What does technology have to do to help you achieve a well-balanced lifestyle

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Here's how OPPO smart wearables can assist you in maintaining overall fitness and health

Source: https://www.oppo.com/ph/accessories/


The ongoing pandemic has made us feel unsafe and worried about our health. That is why we tried maintaining our healthy lifestyle during the lockdowns, even though we mostly did everything indoors. But now that we are more receptive to what our everyday lives would be, more and more people, especially the young ones, try to get hold of their overall fitness and strive to have or regain a well-balanced lifestyle.

Fortunately, keeping our overall health has never been easier. With the help of exciting devices like the global smart device brand OPPO’s smart wearables, it can aid us in ensuring that we can be back on track to leading a healthy lifestyle.


Source: https://www.oppo.com/ph/accessories/watch-free/

Get fit, healthy with OPPO Watch Free

As we slowly return to normal, more people are trying to become active through various outdoor activities, such as running, jumping or skipping ropes, and other workout routines and fun ways to break a sweat.

To achieve your health goals, OPPO Watch Free can come in handy. It has a 1.64-inch AMOLED HD screen and supports professional sports modes, such as running courses, so it is easy for you to reach your fitness and fat-burning goals. It has more than 100 exercise modes to help you with your everyday workout needs.

On top of that, OPPO Watch Free leverages an algorithm that instantly recognizes and records four different exercises so you won’t forget your daily workout routine. The device is also built with a 24-hour heart rate monitor that constantly tracks your heart rate and notifies you when it detects irregularities in your heartbeat.

To further assist you in maintaining your health, the smartwatch provides reminders so you can regularly drink water and stand up from time to time. In addition, OPPO Watch Free features OSleep that can aid you in identifying and improving your sleep problems.

Retailing at Php 5,499, the device is available in Vanilla and Black variations in all OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, and e-commerce platforms, such as Shopee and Lazada.


Source: https://www.oppo.com/ph/accessories/enco-air2/





Entertainment at its finest with OPPO Enco Air2

After long hours at work, nothing beats a good rest and some “me time.” Whether you are a binge-watcher or casual gamer, you can surely appreciate good sound quality during your chill hours.

The good thing is that the global smart device brand has OPPO Enco Air2, which provides a smooth and extraordinary sound quality that can help you enjoy your favorite shows or action-packed games.

With its 13.4mm composite titanized diaphragm driver, you can expect nothing but an excellent listening experience. It is integrated with two Enco Live Sound Effects, such as Bass Boost for stronger and deeper bass and Clear Vocals for precise and richer vocals in your sounds.

Supporting Bluetooth connectivity, it boasts an ergonomic design while weighing 3.5g for a more comfortable feel. It retails at Php 3,499 in all OPPO Brand Stores, authorized dealers, and e-commerce shops, like Shopee and Lazada.

Indeed, these OPPO smart wearables are the perfect duo to help you achieve a well-balanced lifestyle. What's more, they also feature long battery life as you can utilize the OPPO Watch Free for 14 days while the OPPO Enco Air2 for 24 hours of listening time. That’s why do not miss out on the opportunity to get your hands on these excellent devices. Get it now!

To know more about the OPPO Watch Free and OPPO Enco Air2, visit OPPO Philippines' official website at https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

DOH, FDA, groups to Food Companies: Comply with June 2023 Deadline to Eliminate Industrially-produced Trans Fat

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday reminded food companies to reformulate and remove industrially-produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from their products by June 18, 2023, in compliance with DOH Administrative Order 2021-0039 and FDA Circular 2021-028.

“The DOH, together with the FDA and the National Nutrition Council (NNC), works to ensure that iTFA-free policies are fully implemented. We expect no less than the food industry’s full compliance to protect Filipinos’ heart health,” OIC Usec. Beverly Ho of the DOH’s Public Health Services Team said during the press conference in Quezon City that was also joined by health and nutrition groups. “Pilipinas in 2023 will be iTFA-free,” Dr. Ho added.

iTFA, a toxic fat, increases the risk of developing comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), according to DOH. After the deadline, pre-packaged and processed food with iTFA will be banned from sale to consumers. Food products with high iTFA that need to be reformulated include margarine and instant coffee.

