Make Running a Healthy Habit

A lot of Filipinos have entered their “running era” this year. You can see them out on the streets, with joggers and runners putting in the miles, and online, where more people share their daily runs and other running-related content.

Running is one of the best cardio exercises that you can do because of its many health benefits: it strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances mental well-being. On top of these, it’s completely free! If you’re one of those who have just recently started their running journey, give yourself a pat on the back, and follow these tips to stay consistent.

●        Set targets

Running with a goal in mind can motivate you to keep going even on days when you just want to stay in bed and do nothing. As you set big goals like running a half marathon or finishing a 10K run in under 45 minutes, identify smaller targets to help you achieve these. Start by increasing your weekly mileage little by little, improving your pace, and building consistency.

●        Track your progress

Seeing the result of your hard work is always satisfying, and it can also give you the confidence boost you need to work even harder. At the same time, it helps you identify areas for improvement and adjustments you should make in your running routine. Install your preferred running app on your phone or invest in a good fitness tracker/watch to track your pace and distance, map your routes, and provide other features to enhance your runs.

●        Change up your routine regularly

Sometimes, people lose the desire to run because it has become repetitive and bland. To avoid this, find ways to add something exciting to your routine like buying a new pair of rubber shoes, running in a different spot or location from your usual, or upping the difficulty of your runs.

●        Join running events

Fun runs and charity races are a great way to challenge yourself in a low-stakes environment. Here, you can also connect with other runners and even discover running groups that you can join. Some running events, like this year’s Run for Wellness, even have advocacies and causes that you can support through your participation.

Rise as Champions

Southstar Drug and Maxicare are bringing the 2nd leg of the 13th Run for Wellness to Naga City on September 15, 2024, to empower Filipinos to become champions of their own and for others. The event promotes physical health and well-being through running and honors national athletes representing the Philippines on the international stage.

A portion of the proceeds from the first leg of Run for Wellness, which was held recently at UP Diliman, Quezon City, and attended by 6,624 participants, totaling Php 1 million was donated to partner athletes, which helped support their journey of bringing pride to the country in the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics.

Southstar Drug and Maxicare are champions of health and wellness. As one of the country’s largest and most established drugstore chains, Southstar Drug provides a wide range of affordable medicines, products, and services. Maxicare, on the other hand, is the Philippines' leading HMO, serving nearly 2 million members with a comprehensive range of healthcare plans for corporations, SMEs, individuals, and families.

Interested participants for the Naga City leg of Run for Wellness can still register here.

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#KasamaSaBestLife Pro Tip: Developing a Self-care Plan

Self-care has become a popular topic these days, both online and offline. Grind culture may be a thing, but more people realize that taking a break, healing, and ensuring you’re okay are important in achieving your goals and being the best you can be.

People usually think of self-care as something luxurious and fancy. But it’s just about doing things that make you feel good and healthy daily. This could be anything from working out to taking a nap or relaxing. Self-care includes all aspects of your health- physical, mental, and emotional.

Taking care of yourself is important; Southstar Drug and Maxicare know it well. They’re health and wellness champions and want you to have a self-care plan. This way, you can learn what your body wants and needs, what it’s good at, and what it’s not. Having a plan means being proactive in caring for yourself and staying on top of your health.

According to life coach and clinical inner-child therapist Saps Uttam, prioritizing your health is the ultimate form of self-love and self-respect. “Your health should be your top priority. It becomes easier to maintain healthy habits and stay motivated to continue a healthier lifestyle when you prioritize self-care,” she says.

Dr. Art C. Libao, Chief Medical Officer of Maxicare, also agrees that taking precautionary measures to prevent an illness is far better than treating it. “Regular exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation techniques, and regular check-ups are all superior to maintenance medications. Poorly managed blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions, but these risks can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices,” he points out.

Building a self-care plan

Now that you understand the importance of self-care, it’s time to start building your plan. Take a moment to reflect on your current habits and assess how they affect your overall health. Consider all aspects of your well-being and identify areas that need improvement. From there, commit to adding more healthy habits to your daily routine, such as eating more vegetables and relaxing activities to help manage stress.

As you embark on your self-care journey, you may face challenges that could disrupt your progress. These could include poor time management, limited resources, and unexpected life events. Ensure you’re always prepared by listing potential scenarios and planning how to handle them. Consistency is key in maintaining your self-care plan, but remember to take it at your own pace, one day at a time.

