Kwento Ni Toto

2021/05/13

Getting an OLED TV in 2021? Here’s an Information to know about screen burn-in

Toto 5/13/2021 07:20:00 AM

Games, movies, and other stuff to watch on the big screen of your OLED TV or your still planning to have one just like me. Unfortunately, for me it will probably take a little bit more time before I acquire one but if you are eager to have your own now, here's something that you might want to know about OLED TV.

The demand for OLED TVs is still on a steady rise in 2021. According to Consumer Reports, more brands are expected to come out with entry-level OLED sets to make it more accessible to people looking for affordable TVs with 4K quality.

That being said, however, the concern over screen burn-in is expected to also grow alongside it. But what is it exactly and what causes it?

Simply known as “burn-in,” this is a permanent defect in areas of a TV display that can be caused by cumulative effects of displaying the same image or scene for long periods of time. This usually starts as an image retention—when a TV shows what appears to be a shadow of the original image even after it has disappeared.

OLED TV at a local airport waiting area with burn-in, as evidenced by the dark shadow in the middle of the screen.

OLED displays are much more susceptible to burn-in because it relies on the self-emissive nature of its individual pixels. Therefore, when a TV is on for hours, the pixels that light up a static image can “burn in” due to pixel aging with its brightness diminishing to a lower state.

In the past there have been reports of OLED TVs installed at prominent spots such as the Incheon International Airport that showed signs of burn-in that can make customers worry about the long-term reliability of the device.

OLED TV owners might be able to fix the problem and prevent permanent damage by turning down an OLED TV’s brightness and avoid leaving static images on for several hours or even days. Some displays have “pixel refreshers” that automatically shift an entire image on TVs by a few pixels.

They can also prevent burn-in by consuming less of certain types of content that show static graphics remaining on screen for a long period of time. These types of content can include news channels and live sports that show scores, tickers, and channel logos as well as video games that show health meters, status bars, or maps on a certain part of the screen.

But even then, there is still a possibility that some images will be retained. The static image somewhat disappears when switching channels but eventually, it becomes a major cause of concern when the image is already transfixed on the same spot. It becomes a constant eye-sore and the only way to enjoy watching their TV again is by buying a new one.

To check for burn-in, a popular method called the gray screen test will let you see image retention and burn-in more clearly. Samsung has also developed a burn-in detection video test for easier checking.

If you’re an OLED TV owner and are looking to switch, consider opting for a QLED TV instead because this TV technology uses a backlight to provide brightness. This means that the pixels aren’t susceptible to uneven aging, which ensures that the screens are safe from burning in.

For more information about Samsung’s unrivaled QLED 8K technology, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/tvs/qled-tv/highlights/.

2021/05/11

updates

“PBB CONNECT’S” KODREA AND HAIRON Joins Squad Plus

Toto 5/11/2021 08:55:00 PM

An addition to the growing members of the family, the Squad Plus. The mates are just getting bigger.

“Pinoy Big Brother Connect” alumni Andi Abaya, Kobie Brown, Haira Palaguitto, and Kyron Aguilera know fighting for their dreams doesn’t begin and stop with just their stint as housemates. After showcasing their personality and character in the country’s most famous house, the quartet has joined The Squad Plus, Dreamscape Entertainment’s teen barkada, to further develop their talents as they wait for their next big projects in showbiz.

Get to know the newly launched squadmates here:

1) Andi Abaya
“PBB Connect” 2nd Big Placer Andi Abaya has been a commercial model since she was 13 and has nurtured a passion for performing since she took acting workshops in grade school. Now 19, she has developed more talents that make her showbiz-ready, including dancing, singing, playing guitar, and acting.

As a former competitive cheerleader, Andi knows the value of taking big risks and the determination to dream even bigger. In “PBB,” she proved that confidence could be an asset. As she treads the next step in her career, this multi-talented girl-next-door knows and believes she is here to stay.

2) Kobie Brown
“PBB Connect’s” “charming striker” and 3rd Big Placer, Kobie Brown is equally passionate about sports and showbiz. His dreams to play football, however, will have to take a back seat while he explores a career in acting and music (Kobie has a soulful singing voice. In fact, his fans have been itching for him to perform on “ASAP”).

Kobie’s love for music started when he was a kid, when he would copy his idol Michael Jackson’s moves and would often be asked to sing at family dinners. He has also found a newfound passion for mixing songs after he learned to DJ in quarantine. Armed with lessons from Big Brother and his football playing days, this half-British but 100% Pinoy-at-heart is also preparing for more projects by learning to speak Tagalog fluently.

3) Kyron Aguilera
Take a look at Kyron Aguilera’s Tiktok page and YouTube vlogs and you wouldn’t think he went through depression and used to suffer from an extreme case of shyness. Becoming a competitive cyclist, though, allowed him to come out of his shell and explore his strengths.

In “PBB Otso,” Kyron learned to become independent and rely on himself to make life-changing decisions. After he got evicted, his supporters’ love and encouraging words made him realize his potential to pursue his dreams, giving him the reassurance to face the next chapter of his showbiz journey.

4) Hyra Palaguitto
Then “PBB Otso’s” youngest housemate at 16, Hyra Palaguitto has dreamed about appearing on TV since she was a kid. Since then, that goal has been her North Star and has given her the faith and focus to excel in beauty pageants, spoken work contests, and debate competitions.

Haira understands the hard work that goes into having a successful showbiz career. Right now, her livestreaming hobby has also allowed her to enhance her talent for improvisation and way with words.

