Pru Life UK extends free COVID-19 protection sign-up offer until June 15 for Filipinos through health app, Pulse

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Leading life insurer Pru Life UK is extending its free COVID-19 protection and Personal Accident (PA) coverage sign-up offer until June 15, 2020 through Pulse, an artificial intelligence-powered health and wellness app that offers holistic health management.

Pru Life UK is keen to protect more Filipinos, particularly health workers, with its free COVID-19 protection and PA coverage — a one-time, 45-day insurance against the unfortunate event that the individual passes away as a result of COVID-19 or an accident. This limited, exclusive offer is available to the first 500,000 persons who register their profiles on the Pulse app until June 15, 2020. The coverage is effective from the date of registration.

Filipinos, aged 18 to 64 and residing in the Philippines, who have registered for this offer on the Pulse app will be entitled to a death benefit or lump sum amount of Php 100,000 for the bereaved family if the insured passes away due to accident, or as a result of COVID-19, subject to terms and conditions. No purchase of any insurance product is required. Health workers are entitled to twice the COVID-19 death benefit or up to Php 200,000 at no cost. A Php 10,000 burial benefit will be added if the death is due to illnesses or natural causes, and not due to an accident.

The free COVID-19 insurance is primarily aimed at supporting health workers who are at the frontlines in their efforts to help curb the spread of the disease. These include, but are not limited to, health professionals, associates, community health service workers, as well as health management and support staff.

To register for the offer, eligible Filipinos must download the free Pulse app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. New Pulse app registrants are required to create an account, complete their user profiles, and register for the free COVID-19 offer on the app. Existing Pulse registrants would have received an in-app notification directing them to complete their profiles and register for the free COVID-19 protection. A confirmation email is sent to the covered person upon successful registration. The covered person will also be able to name and update their beneficiaries through the Pulse app within the 45-day coverage period. A 45-day extension for policyowners whose plans have lapsed will be available soon.

Those who have been diagnosed with, have symptoms of, have been under quarantine for COVID-19, or have been living with a COVID-19 patient at the time of registration are not eligible for this offer. Other excluded conditions are listed in the terms and conditions of the product.

More protection initiatives for Filipinos

The complimentary COVID-19 protection and PA coverage is one of the several initiatives of Pru Life UK to help protect Filipinos at the height of this public health emergency.

Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, the parent company of Pru Life UK, has recently launched SAFE STEPS COVID-19, which provides easy-to-understand educational messages to encourage simple preventative measures that help minimize the chances of transmission. The initiative also aims to drive awareness on obtaining accurate information and staying informed of updates to help protect people’s health against the virus. SAFE STEPS COVID-19 consists of practical and downloadable infocards in English and Filipino, available also on the Pulse app. A public service announcement in video format is accessible at https://safesteps.com/main/covid-19/.

Pru Life UK previously announced the extension of the grace period for premium payments with due dates from February 16 until June 30, 2020 to ensure uninterrupted protection for its customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. The grace period now covers 60 days from the standard 31 days for all policyowners nationwide.

For more information about the terms and conditions of the aforementioned products and advisories, visit https://www.prulifeuk.com.ph/.

About Pulse
Pulse is a digital health app and the first of its kind in the region to offer holistic health management to consumers. Using AI-powered self-help tools and real-time information, the app serves as a 24/7 health and wellness partner to users, helping them prevent, postpone, and protect against the onset of diseases. Pulse is part of Prudential’s region-wide strategy to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to everyone across Asia by leveraging digital technologies and best-in-class partnerships.

Following the regional launch of Pulse in Malaysia in August 2019, Pulse was introduced in the Philippines in February 2020. The app will be available in a total of 11 markets across the region, supported by a growing suite of regional and local service providers such as Babylon (symptom checker and healthcheck).

Pulse can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play stores.

Pulse is owned and operated by Prudential Services Asia Sdn Bhd, an affiliate of Pru Life UK. Existing health services on the Pulse app are provided by third-party partners, and not Prudential.

For more information: https://wedopulse.com/ph/

About Prudence Foundation
Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to secure the future of communities by enhancing education, health and safety. The Foundation runs regional programs as well as local programs in partnership with NGOs, governments and the private sector in order to maximize the impact of its efforts. Prudence Foundation leverages Prudential’s long-term mindset and geographical scale to make communities safer, more secure and more resilient. The Foundation is a Hong Kong registered charitable entity.
For more information please visit: www.prudencefoundation.com.

About Pru Life UK
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 190 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of more than 32,000 licensed agents.
The company is also one of the country’s top three life insurers based on the Insurance Commission’s 2019 Q3 rankings in terms of new business annual premium equivalent and total premium income. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States, Prudential Assurance Company (a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies). Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans.

