Sunday, June 30, 2024
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The world’s leading game creators have come together in the country to launch CRETA, a multiverse gaming entertainment platform and the latest product of their collaborative genius. The CRETA token will be listed on local cryptocurrency exchange Coins.ph starting July 8.
Thomas Vu, executive producer of global phenomenon League of Legends and Netflix’s Emmy-winning series Arcane, together with another game production giant Ray Eiichiro Nakazato, a former vice president at Electronic Arts Japan Studio and worked as senior manager at Microsoft Japan Game Studios, made the announcement at a media conference held at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
“Oftentimes, when you see people build ecosystems, it’s piecemeal. With CRETA, our team has been really thoughtful and strategic about building all the pieces together harmoniously, and I think that connective tissue is really important. It’s designed to be ubiquitous in all these different ways, and I suspect that it’s going to catch a lot of people off guard,” said Vu.
Aside from Vu, comprising the team of veteran producers and developers behind CRETA are Kay Youn, CEO of CRETA affiliate CCR and lead developer of the iconic game Fortress; Yoshiki Okamoto, the legendary developer behind Street Fighter 2 and Monster Strike; Joohyung Jang, the game producer behind iconic titles like Lineage and Aion; and Nakazato, Chief Creative Officer and Head of Japan.
“Currently, the team is working on some interesting business models, and the scalability of what we‘re building is impressive,” said Vu. “When you think about it, very few teams have 25 plus years of gaming experience – this just doesn’t exist, so the next evolution of existing genres that CRETA is working on is going to be interesting.”
Their combined expertise ensures that CRETA delivers a next-generation gaming experience on a decentralized metaverse platform, where both gamers and professional game studios can provide Web3 games and new gaming services. CRETA also implements S2E (Share to Earn), which combines user video sharing platforms with typical P2E (Play to Earn) and C2E (Create to Earn) features.
During his presentation, Nakazato highlighted the platform’s integrated approach. “Within the CRETA ecosystem, any game can use our social media features. For instance, when you press the start button, our social media can pop up within the game. You don’t need Discord anymore; it’s all in one integrated environment.”
Nakazato further explained the benefits of CRETA’s blockchain technology, “Another key differentiation for CRETA is its use of the low-cost blockchain, Locus Chain. It’s a very fast and scalable blockchain developed over seven years by our technology engineers who have been making games for 20 years. This ensures the platform is cost-effective and sustainable.”
Users will also be able to join in the evolution, as the platform is equipped with a proprietary Game Creation Engine that will empower them to develop their own games, with the freedom to publish and distribute their creations as NFT’s.
Nakazato also announced the scheduled release of the Super Club, a gaming and Web 3.0 social media and community platform, that will begin in late-July.
The company’s goal is clear, according to Nakazato, “There are 3 billion gamers in the world now, but Web3 is very small [in comparison]. So we’re not trying to target Web3 gamers – we are trying to change the entire gaming industry.”
In just one year since joining forces with community-building platform SwipeRx and the Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA), Sanofi Consumer Healthcare has upskilled a total 6,457 pharmacists nationwide through its revolutionary learning platform, PharmAcademy.
“As we now know, for every Filipino that visits their local doctor, 10 visit their local pharmacist for medical advice, so the more professionals we are able to teach through PharmAcademy, the more patient lives we are able to touch on-ground,” said Monsinee Sathirakawinskul, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare Country Head for Philippines CHC ASEA Zone.
Bridging the communal gaps in health literacy with the help of pharmacists
Officially launched in the Philippines during PPhA’s 2023 National Conference, PharmAcademy is a platform to equip pharmacists with the skills to play a more proactive role in disease management and prevention, especially in counseling about illnesses that can be prevented by lifestyle adjustments and proper self-care.
For this year’s conference, PPhA placed a focus on the state of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). A 2023 study published in the Annals of Hepatology revealed that 4% of deaths annually in the world are caused by liver disease, and has become a pressing matter in the Philippines as well.
Dr. Denis Cua Ngo, President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology provided key insights on the severity of the disease in the country, saying, “We are facing epidemic of obesity which will almost inevitably result in an increase in rates of NAFLD and NASH, and eventually a burden of end-stage liver disease.”
In the Philippines alone, around 27 cases in 1,000 deaths in the Philippines can be attributed to liver disease. While alarming in number, lifestyle modification and proactive liver care remain to be the cornerstone of prevention. Pharmacists are instrumental in promoting proper healthcare practices within the communities they serve, making learning tools like PharmAcademy even more relevant, especially in tackling cases of NAFLD and NASH.
