Breville Philippines Upgrades Espresso Machine Collection with the new Barista Touch

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What makes a good coffee experience?

For caffeine lovers, there is a sense of romanticism that comes with the whole experience of lining up at a cafe and having a pro customize their drinks. After all, is there anything else that can make you feel special other than the knowledge that your morning coffee is in the hands of someone who knows their craft?

But here’s something to think about. How would it make you feel if you can create your own cup of joe with the same level of precision and perfection as your go-to barista?

This is exactly what premium home lifestyle brand Breville Philippines offers with the newest and most innovative addition to their collection of top-tier espresso machines. Introducing the Barista Touch®, an intuitive and smart model that simplifies each step of coffee-making while retaining the premium quality of every cup.

“Helping coffee lovers better understand, appreciate, and create third-wave coffee has always been one of our goals,” Haj Cortez-Flores, F&B Business Unit Manager of Breville Philippines shares. “If you take a look at our collection of espresso machines, everything is aligned with that vision. We have the Barista Express which is more suitable for those who want to create their own drinks at the comforts of their homes and the Dual Boiler which is more suitable for start-up businesses. We have something for every type of coffee enthusiast, which makes it perfect sense for us to launch the new Barista Touch.”

When asked about the newest model, Flores described it as the glammed-up version of their current best-seller, the Barista Express. “It is the perfect model if you want an entry-level espresso machine that can give you the same quality as store-bought drinks, but it does have features that can be taken to another level.”

A good example of this, according to Flores is milk texturing. Users can try microfoam milk texturing by hand using the model’s steam wand if they want to create latte art or enhance the flavor of their drink. The challenge is that it can be a little tricky to pull off, especially for beginners.

This is where the Barista Touch® comes in. Breville Philippines decided to up their game by marrying the best features of their best-selling model with improved user experience. In a nutshell, this model is a simpler and much more intuitive espresso machine that gives coffee lovers the best of both worlds—ease of use and quality cups of joe.

The Barista Touch still covers the top four elements that Breville believes make up top-tier drinks: dose control grinding, precise espresso extraction, ideal temperature, and milk foam texturing. The model, however, comes with an automatic steam wand that lets you easily adjust the milk temperature and texture to suit your taste, as well as a one-touch coffee grinder with customizable grind size and dosage settings.

One of the best things about the Barista Touch®, moreover, is its intuitive system. You can easily customize your drink in three easy steps by choosing the right Grind, Brew, and Milk settings, and other aspects of the drink like coffee strength and temperature. To top it all off, you can save up to eight personalized coffee settings so you can easily create your preferred drinks with just a push of a button.

“The Barista Touch is like the meeting of the best of both worlds. It delivers quality, but it also makes the overall process so much smoother for our users, which I think is very important. If you ask any coffee lover, I’m sure they will agree that experience is a big part of their appreciation and love for coffee. We don’t just want to help them create their own drinks, we now bring the experience right in their very homes by giving them ‘the barista touch,’” Flores finishes.

The Barista Touch® is available in Breville outlets and select brand carriers. Know more about the newest model by visiting their website at Breville Philippines and following their Facebook page and Instagram account.

Be a social media star and do awesome content with the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G

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More than 82 percent of the Filipino population, or 92.05 million people, utilize social media on a regular basis, according to We Are Social and Kepios. Of them, 9.6 percent are aged 13 to 17, while 12.8 percent are aged 18 to 24. These numbers represent Gen Z, a new generation of hustlers eager to share their lives online. With the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G, Samsung is empowering them to be the next social media superstars.

The new smartphone is the ideal device for every Gen Z content creator looking to shoot viral-worthy Instagram reels and photos, YouTube vlogs, and TikTok videos.

The Galaxy A73 5G’s Quad Camera is designed for creators in mind, headlined by the 108MP Wide-Angle lens which captures more light and details for unmatched clarity. This is supported by a series of innovations to ensure that every shot is picture-perfect:

The 108MP remosaic and 12MP binning shots capture more details and brightness, while the Big Pixel Sensor reduces noise so photos are always clear. Hybrid Optic Zoom brings far-away subjects closer without losing image clarity.

Even Instagram Reels and TikTok videos look more professional with Optical Image Stabilization and advanced VDIS technology. They work in sync so footage is always stable and smooth. Enhanced HDR keeps details and colors vibrant, no matter the lighting condition.

Capture the crowd with the 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, customize focus with the 5MP Depth Camera and get closer to the details with the 5MP Macro Camera. The 32MP Front camera on the other hand captures high-resolution selfies and Instagram Stories. Creators may also go live wherever they are thanks to the smartphone’s IP67 rating, which makes it water and dust-resistant.

Social media superstars aren’t always creating content. They also spend time browsing social media to find inspiration and trending challenges. Viewers are transported around the world with the vibrant colors of the 6.7″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display. Its 120Hz refresh rate improves video playback, scrolling, and switching between applications on the smartphone, making the viewing experience smooth and even more lifelike.