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

Pru Life UK helps Filipinos understand their health better through Healthcheck and Digital Twin on Pulse

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Filipinos are paying more attention to healthy living as they realize the importance of health and wellness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To empower people in the Philippines to have a better understanding of their body and health conditions, Pru Life UK has launched Pulse, an AI-powered mobile app that provides users with access to real-time health information wherever they are, round the clock.

“Pulse is part of our ‘We DO Health’ commitment to inspire a healthier lifestyle among Filipinos. Through innovative features within the app such as Healthcheck and Digital Twin, we hope to promote holistic health management and encourage users to make more informed lifestyle choices in order to achieve their health goals. This is also in line with our ambition to make healthcare affordable and accessible to everyone,” says Pru Life UK SVP and Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga.

One of the key features on Pulse is Healthcheck, an AI-driven health assessment powered by UK-based healthcare technology and services company Babylon. Designed by doctors, scientists and epidemiologists, the tool gives users insights into their long-term disease risks, and the changes they can make to reduce their risk and improve their long-term health. Through a detailed assessment on the user’s medical history, family history, lifestyle, nutrition and mental health, Healthcheck creates a projection of the user’s risk of contracting a range of diseases in the next five years, based on peer-reviewed epidemiological data. With access to this information, users can explore specific diseases and understand their risks and the factors affecting them, by comparing their level of risk to people of the same age and gender.

Getting practical insights to make positive lifestyle changes through your Digital Twin

Through an engaging conversational chatbot interface, users are asked about their medical history and lifestyle factors to assess their current health status and predict their future disease risks. After completing the Healthcheck assessment, Pulse users can immediately access a comprehensive visual overview of their health status through the Digital Twin, a realistic graphic representation of the body broken down by organ where users can explore specific diseases and understand their risks and the factors affecting them. Based on the information provided by the user, a health score is also generated to give an indication of how healthy the users are compared to national guidelines and people of the same age and location.

The Digital Twin feature also helps to identify the risk factors and health status, such as “good,” “caution,” or “alert”, of each organ, which informs users of the conditions that they might contract in the future. It also gives practical suggestions, including dietary and exercising habits, on improving the conditions of a specific organ.

Advocating proactive healthcare management with Pulse

It is increasingly important to maintain one’s physical health and mental wellness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the correlation between mental wellness and overall health, the Digital Twin feature also provides users with useful information about their anxiety, mood, self-esteem, and stress levels. Coupled with practical guidance on how to manage them better, this tool can empower users to be more mindful of their overall health status.

Using AI-powered tools and real-time information, Pulse serves as a 24/7 partner to help Filipinos prevent, postpone and protect against the onset of diseases. Pulse also provides users with access to educational information, such as preventive tips against COVID-19 in the Pulse Beats articles and SAFE STEPS Safety Card infographics. In addition, to help safeguard the people’s health and provide peace of mind, Pru Life UK is offering free COVID-19 protection and Personal Accident insurance for new and existing users through Pulse.

“COVID-19 has made us more vulnerable than ever. This is the time for all of us to develop a habit to proactively manage our physical and mental health. Pulse is a timely tool that helps Filipinos lead healthier lives, so they can further protect their families and communities in these challenging times,” adds Tumbaga.

To note: Healthcheck is intended for use by adults over the age of 18. Healthcheck is not suitable for pregnant women and users with long-term medical conditions or disabilities who may have different needs and risks than shown.

About Pulse

Pulse is a digital health app and the first-of-its-kind in the region to offer holistic health management to consumers. Using AI-powered self-help tools and real-time information, the app serves as a 24/7 health and wellness partner to users, helping them prevent, postpone, and protect against the onset of diseases. Pulse is part of Prudential’s region-wide strategy to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to everyone across Asia by leveraging digital technologies and best-in-class partnerships.

Following the regional launch of Pulse in Malaysia in August 2019, Pulse was introduced in the Philippines in February 2020. The app is being rolled out in 11 markets across the region, supported by a growing suite of regional and local service providers such as Babylon (symptom checker and healthcheck).

Pulse can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play stores.

Pulse is owned and operated by Prudential Services Asia Sdn Bhd, an affiliate of Pru Life UK. Existing health services on the Pulse app are provided by third-party partners, and not Prudential.

For more information: https://wedopulse.com/ph/

About Pru Life UK
Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country. Since its establishment, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 190 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of more than 32,000 licensed agents.
The company is also one of the country’s top three life insurers based on the Insurance Commission’s 2019 Q3 rankings in terms of new business annual premium equivalent and total premium income. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States, Prudential Assurance Company (a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom), Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company, Prudentialife Plans, Inc. or Prudential Guarantee and Assurance, Inc. (all Philippine-registered companies). Pru Life UK is a life insurance company and is not engaged in the business of selling pre-need plans.