Changing the pharmacy practice one accreditation at a time
Only on its second year in the Philippines, PharmAcademy has aided in the progress of proactive healthcare at the forefront of pharmacist education. To date, 2,314 pharmacists have received CPD-accreditation for completing Immunology 101, while 2,219 have been accredited for mastering the ABCs of multivitamins.
Gut health was also a prominent part of the pharmacists’ education, with the alliance having issued a combined total of 2,785 accreditations on the following modules: Gut Immunity and the role of Probiotics in Diarrhea Management, and Case-Based Approach to Digestive Health.
Regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), these modules work to improve over-the-counter patient care overall, allowing upskilled pharmacists enough knowledge to confidently fulfill their role as frontline healthcare providers.
The interest to explore post-pandemic servicing strategies were also evident, as a total of 4,961 completed soft skill modules covering topics like “Pandemic communication barriers with customers” and “Understanding customers’ behaviors post-COVID.”
These soft skills are essential in advising for individual patient care and help pharmacists better understand the importance of effective communication during crises, where patient uncertainty and anxiety is at its peak.
As PharmAcademy persists to upskill pharmacists across the nation, its second year will now include interactive sessions with industry thought leaders and offline knowledge-transfer sessions, on top of the readily available modules that pharmacists can access on the SwipeRx app.
“By enabling pharmacists and pharmacist assistants to step into their role as the primary healthcare providers of their community, we empower each patient who seek their guidance to have more control of their healthcare journey, ultimately allowing them to put their health into their own hands,” Dr. Yvonne Ferrer, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare ASEA Medical Lead, concluded.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
MANILA (June 28, 2024) Acer, a leading global technology company, has officially launched its flagship store on Shopee, Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Acer, expanding its reach to a vast audience of online shoppers.
The Acer Official Store on Shopee offers a comprehensive range of Acer products, including laptops, desktops, monitors, projectors, and accessories. Customers will have access to the latest Acer technologies, such as the ultra-thin Swift series of laptops, the powerful Predator gaming line, and the innovative Aspire series of all-purpose devices.
In celebration of the store launch, Acer is offering exclusive deals and promotions to Shopee users. Customers can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on selected products, as well as free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Additionally, shoppers can look forward to flash sales, bundle deals, and other special offers throughout the year.
Customers can visit the Acer Official Store on Shopee at https://bit.ly/SHPAcerOfficialStore to browse the latest products, check out exclusive promotions, and make purchases. Acer’s dedicated customer support team is also available on Shopee to assist with any inquiries or provide technical assistance.
With the launch of its official store on Shopee, Acer further strengthens its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service to consumers in the Philippines.
Follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram to watch out for the exciting # AcerU2024 B
Digimap has been electrifying the tech retail scene in the Philippines, with 8 stores opened in a short duration while being the newest Apple Authorized Reseller partner!
Now, Digimap is cementing its presence with its seventh store in Gateway Mall 2, Cubao, while also launching in Robinsons Lipa, Robinsons North Tacloban, Robinsons Tagum, and Robinsons Roxas.
With a total of eleven stores set to open before their first anniversary, Digimap is rapidly becoming a powerhouse and a key destination for all of your Apple needs!
With over 50 stores in Indonesia, Digimap comes to the Philippines and operates under Mapple Philippines Inc., a sister company to MAP Active Philippines. This retail family also includes Footlocker, Planet Sports, New Balance, Converse, Skechers, FitFlop, Hoka and Teva.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT DIGIMAP GATEWAY
Digimap is your go-to spot for upgrading your gadgets or surprising a loved one with the latest tech! Don’t miss these grand launch deals:
- Up to PHP 21,000 off on select MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models.
- Up to PHP 2,500 off on select AirPods models.
- Up to PHP 30,000 off on select products when you use your UnionBank credit card at 0% interest for 24 months from June 26-30.
- Free Soundcore Earbuds for the first 50 customers with a minimum purchase of PHP20,000.
- Up to 10% off on partner accessories from June 26-30.
PLAY DAY SESSIONS
Ever wondered what your new gadget can really do? Digimap’s Play Day Sessions are here to show you! Whether you’re a new iPhone user or making the switch to a MacBook, Digimap’s SuperStars are ready to help. #DigimapPlayDay
Simply scan the QR code to schedule your consultation today!