Get to know Andi, Kobie, Kyron, and Haira by liking the videos and subscribing to The Squad Plus’ YouTube channel (YouTube.com/TheSquadPlus), which regularly uploads vlogs and games featuring all the squadmates. With three million subscribers and 274 million views, The Squad Plus is one of ABS-CBN’s most subscribed and most followed channels on the video-streaming platform.

For updates, follow @thesquadplus_ on Tiktok and Instagram.

2021/05/09

Grab PH, Rexona team up to honor the hardwork and dedication of Ka-Grab delivery-partners

Toto 5/09/2021 08:43:00 AM

Grab Philippines and Rexona have come together to launch the Grab X Rexona Hero Movers Rides Program to honor the ‘kayod’ of our delivery-partners while supporting their everyday needs through a range of meaningful offerings and initiatives.

Delivery-partners must meet the target number of rides every month to get a chance to win. There will be three (3) Hero Mover Categories which they can join in every month:

●GrabMart Hero Movers for the month of May;
●GrabExpress Hero Movers for the month of June;
●GrabFood Hero Movers for the month of July.

This partnership ladders up to Grab Philippines’ ongoing efforts to support the everyday needs, and help improve the quality of life of its driver- and delivery-partners, as they continue to provide meaningful service to many Filipinos despite the pandemic.

One hundred fifty (150) delivery-partners will be rewarded throughout the course of this three (3) - month incentive program. Each month, fifty (50) winners who hit their target ride will get a chance to take home exciting prizes such as a brand new Yamaha Mio Soul Scooter, a Samsung A52 smartphone, tablets, Unilever Livelihood Packages, as well as gift certificates.

“Rexona as a brand stands for movement, with a purpose of inspiring the confidence in everyone to 'move more'. And on Labor Day, we are proud to launch this groundbreaking partnership with Grab in honoring the Grab Drivers or we'd like to call the new Hero Movers who have kept on moving for us and for the economy. Through the Grab x Rexona Hero Movers Program, we'd like to pay tribute to these movers by powering their mileage and rewarding them for the 'kayod' and the hard work they've put in,” says Unilever Philippines Business Performance Manager for Total Deos Von Cruz

Through this partnership, Grab delivery-partners will also be kitted with Rexona-branded long sleeves, helmets, and insulated bags, as well as personal care packages consisting of Rexona deodorants and antiperspirants to help them stay fresh and ready as they embark on every ‘kayod’ to support the everyday needs of many Filipinos - including their families.

Apart from the partnership with Rexona, Grab Philippines has also launched its Groceries For Your Rider Feature where consumers are now able to order groceries and other daily essentials for their delivery-partners whenever they place their own orders on GrabMart.

“Our driver- and delivery-partners provide much needed support to many Filipinos - whether it's in the form of mobility or delivery services. Through our technology, innovations, and our enduring partnership with Rexona, we are constantly reinforcing our commitment to support not only their everyday needs, but also improve their quality of life. We are deeply grateful for the trust and support of our driver- and delivery-partners, and we are committed to continue introducing many meaningful programs and innovations, to outserve their needs, and help achieve their aspirations,” says Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

For more information on the Grab X Rexona Hero Movers Rider Program, please visit: https://www.grab.com/ph/driver-featured-blog/grabxrexona-hero-mover-rides-program/

2021/05/08

updates

A New Game Haven For An Old-School Gamer

Toto 5/08/2021 01:12:00 AM

Games! Yes, we're going to talk about games today here in Kwento Ni Toto. I'm not sure if I had published the article that I wrote for a Non-Government Organization's newsletter about video games in this blog. But, whether I have or not, still, this blog is all about Kwento or Stories. And the best story is when you're in it or have experienced it.

I love playing video games! And probably it was also the reason why I somehow encountered unwanted circumstances in my life. That specific part of my life somehow affected me, my decisions, and even my dealings with people, especially online. It is my life, and it's all in the past now. The best part of that experience is I have learned so much.

So, moving on with our story. As I mentioned, the best storyteller is experience. And being in the generation who have witnessed most of the development and progress in technology about video games, I can say that it is a gift to share that experience.

Video games and Game Console Encounters

Drawings and sketches are appealing to my eyes. I don't know why I love different and bright colors, especially if there's a character that stands out of the usual images.

My first encounter with video games is when I was in my first year in elementary school. The console was not ours but seeing those animated figures amazes me. I think I was mesmerized and hypnotized at that time. And that was the start of my fascination with video games. Oh, by the way, that was Atari. Then, when I'm in the 4th grade, I got to experience another game console, the Nintendo Family Computer, which has plenty of games. Some of the famous games from this game console are Super Mario Bros., Galaga, B wings, Rockman, Contra, Double Dragon, and many more. We don't own any game consoles. It was too pricey for our family to own one, so my remedy is to go to the rental shop to play these games for a short time.

Then I meet the Gameboy, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and Sega Saturn, which display fascinating 2D video games that heightened my interest but still, not owning any of these consoles. The fascinating part is that I get to challenge not only my friends but myself as well. Defeating my highest score or knowing how far I have come in the game. Of course, there's this challenging part with your peers. Later, something new and more than the two-dimensional games, the introduction of the Sony Play Station. It was that time that games started in CD format. A few years after, Microsoft also did make their version of the game console, the XBox. While XBox remains XBox, Sony Play Station started having its PS2, PS3, PS4, and the recently released were PS5. The development from Play Station to now is interesting as if it was almost a real-like view and feeling.