“Love and have compassion for yourself. This journey starts with you because you matter and are worth it. Once you show up for yourself, being there for others will come naturally. There is nothing more meaningful in this world than helping others. Always remember that it all starts with you,” Uttam emphasizes.

Southstar Drug and Maxicare have joined forces to hold the 12th edition of Run for Wellness to support consumers in their journey toward a healthier and happier life. This running event aims to promote physical health and mental well-being among Filipinos. The two legs of Run for Wellness, held in Quezon City and Naga City, have attracted over 7,000 participants, including seasoned runners, beginners, kids, families, and individuals from various backgrounds who have taken the first step towards living their best lives.

Dr. Libao says running can positively impact health by strengthening the heart, improving blood circulation, and helping create healthier habits.

“Regular exercise has been shown to lower the stress hormone, which may explain why people often feel better after playing tennis, golf, or brisk walking. It stimulates the release of endorphins, boosting positive feelings that can encourage individuals to continue exercising,” he says.

By offering extensive health essentials and world-class health services, Southstar Drug and Maxicare aim to be reliable companions, “Kasama sa Best Life,” for Filipinos.

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Become a Smart Shopper in 5 Simple Ways

Shopping is one of life’s simple pleasures. There is happiness and satisfaction in seeing your pantry full after a grocery run or having new additions to your wardrobe or your home after going to the mall. Most times, even just walking around and picking out items from the shelves is enjoyable on its own.

You can enhance your shopping experience even more by becoming a smart shopper. Smart shoppers maximize their purchases and make good financial decisions when shopping. Here are five simple tips on how you can be one, so you can make your next shopping trip guilt-free.

Set a budget

It’s easy to get carried away when you enter your favorite store or see that one item you’ve been eyeing for months on sale. However, if you’re trying to have better spending habits, having a fixed budget can help you avoid splurging on things that you (and your wallet) might regret later. Every payday, make it a habit to set aside a certain amount for groceries and other essential purchases you have planned for the month.

Make a list and stick by it

A list, whether it’s in your phone’s notes app or written on a piece of paper, is helpful in preventing overspending and the unnecessary buyer’s remorse afterwards. Aside from reminding you what items you need to pick, the actual process of coming up with a list lets you identify which items you need in your household and prioritize getting them the next time you head to the store.

Read reviews

If you’re planning on buying a particular item, let’s say a new pair of shoes or a Smart TV, make sure to research beforehand and check out user reviews, especially if these are big purchases. Take time to compare brands and prices as well before you make a final decision.

Keep an eye out for sales and promos

Smart shoppers know how to get the most of their money’s worth by finding the best discounts and deals. You can do this by following the social media pages of your favorite stores and brands so you can stay updated. Just remember that not every item on sale is worth availing. At the end of the day, you still have to refer to your budget and your list.

Find the right credit card for your shopping needs

Contrary to what some may say, using a credit card to shop is beneficial if you have the right card in your hands. As a smart shopper, the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card is the only credit card you’ll need when you shop at Robinsons Retail brands. Go beyond shopping and enjoy the following benefits:

• Go Rewards points – You get 1 rewards point for every 200 pesos spent and if you’re a Go Rewards Platinum cardholder, you can gain double the points when you shop at Robinsons Retail stores. Collect Go Rewards points to earn amazing rewards or pay for purchases at Robinsons Retail stores, with each point equivalent to one peso. Your accumulated points do not expire as long as your Go Rewards account remains active and there’s also no cap on the number of points you can earn.
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• Priority access to sales and offers at Robinsons Retail brands including Robinsons Department Store, Toys R’ Us, Daiso Japan, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug, Handyman, True Value, and Pet Lovers Centre.
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• Exclusive perks – UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card holders get automatic upgrade to Go Rewards Black Membership Status that entitles them to Black Member lanes in Shopwise and The Marketplace for a more convenient shopping experience, as well as free parking at select branches of the aforementioned stores.

Apply for the UnionBank Go Rewards Visa Credit Card today and get a welcome gift of 3,000 and 5,000 points for Go Rewards Gold and Platinum card holders, respectively.

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Southstar Drug and Maxicare Commit to Support the Wellness Journey of Filipinos

For Filipinos, safeguarding the well-being of the entire family has always been a priority. With recent data showing that the top five leading causes of mortality in the country are lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases, there is a need to adopt healthier habits and a mindset that prevention is always better than cure to ensure optimum health and protection.