Friday, June 28, 2024
The leading life insurer bags three awards for its outstanding marketing campaigns
Sun Life Philippines, the longest-standing and #1 life insurer in the country, has been recognized at the prestigious Gold Quill Awards for its excellence in communication.
The company won an Award of Excellence for its Brand Health Journey and an Award of Merit for its Freedom to Live Brighter campaign. It also received the Team of the Year Special Award for its Client Experience & Marketing Departments.
Sun Life’s Brand Strategy and Management Head Don Aaron Peji and Digital Marketing and Advertising Head Ila Muriel Lucmayon received the awards.
Sun Life as the Top-of-Mind Life Insurance Brand in the Philippines
Sun Life aimed to retain its position as a trusted brand globally, and this was sustained in the Philippines by consistently topping the brand awareness, familiarity, and consideration scores against competitors. The company cemented its position in 2023 as a top-of-mind brand by mounting a series of brand campaigns and activations to encourage more Filipinos to secure their health and wealth. Both campaigns were executed using digital and traditional advertising and communications, ensuring a wider reach and a more impactful outcome.
Freedom to Live Brighter: A Next Gen Financial Literacy Advocacy
After launching the Philippines’ first ever multimedia campaign on financial literacy back in 2010, the company endeavored to refresh and update its advocacy to appeal to young audiences. This was done through the “Freedom to Live Brighter” campaign, which featured four digital films ideated and written by Sun Life’s very own team Gen Z multimedia artists. A landing page was likewise created as a one-stop hub that shared tips and solutions for various life stages and needs. The campaign successfully refreshed Sun Life’s financial literacy advocacy and expanded the company’s appeal to the younger generation, as shown in the significant increase in awareness among the younger age group.
Team of the Year Special Award
Sun Life Philippines’ Client Experience & Marketing Department was also honored with the Team of the Year Special Award, which highlights the highest-scoring entries submitted by an agency or organization. The awards were evaluated based on the number of winning submissions from a particular entrant.
Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Gold Quill Awards is considered the most prestigious recognition for professional communicators around the globe. Hundreds of entries are submitted every year, all of which are evaluated by seasoned professionals who not only undertake training but also adhere to strict guidelines in assessing each entry.
“We are truly grateful and humbled by this recognition from the Gold Quill Awards. We share this achievement with our Clients, who always inspire us to be creative and innovative in the way we communicate Sun Life’s purpose. We also thank our partners and stakeholders who help us bring our advocacy and campaigns to life,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience & Marketing Officer of Sun Life Philippines. “We will continue to strive for excellence in communication as we strive to help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.
The all-new realme GT 6 is now available in Shopee and TikTok at an introductory price and freebies until July 4
realme Philippines wrapped the first half of the year by expanding its flagship-level series with the recent launch of the realme GT 6. Known as ‘The Flagship Killer’, the realme GT 6 officially hits the shelves of Shopee and TikTok starting June 28.
The realme GT 6 sports a Nano Mirror Design and is crafted using high-quality glass panels to sport a sophisticated look. It comes in Fluid Silver and Razor Green colors.
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8s Gen 3 and backed up by a 5500mAh battery, the realme GT 6 guarantees Next Level Performance for users to always be on top of their game. The smartphone can easily handle high-load mobile game scenarios and multitask when switching between apps.
The realme GT 6 carries Next AI technology to make user experience like no other. This includes AI Smart Loop for sending or sharing files faster, AI Smart Removal to edit photos easier, and an AI Night Vision Video for brighter videos under extremely low light conditions.
The realme GT 6 also has SGS AI Eye Protection Certification to offer AI Eye Protection. This allows the display to adapt to ambient lighting through the “Nature Tone Display.” This AI feature also offers Eye Comfort & Sleep functions that can detect the user’s eye fatigue and calibrate the display’s color temperatures for different activities such as video streaming, social media scrolling, and reading.
realme GT 6 is now available on Shopee and TikTok
Fans can enjoy an array of impressive features for only P29,999 on realme’s Shopee Flagship Store and official TikTok Shop until July 4. The Squad can also take home a FREE realme Buds T300 when the purchase is made from June 28 to July 4.
‘The Flagship Killer’ also offers 5G connectivity. To boost user productivity further, the first customers who purchase the realme GT 6 starting June 28 will get a FREE Globe Prepaid 5G SIM with up to 60GB FREE mobile data.
