As part of its continuous efforts to bring a fun and seamless online shopping experience to more Filipinos across the country, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, expands its serviceable areas through the establishment of new Shopee Xpress hubs across Mindanao. Through these new hubs in Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, and other areas, local sellers are provided with greater opportunities to expand their business through e-commerce and compete at a national level. For Davao to Davao purchases, both shoppers and sellers can now enjoy shorter delivery times.

Shopee also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to hold its first Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City. The masterclass educated Davao-based sellers on how to grow their businesses with e-commerce and onboarded new sellers to improve the overall online selling experience for Filipinos. Shopee also held another live seller engagement event in Davao City, Shopee Kumustahan, wherein representatives from the platform held roundtable discussions with local Shopee sellers to know more about their experience and get insights on what can help drive their business forward.

 

One of the flagship programs of SM Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the SM group, is its scholarship program. Aside from the college education offerings, the program also provides venues for students who would like to pursue a career in the skilled labor industry.

The gradual reopening of economy not just in the country, but around the world, brings hope to more job opportunities for Filipinos who lost their jobs because of the health crisis. Indeed, the support for individuals eyeing to be part of the skilled industry is needed now more than ever.

It was in this light when SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), together with SM Foundation (SMFI), Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc., and the city government of Pasay partnered to give educational support to 20 deserving youth coming from Pasay. To date, SMFI has already produced more than 4,500 tech-voc graduates who are now gainfully employed.

A dream to be fulfilled
One of the current SM tech-voc scholars from Pasay is Stephen Parina. His dream is to put up his own automotive shop since aside from his interest in cars and motorcycles, he intends to uplift the economic status of his family. Both of his parents are temporary employees at the Pasay City Hall.

“Nakita ko sa Facebook post ng SM Foundation na nandun ang aking gustong course kaya dali-dali akong pumunta sa city hall ng Pasay para alamin ang mga detalye nito at kinabukasan ay nagpasa na ako agad ng mga requirements,” said Stephen, who is now studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati.

“Gusto kong matuto kung paano mag ayos ng mga sasakyan at makatapos ng pag-aaral dahil hirap kami sa aming pamumuhay. Alam ko na makakatulong ang edukasyon, kagaya ng techvoc upang matupad ang aking pangarap na makapagpatayo ng sarili kong automotive shop. Magiging susi ito upang mai-angat ko ang antas ng pamumuhay ng aking pamilya” he added.

“Taos pusong pasasalamat sa SM at sa Sy family dahil nabigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na makabalik muli sa pag aaral. Hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Dadalhin ko ito hanggang sa aking pag tanda,” Stephen said.

Ticket to success
Another current tech-voc scholar is Jeorge Angelo Madrid. He is also studying Automotive Mechanic course at the Don Bosco Makati. His father works as a painter of houses and buildings while his mother works at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Jeorge is the youngest and most of his five siblings already have their own families.

According to Jeorge, he sees this opportunity of going back to school as his ticket towards achieving his dreams: “Nag-apply ako sa SM Foundation kasi wla po akong kakayahan na makapag aral at makapagtapos. Wala po akong pagkukuhanan ng pang tuition para maipang bayad sa eskwelahan.”

Jeorge is adamant to find a gainful employment right after he finish his studies. “Salamat po sa SM Foundation. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi madaragdagan ang kaalaman ko tungkol sa automotive. Magagamit ko ito sa aking paghahanap ng trabaho at kinalaunan, masuportahan ang aking sarili, mga pamangkin at ang aking mga magulang,” Jeorge further shared.

Reaping the fruits of his efforts
Anthony Andales, an SM tech-voc scholar alumnus, also took the time to share his inspiring story. He graduated from the Dualtech Training Center in 2019 and is now employed as a staff technician in a known company which manufactures various electronic products for home and office use.

“Bago ako mag-training sa Dualtech, nagtrabaho muna ako bilang isang helper sa isang refilling station. Ang aking arawang sweldo ay P220 lamang. Akala ko dati, wala na akong mararating sa buhay at hindi na makapagtatapos ng pag-aaral,” Anthony recalled.

“But God gave me the privilege to be chosen as one of the SM Foundation scholars para makapag-aral ako nang walang binayaran kahit piso. Ang tanging puhunan ko lang ay ang aking lakas ng loob at ang aking mga pangarap sa buhay na balang araw, makatutulong ako sa aking pamilya upang kahit papano ay makaahon sa buhay,” he further added.

Right after his on-the-job training, he was absorbed by the program’s OJT- partner company and was given a job as a staff technician because of his skills and work ethics.