As champions of health and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare have joined forces to support consumers in their journey toward a healthier and happier life. By offering an extensive selection of health essentials and world-class health services, they aim to be reliable companions, "Kasama sa Best Life," for Filipinos. Their shared vision emphasizes the importance of holistic health as a key to unlocking one's full potential and achieving life goals.

Southstar Drug is one of the country's largest and most established drugstore chains, with over 600 stores nationwide and a user-friendly online platform, providing a wide range of affordable medicines, products, and services.

Maxicare, on the other hand, is the Philippines' leading HMO, serving nearly 2 million members with a comprehensive range of healthcare plans for corporations, SMEs, individuals, and families. These plans include prepaid options for added flexibility. Maxicare boasts an extensive network of medical providers and offers robust customer support services.

“We're excited to work with Maxicare to help our fellow Filipinos take charge of their health by making positive changes in their lifestyle. With readily available quality healthcare solutions, they can embrace a healthier lifestyle and unlock their full potential. Just take that first step, and we'll be here to support them every step of the way," said Mariel Crisostomo, General Manager of Southstar Drug.

To officially kick off this pioneering wellness partnership, Southstar Drug and Maxicare will hold the 12th edition of Run for Wellness, an annual event that aims to promote physical health and mental well-being among Filipinos, and encourage them to take the first step in their journey toward their best life. For the first time, the event will feature a Metro Manila leg at UP Diliman, Quezon City on August 13, 2023, in addition to the traditional location in Naga City, Camarines Sur, scheduled for September 10, 2023.

"With our mission to help Filipinos embrace a healthier future, Maxicare proudly joins hands with Southstar Drug for the Run for Wellness. Together, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering the well-being of Filipinos by delivering the finest healthcare services. As your health partner, we enable Filipinos to take charge of their personal wellness journey through healthy habits to help them live their best lives," said Maxicare President and Chief Executive Officer Christian S. Argos.

"Run for Wellness provides participants with a valuable chance to develop enduring habits that will enrich their daily wellness routines, leading to a healthier lifestyle in the long term. Our goal with this event is to motivate more consumers to prioritize holistic health and wellness, adopting a lifestyle that nurtures their overall well-being," said Crisostomo.

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About Southstar Drug

Southstar Drug, founded by the Dy family in 1937, is one of the largest and oldest drugstore chains in the Philippines. Its journey began as a humble mom-and-pop business in Bicol and has since earned a place among the country's Top 500 Corporations. With over 635 stores nationwide and multiple e-commerce platforms, it stands out as an innovative and customer-centric omni-channel retailer. Southstar Drug offers a diverse range of products, including branded prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as food, personal care, and wellness items. Additionally, it takes pride in providing customers with a selection of private label generic medicines. For more information, visit www.southstardrug.com.ph

About Maxicare

As the largest HMO provider in the country, Maxicare continuously provides Filipinos comprehensive healthcare programs via its wide network of medical providers fortified by a strong customer support system. Currently, it services almost 2 Million members across the country from corporate segment, small and medium-sized enterprises to families and individuals via its more than 20,000 affiliated doctors and specialists, over 1,300 hospitals and clinics, over 700 dental clinics, 140 rehabilitation, dialysis, and eye centers. For more information, visit https://www.maxicare.com.ph/. 

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USAID, Nestlé PH strengthen barangay local government SWM capacity to help address ocean plastic pollution

From left to right: Atty. Denya Gracia “Deegee” Uy-Anastacio, Head of Government and Industry Affairs, Nestlé Philippines; Joel Palma, Country Director, USAID CCBO; Maria Christine Ponce-Garcia, Sustainability lead, Nestlé Philippines; Ryder Rogers, Head, Office of the Environment, USAID Philippines; Jose “Joey” Uy III, SVP and Corporate Affairs Head, Nestlé Philippines; Marian Navata, Urban Planning Specialist, Environment Office, USAID Philippines; Engr. Gerry PamilozaChief, Solid Waste Management Section EMB NCR; Jonas Lazo Enmom, Supervisor EMB NCR; and Olaf Miguel “Miggo”Bautista, Sustainability Manager, Nestlé Philippines

The U.S. Agency for Development (USAID), in partnership with Nestlé Philippines, strengthened the capacity of barangay government units on how to enhance their solid waste management (SWM) systems and be resilient to climate change. A two-day training on formulating barangay SWM Action Plans was held at Nestlé’s headquarters for five pilot barangays in Parañaque City and one of each of Nestlé’s host cities in Tanauan and Lipa, Batangas. Together with USAID, the training was co-facilitated by the Paranaque City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean grantee, Pure Oceans.