Nothing Beats the Classic

I am fortunate enough to be part of the generation who saw everything, so I asked you how many of these classic 2D games have you played? If you say that you get a hold of some of these, that's good for you because your hand and eye coordination are well-practiced. Imagine looking at a pixelated figure but still manages to hit the enemy or the target. That is something else.

Here are some of the classic and iconic old-school video games that you can check out on the internet. It would be even great to have some of these like Pacman, Galaga, Rockman or Megaman, Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Contra, Double Dragon, B-Wings, Twin Bee, Battle City, Castlevania, more of it.

I missed playing these classic video games, and because I don't have any of those game consoles and video games, I tried searching for them on the internet. Fortunately, there were some, but you need to pay to download. There are also somewhat suspicious.

Finding My New Game Haven

With the presence of technology and mobility, you can find plenty of free games online. When I say plenty, it means a lot. You can search the Google Play Store if you're an Android user or App Store if you're using iOS. Take note that these games are more of 3D games now. The only problem with these games is that they all use a large amount of memory from your device.

You can also find some great games on SteamPowered.com and get an option to pay or get the free ones. Of course, we all love free, so here's one website that is the answer to my yearning that offers the best solution to many of the free online games. One. It does not need to eat up most of my phone or laptop memory, as it is all online embedded into the website. It is more of a browser-based game. Two, it somehow has some of the look-a-like games that I wanted to play. Three, it needs no registration and runs no ads to play the games. And lastly, it is all free, all you need to have is a reliable connection to the internet. The site is called Plays.Org.

I don't have any idea how long is the list of games that they have. But I know these games are remarkable and fascinating for someone like me who misses playing old-school video games. Their selection of games varies from simple problem-solving games up to complicated eyes and hand coordination. They have arcade games and retro games that for sure will bring back childhood memories.

So far, there are few games that I loved most in these browser-based games. First is the Tank Wars, which is similar to the classic Battle City. Second is the Cyberman V, which is accordingly inspired by the game Rockman. And lastly, is the Flight Sim which is a simulation of being an air traffic controller.

My Final Say

Giving my final say, for gamers, game enthusiasts, and people who love video games, there's only one reason why we play, that is to have some FUN! Of course, there's always the added reason like killing boredom. So, whether you're bored or having fun, keep playing!

2021/05/07

What do you think?

JODI is the Pinay "Doctor Foster" in ABS-CBN's "The Broken Marriage Vow", What do you think?

Toto 5/07/2021 10:30:00 PM

An interesting revelation of the actor who will play the role of "Doctor Foster." Prime Kapamilya actress Jodi Sta. Maria is the lead star in the Filipino remake of BBC’s global hit “Doctor Foster,” which will be known locally by its title “The Broken Marriage Vow,” ABS-CBN Entertainment unveiled in a live online event called “The Doctor Is In” on Friday (May 7).

Jodi, whose career is marked by compelling performances and highly acclaimed roles across various genres, takes on another iconic character as Dra. Jill Ilustre, the Filipina counterpart of Gemma Foster. A loving wife and mother with an accomplished medical career, Jill begins to see cracks in her picture-perfect life when she discovers that her husband is having an affair with a younger woman.

Playing opposite Jodi is Zanjoe Marudo, one of the country’s most versatile actors in TV and film, who will be portraying the Pinoy Simon Foster known as David Ilustre. He may be acting like the perfect husband and father, but David is hiding a secret life from her wife – an affair that will change their family forever.

The marriage-wrecking mistress entangled in this domestic mess will be played by Sue Ramirez, who will be starring as Lexy Lucero, the Pinay Kate Parks. Young, sexy, and wealthy, Lexy is used to getting what she wants and will not settle for less in love, even if it is with a married man.

Completing the main cast of “The Broken Marriage Vow” is Zaijian Jaranilla, who will be filling the role of Gio Ilustre, the Filipino Tom Foster. The only son of Jill and David, Gio falls victim to his parents’ emotional tug-of-war.

Bringing this extraordinary story to life is one of the most prolific female directors working in the country today, Concepcion Macatuno, whose body of work is known for its emphasis on empowered Filipino women. Direk Connie brings her expertise and experience to “The Broken Marriage Vow,” about a woman who, in the face of betrayal, finds strength and courage to protect what she loves.

“The Broken Marriage Vow” is the sixth local adaptation of “Doctor Foster” following its adaptations in France, Russia, Turkey, India, and South Korea, whose “The World of the Married” would become the country’s highest rated cable TV drama.

Watch out for Zanjoe, Sue, Zaijian, and Jodi in “The Broken Marriage Vow,” to be produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, soon on ABS-CBN platforms.

2021/05/06

RABIYA READY TO WOW WITH ‘HALA BIRA’ WALK IN “MISS U” PAGEANT LIVE ON A2Z

Toto 5/06/2021 08:40:00 AM

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo is ready to strut her stuff with her signature ‘hala bira’ walk in the upcoming “69th Miss Universe Competition” that ABS-CBN will bring to viewers in the country live via A2Z on May 17, 8 am.

In an interview with Dyan Castillejo on “TV Patrol,” the 24-year-old Ilongga beauty queen shared that her ‘hala bira’ walk is ‘going strong’ as she is focused in her training under the supervision of Miss Universe Philippines creative director, Jonas Gaffud.

