one million healthy families globally,” shares Ms. Ampig “We aim to achieve this by continuously empowering Filipino athletes and sports enthusiasts to prioritize their well-being through premium, science-backed supplementation and continuous community engagements” she adds.

Over the past four years, USANA Philippines and PBA have collaborated on a variety of health initiatives that ranged from nutrition seminars and fitness workshops to community outreach programs aimed at promoting the significance of healthy living. Among the most notable achievements of this partnership was the biggest fun run the PBA has organized which was the PBA USANA Run 2023 joined by 3,500 runners and nearly 70 exhibitors on site. Other initiatives include annual health and wellness fairs and challenges, fan engagement initiatives, social media campaigns, digital content series, and educational programs.

The partnership was renewed at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with USANA PH general manager Cherry Ampig and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. It was also joined by Jara Tayamen, USANA PH marketing manager, Jo Francisco, PBA Marketing Director, Leeo Kim, USANA PH marketing supervisor and Joyce Ramallosa, USANA PH senior sales and marketing manager.

Moving forward, USANA Philippines and PBA aim to further cultivate their shared commitment toward inspiring more Filipinos to lead healthier lives fueled by proper supplements and the right mindset.

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TikTok Shop Brings Holiday Magic with 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale, Unbeatable Holiday Deals and Business Boost for MSMEs

TikTok Shop Brings Holiday Magic with 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale, Unbeatable Holiday Deals and Business Boost for MSMEs

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, TikTok Shop is ready to spread festive cheer with its highly anticipated 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale. With exclusive discounts, free shipping, and a unique blend of entertainment and e-commerce, TikTok Shop is set to elevate the holiday shopping experience for consumers and businesses alike.

This season’s 11.11 sale, followed by the 12.12 Mega Sale, further cements TikTok Shop’s reputation as the go-to platform for holiday shopping. Shoppers can expect unbeatable deals, while sellers, especially local businesses, gain opportunities to connect with a wider audience.

TikTok Shop: A Unique Holiday Shopping Experience

Running from November 5-11, the 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale offers more than just discounts. It promises an interactive, dynamic, and smart shopping experience. According to Franco Aligaen, Marketing Lead of TikTok Shop Philippines, “Our aim is to enhance the holiday shopping experience by creating a dynamic space where consumers can discover authentic and quality products in an engaging and accessible way.”

Here are some of the standout deals shoppers can look forward to:

Tipid-O-Clock Live Vouchers up to ₱1,111 – Significant savings during specific time slots.

100% Free Shipping Nationwide – Convenient and accessible for everyone across the country.

₱11 Branded Deals – Top brands at unbelievable prices, offering unbeatable value.

TikTok Shop is also focusing on smart shopping through its #TikTokShopSmart campaign, helping customers make informed decisions, compare products, and find trusted sellers.

Empowering Filipino Businesses During the Holidays

TikTok Shop isn’t just about helping consumers—it’s also a vital platform for local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through live selling, interactive content, and creator partnerships, TikTok Shop helps businesses connect with their audience in meaningful ways. This dynamic blend of e-commerce and entertainment allows sellers to engage customers in real time, showcase products, and build authentic relationships.

Aligaen adds, “Supporting local businesses, especially MSMEs, is a top priority for us. We’re not just offering a marketplace; we’re offering a launchpad for growth.”

By offering powerful tools for sellers and maximizing visibility during high-traffic periods like the 11.11 and 12.12 sales, TikTok Shop is empowering Filipino businesses to thrive.

Redefining the Joy of Holiday Shopping

TikTok Shop’s 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale is more than just a sales event—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and convenience. As Aligaen puts it, “We believe that shopping should be more than just a transaction—it should be an enjoyable experience filled with discovery and excitement.”

As TikTok Shop transforms holiday shopping into an immersive experience, it creates a vibrant ecosystem where both buyers and sellers can celebrate and thrive together. Whether you're a shopper hunting for incredible deals or a business looking to grow, TikTok Shop invites everyone to join the festive spirit.

Explore TikTok Shop during the 11.11 Paskong Panalo Sale and discover the joy of holiday shopping redefined!