“After June 18, 2023, all product formulations and labels of pre-packaged processed food containing industrially-produced TFA shall be fully compliant with these guidelines, immediately thereafter, any establishment found to be in violation of any provision of the DOH Administrative Order 2021-0039 and FDA Circular 2021-028 shall be ground for disapproval and suspension or cancellation of CPR,” warned Dir. Pilar Marilyn Pagayunan of the FDA Center for Food Regulation and Research.


PBBM urged to certify Trans Fat Free Law as urgent

A week before his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., or PBBM, was also urged to effectively address heart disease in the Philippines by supporting legislation that will ban iTFA in the country’s food supply.

“Building back better means creating an environment that promotes healthy choices for Filipinos,” said Atty. Sophia San Luis, Executive Director of public interest law group ImagineLaw. “Heart disease is not only the leading cause of death for Filipinos, it also leads to more severe COVID-19 outcomes. By eliminating iTFA, we are one step closer to building a healthy and resilient Philippines”, she added

“As we strive to adapt to the new normal, President Marcos must protect the Filipinos’ health by ensuring that the Philippines becomes TFA-free,'' urged Dr. Zenaida Velasco of the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP). “This coming SONA, we urge PBBM to include iTFA elimination as part of his priority health agenda,” she added.

A Healthy Diet for Muscle Gain, Weight Loss & Better Performance

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



If you're looking to improve your muscle mass, lose weight or just perform better in general, a healthy diet is key. So whether you're a bodybuilder or just trying to get into shape, read on for the best advice on how to fuel your body.

There are three main macronutrients that our bodies need in order to function properly: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each of these nutrients plays an important role in muscle gain, weight loss, and performance.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient for athletes and active people. They are the body’s preferred source of fuel during exercise and play a vital role in muscle growth, weight loss and overall performance.

There are two main types of carbohydrates – simple and complex. Simple carbs are made up of single sugar molecules and are found in foods like candy, cookies and soda. Complex carbs are made up of multiple sugar molecules and include foods like starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Both types of carbs can be part of a healthy diet, but complex carbs are generally considered to be healthier because they contain more fiber and nutrients. Complex carbs also take longer to digest, which means they provide a slow and steady source of energy.

Simple carbs are generally considered to be less healthy because they can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little in the way of nutrients. However, simple carbs can be a part of a healthy diet if they are consumed in moderation.

The best way to get the health benefits of carbohydrates is to eat a variety of whole grain bread, cereals, rice, pasta, and fruits. These foods contain complex carbs that will give you sustained energy and help you reach your fitness goals.

Athletes and active people need more carbs than sedentary people. The exact amount will depend on your activity level, but most experts recommend consuming at least 3-5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight.

If you are trying to lose weight, you may need to consume fewer carbs. However, it’s important to get enough carbs to support your exercise routine. If you don’t eat enough carbs, you may feel tired and sluggish during your workouts.

The best time to eat carbs is before and after exercise. This will help you perform at your best and recover quickly after your workout.

Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in muscle growth, weight loss and performance.

There are many different types of protein, but the two most important for athletes are whey and casein.

Whey protein is digested and absorbed quickly, making it ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein is digested more slowly, making it ideal for taking before bedtime or during periods of extended fasting (like sleep).

Both whey and casein proteins contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle, so they are both excellent choices for athletes.

If you are looking to build muscle or lose weight, then you should aim to consume 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. For example, a 200-pound person would need 200-400 grams of protein per day.

If you are looking to improve your performance, then you should aim to consume 0.5-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day.