Rabiya also shared that she has been practicing her walk while wearing her heavy, but beautiful gowns for the pageant night. She’s also mastering her own hair and makeup to achieve the Filipina look during the competition.

Besides her walk and makeup, the country’s candidate is also busy preparing herself as well for the Q&A portion, which is one of the most anticipated segments of the competition.

“Now I really need to study the social issues. Q&A ang favorite segment ko sa competition. Eh, I like to study. I love to learn. So sana makapasok sa top five para magamit ang mga napagaralan,” Rabiya explained.

Meanwhile, Rabiya is also asking the support of Filipinos to help her enter the Top 21 by voting for her on www.missuniverse.com/vote.

“Please support my journey to the crown by voting for me online,” she said.

Cheer for our candidate Rabiya Mateo and witness the crowning of Miss Universe 2020 as ABS-CBN brings “The 69th Miss Universe Competition” LIVE from Florida, USA on A2Z on May 17, 8 am. It will also have a replya on A2Z at 10:30 pm.

For other replay dates, catch Miss Universe on cable via Kapamilya Channel and online via iWantTFC on May 23 at 9:45 pm. Replays are also available on Metro Channel on May 24 (12 nn and 10 pm), May 26 (5 pm), and May 29 (8:30 am).

For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

updates

DonBelle, the Cutest Love Team Today in Star Cinema and iWant TFC Series "He's Into Her", Aside from their Cute Difference in Height

Toto 5/06/2021 08:36:00 AM

After being paired with different love teams, Donny Pangilinan has finally, and hopefully, settled to his perfect partner in the showbiz industry, Belle Mariano. ABS-CBN introduced Donny and Belle as part of the Rise Artists right before the pandemic, another arm of ABS-CBN in showcasing the talents of their artists.

Now, Donny and Belle probably carried a great deal of pressure in their love team coined as DonBelle. There is an expectation from fans concerning the maintenance of that Kilig Meter on top since their love team is the newest giddy couple. A new set of romantic hearts for fans to remember, how was it to feel that romantic feeling again.

In terms of height, is it true that Belle is the cutest love team Donny ever had? Coming from Donny, among his past love teams, Belle has the cutest height. Probably, this is one of the factors for them being the perfect pair for the upcoming romantic series from ABS-CBN Entertainment, iWantTFC, and Star Cinema, “He’s Into Her,” which will begin airing on May 30 on A2Z and Kapamilya Channel. So this summer season expects the Kilig Meter to rise as they play the part of a cat-and-dog one-upmanship quarrel but will eventually fall in love.

Based on the popular Precious Pages-LIB novel by famous Pinoy author Maxinejiji, the “He’s Into Her” series is about bravely fighting for family, friendship, and love.

It is the story of young Maxpein, played by Belle, who agrees to live in Manila. It is upon the request of her father who helped her pay for her grandmother’s hospital bills.

Maxpein ends up studying at the prestigious Benison International School. As she tries to fit in, she also clashes with Mr. Popular – Deib Lohr (Donny). Her life soon turns upside down as Deib gets their entire batch to prank and bully her.

But as Deib’s pranks and bullying get worse, he realizes that in crushing Max’s spirit, he is also slowly falling for her.

Joining Belle and Donny are some of today’s rising stars such as Jeremiah Lisbo, Vivoree Esclito, Kaori Oinuma, Rhys Eugenio, Joao Constancia, Criza Taa, Ashley del Mundo, Gello Marquez, and more.

The generational series “He’s Into Her” is under the direction of young and up-and-coming filmmaker Chad Vidanes.

Watch out for “He’s Into Her” on iWantTFC on May 28 (Friday), two days ahead of its premiere on May 30 (Sunday) on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and on Kapamilya Online Live via the YouTube channel and Facebook page of ABS-CBN Entertainment.

Viu

For the love of K-drama: Here’s Few Reasons why K-content Remains Irresistible

Toto 5/06/2021 08:03:00 AM

Loving the KDrama? Well, who wouldn't! Filipinos are no strangers to K-dramas, with some people obsessing over them back when an entire series would need to be burned on a whopping 40 VCDs. Recently, K-drama has again taken the country by storm, with fans of all ages binge-watching shows to their heart’s content.

Today, there’s an easier way to enjoy your K-content. For your viewing pleasure, Samsung and Viu have partnered together to bring you thousands of Korean dramas, movies, and shows that you can enjoy on the big screen. Until December 31, 2021, purchase of select Samsung TVs will come with a Premium subscription to Viu.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why the love for K-dramas stayed strong through the years:

The plotlines always evolve

While classic K-drama tropes are still present and enjoyed by many, the concepts around these stories are often refreshed. Whether it’s through building a new fantasy world, featuring an obscure hobby or sport, or highlighting societal topics that weren’t openly discussed before, K-dramas always give fans new ways to explore an exciting new story, all the time.

The stars just get brighter

Korean shows always bring their ‘A’ game when it comes to their casting choices. From fresh new faces to more seasoned veterans, the acting prowess of these stars is top caliber, regardless of the type of show. You’ll never know when a new rookie actor will be your new favorite with the help of his breakthrough role in a new drama.

The visuals continue to please

Every Korean drama is a visual spectacle, from the newest and most beautifully obscure locations, hippest set designs, and on-point fashion choices - the shows have it all. Every shot features the best things the country has to offer, and also helps viewers discover new trends and places that they would want to experience for themselves as well.