“Napagawa na namin ang bahay kahit papaano, hindi man bato pero at least maayos at safe kapag may bagyo. Hindi po kagaya dati na pag umuulan ay may pa-shower kami kasi butas-butas na ang bubong at tagpi-tagpi ang dingding ng aming tahanan. Walang imposible kapag ikaw ay may pangarap at determinasyon upang maabot ito sapagkat maraming tao at institusyon na handang tumulong. Kaya sobrang thankful po talaga ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin para magkaroon ng maliwanag na kinabukasan.” Anthony concluded.

SM Foundation, through its Scholarship program, provides deserving and qualified students with access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993.

 

A person's safety during calamities is mainly dependent on their community's disaster preparedness. No matter how ready they are for all possible catastrophic scenarios, every bit of preparation can go down the drain if their community cannot respond effectively to such events.   

It is why a community-based disaster risk reduction and management plan (CBDRRMP) is essential. It places the responsibility of being prepared for calamities and other emergencies on the community as a whole, ensuring that organizations, households and individuals can work together in making their community more resilient in the face of disaster.  

CBDRRMP is important, especially for countries highly vulnerable to disasters, such as the Philippines. Situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and typhoons respectively. The country ranked 9th in the world in terms of vulnerability to calamities in the 2020 World Risk Index. 

 

This happens only at Royce, Father's Day celebrates and honors the men who have embraced the essential role of fatherhood. On this day, we also thank fathers and father figures for the sacrifices they make, for embracing the responsibility of nurturing and raising children, and for devotion to their family. 

Here are some of the ways to celebrate Father's Day, making it extra special with the family #OnlyAtRoyce. 

• Amusement Treat. Enjoy a stay at Royce with passes to Dinosaurs Island Clark. 
• Splashing Fun Day. Enjoy a stay at Royce with passes to Aqua Planet. 
• Indulge: Stay and Dine. Book a stay and enjoy P2,000 dining credits from Amare by Chef Chris or Choi Garden. 
• Sweet Thoughts. The #Lounge's limited edition cake Choco-peanut butter medley. 

For more of their offerings and updates visit their Facebook page and Instagram @royceclarkph. 

 

Treat your dads to an all-star concert experience featuring a big-time Father's Day tribute from the brightest OPM idols, plus treats from upcoming Kapamilya shows this Sunday (June 19) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Celebrate their special day with a heartwarming musical tribute from ASAP icons Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Angeline Quinto, Ogie Alcasid, and Regine Velasquez, together with Anji Salvacion, Alexa Ilacad, KZ, Darren, Jason Dy, Nyoy Volante, Klarisse de Guzman, Jeremy G, Elha Nympha, JM Yosures, Sheena Belarmino, Janine Berdin, Lara Maigue, Reiven Umali, Sam Mangubat, Angela Ken, Fana, Janella Salvador, JM de Guzman, and Gigi de Lana.

Get ready for a sizzling welcome to the cast of "A Family Affair" featuring the hottest leading men Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Jake Ejercito, Jameson Blake, and online superstar Ivana Alawi together with Gigi de Lana and the GG Vibes Band. Plus, hold on to your seats for a fierce solo performance from "Flower of Evil" star Lovi Poe, with a special appearance from the ultimate heartthrob himself, Piolo Pascual.

 

For many Filipinos, online shopping has become an integral part of their daily lives, as they continue to enjoy the numerous benefits of e-commerce. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recently launched a slew of initiatives with the aim of bringing a fun and seamless online shopping experience to even more Filipinos across the country. Part of Shopee’s efforts includes the continued expansion of its Shopee Xpress hubs across the Visayas region. By establishing more hubs in Cebu City, Bogo, Moalboal, and other areas in Visayas, Shopee has expanded its serviceable areas, allowing Visayan shoppers to enjoy a wider product assortment, as well as faster and cheaper delivery.

Through this expansion, Shopee was also able to introduce Visayas Barato Deals—special offers, shipping discounts, and more promos exclusively for Bisaya shoppers, in line with the launch of its 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale. “We have always believed in the transformative power of technology to connect buyers and sellers within the community, no matter where they are. By expanding our serviceable areas within the Visayas region, we aim to give our Visayan shoppers a seamless online shopping experience at Shopee, as we go through every step of this exciting e-commerce journey together,” shared Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines.

In line with these efforts to improve the overall online shopping experience for Filipinos across the country, four Cebuano shoppers shared about the benefits they’ve enjoyed throughout their e-commerce journey with Shopee.

 

After more than two years, it was my first Friday night experience again. It feels like the first time I spent a fun Friday night listening to a band. It sure brings back memories of my younger years in this JUST MUSIC NIGHT, a night filled with beats and emotions where TJ Monterde released his latest single, "Walong Bilyon," together with the other singer-songwriters, Kenji, Patrick Quirros, and NKD.