There are many different ways to get enough protein in your diet, including eating meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds, legumes, and soy products. You can also get protein from supplementation with whey or casein powder. Read more information about the best times to drink protein shakes on Welltech.


Fat

One of the most common questions asked by those looking to improve their physical performance or lose weight is whether it is better to consume fat or carbs before exercise. The answer, of course, depends on the type of activity being performed and the individual's unique physiology, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

In general, consuming fats before exercise is more beneficial for endurance activities, while carbs are better for short, high-intensity activities. This is because fats provide a slow and steady source of energy, while carbs are quickly metabolized and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

For example, if you are going for a long run or bike ride, you will likely perform better if you eat a fat-rich meal or snack beforehand. This will give your body time to digest the fat and use it for fuel during your activity. On the other hand, if you are going to the gym for a strenuous weight-lifting session, you may want to eat a carb-rich meal or snack beforehand. This will help to replenish your glycogen stores and give you quick energy for your workout.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and some people may find that they perform better with a different macronutrient ratio before exercise. The best way to figure out what works best for you is to experiment with different foods and see how your body responds. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, so find what works best for you and stick with it.

In general, fats are a more efficient source of energy than carbs and are essential for many bodily functions. However, carbs are still an important part of a healthy diet and should not be completely avoided. When it comes to exercise, the best approach is to experiment with different foods and see what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so find what works best for you and stick with it.

When creating a healthy diet plan, it's important to make sure that you're including all three of these macronutrients in your meals. A good way to do this is by filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal, and the other half with protein and carbs. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to reaching your fitness goals!

In addition to eating a balanced diet, it's also important to stay hydrated. The recommended daily water intake is eight glasses per day, but you may need more if you're active or live in a hot climate. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your muscles properly hydrated and prevent cramping during exercise.

Creating a healthy diet that works for you takes some trial and error, but it's worth it when you see the results. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals!

DTI-CITEM's Creative Futures 2022 to present what's next for the Philippine creative economy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

CREATEPhilippines once again gathers local and international creatives to discuss the future of the Philippine creative economy via the digital conference Creative Futures 2022. On its second run, the conference, to be staged using digital platform Hopin from July 28 to 29, 2022, includes an expo, knowledge sharing sessions, and business development and networking opportunities among creative professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and potential clients.

CREATEPhilippines, run by DTI’s export promotions agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that champions the Philippines' creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

In 2021, the program first staged Creative Futures and launched CREATEPhilippines.com, the country’s first government-led digital content and community platform for Filipino creatives. The site features a directory where local talents can upload their portfolios for a global audience.

This year, Creative Futures will highlight the immediate future of local creative industries. “Our lineup of speakers, resource persons, and partners will present what tomorrow could look like for the Filipino creative. The event is all about possibilities, not in the distant future, but now, like in the next 5 minutes,” said Erwin Romulo, CREATEPhilippines creative director, and Creative Futures Program Director.

The theme of this year’s Creative Futures is “Tomorrow” and will include discussions on current developments and industry trends as well as projections for the creative sectors.

The two-day conference will include presentations on Creative Governance, Gastronomy, Advertising, Design, Film, Tourism, Dance, Game Development, Fashion, and Communication Design.

"Creative Futures 2022 is particularly designed to take advantage of the latest opportunities brought about by recent developments in the local creative landscape, particularly the Congress approval of the consolidated version of Senate Bill 2455 and House Bill 10107, or the Creative Industries Development Act. To support the country’s thrust toward a robust creative economy, we're putting forward practices, strategies, and programs that creatives can immediately capitalize on and incorporate into their respective fields in order to become more globally competitive," said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

 

Creative governance at the forefront

Creative Futures puts the spotlight on creative governance after the pandemic hastened the need to institutionalize protection in the creative sectors.

“CITEM consistently advocates for institutional support which we believe is crucial to the growth of our local talents and the creative economy at large. Through efforts like Creative Futures, under our signature program CREATEPhilippines, we aim to foster an environment where creatives can thrive, taking us closer to our vision of the Philippines as the leading creative hub in the ASEAN region," added Suaco-Juan.

