CBS revives Financial Wellness Roadshow for teachers

Around 500 participants joined China Bank Savings’ (CBS) “Financial Wellness Roadshow for Teachers” Mindanao run. The free seminars were last held in 2019, with a total of 21 sessions nationwide, including stops in the National Capital Region, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and General Santos.
 
The 2024 edition of the Financial Wellness Roadshow, which was led by CBS Automatic Payroll Deduction Lending Group Head and First Vice President II Niel Jumawan, focused on refreshing the teachers’ knowledge about the following:
·       debt management 
·       financial goal-setting
·       personal statement of assets and liabilities analysis
·       saving strategies and techniques
 

“We are grateful for the opportunity given to us by the Department of Education (DepEd) to service the financial needs of our modern-day heroes, our DepEd teachers. This program is part of our efforts to give back to the community. We know our teachers are financially literate, but we also know that everyone needs a refresher course to update their personal financial strategies and techniques,” Jumawan said. 
 
“While we stand ready to provide for their financing needs, we also want to build each teacher’s capacity to grow their savings and achieve their financial goals independently,” he added.
 
The roadshow had three stops--Digos City, Davao City, and General Santos City. Jumawan will also be touring CBS Mindanao Locations, including Kidapawan, Isulan, and Koronadal.
 
CBS, the retail lending arm of China Banking Corporation, has 238 locations nationwide, including 168 branches ( APD Lending Centers) and 70 branch lites’. Its ATM network is the country’s second largest in the thrift bank category, with 210. 

Araw ng Dabaw Tattoo Fest 2024 organizers eye tattoo industry as next tourist attraction

Tattoos have come a long way in the Philippines. From being frowned upon, tattoos are now considered art and a form of self-expression. 

Davao tattoo artists are also eyeing the tattoo industry as a possible tourist attraction for the city.

 

“Good business ang tattoo and pwede pud sya mahimong tourist attraction,” Keneth dela Cerna told Dateline Davao in an interview. Dela Cerna is also a tattoo artist and owner of the “Drill Ink Tattoo Studio” in Obrero.

 

Dela Cerna, Arriane Balaga and Ryan Gee are the people behind KGA Productions, the organizer of the Araw ng Dabaw Tattoo Fest 2024 slated at The Dome, NCCC Victoria Plaza Carpark in Bajada on March 16 to 17.

 

Back to back with the Tattoo Fest are the Death Fest Concert at The Dome and the Food and Non-Food Bazaar at the carpark. 

 

Dela Cerna said tattoo competitions are important to the tattoo industry, especially for beginners. “They can learn a lot from the competition and this is also one way to professionalize the city’s tattoo industry,” he added.

 

Davao tattoo artists are on the rise but there is a need to organize and strengthen the industry to ensure quality and safety. 

 

This is not the first time for a tattoo fest to be held in the city. Dela Cerna was also one of the organizers of the Araw ng Davao Tattoo Fest Phase 1 in 2023. The one-day on-the-spot tattoo event also attracted participants and spectators from nearby cities and provinces.

 

“We hope that the Tattoo Fest will be included in the Araw ng Davao list of activities as it will help promote the event,” he said.

 

This year’s Tattoo Fest expects a crowd of over 500 to include tattoo artists and their models. The contest is open for small to large tattoo pieces, back pieces, full arm sleeves, and full leg.

 

The two-day Tattoo Fest will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun does not end there though. The Death Fest Concert will be from 6 p.m. to midnight.

 

“We have confirmed the participation of up to 21 bands from Davao, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Manila,” dela Cerna said. The main act are two visiting bands from Hong Kong, “Human Betray” and “Cursed Eyes”.

 

Early registrants for the Tattoo Fest will get a free event shirt and free meals for two days. Tickets to the Tattoo Fest are being sold at P150 with a raffle ticket while tickets to the Death Fest Concert are being sold at P500 at the gate, or a discounted price of P400 for pre-sold tickets.

Among the food merchants participating in the two-day Araw ng Davao Bazaar are Kape Lakay (Booth No. 18), Bro's Sisig Wrapped (Booth No. 20), Grind Clothing (Booth No. 1), Locs Davao (Booth No. 7), High Blood Corner (Booth No. 5), A&B Cravings / Good Lovin' Treats / Kanubis Davao (Booth No. 19), Maximoos, Kape Boss, Bepochitu (Booth No. 8), Pizza by Jorge (Booth No. 11) and Boxed Burgers (Booth No. 6). 

 

 

 

Holiday gift ideas from SM’s Our Home

Surprise your loved ones with the gift of cozy moments with Our Home recliners

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to fill your home with warmth and joy. The holiday season after all is a time for celebration, gratitude, and creating cherished memories.