Samsung knows that online trends come quickly and change just as fast. The Galaxy A73 5G performs faster and smarter with the Snapdragon 778G 5G processor. When paired with ultra-fast 5G connectivity and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery life, creators can keep up with all the latest challenges online. When the battery runs low, the 25W Super Fast Charging technology powers up the phone in just minutes.

Awesome Offers and Freebies for Everyone
Enjoy flexible payment terms with participating credit cards for as low as PHP 1,166.25/mo for 24 months for the Galaxy A73 5G. Pay via Home Credit for only PHP 1,202.00/mo at 0% interest for 18 months.

Samsung Care+, a dedicated product support service covering accidental damages, repairs and more, will be available for FREE to cover 1-year of services for Galaxy A73 5G in select markets.

Do more of everything with a FREE Samsung Keyboard worth PHP 2,199, plus FREE 6 months of 100GB OneDrive Storage when you purchase the Galaxy A73 5G in Authorized Samsung stores nationwide.

Starting May 1 to 31, get awesome game boosters to give you the edge! Buy the Galaxy A73 5G in Samsung.com and select Samsung Experience Stores to get the Mobile Legends Galaxy Chest which contains an exclusive Mobile Legends Box Sleeve, a Silicone Cover with Strap worth P1,999, a Mobile Legends Strap worth PHP 1,199, 5000 Mobile Legends Diamonds worth PHP 5,000, and surprise Mobile Legends merchandise.

The new Galaxy A73 5G comes in Awesome Gray, Awesome White, and Awesome Mint. It is widely available in Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and Authorized Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online at the following prices:

Galaxy A73 5G (6+128GB) – PHP 26,990 SRP (online exclusive)
Galaxy A73 5G (8+128GB) – PHP 27,990 SRP
Galaxy A73 5G (8+256GB) – PHP 29, 990 SRP

Safe Samsung Shopping
Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

To know more about the new Galaxy A Series devices, visit samsung.com/ph.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

Pru Life UK launches critical illness protection plan for Filipino families

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A first in the market to cover up to four family members in one policy

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK launches PRUHealth FamLove, a protection plan that shares the critical illness coverage to up to four family members in one policy, a first-of-its-kind product in the market. This is available for all Filipino families, including same-sex or common-law partners, parents, and adoptive children.

PRUHealth FamLove is a yearly renewable protection plan that provides long-term coverage until age 85 (applicable when the premium is continuously paid), against high treatment and hospitalization costs due to critical illness.

According to a 2019 study by Mercer Marsh Benefits*, critical illness cost in the Philippines is the second most expensive in South East Asia. Lung cancer treatment costs can lead up to Php 2.78 million, stroke is for Php 1.8 million, while a heart attack is for Php 980,000**.

Having critical illness protection is important as costs including long-term medication and care, and even loss of income can be covered by the plan’s critical illness benefits through the System and Organ Function Insurance (SOFI) concept. This feature makes the product unique in the market as it provides coverage should any major organs require surgery, without the need to remember the long list of critical illnesses.

PRUHealth FamLove is flexible and easy to avail as it comes in different packages, with the option to choose how many family members will be covered from one (self) to

three – mySelf, myPartner, myChild, myFamily, myParent – depending on what suits the family’s protection needs.

“Pru Life UK celebrates and nurtures every Filipino family of different types and sizes with PRUHealth FamLove. This protection plan focuses on their ever-changing needs by offering critical illness protection to the whole family,” shared Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong.

“This innovation is a solid testament to our continuing commitment to promote financial inclusion by providing protection coverage to millions of underserved and unserved Filipinos to get the most out of life,” Wong added.

For more detailed information about PRUHealth FamLove, customers may visit the Pru Life UK website or book an appointment with a Pru Life UK insurance agent.

This is the latest product offering from Pru Life UK, ranked number one by the Insurance Commission in terms of New Business Annual Premium Equivalent in 2021.

References:
*8 Dec 2020. Philippines’ Healthcare Cost Inflation Projected to Hit 10.1% in 2020: Mercer Marsh Benefits Study. https://www.asean.mercer.com/newsroom/philippines-healthcare-cost-inflation-mmb-study.html
** Cost of Critical Illness in the Philippines. https://digitalpinas.com/cost-critical-illness-philippines/

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 about 35,000 licensed agents.
The company ranked first (1st) among the country’s life insurers based on the Insurance Commission’s Full Year 2021 rankings in terms of new business annual premium equivalent. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Pru Life UK and Prudential plc are not affiliated with Prudential Financial, Inc. (a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America), 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

About Pulse
Pulse is an all-in-one app that offers holistic health and wealth management solutions to consumers. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Pulse serves as a health and wealth partner to users. It is designed to help people prevent, postpone, and protect against the onset of diseases, as well as make informed financial decisions to protect and grow their wealth.
Pulse is part of Prudential’s strategy to make healthcare and financial security more accessible to more people by leveraging digital technologies and best-in-class partnerships. Launched in Malaysia in August 2019, Pulse is active in 17 markets and 11 languages in Asia and Africa, and has been downloaded more than 32 million times (as at Dec 2021).
Pulse is currently available on the Apple/Google Play stores in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam in Asia, and Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia in Africa.
For more information, log on to www.wedopulse.com.