For more information: www.prulifeuk.com.ph

JobStreet empowers displaced workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses in many aspects, including their workforce. Unemployment is expected to increase as local companies lay off their employees, not to mention the repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and job-hunting fresh graduates. 
To provide valuable support and opportunities among jobseekers and hirers amid the challenging situation, online job portal leader JobStreet.com launched its #TogetherAhead initiative with its commitment to be at the forefront in rebuilding businesses and careers.
Through the #TogetherAhead initiative, JobStreet’s COVID-19 Jobs and Resources Hub provides job opportunities fit for the condition nowadays such as home-based or freelance. The microsite presents information on financial assistance available from the government to guide employees and companies in their applications. It also publishes critical information resources from JobStreet’s extensive network to motivate jobseekers for their next career path and to guide employers in adapting their business through the challenging times.
#TogetherAhead also houses the current job report, available roles, assistance for candidates to get jobs more conveniently, and special aid for hirers.
“The pandemic has greatly impacted businesses and the workforce on a global scale. More than ever, JobStreet strengthens its commitment to rebuild businesses, careers, and people’s lives,” shared Ramesh Rajandran, Chief Marketing Officer of SEEK Asia, JobStreet’s parent company.
Livelihood for Filipino displaced workers
Over two million Filipino workers were reportedly displaced by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with Metro Manila as the region with the highest displacement figure. The quarantine measures also caused companies to halt their recruitment processes.
“Some companies have paused accepting applications, but many of them remain actively recruiting, so we’d like to encourage jobseekers that there’s a way for them to signal hirers that they are up for urgent hiring,” shared JobStreet Philippines Country Head Philip Gioca.   
Candidates can explore other opportunities by industries that are still hiring during this time such as Call Center / IT-Enabled Services / BPO (41%), Government Jobs (15%), Education (9%), Banking / Financial Services (4%), Computer / IT (Software) (4%) among others based on JobStreet Internal Data.
Meanwhile, the following job roles remain widely available on JobStreet: Call Center Agent (10%), Teacher (7%), Nurse (5%), Engineer (4%) and many more.
Fresh graduates who would like to work and earn this time can grab opportunities as Call Center Agent (Php 22,000), Teacher (Php 22,316), Customer Representative (Php 20,500), Admin Assistant (Php 13,319), Nurse (Php 20,745), among others.
Work from home opportunities that are fit for today’s condition are also available via #SanaOL jobs by JobStreet, listing 15,000+ online teaching jobs, 14,000+ job vacancies that require no experience from job seekers, 1,600+ opportunities with work from home setup, and 180+ job opportunities for undergraduates. Under #TogetherAhead initiative, #SanaOL is Jobstreet Philippines’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, supported by YesPinoy Foundation led by actor and youth empowerment advocate Dingdong Dantes. The partnership was able to roll out #SanaOL program by facilitating online career coaching to Filipinos in need of livelihood.
Connecting candidates and hirers
The current situation has shifted the demands of jobseekers. Candidates are now looking for work from home opportunities, home-based, jobs with no work experience, part-time, or freelance.  
Also under the #TogetherAhead initiative, JobStreet introduced #WorkNow, its latest feature on the platform to support jobseekers further and get them closer with opportunities. #WorkNow allows ready-to-work candidates to stand out and connect them conveniently to potential employers. Likewise, this lets companies identify which candidates are available for urgent employment. To use this function, jobseekers only need to log in their JobStreet profile, edit ‘Additional Info’, go to ‘Other Information’ and type in #WorkNow then click ‘Save’.
Free-of-charge job posting on JobStreet is also offered to small-to-medium enterprises that offer opportunities for college and K-12 graduates, work from home, and no experience jobs, which gives businesses the opportunity to rebuild themselves and reestablish their workforce.
“The COVID-19 has introduced a new normal to us and it will continue to exist for quite some time, and JobStreet is continuously stimulating the job market as part of our commitment to empower jobseekers and hirers during this trying time,” said Gioca.  
To learn more about #TogetherAhead and other JobStreet initiatives, visit https://bit.ly/JobStreetTogetherAhead.

Exquisite Works and Objects of Art to be Auctioned Online at Leon Exchange XV

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Leòn XV is the online auction of León Gallery. This is the 15th edition under the Leonexchange platform and will be held on May 30 and 31, 2020 (Saturday and Sunday) starting at 11AM. All bidding will be purely online at www.leonexchange.com.

Highlights of the auction include several beautiful furniture pieces and objects of art. For French designer Philippe Starck, brilliant design should improve people’s lives in a way that it should not compromise an object’s usefulness. He gained an international reputation for this populist vision for design and his masterful addition of elements of humor and surprise in his interior and product designs. An innovative visionary, he aims to push the limits of contemporary design by making it certain that inventiveness must not overshadow the essential qualities of a product. Through the years, he has made more than 10,000 designs in which one can see his preference for not just the inclusion of subtle, playful details, but also for fluid, organic forms. He also opts for sustainable, eco-friendly designs.