Returning as a guest speaker is Hon. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, principal author of the House version of the Creative Industries Act, who will discuss the immediate impact of the law in a presentation.

Creative Industries Act proponents and policymakers are also expected to attend. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and DTI-Trade Promotions Group Officer-in-Charge Glenn Peñaranda will discuss the role of the public sector in the advancement of the Philippine creative economy.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and US-based design firm Alao Design will present a vision of how design can renew public spaces. Arch. Aya Maceda and designers Kristian Henson and Monica Ramos will discuss their design process, doing historical research, on-ground mapping, and immersion, and how they collaborated with the Pasig City LGU.

 

No creative left behind

A new documentary by Martika Ramirez Escobar will premiere at the event. A live Q & A with the director of Sundance-winning feature film Leonor Will Never Die will follow the screening.

A new P-pop web series featuring Mon Abrea, Chairman and Chief Tax Advisor of Asian Consulting Group, is also set to premiere at Creative Futures 2022. Written and directed by Joel Ferrer, it stars Kat Galang and Jal Galang as local creatives dealing with life, love, and their taxes. In a related session, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will tackle copyright and other intellectual property rights-related issues in a presentation.

The conference also has on-demand sessions streamed throughout the two days, including the Department of Tourism’s ASMR series featuring spots from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and the 360-degree interactive video series Across the Archipelago along the Pan-Philippine Highway. There will also be replays of the different presentations and sessions following the event.

To learn more about Creative Future’s growing list of presentations, including advertising and communication design, visit our registration page.

 

Digital expo of Philippine creatives and FAME+ e-tailers

Another key event component is the expo, which will showcase creatives from the CREATEPhilippines directory. Participants can also discover and shop Filipino home, fashion, and lifestyle products by e-tailers from digital sourcing and storytelling platform FAME+.

Creative Futures 2022 is organized by DTI-CITEM in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Register at: https://hopin.com/events/creative-futures-2022/registration and take part in shaping the Philippine creative economy. To learn more about CREATEPhilippines, visit https://createphilippines.com/. Follow us on our social media platforms to get updates on Creative Futures 2022 and know the latest trends and news about local creative sectors.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm committed to nurturing the global competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, designers, and manufacturers. The agency aspires toward the highest standards of creativity and innovation, spanning industries including home, fashion, lifestyle, food, and creative sectors.

 

About CREATE Philippines

CREATEPhilippines is the country’s flagship trade promotions program that showcases the Philippines' creative industries as a high-potential export sector and driver of economic growth.

It brings together the creative industries and champions local talent by organizing events that provide opportunities to learn, network, and seize opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.

As a content and community platform, it houses stories that promote Filipino creatives and offers a directory to help them expand their online presence and share their portfolio to a global audience.

CREATEPhilippines is led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

The Metro Stores Health and Beauty Fair is back until August 14!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Be #GlowUpReady and enjoy up to 35% OFF on beauty and body products at The Metro Stores until August 14

Plus a chance to win a trip to Boracay or Palawan when you shop during The Metro Stores’ Health & Beauty Fair

Beauty and body care junkies — this one’s for you! The Metro Stores brings back its Health and Beauty Fair with up to 35% OFF on great selections that help you become #GlowUpReady. These irresistible deals and discounts, buy 1 get 1 promos, gifts with purchase, and MRC exclusive treats are available from July 14 to August 14. Customers can #ShopTheMetroStores in-store at Metro Supermarket branches nationwide or online at shopmetro.ph.

If last year’s fair was all about experimenting on different skin, makeup, and personal care items, this year is all about investing in the best kinds of hair, skin, and body products that work for you. This campaign aims to encourage the public to make better choices for their own bodies while still being practical.

Shower must-haves like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, beauty soaps are available at low prices starting at P82.80. Most of which are offered at ‘Buy 1, Get 6’ bundles and more!

