Customers enjoy bigger rewards with PLDT, Smart, and Maya at SM Store

SHOPPING at SM Store becomes more exciting with the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT Inc., the fastest mobile network Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the all-in-one money app Maya during all of the stores’ Three Day Sale schedules in 2023 nationwide.

“Aligned with our commitment to elevate the quality of our customer service, our partnership with SM Store allows us to serve Filipinos and delight them with rewards that can help them have amazing experiences and strengthen their bonds with family and friends whether at home or on-thego,” said Chito M. Franco III, VP and Head of National Key Accounts and Partnerships at PLDT and Smart.

“SM Store is happy to have PLDT, Smart, and Maya as our partners in achieving our goal to make the shopping experience of our customers more convenient, exciting, and fun,” said Dhinno Francis S. Tiu, EVP and Operations and Sales Support Head at SM Store.

Beginning February 15 in SM North EDSA, Smart and TNT customers can get 10 percent off on call and text cards worth P300 and P500 when they purchase at SM Store during the promo period. Shoppers who will sign up for a PLDT Fibr Plan 1699 and up will also qualify for a free installation and activation, as well as a free Viu subscription for one month upon application.

On the other hand, newly registered Maya users can get a one-time P30 cashback on their first-ever cash-in during the three-day sale, with a minimum P1,000 single cash-in transaction at SM Store. Meanwhile, a P3, P30, or P300 cashback await existing users and new users in their succeeding transactions when they scan to pay with Maya QR, with a minimum single-receipt transaction of P1,000. Maximum total cashback is capped at P300.

And finally, for every P3,000 singlereceipt purchase at SM Store or P1,000 single-receipt purchase of Smart products from Smart Business Center Operations enable customers to enter the raffle where they can get a chance to win a Samsung Tablet A7 Lite paired with a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi LTE-Advanced. Monitor official SM Store and Smart social media accounts for the announcement of other three-day sale dates and locations.

MAYNILAD PLANTS ONE-MILLIONTH TREE. West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) recently celebrated a milestone in its “Plant for Life” watershed reforestation program with the planting of its one-millionth tree at La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City. Present to witness the planting of this “Mega Tree” were (from left) Maynilad Head of Quality, Sustainability and Resiliency Division Atty. Roel S. Espiritu, Department of Environment and National Resources Assistant Regional Director for Technical Engr. Ignacio Almira, Jr., Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System Administrator Engr. Leonor Cleofas, and Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez. Maynilad’s “Plant for Life” program aims to rehabilitate and sustain the critical watersheds that replenish raw water supplies for Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. Since the program’s launch in 2007, the company has planted native trees like narra, cupang, acacia, alibangbang, apitong, and mangroves over a land area of around 755.3 hectares in Angat, Ipo, and La Mesa, as well as in the Manila Bay and Laguna Lake coastlines of Cavite and Muntinlupa. This program has also enabled Maynilad to reduce its carbon emissions by around 25,000 tons per year.

Radenta Technologies sponsors 25th anniversary celebration of Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators

RADENTA Technologies, one of the country's leading IT solutions integrators was a Diamond Sponsor at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools and Administrators (FAPSA) held recently at The Manila Hotel.

FAPSA is the biggest and leading umbrella group of over 6,000 private school owners and administrators nationwide.

This year’s theme, “FAPSA Embracing Education 5.0: Rehumanizing Digital Learning,” is the perfect avenue for Radenta to highlight its wealth of digital tools from Microsoft. Radenta’s team was on hand to give educators and school administrators a feel of how technology can help students, teachers and schools navigate today’s digital learning environment.

Microsoft figures show that 73 per cent of teachers must manage classes with students with reading levels that span four or more grade levels. Up to 50 percent of instructional time is lost in managing student needs as well as incorporating assistive technology for students with disabilities. One bright spot, however, shows that digitally enabled learning has been shown to increase competency scores by at least 30 percent.