A part of the Golden Age of modern Danish design, Hans J. Wegner is one of the most prolific and innovative Danish furniture designers. Also called the “Master of the Chair,” Wegner produced almost five hundred chairs in his lifetime. He is behind the iconic Wishbone Chair that is still being produced since 1950. He began his apprenticeship when he was just fourteen with another renowned Danish cabinetmaker H.F. Stahlberg. He then moved to Copenhagen to study in the School of Arts and Crafts from 1936 to 1938. A modern cabinet from his design studio is included in the upcoming auction.

This elegant and timeless Ah Tay boasts all the attributes of a truly unique and enduring classic. The name Ah Tay is one that holds almost universal acclaim amongst antiquarians, social historians, and ardent antique hobbyists. While the name can be confidently attributed to a workshop in Binondo, Manila that churned out quality and masterful works between 1860 to 1920, certain information, especially those surrounding Ah Tay’s full name and background were lost to the vagaries of history. The elder Ah Tay’s son, Eduardo Ah Tay, attempted to continue his father’s legacy throughout the American colonial period, but failed to adopt the inherent spontaneity of his father’s oeuvres. Ah Tay furniture is known for their impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous design, elevating them to symbols of status and regalia for the rich, powerful and popular. Collectors queue up with a checkbook in hand, ready to cough-up a considerable amount in order to gain the privilege of viewing the exquisite piece at their own pleasure. This particular piece has all the hallmarks of a genuine Ah Tay aparador, from its seamless Chinese-style joinery, to its faultless proportions, and its extremely fine yet palpable details. This aparador also boasts an early art nouveau style, a school of art that heavily draws from our natural surroundings.

Another highlight is the mesa altar or the Christian altar table, an important Roman Catholic image and was also one of the earliest pieces of Spanish-Filipino furniture. In Bulacan, a furniture-making tradition flourished from around 1800 until after World War II. The furniture designs were European neoclassical, the woods used were golden narra and kamagong, and the decorations were carabao bone, kamagong or mother-of-pearl inlays. Bulacan, produced this type of neoclassical, bone-and kamagong–inlaid mesa altar with a bow front, three drawers, and four square. The general look is reminiscent of an English / American Sheraton-type sideboard and that was why local antique dealers and agents termed such pieces as “Sheraton.”

Some of the most sought after works of art by these prolific artists will go under the hammer. Betsy Westendorp, known for works that have atmospheric, dream-like sceneries with a tone of tranquility and seascapes with elements such as flora and fauna; Jigger Cruz, whose shocking use of color and defacement create powerful abstractions; Juvenal Sanso, the Filipino-Spanish master acclaimed for his highly evocative impressionistic landscapes; Nemesio Miranda, Considered the creator and forerunner of the Imaginative Figurism school of art and a pioneer to the philosophy of expression rather a strict and regimented technique; and Augusto Albor’s use of space, the sparseness of presences, and an apparent attitude towards art as objecthood for a visually purifying and minimalist experience

These visual masterpieces complete the array of collectibles on the block alongside alluring jewelry, crystal and silver pieces, chinoiserie, fine China, coffee table books, and rare photographs for a truly complete and exciting sale.

“One can indulge his or her taste for the beautiful items at various price points at the upcoming online auction and all that from one’s armchair or boudoir. The online auction gives clients the convenience of bidding through their mobiles, tablets or laptops, without having to trek all the way to where physical auctions happen,” Leòn Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon. This convenience makes online auctions at lower starting bids—but no less fabulous pieces—trending.

It’s as simple as going to www.leonexchange.com to view the lots and register as a buyer. Visit www.leon-gallery.com or contact info@leon-gallery.com or call 8856-2781 for more information.

Maintain an active lifestyle at home with these tips from vivo

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There are many ways through which people are coping with feelings of anxiety, depression, boredom and other ill-effects of an extended enhanced community quarantine. One of these is stress-eating.

While understandable, such a lifestyle may not be sustainable in the long run–especially if one has not been exercising. Unfortunately, most gyms and sports facilities won’t be opening anytime soon, so there is really no better way to shed-off excess fat than by adopting exercise habits at home.

Don’t know where to start? Here are simple and easy ways to get your body moving and getting it back into tip-top shape.

Start with simple activities

It would be unwise to instantly go through rigorous exercises and programs without priming your body to go through them. Activate and engage your body through simple activities such as cleaning the house while listening to upbeat music. You can also try meditating just to make sure that your mind is in harmony with your body.