“Keeping our oceans free of plastic is essential for maintaining the natural beauty of the Philippines, helping to ensure sustainable fisheries and protect the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos, while also reducing the impacts of climate change,” said USAID, Philippines Environment Office Director, Ryder Rogers. “At USAID, we are pleased to work with Nestlé Philippines in partnership with barangay governments and local communities to help address and mitigate the impacts of ocean plastic pollution.”

In January 2022, USAID and Nestlé Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding to work together in enabling local government units and community leaders in the Philippines to educate communities on the link between climate change and solid waste management. Through USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program and Nestlé’s Climate Change and Solid Waste Management initiatives, the goal is to increase communities’ access to education on the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) and share practical tips on SWM.

“Nestlé Philippines is committed to tackling urgent issues of plastic waste and climate change through our groundbreaking and large-scale environmental initiatives,” said Jose Uy III, Nestlé Philippines’ SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs. “Through our partnership with USAID, we are able to help empower community leaders at the local level to progress toward a waste-free future.”

Ian Posadas, Assistant Barangay Secretary and Focal Person of the SWM Committee of Barangay Vitalez, Parañaque City, was one of the participants and he shared: “The 2-day training workshop is a big help for us. As the smallest barangay [in Paranque City], we need to focus on the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – and the management of our waste. This plan will be like our lighthouse, or basis, for the next few years and to see if we are accomplishing the plans we have developed during today’s workshop.”

The plans drafted are for 2024-2026 but for Barangay Captain Lope Lina of Barangay Bagong Pook, Lipa City in Batangas, they plan to start early. “I decided that by August, we will start drafting an ordinance strictly implementing segregation so that the support of Nestlé and its partners to us will not be wasted.”

USAID launched the Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program in August 2019 as the agency’s flagship program to respond to the ocean plastics pollution crisis. The five-year (2019-2024), $53 million program works at the global level and in specific, rapidly urbanizing focal countries to address ocean plastics directly at their source.

By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies, city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and our climate.

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EU to hold its first Euro Village

Visit the EU in two days as it launches its first-ever exciting and dynamic Euro Village!

Want to visit the EU? Look no further, this May 2023, you will have every chance to visit the whole European Union for two days! 

On 27 and 28 May, the Capital Commons Park, Pasig will be converted into a Euro Village. Admission is open to the public for free from 4pm to 12 midnight. 

Savour the ultimate adventure of the senses, in European style!

The Euro Village offers an exciting and dynamic sample of European Union culture, arts, music, food and gastronomy, products, crafts, languages, sports – all in two days and in one hub.

You can find the best novelties from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Poland and Finland.  In solidarity with Ukraine in these dire hours, Euro Village will also feature Ukrainian participation.

Dr Ana Isabel Sánchez Ruiz, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines said that “The essence of the Euro Village is to make these vibrant and diverse cultures accessible to the reach of Filipinos and to open up markets and trade opportunities”.

“Culture has always been at the core of our unique diversity as Europeans”, she said, “We want to share this uniqueness with the Filipinos”, she added saying that the Euro Village project is in celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the European Union on 9 May. 

From bread and rye, waffles, sausages, dairy products and beer, to special concerts and sports demonstration, the Euro Village has lovely surprises in one go. 

And for those yearning to learn a European language but who have not yet had the time to try, the Euro Village cultural and language center  will bring French, German, Italian and Spanish lessons in a snap, thanks to the collaboration of Alliance Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes Manila and the Philippine-Italian Association.  

Those who are interested on European music or would like to jam with artists, the Euro Village will have guest performers from Romania, Ukraine and a serenade from the Manila String Machine, who will be rendering European songs and pieces.

Fantastic mimes and buskers will also be available to entertain guests and participants throughout the two-day European Village festival.

To ensure that this EU’s initiative promotes a sustainable lifestyle and reduction of greenhouse emissions, the EU has engaged with Green Space, Scholars of Sustenance Philippines and EcoNest as sustainability partners.