Microsoft is the leader in digitally enabled education that promotes an inclusive environment with a comprehensive cloud solution. It comes with best-in-class built-in security that helps protect against malware, viruses, phishing and more. It manages apps and settings in all devices with a simple and unified web-based console.

There is no better way to make the most of Microsoft solutions than with its latest line of light and portable Surface Go 2-in-1 tablet and laptop. Surface tablets have touch screen display and come with USB support, dual Wi-Fi antennae, a built-in kickstand to make the tablet stand up by itself and an optional keyboard that doubles as the tablet's cover. There are three devices to choose from.

Surface Laptop Go 2 is the lightest and most affordable. Powered by Windows 11, it comes with a 12.4” PixelSense™ touchscreen and comfortable keyboard with a large precision trackpad. It has a faster 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and all-day battery life. Its Instant On allows you to pick up where you left off. Surface Laptop Go 2 comes in cool metal colors of Sage, Ice Blue, Sandstone and Platinum. icrosoft Surface Go 3 comes with more speed from the Intel® Core™ i3 Processor, has a built-in Microsoft Security and optional LTE Advanced. It allows a faster work pace with its touch and Surface Pen. Virtual meetings and videos look perfect with the 10.5” PixelSense™ Display. It has fast Wi-Fi 6 and seamless interaction with Microsoft apps.

Microsoft Surface Go 3 offers flexibility whether typing notes on screen, capturing photos in Tablet mode, typing on Laptop Mode, or joining an offsite video conferencing on Microsoft Teams. Builtin security and modern management keep data safe and compliant. Zero-touch deployment, once-click device manageability and protection from Microsoft reduce complexity for IT.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent choice for business. It has a 13.5 PixelSense™ touchscreen for ultra-portable productivity, versatile Thunderbolt™ 4 connectivity, enhanced camera experience powered by Windows 11 for true-to-life video with exceptional lowlight capabilities and it secures data with Windows 11 Secured-core PC with a removable hard drive for data retention. Instant On allows the user to jump back to work within seconds of opening the lid. Windows Hello makes sign in effortless with password-free sign in.

Aiming to have the latest digital tools is not an easy task. One big challenge schools face is paying for devices upfront. This prompted Radenta to start its Device Leasing Program. Under the program, schools can pay for the devices and Microsoft subscriptions monthly or on an agreed upon flexible payment terms. There is low initial cash out and the schools can purchase branded equipment from a list of choices.

The program is only available to schools to build their 21st Century Classrooms for future-ready students. It offers Microsoft Surface, Huawei, Acer, HP, Lenovo, Realme, Xiaomi, Dell, and Samsung. The school must purchase a minimum of 10 devices to include laptop, desktop, and mobile phones. Other devices like printers, smart TVs and projectors can also be negotiated.

ONE incredibly powerful impact that social media has had on the world today is its ability to launch seemingly ordinary people to superstardom. There’s no telling just what the next viral video will be, but when it hits, it does with unmistakable force.

Such is the case of Queenay Mercado, one of TikTok’s fastest rising sensations, whose “panalo” story is primed to inspire and motivate Puregold’s young, aspirational customers. Queenay, in fact, relates how the values of initiative and persistence have played a part in her life journey.

Long before fame and success came, Queenay was a simple probinsyana who grew up in her hometown in Batangas. She did not show much promise, then, and stardom was just a distant dream for her. As a kid, Queenay first needed to hurdle a few speed bumps, including being called “Broiler” for being plus sized.

But Queenay was undaunted. As a showbiz aspirant, she participated in acting workshops, hoping these would open doors for her. For the longest time, however, she only snagged bit roles. At one point, Queenay’s sole “claim to fame” was being glimpsed for a few seconds in the background of some GMA 7 teleserye.

Thankfully, Queenay’s flair for selfexpression led her to video-sharing platform, TikTok. That was when Queenay’s profile really took off. To date, she has accumulated over 13 million followers, attesting to how her charm and appeal can generate a rabid following.