While we can’t experience some of the things just yet in person, the next best thing is to watch them come alive right at our own homes, with the help of Samsung and Viu. The strategic content partnership of top Korean content providers makes Viu the one-stop service for viewers to access the widest selection of Korean titles. The Viu TV app comes pre-installed on all 2020 Samsung Smart TV models and can also be downloaded on models from 2016 to date.

Visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/offline/2021/samsung-viu/ for more details.

2021/04/30

updates

Get This Exclusive Deals and Discounts from Your Well-Loved Brands at Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival

Toto 4/30/2021 11:34:00 PM

It's another part of the year where you enjoy exclusive deals and discounts from Shopee. It's a festival of brands this coming May 5.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites Filipinos to enjoy big deals and exclusive promotions from the country’s leading brands at its 5.5 Brands Festival. Shoppers can expect discounts up to 90% off, flash deals up to 50% off, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 50% cashback from crowd favorites such as OPPO, Vivo, Realme, Colgate, Abbott, L’Oreal Paris, Enfagrow, Procter & Gamble, Olay, Unilever, Nestle, Colourette Cosmetics, and Maybelline.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “At Shopee, it is our goal to work together with brands loved by Filipinos to deliver the best value on their favorite products so they can maximize their financial resources. With all the deals in-store at the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival, we are enabling Filipinos to secure everything they need at the best prices while making shopping safe, convenient, and rewarding.”

Until May 5, shoppers can look forward to the following daily promotions:

Big discounts at Super Brand Days

Don’t miss out on back-to-back brand takeovers on Shopee. Enjoy discounts up to 90% off on leading brands on the following days: OPPO on April 29, Procter & Gamble on April 30, Vivo on May 1, Realme on May 2, Maybelline on May 3, and Olay on May 4.

Limited deals and promotions during themed days

Leading up to 5.5, watch out for themed days with exciting deals. Enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend at ShopeePay Sale on April 29, claim over ₱1,000,000 worth of prizes at Shopee Prizes Sale on May 3, and redeem over ₱5,500 worth of vouchers at Brands Vouchers Sale on May 4.

Cashbacks at category fairs

Redeem 50% cashback and enjoy flash deals up to 50% off on brands at the Home Fair from April 29 to May 1, and at the Electronics Fair from May 2 to May 4.

5.5 D-Day Deals

On May 5, enjoy 24 hours of non-stop promotions, including flash deals up to 50% off on selected brands including:

●Pampers: Enjoy all-day deals up to 34% off on the entire Pampers line. Stay tuned for special price drops of up to 50% off on selected products from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
●Enfagrow: Get up to 37% off Enfamama A+, Enfagrow A+ Nurapro, Enfagrow A+ range, and more.
●Vivo: Slash ₱300 off each purchase with ₱6,000 minimum spend by using the Shopee-exclusive ‘VIVO300’ voucher code.
●Nestlé: Get 50% off Nestlé favorites including Bear Brand Powdered Milk, Nestlé All-Purpose Cream, and Nescafé Gold.
●Colourette: Enjoy up to 50% off selected Colourette products and get free shipping for a minimum spend of ₱999. Stay alert for even bigger discounts during flash sales!

Make the most out of free shipping with no minimum spend, 50% cashback from participating Shopee Mall stores, and up to 90% off on select products from Tender Care, AirQueen PH, Unicare, Reckitt, GSK, Pedigree, Whiskas, IAMS, Peculiar Eyewear, Puritan's Pride, Shigetsu, Mikana, INSPI, Organic Skin, Organic Official, Teetalk, Crown, Chef's Classics, and XTREME Appliances.

For more information on these D-Day Deals, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/brand-parade.

Cash prizes up for grab at 5.5 Brands Festival TV Special

Tune in to Wowowin this May 5, 5:00 PM to catch the 5.5 Brands Festival TV Special on GMA 7 and Shopee Live. Aside from watching exciting performances from celebrities, viewers can also win big cash prizes. Play Watch and Win, Shopee Shake, and Shopee Milyonaryo to become the lucky winner of over ₱3,500,000 worth of cash, products, and ShopeePay credits.

Exclusive perks with ShopeePay

Go cashless for more deals and discounts! Get all-day free shipping vouchers and 55% cashback, both with no minimum spend. Buy ₱10 worth of data for ₱1, ₱5 load for only ₱1, and ₱10 load for only ₱5 with ShopeePay. Pay bills on Shopee and get up to 25% cashback, capped at 150 coins.

More prizes at the #NextShopeeEndorser contest

Strike a pose with a product from Shopee Mall for a chance to win ₱10,000. Shopee will pick five winners with the most creative and original entries. Users can check out the mechanics and submit photo entries until May 5 through this link: http://bit.ly/NextShopeeEndorser.

For more information on all the deals you can score at 5.5 Brands Festival, visit https://shopee.ph/m/5-5-2.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

2021/04/28

VMart

Viet Mart Supplier Inc. Opens New Branch of VMART “Taste of Asia” in Sherwood Place, Taft Avenue Manila.

Toto 4/28/2021 09:55:00 AM

Accessibility is one of the many reasons for people to prefer having a mini-mart at their places. Thankfully there are business owners who consider these reasons. Viet Mart Supplier Inc. (Vmart.ph), an international-based growing start-up grocery business in the Philippines, establishes its second physical store in Sherwood Place in Taft Avenue, Manila in its initial expanding efforts.