For those looking to stock up on personal hygiene essentials, now’s the best time to shop in bulk. Deo colognes from brands such as Bench, Lewis & Pearl, Juicy, Penshoppe are at up to 24% off. Most body lotions, including Plus, an exciting treat awaits all Metro Rewards Card (MRC) and Metro Business Card (MBC) members. A P500-worth single-receipt purchase of Health and Beauty Fair products is equivalent to one (1) e-raffle entry. The raffle period is until August 14 only. The raffle draw will be held three days after. The Metro Stores will award 6 winners of a Palawan Getaway Trip for Two worth P50,000, 10 winners of a Boracay Getaway Trip for Two worth P35,000, and 50 winners of P5,000-worth of Metro GCs each. This getaway prize includes the round-trip airfare and airport transfer, 3 days 2 nights hotel accommodation and daily breakfast for the pair.

Members can also get up to P200-worth of discount coupons when they buy products from the fair. A single-receipt purchase worth P1,000 gets them P150 OFF on their next purchase, while a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P500 gives them P50 OFF.

The Metro Stores is also offering free delivery for all MRC and MBC members who purchase a minimum of P1,000 worth of Health and Beauty products in a single transaction through the website. This is available in select Metro stores only, including Metro Colon, Metro Mandaue, Metro Ayala Center Cebu, Metro Market! Market!, Metro Alabang, Metro Gaisano Pasig, Metro Newport, Metro Gaisano Market, Super Metro Lapu-Lapu, and Super Metro Mambaling.

Visit the nearest Metro Supermarket to get first dibs on the sale items or #ShopTheMetroStores online at www.shopmetro.ph. Customers can also avail of The Metro Stores’ Personal Shopper services with Metro Pabili.

Just call, text, or Viber 0917-88-METRO (0917-88-63876) with your shopping list.

Join The Metro Stores Viber community to stay updated on the latest sales, promos, and announcements.

Silka, SkinWhite, Vaseline, Myra, Off, and Gluta-C, are offered at a ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ promo with nothing over P315.

Other health and beauty products for the face, dental care, baby care, feminine care, and men’s body care are also available starting at P52. Alcohol, cotton, and other daily essentials are offered at 18% off.

Bringing back the use of clean energy in Mindanao

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In a report by the Department of Energy in 2021, 31% of the installed energy capacity of Mindanao comes from renewable energy sources as of 2020. This was way lower than the 2011 data, where 65% of the total power generation mix in the island came from clean power.

Over the years, the continued power supply problems paved the way for oil and coal-based power sources to be the primary sources of electricity, which now constitute 68% of installed energy capacity.



Reaching the poorest through Mindanao REACH

To promote renewable energy in the region, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Ateneo de Davao University's Mindanao Renewable Energy Research and Development Center, and PEF inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish the Mindanao Renewable Energy Advocacy and Coordination Hub or Mindanao REACH on June 24, 2022.

The Mindanao REACH seeks to establish a platform for multi-stakeholder, grassroots-based strategies of promoting renewable energy in poor communities which are underserved and unserved by traditional grid-based electricity.

The hub will also advocate measures that would promote RE to revise fossil-dependence on Mindanao, electrify off-grid communities to attain inclusive growth and provide access to information relating to RE.

“We intend to make the center a venue for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and advocacy initiatives to push for renewable energy transition and ultimately address poverty,” MinDa Secretary Maria Belen Acosta said during the ceremonial signing of the MOA.

PEF Executive Director Roberto Calingo meanwhile emphasized the need to establish the hub with rising fuel costs and exhausting fossil fuel reserves.

“The need of having energy sufficiency together with food sufficiency has been more urgent,” he said.

Also present in the ceremonial signing are Climate Change Commission Executive Director Robert Borje, MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, and ADDU School of Engineering and Architecture Dean Dr. Randell Espina, representing ADDU President Fr. Joel Tabora.