Just Music is a sub-label of CS Music that caters to different talented singer-songwriters. And these four performers are just a few of the many talents of Just Music.

 

A rosy outlook is seen in the real estate sector as the Philippine economy enters a period of more robust level of activity. While the pandemic inevitably reshaped the real estate landscape in terms of new buyer considerations and product formats, it remains the most reliable store of value for those looking to protect and grow their money.

Opportunities certainly come plenty with the economic rebound, improved business and consumer confidence, and increasing overseas Filipino workers’ remittances. For the residential sector, particularly for the Metro Manila market, none can deliver a more reliable value proposition like SM Development Corporation (SMDC)’s Glam Residences. Yet what makes this dazzling high-rise development one of the brightest stars in Quezon City, and why is it the wisest choice for those looking to place their money in real estate?

The center of all action
Quezon City is not just dubbed as the “City of Stars” because of the many disciples of art and players in the entertainment and media industry it houses. It’s Metro Manila’s biggest city in terms of landmass, and the country’s most distinguished metropolis in terms of earnings.

 

ABS-CBN and Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, announced today the expansion of their partnership to adapt the hit South Korean thriller drama Flower of Evil in 16 markets across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa. This much- anticipated series is the first Viu Original Adaptation from the Philippines which stars Lovi Poe and Piolo Pascual. It will stream simultaneously on Viu 48 hours before its domestic television broadcast.

ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast, Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines’ Country Manager, Arianne Kader-Cu, shared their excitement for the series, which will be Lovi’s first Kapamilya teleserye since joining ABS-CBN and Piolo’s first drama series after four years.

Ms Arianne said, “Testament to our commitment to bringing the best premium Asian entertainment to Viu-ers, we are happy to work with ABS-CBN once again to bring the Philippine adaptation of Flower of Evil to all of Viu’s 16 markets. This latest offering puts Filipino talent front and centre in the way we do storytelling, supported by a powerhouse cast and a world-class production team.”

Ms Cory said, “Our partnership with Viu on the local adaptation of Flower of Evil is a major milestone for ABS-CBN Entertainment. This is an opportunity for us to showcase excellent Filipino content and talent to the global audience in the 16 markets of Viu.”

 

The mid-year is the perfect time to reward ourselves and recharge for what's to come in the second half of 2022. Shopee treats more Filipinos to a memorable mid-year shopping experience at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To kick-off the mid-year sale, shoppers can look forward to “Mas Mura sa Shopee”* deals and enjoy ₱66 deals all day, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily when they add-to-cart and checkout from May 27 to June 8.

Score “mas mura sa Shopee”* deals as low as ₱66 at the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

As shoppers fill up their Shopee carts with their favorite finds, they can also discover “Mas Mura Sa Shopee”* [It’s cheaper on Shopee] deals with low-priced items that are guaranteed to make their haul worth every peso.

With 6.6 just around the corner, take your pick from the following items at only ₱66 that fit your everyday lifestyle.

 

For the first-time ever, Shanti Dope and Flow G are delighted to unveil their collaboration this 2022 and it’s a very eye-opening song “Kamusta.”

"Kumusta?" or "How are you?" is always a welcome question amongst friends. It's an ice breaker for what would be the start of the conversation or a soothing acknowledgement to someone going through tough times.

Written in collaboration with Flow G, Shanti Dope’s latest release with the title "Kamusta" touches on a very delicate topic — depression.

Depression is a serious matter and we've lost many young and very talented lives because of this mental health issue.

It comes as a surprise that with Shanti Dope and Flow G's persona as hip-hop artists such a topic can be an inspiration for a song; which only goes to show how well-rounded individuals they are and not just an echo for grunt and angst. In terms of the lyrics, the two rappers were able to bring up the important discussion regarding mental wellness and helped in the stigma of suffering from depression being removed, in their own special way.

If someone with depression does not find God for solace, a family member or a friend can help with the continued reassurance that help is always available. All it takes is to say, "Kamusta?" "Meron bang nakakubli sa likod ng 'yong ngiti at kutitap ng iyong mga mata? Mabigat ba sa dibdib 'pag laging pinipigilang sabihin ang iyong nadarama? Di mo gustong malaman ng mundo ang kahinaan mo Kung wala kang malapitan, Pwede mo akong sabihan."

“Kamusta" will be available on all streaming platforms this May 27, while a Red Carpet Music Video Premiere is happening this coming May 26, 2022 at SM Megamall Cinema 2 at 1pm. The music video was directed by Jeremy Lim of Blck Mrkt.

 

The recent scenes of Loinie in Star Magic All-Star Game and their scenes in their latest series, even excite viewers more to watch it.