What are you waiting for? Come on board, for more details, visit the FB page facebook.com/EuroVillagePH. A digital passport is also in store for you in your journey through the borderless Euro Village. Sign up as early as now at https://www.eurovillageph.com/

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Hanabishi Kitchen Appliances At Up To 35% Off In Shopee And Lazada’s 2.2 Sale

 

If you’re looking for Valentine gift suggestions for your significant other or maybe even your friends or family this coming Valentine’s Day, head on to Hanabishi Appliances’ Shopee and Lazada Flagship Stores.

From February 2 to 6, the leading appliance brand will join the shopping platforms’ 2.2 Sale and will offer up 35% discount on select kitchen appliances.

If your partner loves to cook or is planning to practice healthy eating this year, surprise them with Hanabishi’s Low Sugar Rice Cooker HDESUGAR18MFRC or Digital Air Fryer HAFRYER70SSDIG. You may also opt to give them both!

Also going on sale are the Hanabishi Electric Pressure Cooker HDIGPC10in1 and Electric Oven HEO48RED. For more savings, don’t forget to get the PhP50 voucher and the PhP50 shipping discount.

Since it’s the love month, Hanabishi will be giving away freebies as well.

“We are thankful for the support that our Hanabishi community has given us in the past years. We hope that through these sales, they can also show how thankful they are with their loved ones,” said Hanabishi Vice President for Marketing and Finance Cherish Ong-Chua.

Hanabishi is one of the leading appliance manufacturing companies in the Philippines. Since 1986, it has been providing Filipinos with quality products.

In the recent years, it has introduced appliances that support the healthy lifestyle. Hanabishi’s digital air fryer is one of its best-selling products. Last year, it introduced the low sugar rice cooker, which removes the unhealthy starch in rice while retaining its essential nutrients.

Hanabishi’s electric oven and pressure cooker are also bestsellers in their category. Like Hanabishi’s other products, they are made of quality materials and are more affordable than other brands.

“It is our wish to have a Hanabishi product in every Filipino home. This is why we make sure that we provide them with what they need,” Ong-Chua said.

Follow Hanabishi’s social media accounts to stay updated on their latest sales promotions, newest products, and events.

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Aspiring Baker-Entrepreneurs Win Big At URC Flourish Pilipinas Competition

 

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour Division recently awarded six aspiring entrepreneurs with bakery start-up packages in its baking business competition, Flourish Pilipinas 2022: The CEO Initiative.

The competition is part of URC’s efforts to support young Filipino bakers who dream of becoming future CEOs of their own baking businesses.

Participants from the Manila and Davao leg of The CEO Initiative were immersed in a series of technical trainings and business lectures. These aimed to hone their potential and equip them with knowledge that can be useful as they start their venture.

Six finalists made it to the final phase where they presented their business plans to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs. In the end, Manila leg’s Sandra Camille Montenegro, with her “3 Cs” (Cookies & Cream and Corn Cookies), and Davao leg’s Ericka Mae Tuliao of Davao, with “Kaka Mangifera”, were declared the grand prize winners. They each took home a start-up online bakery package worth P200,000.

The first and second runners-up were given start-up packages worth P100,000 and P50,000, respectively. All the winners received top-of-the-line baking equipment, high-quality ingredients and access to industry network.

The CEO Initiative is one of the many activities under “Flourish Pilipinas”, URC’s program that aims to support the baking industry of the country. Since its launch in 2017, URC has conducted several activities that promote bread and pastry baking as a viable form of livelihood for Filipinos.

For more information and updates on URC Flour, follow its Facebook page. For more info about URC, visit its official website.

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OPPO Reno8 5G Is The Perfect Companion For Pursuing Your 2023 Goals

New Year, New Me is a tradition we always make when welcoming another year. And yes, it is the perfect time to prepare another set of goals and resolutions we aim to accomplish. As OPPO believes nothing should hold you back in your quest to become a new you, the global smart device brand has the OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB, popularly known as #ThePortraitExpert, to empower you to succeed in your 2023 goals.

Boost daily productivity this 2023 with its outstanding performance

Fulfilling your New Year’s resolution is much better to do when you have a partner that provides seamless performance. Luckily, the OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB runs on ColorOS 13 based on Android 13, enabling the device to handle your everyday smartphone demands. These upgraded features include improved Multi-Screen Connect and Nearby Share for smooth connectivity, as well as Auto Pixelate and Private Safe to keep your data secure.