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DepEd and Chalkboard Launch the ARAL Program: A New Initiative to Boost Literacy and Numeracy in Public Schools

DepEd and Chalkboard Launch the ARAL Program: A New Initiative to Boost Literacy and Numeracy in Public Schools

Monday, October 21, 2024

In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) has entered into a formal partnership with Chalkboard, a leading provider of tutoring services, to launch the Academic Remediation, Acceleration, and Livelihood (ARAL) Program. This program seeks to address the pressing challenges in literacy and numeracy faced by Filipino students, particularly in public schools.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on October 14 at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Chalkboard CEO Kristine E. Brown. This partnership brings together the strengths of both the public and private sectors to promote improved educational outcomes for K-10 learners.

A Collaborative Effort for Quality Education

The ARAL Program embodies a synergistic collaboration between DepEd and Chalkboard, leveraging their combined expertise to ensure accessible, high-quality education for all Filipino learners. This partnership aligns with the government’s mandate to provide accessible, quality education as outlined in Republic Act 8525, otherwise known as the “Adopt-A-School Act of 1998,” which encourages private sector involvement in improving public education.

During the signing ceremony, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the department’s goals. “DepEd is committed to ensuring that quality education is accessible to all Filipino learners, and this partnership with Chalkboard is a significant step toward that goal. By working together with the private sector, we can improve the academic performance and overall well-being of our students,” he noted.

Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Curriculum Powered by Advanced Technology

At the heart of the ARAL Program lies Chalkboard’s evidence-based curriculum, meticulously designed to ensure effective learning outcomes. This curriculum is grounded in the latest educational research and best practices, ensuring that each component is proven to enhance literacy and numeracy skills. A key feature of this curriculum is its integration of advanced technology to process data and inform the progress of each student.

ARAL Program Structure and Implementation

The ARAL Program employs a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to address learning deficits exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by Chalkboard, the program offers up to 25 days of targeted tutoring over six weeks, delivered through both in-person and digital platforms. This high-frequency, intensive approach is supported by research demonstrating substantial improvements in literacy and numeracy skills.

The program includes several key components:

• Personalized Learning: The tutoring sessions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every learner receives the appropriate support.

• Nutritional Support: Recognizing the connection between nutrition and learning, the ARAL Program will provide nutritious snacks or meals during each tutoring session to support students’ well-being.

• Community Upskilling and Engagement: The program involves local community members as paid tutors, creating economic opportunities while fostering a supportive educational environment.

• Holistic Development: In addition to academic support, the ARAL Program aims to develop students’ socio-emotional skills, preparing them for success both in and outside of the classroom.

Chalkboard has designed the program to be scalable and sustainable, ensuring it can be replicated in different regions and communities across the Philippines. “We believe that education is the key to unlocking the full potential of every child,” said Kristine E. Brown, CEO of Chalkboard. “The ARAL Program is our contribution to improving the educational landscape of the Philippines, particularly in addressing the learning gaps that have been exacerbated by recent challenges such as the pandemic.”

Target Beneficiaries and Community Impact

The primary beneficiaries of the ARAL Program are K-10 students in public schools, particularly those struggling with literacy and numeracy. The program’s implementation will begin with pilot schools, and its success will be measured through Chalkboard’s assessment system, supplemented by DepEd’s assessment tools.

The program not only benefits students but also the wider community. Local community members will be engaged as paid tutors or food vendors, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities while contributing to the educational success of the students.

DepEd will coordinate closely with Chalkboard to select target areas and ensure smooth program implementation. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted throughout the program’s two-year duration to ensure that it delivers tangible and verifiable results.

A Model for Future Educational Partnerships

The ARAL Program will be funded through partnerships with private sponsors, local government units, and other supporting entities. With the support of these stakeholders, the program aims to create a lasting positive impact on the academic performance and socio-emotional development of Filipino students.

This collaboration between DepEd and Chalkboard is seen as a model for future public-private partnerships in education. Both parties are optimistic that the ARAL Program will not only help bridge current learning gaps but also lay the foundation for long-term educational improvements in the country.

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AF Payments unveils first-ever Mobile Legends: Bang Bang beep™ cards

AF Payments unveils first-ever Mobile Legends: Bang Bang beep™ cards

Saturday, October 19, 2024

AF Payments, Inc., the brains behind beep™ cards, has teamed up with digital entertainment enabler UniPin and international gaming developer and publisher Moonton Games to launch co-branded beep™ cards featuring your favorite heroes from the popular mobile game, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Get ready to cop the new MLBB collectible card series showcasing 15 different hero designs, to be revealed at different times. Each MLBB limited edition beep™ card also includes a unique code that unlocks exclusive in-game items worth over PHP 300,000 in total, bringing your gaming experience to the next level.