Download Workout apps

The vivo app store has workout apps that contain plenty of programs and exercises. Try apps that include High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) programs where you do a series of repetitions continuously with minimal rest time. While these apps promote quick workouts that last less than 10 minutes, do not be fooled–you will feel like you just ran a marathon.

Head to Facebook for live workout videos

If motivation is what gets you going when it comes to workouts, try doing it together with other online users. Facebook pages of different gyms around the metro now offer both free and paid live online workout classes like yoga and shadow boxing that are sure to shed off a few “quarantine pounds”. If you’re not to keen on working out with strangers, you can always gather your friends for a video call workout session. Just make sure you actually work out and not end up having an “e-numan”–you can always do that at a different time.

Try Tik-Tok dance challenges

If conventional workout routines and exercises aren’t your thing, you can always try creating TikTok videos. Try engaging in a “dance workout” by trying out all the dance challenges created by users in the platform. You will actually sweat buckets trying to perfect the challenges over and over again.

These home-based exercise methods may not be the same as “maxing out” in the gym, but these are great ways to maintain an active lifestyle and fight off the urge to stress-eat during these unprecedented times.

All it takes are a few clicks. You can download the Facebook app and plenty of workout apps using the vivo app store, pre-installed in all vivo mobile devices.

About vivo

vivo is a leading global technology company that is product-driven with core businesses including smart terminals and intelligent services. vivo is committed to connecting users to the digital world by designing exciting and trendsetting smart mobile products and services which integrate technology and fashion in unique and creative ways. Adhering to its core values, which include “Benfen”, “innovation” and “consumer orientation”, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy to achieve its vision of becoming a leading, long-lasting, world-class enterprise.

vivo’s headquarters is located in Dongguan, China, with 9 R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo and San Diego. These centers focus on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, artificial intelligence, photography, design and other emerging fields. vivo has also set up five production hubs across China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, which manufacture over 200 million smartphones every year. As of 2019, vivo has developed its sales network across more than 30 countries and regions, attracting more than 300 million active users worldwide.

UNIQLO Introduces Its Latest EZY Ankle Pants Collection With Its 2Way Stretch Fabric and New Silhouettes

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Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, updates its EZY Ankle Pants lineup that features comfortable, elastic fabric in sleek style and colors that can be worn with ease on any occasion.

In line with UNIQLO’s commitment to continuously innovate its LifeWear pieces, the latest EZY Ankle Pants has a 2-Way stretch fabric that stretches vertically and horizontally for ultimate comfort and fit. It also has a front open design and waist with hidden rubbers, belt loops and drawcords. These pants are updated to a clean and flattering trouser-look that can be styled from day to night along with other key LifeWear pieces.

For Work Wear

Pair your UNIQLO’s EZY Ankle Pants (2Way Stretch) with UNIQLO’s EFC Oversized LS Shirt and U Crew Neck SS T-shirt to elevate your style at work. This easy-care pants is made of wool-like material and improved with two-way stitch for a more comfortable fit and trendy modern look.

For Casual Days

Featuring a flared silhouette for a more flattering look, UNIQLO’s EZY Flared Ankle Pants (2Way Stretch) can be matched easily with Uniqlo Rayon Long Sleeve Blouse and U Crew Neck Shirt for the casual weekends. The EZY Flared Ankle Pants is wrinkle-resistant for easy care, even after washing.

For After Hours

Wear your EZY Ankle Pants (2Way Stretch) with Packaged Dry Color Crew Neck Shirt, Linen Blended V Neck Cardigan, and Supima Cotton Crew Neck LS Sweater for a cool relaxed fit, in style and comfort for anytime of the day.

The latest lineup of UNIQLO EZY Ankle Pants is available in all UNIQLO stores nationwide at PHP 1490.

For more updates, customers may visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and follow social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, PLST (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam and J Brand. With global sales of approximately 2.2905 trillion yen for the 2019 fiscal year ending August 31, 2019 (US $21.53 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2019 rate of $1 = 106.4 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world’s most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has more than 2,200 stores in 25 markets including Japan. In alphabetical order, the other markets are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. U.S. and Vietnam. In addition, UNIQLO established a social business in Bangladesh together with the Grameen Bank in 2010, and today there are several Grameen-UNIQLO stores in Dhaka.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere. For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

Rafael’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant at Resorts World Manila

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The Place He Wants to Come Home to for His Dad’s Original Recipes, Leveled up!