Supported by an upgraded 12GB of RAM, you can effortlessly run multiple applications to conveniently switch from one program to the next for leveled-up productivity. Additionally, it has a sizable 256GB of ROM, so you won’t have problems downloading large files and documents daily. This will also help you store your captured memories and moments this year.

Address your power problems with its fast-charging technology

Because of the digital era, it is always important to have the power to stay connected. Thus, having a long-lasting battery is a must. The good thing is that the Portrait Expert has a 4500mAh battery to provide your device with the juice it needs for the whole day. And if you ever forgot to charge your smartphone, don’t worry because it supports a super-fast charging technology that powers up the battery from 0% to 100% in only 28 minutes. This is thanks to its 80W SUPERVOOC feature.

Level up your outfits with its stylish design

Aside from the device’s remarkable performance, the OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB also boasts a premium look and build with its lightweight and streamlined unibody design. Now in a new stunning Sunkissed Beige color, this provides a perfect accessory you can partner in any outfits you want to wear in 2023. Its look is even made more exquisite as it showcases an eye-catching gradient visual effect on its rear cover.

Never fail to capture every important moment in 2023 with its innovative camera

To seal the deal, the OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB is built with dual Sony flagship sensors packed in its front and main cameras. It has a Sony IMX709 sensor in its 32MP selfie shooter and a Sony IMX766 sensor in its 50MP primary camera to capture all your accomplished goals and breakthroughs in 2023.

The device is also integrated with Ultra Night Portrait, so you can snap your important moments even at night in high-quality and Ultra Night Video to allow you to record videos in dimly lit or dark environments. It also has Portrait Mode to provide you with more creative and spectacular selfies in 2023.

Grab #ThePortraitExpert as your perfect partner in fulfilling your 2023 goals! It is available for Php29,999 in OPPO Brand Stores, authorized dealers, and the OPPO Official Shopee Store.

To know more about the OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at  https://www.oppo.com/ph/. You can also check OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on  Facebook, YouTube, and  TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our  website, via  Facebook.

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Smart And Maya Unveil ‘Power Savings’ Exclusive To Smart Postpaid Subscribers

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. has partnered with all-in-one money app, Maya, to launch ‘Power Savings,’ an exclusive promo that enables postpaid subscribers to grow their savings faster. 

Under the exclusive promo running from Jan. 16 to Feb. 28, Smart Postpaid subscribers with Plan 999 and up, and who have upgraded their Maya Savings account, can earn an interest rate of up to 7% per annum credited daily – from the base interest rate of 4.5% — one of the highest in the market. 

This gives qualified postpaid subscribers a unique opportunity to grow their money faster and extra cash daily to help them achieve their financial goals. 

Moreover, subscribers can enjoy FREE InstaPay transactions when they transfer funds from other banks to Maya and switch to Maya Savings.  

To avail of Power Savings, eligible Smart Postpaid subscribers simply have to follow these steps:  

First, join Maya and upgrade your account. First-time users can get up to PHP 60.00 Welcome Reward upon upgrade. 

Open a Maya Savings account and go to “Missions” in the app, look for “Smart Postpaid Exclusive” mission and enter the unique Smart Postpaid code (to be sent by Smart via SMS).  

Spend a minimum of PHP 999.00 using Maya on paying for your Smart Postpaid bill or any other bill, scanning to pay, paying with Maya card or shopping online. (Tip: Cash in at least PHP 1,500.00 via InstaPay and get a PHP 25.00 service fee cashback)

Enjoy the daily 7% saving interest rate (for up to PHP 100,000.00 end-of-day deposit balance)

All Maya Savings account holders may also avail of the FREE Maya Card, inside the app.  

Download the Maya App now  

Free to download and register, the Maya app packs a feature-rich e-wallet, an inclusive digital bank, and everything else you need to save, spend, grow, and manage your money—right from your smartphone.

The app is powered by its very own Maya Bank, a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-licensed and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC)-insured bank to ensure that the money remains safe and secure. With its 99.9% uptime rate, users can expect their transactions to be seamless and with less downtimes. 