Offline Availability
Fans who opt to get their very own realme GT 6 via select realme physical stores from July 5-7 can enjoy a FREE TechLife Portable Steam Iron or TechLife Foldable Trolley while stocks last.
When it comes to flexible payment options, fans can choose either an 18-month 0% rate via Credit Card or an 18-month installment plan with 0% interest in Home Credit. This promo is valid only until July 31.
For more details on the realme GT 6 and its availability, head over to realme official Facebook page or website.
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Manila, Philippines, 28 June 2024 – Hitting the road whether for leisure travel across the Philippines or sealing business deals overseas can be a daunting endeavor. The pre-travel stress between the epic suitcase shuffle and the documents paranoia can be too much to handle – and this is even without considering the challenge of getting to the airport on time or arranging transportation.
Understanding this dilemma, Grab – the partner of every Filipino for safe, convenient, and reliable mobility – launches its latest transportation service Advance Booking. Grab Advance Booking guarantees on-time rides to the airport via the GrabAirport fleet, ticking off yet another item on the travelers’ checklist.
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Grab Philippines Head of Mobility EJ Dela Vega shares, “Having served the Philippines for over a decade, we at Grab have deepened our understanding of the distinct needs of our Filipino passengers. One such need that stands out is their requirement for reliable airport transportation. Recognizing this, we are enhancing the experience of airport rides on Grab with the launch of Advance Booking. Our new Grab Advance Booking product goes beyond offering mere airport transfers – it provides travelers the peace of mind they deserve. This new service has been engineered to have guaranteed on-time rides every time, enabling every Filipino traveler to leave their homes with the confidence they’ll have a ride to make their flight on time.”
Grab Advance Booking: Guaranteed On-Time Rides, Every Time
The worries about catching a flight in the wee hours of the morning or during the peak of the metro bustle are a thing of the past with Grab Advance Booking. This new Grab mobility service touts guaranteed rides every time.
Plan as early as 7 Days ahead: With Grab’s Advance Booking feature, passengers can effortlessly plan their journeys well in advance. The reservation window is flexible, allowing bookings to be made as early as seven days or as late as two hours before the scheduled ride.
Stay Stress-free with On-Time Pick-up Assurance: The Grab Advance Booking driver-partners are guaranteed to be on time. In instances of service disruption, the Grab platform swiftly and seamlessly reassigns the ride to an alternative driver-partner, ensuring a successful completion of the trip for the passenger. To ensure fairness, a Php-100 courtesy credit will be offered to passengers if the driver arrives late for a pre-scheduled ride.
No need to panic with extended wait time: Further enhancing passenger convenience, a 15-minute grace period is implemented for Advance Booking rides. This allows drivers to accommodate minor delays, while passengers encountering unforeseen circumstances have additional time to reach the pick-up location.
Booking in a Breeze
Accessing Grab Advance Booking is a walk in the park. Passengers can select “Advance Booking” under the Grab transport page. They can then enter the date and time of their ride, along with their pick-up location and the specific airport terminal for drop-off.
Advance Booking passengers will also be receiving regular updates and reminders about the status of their ride leading to the scheduled pick-up time. 45 minutes prior to the scheduled trip, passengers can already chat and check in with their assigned driver in-app.
As safety and convenience remain paramount for Grab, Advance Booking rides can only accommodate a maximum of three passengers with three pieces of luggage.
Safeguarding our Driver-Partners
Grab has also implemented protective measures to safeguard the income of the dedicated fleet for Advance Booking. These measures are designed to mitigate the impact of last-minute cancellations by passengers, specifically those made less than an hour before the scheduled pick-up time. During such cancellations, the passenger will be charged the full fare of the ride. The same policy applies when a passenger is unreachable or hasn’t arrived 15 minutes past the scheduled time.
However, there will be no charge for any passenger cancellation done at least one hour before the scheduled pick-up time,
A worry-free airport transfer
The Grab Advance Booking eases the overall experience of leisure and business travelers going to the airport, allowing them to relax as they begin their trip. This new service from Grab is currently exclusive to trips going to Metro Manila airports via its GrabAirport fleet, which was launched last year in conjunction with the MIAA. Its availability in cities and regions outside of the National Capital Region is expected to transpire in the second half of 2024.
For more information on Grab Advance Booking, passengers may visit the Grab Help Center.
SB19 and Apl.de.Ap are throwing a massive house party on the music video of “Ready,” the dance-pop track released under Sony Music Entertainment.