Entrepreneur Henjie Carmona launches Rafael’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant at Resorts World Manila to share his father Rafael’s passion for home-cooked dishes, his mother Petronila’s elegant homemaking, and his penchant for art collecting to the upscale hotel-casino complex’s food, wine, and fun loving clientele of high rollers, junkets, and the fancy set. “I want to offer them a place to come home to not only for familiar but original home recipes that have been leveled up for their discriminating tastes,” he said, “but also to cozy up, chill, and unwind after spending hours playing and gaming.”
Although he’s a communication research graduate by degree and initially a banker by profession, Carmona has been in the hotel and restaurant industry for more than two decades now. His group having pioneered the condotel (condominium + hotel) format and the executive breakfast lounge, he wanted to challenge himself further by offering ala carte.

Appetizer such as PINTXOS, Pulpo Kinilaw, Graviax, Ricotta Hummus, Nicol express wings.
Tapa’s like Dinuguan, Entourage, Patatas Bravas, Duck Sisig,, Ribeye Salpicao.
Drinks such as Edsons Vision, Val’s Orgasm, Meg’s Delight, Sheila’s Sexcapade, Deks on the beach,
Rafael’s Smash, Mich’s Freshnesh and Chef’s Fav.

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Rafaels Tapas Bar and Restaurant

Lessons from Father

“Opening Rafael’s isn’t a childhood dream, but everything that went into it has been inspired by my dad who taught me all I need about food and cooking,” Carmona confessed. “First, good food is all about freshness—meaning, nothing stays long in the freezer, nothing canned is used, and everything is made in-house, even the pasta and especially the sauces.” He reminisces how his father never allowed helpers to cook, reserving that privilege and honor for the head of the family, and made sure to prepare their meals himself every weekend despite being swamped by his business all week.
“I’d remember craving for his signature dinuguan (pork blood stew) and lechon (roasted suckling pig) pairing while Matt Monroe wafts in the air,” he recalls, adding that this time it’s not just about taste, but also being Instagrammable. Thus, all Rafael’s dishes are plated with delicate artistry worthy of being photographed and shared (pun intended).

“Second, you never ask your guests if they have eaten already or if they want to eat or not,” Carmona explained. Not only would it put off guests as an excuse for lack of preparation or not having enough food, it would also give an impression that hospitality is not one’s forte, He assured that there’s no compromising quality in the dining experience at Rafael’s, where groups of 10 to 15 can avail of the posh Petronila VIP mezzanine room for a consumable reserve price of P200K which comes with the mandatory Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV that can be hooked up to Resort World shows. “For that, it’s the sky’s the limit from cocktail drinks at P400 per pop to exquisite bottles of Remy Martin Louis XIII and Dalmore 25!”

“Third, food is everybody’s game,” Carmona concluded, “just like my father said everything’s done with food: deals closed, relationships opened, victories celebrated, wrongs amended, and sins forgiven.” Nobody loses with food and the best businesses invest in it.

Thus, Rafael’s is that rare mall space where you not only find the most original tasting dishes but also the most fastidiously interior decorated restaurant where diners eat and drink surrounded by towering Toto Aguilon wire spires, commissioned paintings from artists Tanya Gaisano Lee and Angelo Tabije, John Lloyd Cruz photographs, red and black draped tables, golden trumpet chandeliers, and a golden washroom!

Rafael’s Specialties

“All our dishes are all-time familiar favorites that offer a unique twist in taste and presentation,” Carmona beamed as he introduced Rafael’s house specialties, which have interesting, oftentimes intriguing, names.

For their signature tapas or appetizers, they have their ritzy rendition of chicken skin—Chicken that Crossed the Road (P380) served with chili malt vinegar, pickled carrot, and radish puree, which are extra crunchy along with their classy version of gambas—Miss Gump in Hot Flashes (P720) with black garlic and Chardonnay roasted chilis and lemon.
For dinner, they have First Love (P1150)—spicy soft shelled crab risotto with homemade chorizo and chicken thigh charged with lemon—which is as crispy as they are tasty and Blackened Angus Ribeye (P2900)—prime steak with corn and zucchini succotash and chimichurri sauce—which is the most expensive standalone item on the menu.

Capping every meal or visit, guests ought to make sure they try The Big Bang Theory (P390)—a delicately sweet triple nut, three-layered cake of butter and dark chocolate cake revelation, their version of “Choc Nut”, revealed Chef Jinggoy Fernando—for dessert to complete the Rafael’s experience.
“The concept behind all these is simple,” Henjie Carmona said summing up: “I want Rafael’s to be that kind of place where you always want to come back to every day because it’s home and the food reminds you of family,”

For the full menu, reservations, and more information, please visit @rafaelsrwph
on Instagram and Rafael’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant on Facebook.

HP Inc. Delivers Lightness Rising to the Philippines with New PC Innovation

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HP Inc. introduced two PC innovations, bringing Lightness Rising to help Filipinos unleash their potential for freedom in workstyles and lifestyles. Both CES 2020 Innovation Award honorees, the HP Elite Dragonfly, the world’s lightest compact business convertible 1 , and HP Spectre  x360, the world’s smallest convertible will fuel your passions, offer the freedom to choose how, where, and when you connect, and deepen connections to those that matter.