When Jenny To, CEO of Vmart.ph, established the first store, currently located at 174 Yakal Street Makati City, its primary goal was to serve and bring Vietnamese products to its ex-pats living in Makati. Then, after a short period of business in the country, they have decided to integrate their business into the local scene.

“Our products originally and majorly are Vietnam products. We’re currently looking into the Vietnam market in the Philippines then start to expand to the local market here. We want to stretch to the local market now and try switching from Vietnam-centered market to the local,” said To.

Vmart.ph primarily has Vietnamese goods, but it also includes Korean, Thai, Chinese, and some Filipino products.

Vmart.ph products vary from consumable goods to health and beauty products, mobile phone accessories, international fruits and vegetables, medical supplies, pet care products, meat and poultry, and various beverages. Vmart.ph also has a joint business with VMart which is Annam.ph, a Vietnamese mainstay restaurant, located beside the Makati branch.

“We want to bring the Vietnam products here in the Philippines, but we also brought with us Thai, Chinese, and Korean products to our store,” said To.

“When we first opened here, our first goal was to cater to Vietnamese ex-pats living in the Philippines,” explained To.

Vmart.ph’s second store was strategically established in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila to cater, not only to ex-pats living near Taft Avenue but also to target De La Salle University-Manila students, who they think has the greater interest in trying international products because of their “traveling tendencies.”

“When we opened in our second branch in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila, we wanted not to focus only on Vietnam ex-pats living around Taft but we are also targeting students from De La Salle University. We think that most of these students are there well-traveled,” said To.

“We know most of the students from LaSalle go on and about to different countries to we figured that they are the specific market that would appreciate and try out the products,” said To.

For 2021, Vmart plans to establish a total of three stores in the country’s capital region, also strategically choosing from either Quezon City, Clark Pampanga, Pasay, or Cavite.

“We are planning to put a maximum of three stores. Maybe one or two more for this year. We are looking into either Clark in Pampanga or Cavite. We are also searching either in Quezon City, Cavite, Pasay, or Pampanga but were still looking for the best spots to put up the stores,” said To.

VMart “Taste of Asia” is open 24 hours, seven days a week and delivers from 7:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

For additional information, please visit www.vmart.ph.

Work

JobStreet launches its Going Hyperlocal Campaign with microsites and virtual career fairs in several regions

Toto 4/28/2021 07:21:00 AM

Who would have not known the name Jobstreet? In fact when it comes to finding your dream job Jobstreet is the place to look for it. In this time of the pandemic, many of our Kababayans were at loss. Some of them were layoff and some are still looking for the right employment for them.

Living up to its commitment to provide jobs that matter across the country, leading online job portal JobStreet is going hyperlocal as it launches its dedicated microsite for Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao as well as its upcoming virtual career fair with the selected Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Offices in time for the upcoming Labor Day.

The initiatives also help boost the job market in provinces as the public is encouraged to decongest Metro Manila following the on-going pandemic.

Jobseekers from Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao can now browse thousands of jobs available in their locality through the respective microsites. Candidates can also learn from work-life guides and advice from JobStreet’s career hub which will be written in their local dialect.

“Many Filipinos recently returned to their provinces because of layoffs or the new work from home arrangements and this caused a shift in the labor market. We’ve also observed that candidates from major provinces have increased their activities in terms of platform website visits, which is why we really targeted to promote local employment and provide them valuable support in their career through their own dialect,” said JobStreet Philippines Country Manager Philip Gioca.

During the virtual press launch, we were able to ask about its activity of going hyperlocal if they are going deeper into different municipalities in terms of promoting and hiring online. Fortunately, it was read and Mr. Philip Gioca, Country Manager of JobStreet Philippines gave a great response, according to him, "...the objective really is to get to the bottom part... the whole archipelago, all the island, that's our dream. Unfortunately, it is limited to the infrastructure. For as long as it has connectivity and internet you can actually subscribe to that. How far that will be? It really depends on the municipality, but you know what, after a year of this pandemic we actually accelerated connectivity..."

Hyperlocal microsites

The microsite for Cebu offers opportunities from the top industries namely Call Center/IT-Enabled Services/BPO (12.5%), Manufacturing/Production (7.6%), Healthcare/ Medical (6.5%), Education (5.5%), and Construction/Building/Engineering (5.2%). The average salary reported in Cebu is Php 31,487.

Candidates from Davao can apply for jobs with an average salary of Php 28,500 as top industries continue hiring such as Call Center/IT-Enabled Services/BPO (8.7%), Healthcare/Medical (7.8%), Education (7.2%), Food & Beverage/Catering/Restaurant (5.6%), and Retail/Merchandise (5.3%).

Meanwhile, thousands of jobs are also found in Iloilo microsite with an average salary of Php 27,370. Top industries include Healthcare/Medical (13.6%), Call Center/IT-Enabled Services/BPO (9.2%), Education (8.3%), Construction/Building/Engineering (5.6%), and Food & Beverage/Catering/Restaurant (5.3%).

As of 2021, JobStreet earned a 13% growth in average platform visits from Cebu, 56% from Davao, and 44% in Iloilo. Moreover, hirers from the said provinces are gradually picking up. Based on JobStreet Database as of March 2021, job offerings based in Central Visayas grew by 9% from a sharp decline in 2020. Western Visayas recently jumped to 44% increase in job openings, while Davao Region is also recovering with 26% job postings this year. Ensuring that the initiative will be advantageous for both local hirers and candidates, JobStreet is also establishing a local team in each province to accommodate queries.