Maya was originally known as PayMaya, a leading e-wallet app in the Philippines. It recently rebranded to Maya as it evolved beyond payments with the launch of its own banking and crypto services. This makes Maya the Philippines’ first and only all-in-one money app as it brings together banking, crypto, and wallet features into a seamless customer experience. 

Register your Smart SIM 

Smart Postpaid’s exclusive partnership with Maya for subscribers is just one of the many ways the mobile services provider empowers customers with the best postpaid experience. 

On top of award-winning services, Smart Postpaid subscribers can expect more exclusive rewards and benefits this 2023.

To keep enjoying Smart’s services and perks, postpaid subscribers are encouraged to complete their SIM Registration by confirming the personal information and IDs they submitted for their postpaid plan application. To do this confirmation, subscribers just need to text YES to 5858. They shall then receive a confirmation message from Smart upon successful SIM Registration and get FREE 3 GB data. 

Know the best Smart Signature Plan for your lifestyle at www.smart.com.ph/postpaid.

To know more about this exclusive offer, visit https://www.maya.ph/smartpostpaidoffers.

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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Way to a Zero Waste Life

For many, the beginning of another year is the perfect opportunity to learn and develop new habits, which is why setting new year’s resolutions continues to be a popular tradition. Some of the most common ones include eating healthier, exercising more, discovering new hobbies, and managing finances better. This year, why not make space for one more resolution on your list and try going zero waste for the planet?

Adopting a zero waste lifestyle means minimizing the amount of trash an individual generates daily to reduce waste that ends up in landfills and the environment, which further contributes to global warming and climate change. It is also a way to help mitigate the solid waste crisis in the country as local waste generation is projected to reach 23.6 million tons in 2025 from 21.4 million tons in 2020.

Starting your zero waste journey doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be as simple as practicing the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Reduce

Believe it or not, this is one of the easiest ways to become zero waste—you just have to limit yourself from buying things that you don’t need. When people purchase more items, more waste is produced and the demand to manufacture also increases, resulting in more impact to the environment.  So the next time you’re out shopping, evaluate first whether the items in your cart are truly worth the space in your home.

Another tip is to cut down on unnecessary single-use items, especially plastics, to lessen one’s waste footprint. They may be convenient to use, but that does not change the fact that they also largely contribute to the solid waste crisis at hand. Invest in reusable items instead. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of reusable alternatives for almost anything nowadays, from water bottles to sanitary products, that makes the switch so much easier.

Reuse

Instead of buying new things, use your resourcefulness and creativity to reuse and/or repurpose items that you have rather than just throwing them away. The possibilities are endless! For example, NESCAFE Gold glass jars make great containers for pens and other trinkets while KOKO KRUNCH cereal boxes can be crafted into gift boxes, bookmarks, and even drawer dividers. You can also give used goods a second chance by purchasing from thrift stores and choosing to repair furniture, household items, and electronics.

Recycle

The waste we generate that cannot be reduced or reused will ultimately need to be recycled. Remember that the recycling process starts at home—it’s our responsibility to properly segregate our trash and make sure our recyclables are clean and dry before collection. Make sure to follow your barangay or LGU’s collection schedule for recyclables or if that’s not applicable, you can also send them to recycling centers or look for the nearest plastic drop-off location nearest to you by visiting #PlasticDropPH.

Kitchen and garden wastes, on the other hand, can be composted to prevent them from ending up in landfills. You can either try backyard composting if you have the space or indoor composting, particularly Bokashi method and vermicomposting,  if you reside in a condominium or apartment.

Choosing to live a zero waste life is not an easy task, but there are many communities both online and offline that can support you with this transition. More and more brands are also doing their part in enabling the public to become more conscious of the waste they produce and how to manage these properly.

Nestle Philippines, for example, is embracing its leadership role in tackling plastic waste in the country and shaping a waste-free future through its various initiatives that are inclusive and wide-ranging. Aside from constantly working to make its packaging more sustainable, it also empowers its consumers and communities to practice proper solid waste management (SWM) by developing educational modules, conducting capacity-building activities, and supporting construction of collection, segregation and recycling infrastructure, particularly materials recovery facilities in barangays.

To mark this year’s National Zero Waste Month celebration, Nestle Philippines and GMA Network are launching an online video series aimed to raise awareness about the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This is part of the Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan partnership that aims to educate the public about our individual responsibility to the planet and engage them to be more actively involved in the advocacy for the environment. Don’t miss it!

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