“While young professionals today want to express their best selves through exclusive, premium, and
immersive experiences, they are challenged by the need to create work-life balance while putting family
first,” said Christian Edmond Reyes, Philippines Managing Director, HP Inc. “HP understands that your
need to do your best for the world while achieving seamless integration between work and life. This is
precisely why we designed the new HP Elite Dragonfly and the HP Spectre x360 to bring sustainable PC
innovation that offers lightness, freedom and flexibility to Filipino workstyles and lifestyles.”
According to IDC, Asia’s workplaces will have five generations working together by 2020 – from Gen Zs
to Millennials and Baby Boomers, each with their different workstyles and preferences. “Computing
devices need to be synced with the specific needs of the Philippine workforce. We take pride in
challenging ourselves to provide users the mobility and flexibility to pursue their passions without
compromising on security and connectivity,” said Reyes.

Lightness in your workstyle and freedom in your lifestyle

HP is lightening workloads through design innovation in the HP Elite Dragonfly. Perfect for the modern
business professional whose demand a light, durable, always connected and secure computing device,
The HP Elite Dragonfly is a sub-1-kilogram ultralight, powerful business convertible 2 that offers up to
24.5-hour battery life 3 to support long hours away from an outlet. Powered by an 8th Gen Intel® Core™    vPro™ processor 4 It features the world’s highest screen-to-body ratio in a 13-inch PC 5 at almost 86 percent and instantly transforms from tablet to PC.

The new HP Spectre x360 boasts an impressive size reduction of 13% from the previous generation, with
an industry-leading 90% screen-to-body ratio. It is powered by a quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™
processor with Iris® Plus Graphics. Craftmanship and detail are apparent in the device, which is
available in stunning Nightfall Black with copper luxe accents, featuring a gorgeous gem-cut design that
can only be achieved with aluminum CNC machining. The HP Spectre x360 also comes with an
additional Type-C multiport hub to provide addition connectivity options and an instant privacy screen
that can be activated at a touch of a button.

Lightening the load of the world through sustainability

Sustainability continues to be a growing concern amongst businesses and working professionals in the
Philippines today. As part of its sustainable impact strategy, HP continues to drive a more efficient,
circular, and low-carbon economy to help its customers invent the future through a sustainable portfolio
of products and services. The HP Elite Dragonfly is the world’s first business convertible made with
ocean bound plastic 6 and more than 82% of the mechanical parts made from recycled materials 7 , while the HP Spectre x360 has Energy Star Certification and EPEAT Silver ratings.

Pricing and Availability

 The HP Elite Dragonfly is available now, starting at PHP 81,440
 The HP Spectre x360 is available February 2020, starting at PHP 79,990
For more information, visit your nearest HP Authorized Premier Reseller, contact your HP Account
Manager for the latest HP innovations, or log on to HP.com for more information.

About HP

HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our product and
service portfolio of personal systems, printers and 3D printing solutions, we engineer experiences that
amaze. More information about HP Inc. is available at http://www.hp.com.

Simply use PayMaya, para may #BalikBayad!

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Teen Royalties Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla come back to share
the many rewards you get when you “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!”

Top-rated actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were officially unveiled as the latest brand ambassadors for PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign, which encourages Filipinos to experience the most rewarding mobile wallet app in the country today which gives them cashback and other perks for their cashless transactions via PayMaya.

After more than a year of not being seen together on-screen, “Teen Royalties” Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla reunite for an action-packed project that sees them sharing the many perks and rewards of going cashless through PayMaya’s “BalikBayad” campaign.

Serving as a follow-up to PayMaya’s widely successful “Don’t Pay Cash. PayMaya!” campaign last year which gave birth to a catchy video and jingle set to the tune of the hit ‘90’s Eraserheads song “Ligaya,” the “BalikBayad” campaign sees Kathryn and Daniel in action-packed scenes teaming up to beat a common foe–cash.

Set as a typical ‘90’s action movie complete with guns, goons, and even the penultimate “Pinoy Kontrabida” in the form of Rez Cortez, the campaign video features the two young celebrities using the powers of PayMaya to tackle everyday transactions that are typically paid with cash, such as grocery shopping, paying bills, buying load, and online shopping, among many others.

“We’re very excited to have KathNiel representing the ‘BalikBayad’ campaign, because just as these two big celebrity icons have made a comeback for PayMaya this year, our users can also expect something to come back–in the form of cashback–every time they use PayMaya instead of cash,” said Mark Jason Dee, Head of Growth and Marketing of PayMaya.