Digitalization of services remains a top priority, says SSS chief

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino announced on Monday that the digitalization of the pension fund’s services remains one of its top priorities in the coming years.

PCEO Regino said that as online transactions become the new norm, more notably during this COVID-19 pandemic, the SSS plans to add more services to its online channels such as the My.SSS Portal, SSS Mobile App, Text-SSS, uSSSap Tayo Portal, and Self-service Express Terminals.

“In 2021, out of the 52.62 million transactions we received, excluding inquiries, 43.52 million or 82.7 percent were made using our online channels,” Regino said.

Currently, there are more than 30 member services and over 20 employer services that can conveniently be accessed through the My.SSS Portal. These services cover transactions for membership, contributions, loan granting and repayments, benefit disbursements, among others. Some of these services can also be accessed through other SSS online channels.

“Since the My.SSS Portal is our main online channel, almost all of the new online services are made available here first. However, intensified efforts are also put towards making the services in this portal accessible in the SSS Mobile App for smartphone users, Regino added.

“We are gradually implementing mandatory online transactions for our programs. However, those without the personal means to transact with us online may use the e-Centers in our branches,” he concluded.

Information about SSS online services including how-to guides can be accessed through the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss.gov.ph; and SSS' social media accounts at “Philippine Social Security System – SSS” for Facebook, “mysssph” for Instagram and YouTube, and “PHLSSS” for Twitter. The SSS also has a Viber Community at “MySSSPH Updates.”

PH Digicon 2022 to harness the ‘Boundless’ spirit of businesses, returns as in-person event

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



PLDT Enterprise sets the stage for the most prestigious digital thought leadership conference, the Philippine Digital Convention (PH Digicon). Its 2022 run marks the return of an onsite PH Digicon for delegates, with its last face-to-face conference held in 2019.

“We are thrilled for the return of PH Digicon as an in-person event where we could physically connect and interact with delegates,” said Jojo G. Gendrano, FVP and Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise. He highlighted that this year’s edition will carry the theme Boundless, aligned with how enterprises of all sizes have been resilient and capable of reaching new heights amid crisis.

“The recent years presented businesses with restrictions that challenged their pursuit for growth, yet they persevered. For this year’s PH Digicon, we aim to capitalize on lessons learned from the pandemic for them to fully grasp their ability to be Boundless,” Gendrano explained.

Thought leaders will share the latest digital trends and innovations that can empower businesses to reinvent their operations and accelerate growth. Participants can also engage with multi-industry global leaders to learn about the latest business models and technologies that thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.

PLDT Group President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio hopes that the relevant insights to be presented at the PH Digicon 2022 will help enterprises maximize opportunities and prosper in the digital age. “We enjoin enterprises to push past boundaries, pursue endless possibilities, and reach greater heights in the new world of business, re-shaped over the past two years,” Panlilio said.

Now on its 9th year, PH Digicon 2022 will feature distinguished speakers in its plenary sessions, while fellowship nights will allow delegates to network with global leaders, sponsors, and fellow participants from across all industries. “This event offers an excellent platform for all industry stakeholders to explore the possibilities gained from digital transformation. We are all excited to discover what the future holds for different enterprises,” Gendrano said.

PH Digicon 2022 will happen on October 27 and 28, 2022 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, with a hybrid setup designed for virtual attendees to watch via a live broadcast. "Though restrictions have eased for in-person engagements, we will implement the necessary health protocols to ensure that our attendees will have a safe physical event experience," Gendrano shared. The two-day convention is expected to attract a total of 10,000 delegates from around the world.

The convention’s previous run, titled Revolution, attracted over 7,000 local and international delegates from across the globe, including 1,200 C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and key officers. Over 3,000 participating companies joined 70 online activities over 30 hours of live stream sessions throughout the three-day, fully-virtual event. Top executives such as PLDT Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan, Nokia Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific and Japan John Harrington, Huawei Asia Pacific Enterprise Business Group President Nicholas Ma, NTT Global Data Center President Yasuo Suzuki, Cisco Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China President Dave West headlined the 2021 leg along with over 100 thought leaders and industry experts from various regions.