Labor Day Virtual Career Fair

JobStreet continues to support the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in providing livelihood among Filipinos during this period. Following the success of the recent Virtual Career Fair, JobStreet partners with selected DOLE regions to launch another Virtual Career Fair on May 1 to 3.

Over 100 companies from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have participated in the upcoming Virtual Career Fair, offering thousands of jobs nationwide. Candidates from different regions will also have a chance to experience engaging features such as live chats, on-the-spot interviews with HR representatives, and companies’ virtual booths. In addition, DOLE Regional Offices will accommodate concerns and questions from candidates via chat in the platform.

Jobseekers can join the online raffle as JobStreet goes live on its official Facebook Page on the first day of the Virtual Career Fair on May 1 at 5:00PM. “We appreciate DOLE and the participating regions for trusting to partner with JobStreet in this initiative. We’re hoping that the Virtual Career Fair would be able to reach out to more jobseekers across the country who are looking for opportunities at this time,” shared Gioca.

The Virtual Career Fair is now open for pre-registration through http://bit.ly/JobStreetDOLEVCF.

Provincial microsites are also accessible via http://bit.ly/JobStreetIloilo, http://bit.ly/JobStreetCebu, and http://bit.ly/JobStreetDavao.

2021/04/27

updates

Shocking COVID-19 Revelation During the Bagong Umaga Finale Mediacon

Toto 4/27/2021 07:46:00 PM

Shocked! Surprised! And probably in awe of the revelation made by one of the casts of Bagong Umaga during the finale media conference. A revelation that is probably shouldn't be revealed, especially to the media people and bloggers present at the online conference, but it was maybe unintentionally mentioned. (Watch the video below)

Though there was news that some of the members of the casts of Bagong Umaga were affected by the COVID-19, it was a revelation that most of the cast were tested positive. Heaven Peralejo, Sunshine Dizon, and Nikki Valdez are some of the actors that were on news and who openly shared their experiences of being afflicted by the virus. Thankfully, the ABS CBN Management and their set of protocols made the experiences of these affected actors bearable and assuring that they will get through.

Working during this pandemic is a risk and everyone knows it very well but knowing that everyone is a Kapamilya, the casts of Bagong Umaga gave their assuring words that they will not hesitate to work again to bring a teleserye that brings new light and new hope.

The Bagong Umaga will still have three more days to air and more exciting scenes to catch.

2021/04/26

updates

Meet THE SQUAD PLUS’ New Breed of Singers

Toto 4/26/2021 12:25:00 PM

The group of four, The Gold Squad, is making their barkada even bigger as they welcome new more squadmates who are ready to conquer showbiz with their talents via The Squad Plus. The barkada is growing!

The Squad Plus boasts four artists who are passionate about music – Angela Ken is a newly minted OPM sensation, while Sam Cruz, KD Estrada, and Anji Salvacion are regularly seen performing on “ASAP Natin ‘To” as part of its new breed of singers.

Here are some fun facts about the group’s four fresh faces and voices:

1. Angela Ken

Eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter Angela Ken got her first taste of fame on Tiktok, where her unfinished original song “Ako Naman Muna” went viral. Soon after, she was invited by Dreamscape Entertainment to join The Squad Plus, while Star Music offered to produce the full version of her song. The track, which she describes as an anthem of self-love and self-appreciation, is now part of the soundtrack of ABS-CBN’s inspirational series “Huwag Kang Mangamba” and has received over five million streams on Spotify.

With Moira dela Torre and Ben&Ben as her biggest inspirations, Angela believes her purpose is to empower and inspire the youth, especially those who are suffering from anxiety and depression and make them feel less alone through her music.

Full name: Angela Ken Rojas
Age: 18
Birthdate: May 16, 2002
School: Josiah Christian Values High (Grade 12)
Hometown: Las Pinas and Imus, Cavite
Hobbies: Listening to music, reading fictional stories, eating
Sports: Volleyball
Talent: Singing, composing songs

2. Sam Cruz

Celebrity daughter Sam Cruz is here to prove that she’s worthy of a spot in the industry amidst the expectations that her last name carries. One of the three daughters of Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano, Sam wants to follow in the footsteps of her mom whom she considers her greatest source of inspiration.

She is currently juggling her studies and showbiz responsibilities, including gigs on “ASAP Natin ‘To.” Though singing is her first love, she has also set her sights on acting and has already appeared in the iWantTFC original series “Unloving U.”

Full name: Samantha Angelene Cruz Montano
Age: 18
Birthdate: August 24, 2002
School: De La Salle Santiago Zobel (Grade 10)
Hometown: Manila
Hobbies: Learning to play guitar, drawing, singing
Sports: Badminton
Talent: Singing

3. KD Estrada

KD picked up a guitar when he was 13, started lessons, and decided on becoming a guitar player, with Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix as his major influences. While he has always been passionate about music, it wasn’t until 2018 after he filmed himself singing that he discovered he could actually do both.

A Star Music artist, he has released self-written songs such as “Sa Puso Mo,” “One of Many,” and “Saves It,” which is also featured in “Unloving U.” While waiting for the opportunity to record a full album, KD connects with his fans through his YouTube channel and Tiktok Page where he uploads covers of his favorite songs.