“PayMaya is a young and fun brand and we’re definitely lucky to have collaborated with Kathryn and Daniel in this campaign, because they represent the exciting and energetic lifestyles of most of our users,” Dee added.

Filipinos can get in on the most rewarding mobile wallet experience by downloading the PayMaya app on their iOS or Android devices and using the code PAYMAYAKATHNIEL upon signing up to get an instant reward, apart from the many other cashback and discount perks they can get by being a PayMaya user.

In February alone, PayMaya users can get as much as P6,000 in cashback when they participate in the mobile wallet’s various promos for bills payment, buying load, paying for goods and services via QR, online shopping, and sending money, among many others.

PayMaya has also expanded the list of merchants and establishments under its PayMaya Preferred program, which gives additional cashback to users who scan to pay with PayMaya QR on top of the regular cashback that they usually receive. Some of these new partners include Landers Superstore, Mercury Drug, KFC, Robinson’s Department Store, Total Alabang and Valenzuela, and Toys ‘R Us, among many others.

Bringing back time and convenience

But aside from getting monetary rewards in the form of cashback every time they pay, users are also able to make more time and experience greater convenience when they use PayMaya.

With PayMaya’s virtual card, for example, users can instantly gain access to a payment card which they can easily use for online shopping and other digital payments for a faster, more efficient payment experience.

PayMaya also recently introduced the ability to transfer money from users’ PayMaya account to other bank accounts, eliminating the need to wait in line at bank branches in order to make a bank deposit.

“PayMaya users can definitely look forward to even more features and services that will give them more convenient ways to pay as well as awesome rewards in the months to come,” Dee added.

To know more about the BalikBayad campaign and how you can get all of these exciting perks from PayMaya, visit www.paymaya.com/balikbayad or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Love month is in the Air : #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s series celebrates perfectly imperfect stories of real love

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Once again the most loved food chain, Jollibee is back with its latest, most anticipated #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s series. With the award-winning digital series delves into how true love conquers all—that beyond the romance, it takes hard work and commitment to make real love last.

“There are a plenty of relationships out there, that are experiencing complication when people set unrealistic expectations about love, believing that it’s always easy and picture-perfect especially in today’s digital age! This 20202, the goal is to highlight that the best love stories are those of couples who understand and value true love, and the hard work and commitment that it takes to make it work,” shared Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer, JFC Philippines Country Business Group Marketing Head and concurrent Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis Flores.

With the #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s series last year, the following episodes— “Anniversary”, “Proposal”, and “Choice” — encouraged fans to keep their faith in love and hit over 50M views on Facebook and YouTube. Jollibee, through its Jollibee Studios branded entertainment initiative, has produced up over 33 Kwentong Jollibee short films, garnered over 350 M views and nearly 700M in reach.

The success of the Kwentong Jollibee series has proved its industry leadership and the well-loved films continues to bag global and international recognition. With 2019 presentation, the fast-food brand brought home the APAC Tambuli Awards’ Gold Tambuli for the total Kwentong Jollibee campaign; three Bronze awards in the Family-Centered Brand category for Kwentong Jollibee Mother’s Day Series, Kwentong Jollibee Biyahe, Kwentong Jollibee Grand Thank You Project, and a Bronze award in the Seasons Celebration category for Kwentong Jollibee High Five (Father’s Day). Since 2016, Kwentong Jollibee has also remained to be a regular in the YouTube Ad Leaderboard’s Top 10 Ads in the Philippines. In 2019, YouTube recognized Kwentong Jollibee: Choice and Schoolboy as its most effective ads for the year.

And now, Jollibee will definitely capture the hearts of their viewers, as they release their #KwentongJollibee Valentine’s Series 2020: “#CoupleGoals”, “Space”, and “Apart” in an exclusive press preview held recently at Estancia Mall – Ortigas Cinemas. As today’s modern times have brought about varied definitions of love, the series theme “True Love Conquers All” aims to bring back the true definition of love.

Directed by Ianco dela Cruz (“Vow”, “Choice”), “#CoupleGoals” tells the story of Matt and Lisa, a happy couple who couldn’t be more perfect for each other, or so their social media photos say. Is their relationship as flawless as it appears?

“Space” follows the story of funnyman Dan, who goes out of his way to show his girlfriend Mae how much he cares but their differences have pushed the couple apart. Directed by Sigrid Bernardo, this episode begs the question: In the age where finding someone new as easy as a swipe, is true love is just as easy to find?

Lovebirds Myles and Ron are the center of the story titled “Apart”, directed by Pepe Diokno. Myles is strong-willed and self-sufficient, and Ron feels like he doesn’t have a place in her world. Does true love prevail or are they better off apart?

Be the first one to see – #KwentongJollibee films on Jollibee Studios (www.youtube.com/user/jollibeedigital1) and on Jollibee’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines) airing first on February 1, 2020!