SMDC: Building places Filipinos can call home

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A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic on home ownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact towards one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up and coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development.

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately, and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents.

Across the available properties, prospect homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones and standby generator set ensures continuous function and prime livability.

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a greater quality of life, but to also have its communities take an integral role in their commitment towards sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

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.

Teleperformance’s COTW volunteers practice Bayanihan in face of COVID-19

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Employee-volunteers of Teleperformance Philippines from across the company’s 21 business sites were together in their mission to extend bayanihan to communities needing help. Through Citizen of the World (COTW) Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Teleperformance, volunteers pooled their efforts and were able to distribute over P1 million worth of assistance to various beneficiaries.

TP employees’ bayanihan donations enabled the Foundation to purchase PPEs and other supplies amounting to over P500,000 donated to three major health institutions, namely, Philippine General Hospital (Luzon), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Visayas), and Southern Philippines Medical Center (Mindanao).

Meanwhile, each family residing in the Teleperformance-Gawad Kalinga Village in Tanay, Rizal received one month’s worth of assorted grocery items. The grocery fundraising was supported by the entire Philippines leadership team with both their volunteer time and funds raised by leadership.

All in all, over P500,000 worth of grocery items were given to help alleviate the situation for the one hundred families in the village that was also built by COTW volunteers for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

COTW volunteers also responded to the call of its program partner-beneficiary Kythe Foundation, which cares for cancer-stricken kids and their families. Kythe hoped to alleviate some of the anxieties of their beneficiaries during this tough situation and COTW sponsored meals for 100 pediatric patients in different Kythe-affiliated hospitals.

Meanwhile, as a member of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Teleperformance Philippines supported the association’s industry-wide donation drive to support Caritas Manila’s “Protect the Poor from COVID-19” program, which aims to assist poor families by providing them health and personal hygiene essentials, as well as food packs. TP sponsored 50 families with its donation.

“Nobody has had an easy time during this unprecedented crisis. But as Teleperformance Citizen of the World volunteers, we know that wherever we are, we can still do something to help someone in need,” Jeffrey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Human Capital Resource Management said.

The continuous outpouring of donations from volunteers is expected to reach another P1 million in the following weeks, and these will also be distributed immediately to communities in need.

“I can see that the concept of bayanihan is deeply rooted in the Teleperformance culture, so it is really easy for our volunteers to step up and help others. I am very proud to be part of this caring and generous team,” he said.

To learn more about Teleperformance Philippines and their various programs, you may visit their website at www.teleperformance.ph/en-us or their Facebook page at /teleperformance.philippines.

ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE

Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: ROCH.PA – Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, serves as a strategic partner to the world’s largest companies in a wide variety of industries. Its customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, consulting and analytics, digital integrated business service solutions, and other high-value specialized services ensure consistently positive customer interactions that are reliable, flexible and intelligent. The company has established the highest security and quality standards in the industry and uses proprietary deep learning technology to optimize flexibility on a global scale.

The Group’s 300,000 employees, spread across 80 countries, support billions of connections annually in 265 languages and enhance the customer experience with every interaction. In 2019, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €5,355 million (US$6 billion, based on €1 = $1.12).

Teleperformance began operations in the Philippines in 1996 and has grown to become a preferred offshore contact center outsourcing option. The company employs over 47,000 people in the country and operates over 30,000 workstations in 21 business sites located across Metro Manila, Antipolo, Baguio, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

From 2012 to 2018, Teleperformance received the Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Contact Center Outsourcing Service Provider of the Year Award for its significant performance in revenue management, market share, capabilities, and overall contribution to the contact center industry. In addition, Teleperformance Philippines was awarded in 2017 as Outstanding Employer and Outstanding Community Project of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Top Employer of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards, and the Outstanding Volunteer by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

This 2020, Teleperformance Philippines was again certified as a Great Place to Work® and is the only organization in the country to receive this certification from the Great Place to Work® Institute for three years in a row. This year, Teleperformance celebrates its 24th year of continued excellence and leadership in the country. This milestone highlights the company’s commitment to steadily provide the best employment experience for Filipinos, proactively support the nation’s ICT-BPO sector, and uphold its socio-civic engagements to create a difference in the lives of the Philippine community.

For further information, please visit the Teleperformance website at teleperformance.ph.

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.