Puregold has trained the spotlight on

PUREGOLD has trained the spotlight on Queenay’s talents through TikTok’s “52 Weeks.”

Queenay’s talents through TikTok’s “52 Weeks,” the 36-episode series that starred Queenay in the leading role of Mina, alongside co-star Jin Macapagal. Queenay has also joined the cast of the TV5 sitcom “Oh My Corona”. All this time, the TikTok sensation has remained unaffected, an attitude that endears her to her legions of followers. Queenay’s phenomemal rise to prominence proves that determination and a healthy mindset trump any or all challenges. And if one wants to be happy, humility is important to have as well.

Esports team Smart Omega gears up for upcoming mobile games competition in Southeast Asia

Starting February 18, Smart Omega will field Kelra, Raizen, Renzio, Mikko, Stowm, and Louis to battle it out with seven other teams in the league for the crown.

With a new roster for the new season, what can fans expect from Smart Omega? A journey towards redemption, according to head coach Ynot Senedrin.

“We still got most of our roster from last season, and we added some new talent. Our offseason training was good, and we can definitely see the team’s strengths and potential. We’re looking forward to seeing them in action,” Senedrin said. With the goal of becoming the champion, Smart Omega thanked their fans for their unending support. “Babawi kami sa inyo guys, ipapakita natin ang lakas ng Barangay Omega!” Senedrin added.

SMART Omega, the professional esports team backed by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is gearing up for the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League, the biggest mobile games competition in Southeast Asia.

“We are excited for the new season of MPL and the fruits of the perseverance of our young esports athletes, who never gave up despite the challenges in their journey. As a staunch supporter of esports and our Filipino athletes, it is our privilege to provide them with the right tools and training environment for their success. We’re wishing Smart Omega all the best for MPL Season 11,” said Jude H. Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

As the longtime official telco partner of MLBB in the Philippines, Smart has cemented its position as a staunch supporter of e-sports - including e-sports athletes, fans, game publishers, and tournament organizers - in the country.

Filipino gamers can enjoy leveled-up gaming experiences powered by Smart, the Philippines' Fastest and Best mobile network, according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.

Ookla recognized Smart as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network after dominating two crucial Ookla Speedtest Awards categories, namely the “Fastest Mobile Network” and “Best Mobile Coverage,” in Q1-Q2 2022.

Discover the Taste of 2023 with NutriAsia Foodservice

NUTRIASIA Foodservice kickstarted a flavorful year with the launch of Taste of 2023, a series of exclusive events bringing together the tastemakers and key players of today's food industry. Sharing their passion for delicious food and supporting local businesses, NutriAsia Foodservice created an avenue for everyone to share innovative insights as they gear toward an exciting culinary year.

Starting the roadshow was the recently concluded Food Trends and Flavor Forecast held at The Grid, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Center. The program aimed at giving the attendees value-adding knowledge they can leverage in igniting their passion for exploring new flavors, creating a harmonious workplace for their staff, and sharing their delectable creations on social media.

Hosted by Philippine Tatler and awardwinning cookbook author Angelo Comsti, the first part of the event dived deep into the food trends and flavors that will take the food industry by storm in the coming year. And to complete the experience, the chefs and restaurateurs were treated to a menu showcasing these food and flavor trends.

Isabel Lozano, the Director of Hospitality for Antonio's Group of Restaurants, then graced the event to share her expertise on staff care and management, emphasizing the importance of caring for the staff and investing in their growth and development as integral members of food businesses. Finally, to help attendees navigate their way through today's digital world, Maxine Sanz, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Butternut Bakery Group, discussed the basics of social media for food brands. A fascinating topic to the guests, she shared top tips and readily answered questions about creating an effective social media presence. The Taste of 2023 is for everyone, whether big or small businesses, to expand their network and knowledge in navigating the changing demands of customers and challenges brought about by the postpandemic market. And as an exclusive event, it is one of the many benefits one can get as a NutriAsia Foodservice Partner.