“This exciting collaboration is a game-changer in the world of digital payments. By launching our first gaming-centric beep™ cards with a globally recognized brand such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, beep™ is building a fun and unique connection between digital payments and the passionate gaming community. It’s a fresh way of integrating with pop culture and showcasing our innovative spirit and dedication to our customers,” said AF Payments, Inc. President & CEO Jonathan Juan “JJ” Moreno.

“This collaboration is an exciting partnership for us in UniPin. This allows us to provide Mobile Legends: Bang Bang fans a way to represent their love for their game and their favorite hero through their purchase of exclusive beep™ cards,” said Dennis Christian Dominguez, Country Manager, UniPin Philippines.

This development also marks another significant milestone for Moonton Games, perfectly timed with the 8th anniversary of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as well as the M6 World Championship happening later this year.

MOONTON Games Business Development Manager for Game Publishing Kevin Acuña said, “It brings us great pleasure to engage in a collaboration with UniPin to provide our gaming community with a new way to express their love for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. We hope that this partnership also makes commuting a thrilling experience for our fans.”

Calling All Brands: Join the beep™ Movement

AF Payments Inc. is opening doors for brands to leverage the beep™ card as an effective promotional channel. With the opportunity to create co-branded beep™ cards that combine transit convenience with powerful brand visibility, companies can engage millions of public commuters—a key demographic that includes young professionals, students, and everyday consumers. Whether you’re in retail, tech, entertainment, or beyond, beep™ cards can be customized to showcase your brand while delivering a valuable service to your audience.

“With beep™’s extensive network and strong presence in everyday life, brands have a unique chance to reach consumers through an innovative and highly visible medium,” Moreno added. “These cards aren’t just for payments; they’re collectibles, they’re promotions, and they’re part of the digital payment revolution.”

The collectible MLBB beep™ cards fully function as stored value cards usable on train lines, city and P2P buses, modern jeepneys and other transport lines, and at various retail outlets. These cards are now available for purchase in designated booths at the terminals of BGC Bus (McKinley), BGC Bus (Market Market), and One Ayala, as well as online at beep™’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee for only PHP 399.00.

This collaboration is a testament to beep™’s strategic vision to broaden its brand presence and enhance customer engagement through innovative partnerships and product offerings. By positioning itself as not just a payment solution but a brand that resonates with diverse consumer interests, including gaming, beep™ can connect more meaningfully with its audience, reinforcing its market leadership in the digital payment space.

Follow beep™ on Facebook, X, Instagram , and TikTok  for more information.

Meanwhile, organizations and other businesses looking to partner with AF Payments, Inc. may visit the website  or contact the Service Desk at (02) 87379600 (Landline), 09175121319 (Globe Line), or 09985819675 (Smart Line).

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EastWest Honored as Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024

EastWest Honored as Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

EastWest has been recognized as the Best Wealth Manager in the Philippines by The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2024. This internationally recognized and highly prestigious award further highlights EastWest’s focus on providing exceptional wealth management services and its continuing efforts to innovate and enhance its offerings in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

EastWest Priority: A Segment Focused on Elevating Affluent Clients

EastWest’s dedication to serving affluent clients is especially evident through its EastWest Priority segment. This segment, which has seen a 20% increase in AUM and a 17% growth in client count, offers a suite of bespoke services designed to meet the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. The bank’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine traditional, high-touch banking with cutting-edge digital solutions.

“Our affluent banking services are unmatched in the market,” said Jerry G. Ngo, CEO of EastWest. “From economic briefings with top economists to personalized investment advice, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service, tailored to their specific financial goals.”

Going Further for You

“Ultimately, this award is a symbol of EastWest’s promise of excellence in wealth management and our dedication to going ‘Further for You.’ As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this recognition reinforces the strength of our ‘East meets West’ philosophy—blending the best of both worlds to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly meet the needs of our affluent clients. We remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing new challenges, and ensuring that our clients always receive the exceptional service they deserve as we continue our journey of growth and transformation into the next 30 years,” Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management concluded.

The Asset launched the Triple A Private Capital Awards for Private Banks, Wealth & Investment Bank Advisers, Solutions and Index Providers mainly to shine the spotlight and showcase the change agents among high net worth individuals and the private banks, wealth managers, bank solution advisers and index providers that partner with them. These awards cover the Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and Australia.