PLDT Enterprise launched PH Digicon in 2014 as an avenue where global industry mavens, thought leaders, and pioneers in technology come together to drive technological empowerment among enterprises across the country.

Registration details for PH Digicon 2022 will be available soon. For more information, visit www.pldtenterprise.com/phdigicon2022

Small and Medium Businesses are recovery powerhouses thanks to global e-commerce

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



How Filipinos Are Leveling Up To Become SMBs owners


From online retailers doing live selling on social media to entrepreneurs launching their business on e-commerce platforms, we’ve seen how the ingenuity and resilience of Filipinos led businesses that enabled them not just to survive but in fact, thrive in the new normal. Despite the economic challenges brought by the pandemic, Filipino entrepreneurs and freelancers have succeeded in building and sustaining their businesses and their participation in the digital economy has been a major factor in this success.

Despite bearing the brunt of the economic slowdown brought on by the global health crisis, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed to the economic recovery of the Philippines. MSMEs accounted for 99.51% of all businesses and generated a total of 5,380,815 jobs, or 62.66% of the country’s total employment in 2020, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Empowering the small and medium businesses is an important part of supporting the overall economic recovery in the country. By simplifying international business transactions through our innovative solutions, we aim to help more and more Filipinos participate and succeed in the global digital economy,” said Miguel Warren, Vice President, Payoneer Southeast Asia.

As the country transitions to the post-pandemic new normal, entrepreneurs continue to strengthen their businesses by embracing digital transformation. From ensuring secure online payment transactions, to promoting their products and services and growing internationally, Filipinos now depend on digital technologies to turn their businesses into small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that can compete in the global market.



Providing convenient payment options for customers

Businesses that offer a range of convenient, secure, and digital payment options using their preferred local method are often more preferred by global customers and clients. To help Filipinos participate and succeed in the global digital economy, financial services company Payoneer provides businesses with an easy, quick, secure, and affordable payment platform with no hidden fees.

Among the clients that benefit from Payoneer’s payment platform are business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the Philippines. According to the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (iBPAP), the BPO industry grew 1.8 percent in terms of headcount and 1.4 percent in terms of revenue in 2021. To sustain this growth and remain competitive globally, local BPOs need to make financial transactions with their clients, suppliers, and the government more secure and convenient.

With an easy-to-navigate digital platform, Payoneer enables not only BPOs but also online merchants and freelancers to be in full control of payment setups. It allows them to bill their global clients, get paid in multiple currencies, pay overseas business expenses at a lower cost, transfer funds to their local bank accounts, and make purchases online.



Securing financial transactions

Today, selling goods and services internationally requires trust and with Payoneer, there are over 5 million businesses across the world that use the platform. To ensure the security of the financial transactions of all SMBs customers and partners it serves, Payoneer makes sure that all payments processed are made through fully compliant, secure, and tightly audited payments that are regulated financial entities across the globe. Payoneer also operates under a robust, risk-based compliance program that addresses the regulatory requirements of each country that is involved in a cross-border payment.

In addition, Payoneer secures business transactions with its best-in-class fraud protection. It deploys multiple layers of risk technology alongside various procedures to protect businesses against different fraud scenarios such as registration fraud, account takeover, and other activities. Likewise, Payoneer provides a local team of customer care experts who can assist SMBs across all stages when it comes to chargeback claims and other concerns.



Think global, Act Local

More than just a payment platform, Payoneer is the world’s go-to partner for digital commerce. By simplifying payment for cross-border and managing the complexities of moving money, Payoneer allows SMBs to focus on their business and growth.

“At Payoneer, we believe in the potential of our SMBs to go global. Through our solutions, we aim to help as many entrepreneurs and freelancers in the Philippines grow and expand across the globe,” added Warren.