“The concept of the music video revolves around the guys being away for a while and returning home to mount a party of a lifetime,” Apl.de.Ap explains. “While shot in Manila, it’s designed to be purposely ambiguous in location, and the maximalist design is intentional. It represents the arrival of SB19 as an international act. It’s an honor to be celebrating with the next pride of the Philippines.”
Working with Ben Mor
American filmmaker Ben Mor, who has directed visuals for some of the biggest global pop icons in recent memory, including Katy Perry, Britney Spears, John Legend, NAS, and the Black Eyed Peas, helmed the MV. A good friend and frequent collaborator of Apl.de.Ap, Mor has always been fascinated by the design language of this country and has showcased it in many videos.
Apl.de.Ap revealed, “We have worked together for years as he has shot many Black Eyed Peas’ videos. The shoot was a bit of logistical madness because immediately after this, he was off to Athens to shoot another cool music video.”
Despite some logistical challenges, the 2 Proud act expressed satisfaction with the final outcome. The Filipino-American rapper also revealed that he wanted to showcase a visually cool part of the Philippines that was different from what people usually see on postcards and in films.
“I believe the house has a real aesthetic and character. But I let the professionals take it from there.”
A fun shoot
SB19’s Pablo admitted that the creative process for the MV was different from anything they’ve done as a group. This time around, they’ve worked with a more Westernized approach, not completely relying on a storyboard.
“Apl.de.Ap was fun to work with and very chill,” he said. “His energy was infectious! Even the dancers and the talents gave their all. There’s never a dull moment in the shoot.”
Justin also raved about the experience of collaborating with Apl.de.Ap’s team. While they’re used to embracing story-driven concepts for an MV, the youngest member of the group shared in a statement that it felt great having fun on the shoot, as if it didn’t feel like work at all.
“Somehow it offered a refreshing reprieve,” he said.
“Ready” marks a monumental collaboration between P-Pop kings SB19 and international hip-hop superstar Apl.de.Ap. A shiny club number that captures the sound of summer effortlessly regardless of the season, the collaborative song was penned by the Black Eyed Peas resident rapper with Jean-Baptiste, Vince Nantes, and Denzel. SB19’s Pablo and Josue (Radkidz), on the other hand, contributed to the production of the track, adding final touches and subtle sonic elements.
SB19 and Apl.de.Ap’s “Ready” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the MV here.
MANILA, Philippines. – Homegrown restaurant company Jollibee Group was among the 38 Philippine companies included in the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500. Fortune, a global multi-platform media company known for their Fortune 500 list, ranked the largest companies in the region by their total revenues for the 2023 fiscal year. The Jollibee Group was ranked 86th in the overall list, with a revenue of USD4,391.1 million and a profit of USD157.7 million. It was also the 9th highest ranked Philippine-based company.
In 2023, Jollibee Group recorded a 15.2% year-on-year growth, reaching an all-time high total revenue of Php244.1 billion. The Company also generated a new record operating profit of Php14.4 billion, which was a 45% increase compared to full year 2022.
“Behind our business performance is our passionate commitment to providing truly delicious food coupled with exceptionally caring and warm customer service. Our recent inclusion in Fortune’s inaugural list of Southeast Asia 500 Companies reflects this deep commitment and inspires us to keep dreaming big and exceeding people’s expectations as a restaurant company,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We dedicate this recognition to our teams and partners all over the world who share our passion and dedication to our mission of serving great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” Tanmantiong added.
The Jollibee Group has a diverse portfolio of 18 brands with over 6,800 stores across 33 countries. Its brands include Jollibee, its flagship brand for chicken category; The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for coffee and tea; Tim Ho Wan for Chinese cuisine; and Smashburger for better burgers.
The Jollibee Group has set aggressive growth plans this 2024 and beyond, which includes expanding the Jollibee brand internationally, growing its coffee and tea business, exponentially growing its presence in China, and sustaining its robust growth and market leadership in the Philippines.
Inaugural Southeast Asia List
Companies included in the inaugural Southeast Asia 500 join an elite group of firms recognized under the Fortune 500 franchise, which spans the original Fortune 500, the Fortune Global 500, the Fortune Europe 500, and the Fortune China 500.
“The Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects a dynamic and fast-changing region—one whose core economies are growing notably faster than those of Europe or the U.S. Southeast Asia takes on far greater significance in the global economy due to shifting supply chains and the rapid development of the region’s economies,” said Clay Chandler, Executive Editor, Asia.
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