Whether you're looking to revamp your space or surprise your loved ones with thoughtful gifts, here's a curated list of holiday gift ideas that give warmth, comfort, and style to the spaces we cherish most.

• Surprise your loved ones with the gift of cozy moments this Holiday season with recliners available at Our Home.

• Unwrap the joy of comfort this season with Our Home's collection of cushions that everyone will love to have and hug. 

• Share the gift of a welcoming home with candles and scents.

• Give the gift of organized beauty.  Our Home’s jewelry organizers are designed to keep precious treasures safe and stylish. 

• Looking for the perfect gift for those who love to host? Our Home’s serveware and barware make the perfect gifts for them.

• Nespresso machines for coffee enthusiasts that they will definitely love.

This holiday season, whether you're treating yourself or surprising loved ones, celebrate the joy of giving with these gift ideas.  Fill your space with festive cheer and lasting elegance, making the holiday season even more special and memorable.

Visit OUR HOME Store near you, shop online or call a Personal Shopper   

SM Foundation commends 397 college scholar-graduates

The SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated the graduation of its 397 scholars from the class of 2023, including 8 summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees. 

The presentation of graduates, which was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, served as a mark of the significant milestone in the scholars' academic journeys and a testament to their resilience and determination to uplift their families and illuminate a path for future generations.

 

The inspiring event was joined by scholars' families, esteemed partners, and the SM Foundation's heads, including the foundation's Executive Director for Education Programs, Carmen Linda Atayde.

 

"Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty," Atayde said as she emphasized the transformative power of education: 

 

Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today's graduates but also for the communities they represent.

 

Echoing the vision of the SM group's founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.

 

"As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty," she said.

 

Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: "You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program's goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”

 

“Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn't end here; it's a new beginning, and we can't wait to witness the positive impact you'll create," she capped.

 

The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.

This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

Globe expands roam-like-a-local offer, unveils new offers amid travel peak

As the peak season for international travel approaches, Globe is expanding its roam-like-a-local offer with GoRoam, launching the service in Malaysia after earlier rolling out in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

GoRoam is Globe’s response to the growing demand for affordable international roaming services. With GoRoam’s country-specific offers crafted to match local SIM card rates, travelers can enjoy seamless connectivity without the hassle of switching SIMs during their trips.

 

Globe users traveling to Malaysia may now avail of the GoRoam offer at P800 for 5GBs, valid for 10 days.

 

Early this year, Globe also launched GoRoam in these destinations:

●       Taiwan: P600 for 2.4GBs, valid for 10 days

●       Thailand: P800 for 15GBs, valid for 8 days

●       Hong Kong: P600 for 3GBs, valid for 5 days

 

These packages are meticulously crafted to align with the rates, data allotment, and validity periods of local SIMs in the respective countries.

 

"With GoRoam, there's no longer a need to juggle between SIM cards when traveling abroad since Globe has effectively bridged the gap in terms of convenience and compelling value. GoRoam underscores our unwavering dedication to enhance the roaming experience for Pinoy travelers," said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Postpaid and International Business at Globe.

 

Filipinos going abroad can now leave behind the hassles of swapping SIM cards, renting pocket WiFis, navigating unfamiliar mobile settings, or missing connections with loved ones. With GoRoam, users retain their original SIM, sidestepping the fuss of configuring a new one. The service guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, elevating the international travel experience to unparalleled levels of ease and connection.

 

To enjoy the GoRoam offers, Postpaid and Prepaid travelers can easily register via the GlobeOne app.

 

Learn more about Globe Roaming offers.

PetPal revolutionizes business for vets, helps expand clientele

 Dr. Paulo Mercado says PetPal helped him gain 90 new clients as it makes vet consultations easy and convenient. 

PetPal, a portfolio company of Globe’s 917Ventures, is transforming the landscape of veterinary practice in the Philippines. With its innovative solutions, PetPal has successfully onboarded over 1,000 licensed and accredited veterinarians and partnered with more than 300 trusted vet clinics across the country. 

PetPal's commitment to excellence is evident in its user-friendly platform, which is trusted by millions of pet owners nationwide. It does not only offer a seamless experience for pet owners but also provides veterinarians with an opportunity to expand their clientele and increase their revenue.

 

Dr. Paulo Mercado, DVM, shared how PetPal helped him grow his clientele.

 

“Through PetPal, I have gained over 90 new clients, all thanks to the convenience and accessibility of online consultations. PetPal has changed the way I practice vet medicine and allowed me to expand my clientele reach,” he said.

 

Similarly, Dr. Gladys Magdaraog, DVM, credited her career growth to PetPal.