For more information on EastWest’s wealth management services and digital initiatives, you may visit https://priority.eastwestbanker.com.

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Pioneering innovation and sustainability in the cosmetics industry

Pioneering innovation and sustainability in the cosmetics industry

 With sustainability and digitalization at the heart of the global cosmetics industry, COSMETICON 2024 opened its doors at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. This year’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Sustainability,” positioned the event as a beacon for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to thrive in an evolving market.

This is the second annual cosmetics conference organized by the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP). The day commenced with Christine Michelle P. Reyes, president of the CCIP, who underscored the importance of innovation and regulatory compliance in her opening remarks. “COSMETICON 2024 is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cosmetics while ensuring that our businesses remain compliant, sustainable, and innovative,” said Reyes.

The morning session started with Maria Lynette M. Macabeo, FDA regulatory officer, who discussed promo permit regulations, followed by Maria Astrid M. Ambata, who covered post-marketing surveillance. Gilbert Maximo from DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau gave an overview of new chemical regulations, a crucial subject in today's industry.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, director general of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), delivered a well-received presentation on functional cosmetics and F-Pop, stressing the role of regulatory bodies in innovation and public safety.

After the keynote, Claire Pasicolan from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented on the understanding of PDEA regulations and their impact on the cosmetics industry. The morning ended with a panel discussion featuring regulatory experts, moderated by Janina G. Tan of Jradiance Corporation, focusing on industry challenges.

The afternoon session shifted focus to digital marketing, testing, and logistics. Terence Rene T. Iguidez III, from Sigmatech Inc., demonstrated advanced laboratory equipment for cosmetic products, while Ray Caguin, Country Director of LOCAD, discussed business sustainability amid digitalization. This was followed by Urk Acapulco of Xceler8 Technologies, who spoke on industry productivity solutions.

An insightful industry-sharing session was led by Marjorie Racines, Technical Services Head at Wipro-Splash Corporation, on substantiating cosmetic claims. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was represented by Hon. Adoracion P. Resurreccion, Chairperson of the PRC Chemistry Board, who discussed the issuance of Certificates of Authority to operate chemical laboratories.

The day concluded with networking opportunities, sponsor presentations, and closing remarks from Maricar O. Lopez, Board Secretary of Connell Bros. Co. Pilipinas, Inc., reinforcing the importance of collaboration for the industry's growth.

The conference was undoubtedly a resounding success, highlighting many learnings from speakers including the growing importance of functional cosmetics, as outlined by FDA director Dr. Samuel Zacate. He emphasized that functional cosmetics not only enhance beauty but also provide added health benefits, making regulatory compliance more crucial than ever.

FDA officials Maria Lynette M. Macabeo and Maria Astri M. Ambata shared business compliance with detailed updated on promo permit regulations and post-marketing surveillance. Lastly, Insights into sustainable business models in the digital age, shared by LOCAD’s Ray Caguin, highlight how companies can adapt to modern market demands while remaining environmentally and economically sustainable.

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Creating Unforgettable Customer Journeys: RLC Residences Aims to Enhance Customer Experiences with Salesforce

Creating Unforgettable Customer Journeys: RLC Residences Aims to Enhance Customer Experiences with Salesforce

(from L to R) Sujith Abraham - SVP & GM, Salesforce ASEAN, Chad Sotelo - SVP and BUGM, RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer, Robinsons Land, Abhijeet Kulkarni - Founder & CEO, Appistoki Consulting

RLC Residences taps on the Salesforce Platform, including Data Cloud, Customer 360 applications, and Einstein AI to bring its customer-centric vision to life

RLC Residences, the residential division of Robinsons Land, is proud to announce a partnership with Salesforce, the AI customer relationship management (CRM) platform and global technology company. This collaboration, supported by Appistoki, is a pivotal step in the brand’s digital transformation journey, focused on enhancing customer experience through innovative, data-driven solutions.

“This partnership started with one vision in our minds—delivering a customer-first approach across all touchpoints, ensuring that every encounter—from the first inquiry to long after move-in—is a delightful experience,” said Chad Sotelo, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of RLC Residences and Chief Marketing Officer of Robinsons Land. “This partnership with Salesforce and Appistoki brings us closer to our vision of creating homes and experiences that resonate deeply with today’s discerning homebuyers.”