Full name: Kyle Daniel Estrada
Age: 18
Birthdate: May 3, 2002
School: Meridian International (Grade 12)
Hometown: Manila
Hobbies: Playing basketball, reading, playing mobile games, songwriting
Sports: Basketball and biking
Talent: Singing, playing guitar, piano, ukulele, and bass

4. Anji Salvacion

Like many showbiz hopefuls, Anji was introduced to Filipino viewers through a talent-reality show. Only 16 at the time, Anji made quite an impression in her audition for "Idol Philippines" in 2019 that James Reid likened her voice to sunshine. You can say she has been preparing for her big moment all her life, from when she would join beauty pageants so she could gain confidence and combat her shyness.

While Anji failed to make it to “Idol’s” live shows, she has since then made one of her biggest dreams come by becoming part of “ASAP’s” new breed of singers and showcasing her acting skills in iWantTFC’s “Unloving U,” for which she recorded the song “Keeps on Coming Back.” Things are definitely looking bright for this Siargao native, who is open to doing more acting projects in the future.

Full name: Angie Kristine Allen Salvacion Gorbulev
Age: 18
Birthdate: September 24, 2002
School: AMA University Online Education (Grade 12)
Hometown: Burgos, Surigao Del Norte, Siargao Island
Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, drawing, having fun with brothers and cousins
Sports: Volleyball and basketball
Talent: Singing, dancing, playing the guitar and ukulele

Get to know Angela, Sam, KD, and Anji by liking the videos and subscribing to The Squad Plus’ YouTube channel (YouTube.com/TheSquadPlus), which regularly uploads vlogs and games featuring all the squadmates. With 2.95 million subscribers and 264.8 million views, The Squad Plus is one of ABS-CBN’s most subscribed and most followed channels on the video-streaming platform.

For updates, follow @thesquadplus_ on Tiktok and Instagram.

updates

Epson's New Printer Sustainability Campaign "Be Cool"

Toto 4/26/2021 09:59:00 AM

"Be cool!" or sometimes it is also "chill man," got something to do with being light and subtle. Also, you can refer to it as being green. Today, there are different calls from environmental organizations to address the issue of global warming. Fortunately, there are companies in different industries that signified their support by converting most of their products or machinery to be environmentally sustainable.

In many industries, one of the most significant side effects of the increased output impact on the environment, with greater use of resources affecting carbon footprint. For businesses, it can be a tricky balancing act to weigh productivity against sustainability, but the two do not have to be mutually exclusive.

This is the premise of Be Cool, the new printer sustainability campaign launched by Epson Southeast Asia. The regional campaign was created to remind customers that it is possible to maximize efficiency and productivity while reducing environmental impact. Banking on the brand’s expertise in innovation, businesses can choose to Be Cool and discover how Epson technology makes the sustainable choice a simple one.

The campaign is fuelled by Epson’s range of EcoTank and Business Inkjet printers that use Heat-Free Technology to deliver advanced benefits over laser and thermal inkjet technology. It also features the world’s first[ PaperLab is the first office paper making system to use a dry process, based on Epson research conducted in November 2016.] dry process office paper-making system, PaperLab.

“Our Be Cool campaign demonstrates how Epson’s Heat-Free Technology and PaperLab can transform the way businesses work by helping increase productivity, while saving on energy consumption and use of resources. By making the switch to our cool products, businesses can take an active role in the journey towards promoting greener, more sustainable businesses across Southeast Asia,” said Tan May Lin, Regional Director for Epson Sales Division, Retail Products, and Regional Brand & Communications.

Printing can Be Cool

Be Cool brings three product lines front and centre to highlight how its eco features can help significantly streamline processes and give businesses a competitive advantage.

Epson’s Heat-Free Technology ensures that its EcoTank and Business Inkjet printers use no heat in the ink ejection process, which means less power consumption and more savings on electricity costs.

With this original technology, no heat is required for printer warm up, allowing you to save time with consistent high-speed printing. Since inkjet printers do not have fusers that need heating, less energy is consumed, resulting in cost savings for the business. Epson’s EcoTank and Business Inkjet printers also use fewer parts and consumables that require replacement which minimises user intervention and increases productivity.

Pushing the envelope on environment-friendly technology is Epson’s first in-office paper recycling system, PaperLab. Powered by Dry Fiber Technology, PaperLab turns wastepaper into new paper, using a virtually dry process[ A small amount of water is used to maintain a certain level of humidity inside the system.], in just 3 minutes[ Approximate values. Output speed, first sheet out time may vary depending on environmental conditions.]. It uses only about 1/100th[ Water consumption of ordinary paper includes water used in the growth of the trees that supply the virgin pulp. Ordinary paper means paper distributed in Japan.] of the water it takes to make an equivalent mass of ordinary paper so that businesses conserve water while reducing the volume of paper that must be transported to off-site recyclers.

When data security is crucial for your business, PaperLab delivers absolute certainty that key confidential waste is safely and effectively destroyed. It removes toner and inks and reduces the wastepaper into fibers. This means information stays safely on site with no need to trust external contractors.

With PaperLab’s unique technology, water is conserved, less heat is used, carbon footprint is reduced, and wood resources are saved. Combined with Epson’s heat-free printing solutions, PaperLab helps build a recycling loop in the office and promotes a circular economy for businesses.

Make the switch

By highlighting the synergy between Epson’s Heat-Free Technology or Dry Fiber Technology with the products’ productivity features, the Be Cool campaign presents how performance and sustainability can go hand in hand and urges businesses to make the green choice with Epson’s business solutions.

To learn how you can make the switch to sustainable technology, visit the website or get in touch with your local Epson Authorised Dealers.