 

“Since joining PetPal, my vet career has experienced tremendous growth. I have gained over 60 new clients and the increased demand allowed me to open my clinic’s second branch. My vet journey with PetPal has been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally,” she said.

 

For veterinarians looking to elevate their practice, PetPal offers a myriad of benefits. From setting up a digital clinic to receiving marketing support and nationwide reach, the platform ensures that vets are well-equipped to serve their clients efficiently.

 

Moreover, joining PetPal is absolutely free, with no monthly fees, making it an attractive proposition for both up-and-coming and established veterinarians.

 

Miguel Guerrero, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at 917Ventures, passionately articulates the mission of PetPal, declaring, "PetPal is committed to elevating pet care standards across the Philippines and empowering veterinarians with the resources and backing they deserve to excel."

 

Dr. Gladys Magdaraog says her practice has grown with increased client demand through PetPal. 

Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures, added, "We are immensely proud of the trust and credibility PetPal has built in the industry. It's more than just numbers. It's about making a genuine difference in the lives of pets and their caregivers."

 

For pet owners, PetPal offers a comprehensive suite of services, from online consultations and home vet visits to vaccinations and grooming services. The platform also introduces the PetPal Club, where members can enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts all year long. Meanwhile, the digital pet booklet Pet Pawrtal makes it easy and convenient to track pets’ healthcare journey.

 

With its all-encompassing solutions, PetPal is on a mission to ensure pets live their healthiest lives. As the top digital pet care solutions provider in the Philippines, PetPal invites veterinarians to join their growing community and be part of the revolution.

 

Sign up and become a PetPal vet. Learn more about 917Ventures and its startups.

Globe supports Senate bills strengthening PH law vs online content piracy

Globe supports Senate bills that will amend the 26-year-old Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy, measures that will protect the Filipino creative industries and customers who face risks online. 

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have filed separate bills to strengthen the Intellectual Property Code, a parallel measure to House Bill No. 7600 by Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay's 2nd District in the House of Representatives which passed third reading in May 2023.

 

These legislative efforts are designed to update Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, which was established in 1997, well before online content piracy became prevalent.

 

"The Globe Group recognizes the urgent need to modernize the Intellectual Property Code, especially in the face of growing online threats such as online content piracy. It's crucial to safeguard our creative industries, their workforce, and consumers who might unknowingly access malicious links on pirated websites, jeopardizing their personal data," said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

 

Amending the Intellectual Property Code to strengthen enforcement against online content piracy will institutionalize a landmark Memorandum of Understanding that the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently signed with Globe and other leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country to establish a site-blocking mechanism against pirate sites.

 

The MOU, the first of its kind in Asia, is a significant step forward against online content piracy as it establishes a voluntary site-blocking practice against the unauthorized distribution and sale of pirated content over the internet. The MOU also outlines the general principles and procedures for site blocking as it underscores collaboration between IPOPHL and ISPs.

 

Globe has consistently campaigned against online content piracy through the #PlayItRight initiative, promoting the protection of content creators in an era dominated by pirated materials.

 

As a member of the Video Coalition of the Philippines, established last year alongside major industry players and the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Globe has been at the forefront of advocating for robust intellectual property rights in the Philippines.

 

The proposed bills by Estrada and Revilla, both actors who are personally familiar with the perils of film piracy, aim to empower the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to restrict access to copyright-infringing sites and initiate site-blocking measures, supporting the creative sectors against rampant piracy.

 

Estrada's Senate Bill 2150, submitted on May 9, 2023, suggests blocking access to websites promoting copyright violations and proposes fines of up to PHP1 million. Meanwhile, Revilla's Senate Bill No. 2385, filed on August 1, 2023, focuses on enhancing the IPOPHL's authority and responsibilities.

 

Estrada highlighted the significant spike in online film piracy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with illegal online links to Filipino films, including those from the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, being widely shared on social media.

 

The IPOPHL reported a noticeable increase in online piracy and counterfeiting activities in 2020, with the number of reports and complaints exceeding the average in the previous five years.

 

Surveys by YouGov, commissioned by the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), suggest that enforcing site-blocking could greatly benefit the Philippines' P1.6-trillion creative industries, which contributed 7.3% to the country’s economy in 2022.

 

While 58% of consumers in the country interact with pirated content, many are willing to pay for legitimate content if not available on pirated platforms. The survey showed varied preferences for legal content consumption, with 53% opting for subscription services, 15% for pay-per-view, 28% for cinema, 13% for Blu-Ray or DVD, and 39% for ad-supported media.

 

Filipino consumers overwhelmingly support government action against online content piracy. The survey revealed that 45% support ISP restrictions on pirate websites, 27% are in favor of banning Android TV Boxes that access pirated content, and 39% back the prohibition of apps offering pirated content access.