Leveraging the strengths of both Salesforce and Appistoki, RLC Residences is poised to not only streamline its operations but also to enrich the overall customer experience in unprecedented ways. The integration of the Salesforce Platform comprising Data Cloud, Customer 360 applications, and Einstein, Salesforce’s AI technology, as well as Appistoki’s digital infrastructure expertise empowers the brand to enhance its customer-centric vision, improving every critical touchpoint and delivering a seamless, personalized journey for homebuyers, owners, and investors. This reflects RLC Residences’ strong commitment to innovation and positions it to effectively respond to the evolving needs of customers.

Strategic Integration to Redefine the Customer Journey

RLC Residences will use Data Cloud to unify and harmonize structured and unstructured customer data in real time — creating a foundation for personalized customer experiences and real-time analytics, triggering data-driven actions and workflows, and safely driving AI across all Salesforce applications.

This approach ensures that every interaction—whether it’s an initial inquiry, the purchase process, or after-sales support—will be seamless and memorable. By addressing pain points and anticipating needs before they arise, RLC Residences enhances customer satisfaction and personalizes interactions, resulting in a more tailored and efficient experience throughout the homeownership journey.

“RLC Residences is redefining the residential property market through elevating their customer experience with the power of the Salesforce Platform,” said Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Salesforce ASEAN. “RLC Residences is using our data meshing capability to unify their customer data across Salesforce and other data sources, through zero copy, to build a more unified view of their customer. This sets the foundation for personalized journeys at scale underpinned by AI. We look forward to a close partnership with RLC Residences on their customer-centric transformation journey.”

“RLC Residences’ leadership team has a clear vision on how it wants to elevate the customer experience at every moment,“ said Abhijeet Kulkarni, Co Founder & CEO of Appistoki. “Our firm has been fortunate to experience the amazing innovation in the Salesforce ecosystem with Data Cloud & AI. We are excited to play our part & see it take shape at RLC Residences. We look forward to making this initiative a landmark project in the industry.”

A Future-Proof Real Estate Experience

Looking ahead, this digital transformation will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also achieve operational efficiencies, reducing costs while improving productivity. By automating processes and integrating data, RLC Residences anticipates significant improvements in service resolution times, customer satisfaction, and brand love, ultimately enhancing both resident and investor experience.

As the first real estate developer in the Philippines to implement end-to-end customer personalization at scale, RLC Residences is setting a new standard in the industry. The integration of Salesforce’s technology will future-proof RLC Residences and allow the brand to adapt to rising customer expectations. With this commitment, RLC Residences is well-positioned to redefine the real estate landscape and provide unparalleled value to its clients.

About RLC Residences

For three decades, Robinsons Land Corporation’s Residential Division has been committed to improving the lives of Filipinos. Vital to its success is its understanding of and responsiveness to emerging residential trends like urbanisation, digital lifestyles and work-life imbalance.

RLC presents RLC Residences, a new brand that every modern family and young urban professional will be proud of. This brand integrates Robinsons Luxuria, Robinsons Residences and Robinsons Communities into a singular brand. With the merging of resources and a simplified structure in place, RLC Residences is more empowered to deliver a seamless customer journey for its clients. Equally, RLC Residences has redefined its core product offering encapsulated into its tagline 'Raise, Live, Connect'.

‘Raise’ is about helping homeowners raise their game by providing beautiful and well-designed living spaces. RLC Residences ensures this exciting possibility by partnering with world-class designers to bring to life developments with iconic features such as grand lobbies and home spaces with high ceilings equipped with upgraded deliverables.

RLC Residences strives to continuously empower its homeowners to ‘Live’ and design their best life by integrating their lifestyles in every corner of the development. All its projects have above-standard amenities – both in size and variety – for wellness, growth, and recreation. Coming from the evolving home and work trends, units are also designed to work-from-home spaces with efficient storage systems to make home life more convenient.

More than anything, everyone values connection to people and places that matter. This is what ‘Connect’ stands for, that’s why RLC Residences developments are located in strategic areas, where transport hubs, major roads, and essential destinations are easily within reach. These properties are also equipped with smart home features and digital service platforms so they can easily manage their day-to-day living. All these translate to being at the center of opportunities so they can achieve their goals in life.

RLC Residences embraces the future with much optimism. It brings with it experience and credibility in delivering an impressive and growing portfolio of projects over the last 30 years and its redefined purpose of building beautiful and well-designed residential projects that all of its stakeholders will be proud of.

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