SMBs of all stages can utilize Payoneer’s innovative tools, integrations, and customer service to do business transactions and grow their businesses anywhere in the world. Aside from providing mechanisms for cross-border payments, Payoneer offers a range of services including digital business management, working capital access, merchant services, tax solutions, and risk management. These digital commerce services streamline operations of businesses from 200 countries and territories, allowing them to focus on growing the business


About Payoneer

Payoneer is the world’s go-to partner for digital commerce, everywhere. From borderless payments to boundless growth, Payoneer promises any business, in any market, the technology, connections and confidence to participate and flourish in the new global economy. Powering growth for customers ranging from aspiring entrepreneurs in emerging markets to the world’s leading digital brands.

From over 5M customers, Payoneer is trusted by the World’s leading digital brands serving over 2,000 top marketplaces & digital platforms, sending tens of billions of dollars a year to SMBs worldwide. For 15 years, Payoneer has pioneered this new reality that pushes frontiers, making connections, unifying and creating global ecosystems.

Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex: A sterling landmark of disaster resilience

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

We all know that the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a popular destination for unforgettable gastronomic and recreational experiences, but did you know that the 67-hectare Mall of Asia Complex where MOA stands is engineered to withstand disasters caused by natural hazards?

The foundation of the Mall of Asia Complex was built to be safe and secure because SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers incorporates disaster resiliency measures in every project, with the MOA Complex as one of its biggest investments.

SM Prime collaborated with a team of local and international experts to ensure the feasibility of both water and land before the MOA complex was built and once finalized, Belgium’s renowned coastal development construction company, Jan de Nul, developed it from the ground up.

The reputable Jan de Nul made sure the terrain was stable and the complex’s roads were made resistant to earthquakes and erosion, in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines and approved by both the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Government.

Three important disaster resiliency features were used in protecting the Complex and the coastal community of Pasay from tides and waves: One, a three-kilometer seawall built to stand against liquefaction; two, a meter-high inverted wave return to serve as defense against high waves; and three, a drainage channel to prevent floods during storm surges. This was put to test when Typhoon Pedring hit in 2011, and the Mall of Asia Complex was spared from destructive waves and flooding that submerged many other surrounding establishments.

As an added feature, both the Complex’s main road and all its structures are elevated 4 meters above the parameters set by the National Building Code. Pilings strengthened its foundation and greatly improved its soil bearing capacity.

Family fun, leisure and entertainment are the objectives behind the awe-inspiring grandeur of SM Mall of Asia, but this vision is founded on a commitment to safety and a secure foundation throughout the Complex. This is a firm philosophy of SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Mr. Hans T. Sy, a champion for disaster resilience, who continuously invests in DRR and in allocating 10% of the company’s expenditure for DRR in all of SM’s infrastructures throughout the country.

 “Today, disasters have become more frequent and severe. The government and the private sector must work together to find solutions for greater resiliency.  SM prime as a responsible property developer places Disaster Risk Reduction as one of its core strategies. It simply makes good business sense.” emphasizes Mr Hans Sy. He believes that not only is DRR an effective way to grow the business but it protects the communities where SM is located amid the increasing risks of climate change.

Today, the MOA Complex is a bustling realization of Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s grand vision for it to become both a premiere integrated leisure destination with a complimentary business and lifestyle district – one of the country’s truly revolutionary mixed-use developments, and a thriving example of disaster risk reduction at work.

The next time you visit the MOA Complex – whether it is to visit the world’s largest IKEA, or to view the sunset from the top of the MOA Eye, or to simply shop and dine with your loved ones – it will be good to know that SM Prime has ensured your safety and security from the time the development was conceptualized and opened in 2006.. to today and tomorrow.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders. Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement-- visit www.smprime.com and www.sminvestments.com/sustainability/sm-for-the-community/sm-green-movement/