Dennis Anthony Uy’s Tech City Hopes to Become a Catalyst for PH Tech Industries

Dennis Anthony and Grace Uy kicked off the discussions on the Tech City in Pampanga with his advisers and technical team. In the session, Dennis Anthony Uy articulated his vision for the Tech City to his project team composed of the Egis Group, 10Design, SGV & Co., B-Global, Rurban Strategic Development Planners Inc., GFP Architects, and Colliers

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, aptly nicknamed in business circles as the ‘Pampanga Dennis Uy’ is about to put in motion his larger-than-life vision of creating a Tech City in his hometown - expected to be the birthplace of the next Amazon, Google, and Facebook.

In this personal venture, Uy envisions using the 117-hectare land in Pampanga - straddling Mexico and Angeles City, to attract the right industries and spur the growth of innovation-led sectors. The Tech City is seen to be a catalyst for innovation and technology education and practice in the country. 

He has tapped expert consultants and technical advisers to kick off the multi-billion peso project, including the Egis Group which is a global construction engineering company that designs and operates intelligent infrastructure and buildings. Other consultants in the Tech City project are 10Design, EY Philippines - SGV & Co., B-Global, Rurban Strategic Development Planners Inc., GFP Architects, and Colliers. 

“I dream of creating an ecosystem for technology. In this venture and will concentrate on innovation and tech-related sectors. Software programmers, animators, game developers, and even semiconductor designers - we want to attract downstream tech fields in the Tech City. At the same time, we want to nurture the business side of innovation, hence our pitch to start-ups as well,” said Uy, at a recent meeting with the project team of the tech metropolis. 

Silicon Valley is undoubtedly the inspiration for this tech city for Uy but with distinct “Filipino” foundations - meaning education and enculturation will be informed by local know-how. 

“I want this technology hub to have training institutes that will certify Filipinos as IT engineers and professionals, the education will be from the ground up and produce the workforce with the necessary technology skills. Tech City will be an incubation hub as well for this industry which encompasses sub-sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and digital content creation,” added Uy. 

True to its vision to become the home of cutting-edge technology, the Tech City will also house the headquarters and data centers of Converge.

“We’re moving into value-added services or products that go beyond connectivity. We have the digital highway in place so in the future, there will be apps like OTT services, software, and cloud solutions that need to be housed in our data centers,” said Uy. 

Susie’s Cuisine: Where Tradition and Innovation Converge

The advent of modern technology has rendered traditional methods obsolete, and old practices are easily swept away by innovation. 

But for Kapampangan delicacy store Susie’s Cuisine, technology is a way to strengthen culinary heritage – striking a balance between adopting technology and preserving Pampanga’s cultural culinary identity.

“Susie's Cuisine started in 1972. Apung Aning or Ms. Anicia Ayson, a dentist by profession, was encouraged by her family and friends to open up a food business because of her expertise in cooking. She set up a carinderia at Nepo Mart, serving merienda like pancit palabok, tibok-tibok, and botche,” shared Rowell Cabayao, Operations and Marketing Lead I of Susie's Cuisine.

Rowell Cabayao, 
Susie's Cuisine,  Operations and Marketing Lead I 

Taking pride in its delicacies as the country’s culinary capital, the restaurant drew in both local patrons and tourists as it offers the reminiscent taste of authentic Kapampangan cuisine. 

“Although our stores may appear modern, our pancit and pasta dishes are still prepared the way Apung Aning used to cook them. For our rice cakes, we don't use machines to mix ingredients; we still do it manually,” Cabayao added. 

While the business remains committed to old cooking methods, evolving some operational processes became imperative due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, Susie’s Cuisine gradually evolved to adapt to the changing needs of customers. 

They established their presence in social media and online delivery platforms, which expanded their visibility, leading to an increase in the volume of orders they receive daily. 

To their advantage, the enterprise found an ally in the form of Converge which has been their reliable support in keeping the harmonious interplay of technology and heritage in their restaurants. 

With Converge providing high-speed fiber connection, their store crews are equipped to engage with customers either online or face-to-face, ensuring goods are available for sale as they keep track of their inventory in real time. At the same time, advanced orders are catered to, satiating the kakanin cravings of customers even if they are away from Susie’s Cuisine. 

Uplifting small-scale businesses, Converge flexiBIZ extends a value-for-money internet service that powers enterprises to boost productivity and efficiency, allowing them to optimize their operations as they aspire for growth.

Depending on their chosen plan between flexiBIZ Daytime or flexiBIZ Peak, SME subscribers may opt to double their bandwidth to operate during the day or obtain a premium service that delivers consistent high-speed connections regardless of time.

“How Converge treats and accepts Susie’s Cuisine is like a family. Because we've been together for a long time, whenever we run to them, we're sure to feel the care and nurturing of a true Filipino,” Cabayao said. 

Soon, Susie’s Cuisine intends to continue adjusting to current trends and maximize technology to strengthen its delivery of Pampanga’s culinary offerings. Soon, the business eyes to transform their restaurant into a place where people can enjoy reliable internet as they indulge in savory Kapampangan dishes on their table.

“One thing we prioritize in Susie’s Cuisine is providing the Kapampangan service. As they say, customers are our family. They are not just customers but for us, they are family,” Cabayao noted.

Get a Chance to Win an OPPO Find N3 Flip on OPPO's 3.3 Mega Sale

OPPO kicks off summer with incredible price drops, discounts, and freebies available on its official ecommerce brand stores starting March 3 - including a chance to win an OPPO Find N3 Flip in a special raffle! Start adding to cart and collecting the vouchers now to take advantage of the 3.3 Mega Sale for a memorable start to your summer.

Purchase any OPPO device through TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada from March 3 to 7 and get up to 63% off on your favorite OPPO products! OPPO fans can avail of exciting vouchers that can give you Php 1,000 off when you get OPPO Reno6, Reno6 Z, Reno7, Reno7 Z. With a minimum spend of Php 8,999, you may also avail of Php 200 off, and Php 400 off when you purchase at least Php 13,999.

Save more with a wide array of vouchers up for grabs

Shoppers can enjoy limited livestream vouchers worth Php 100 for a minimum spend of Php 4,999. Shipping discount vouchers of Php 50 off for Lazada and Shopee can also be claimed when you spend a minimum of Php 500.

Shopee buyers can also avail 30% off with a minimum spend of Php 3,499 on OPPO products. From March 3 to 7, shoppers can get 0% interest installment via SPayLater for up to 3 months for devices such as the A18, A57 (4+128GB), A76 and Reno6 Z. OPPO fans can also avail 0% interest installment for 6 months via SPayLater for the Reno8 T 5G, Reno11 5G, and Reno11 Pro 5G from March 3-4.

Lazada shoppers can get 20% off capped at Php 1,000 with a minimum of Php 2,499 on OPPO products. For a minimum spend of Php 7,999, Lazada shoppers can get Php 1,200 off.

Watch out for exclusive freebies for every purchase and irresistible bundle deals

Don’t miss out on these exciting 3.3 deals when you check out these OPPO smartphones and devices via OPPO’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok.

Free S11 Bluetooth Speakers for all OPPO A76 purchases

Free (YC Pro 7) Headphones for all OPPO Pad Air purchases

Free Retro Bluetooth Speakers for all OPPO Reno7 Series 5G and OPPO Reno8 T Series 5G purchases

Free S39 Bluetooth Speakers for all Reno11 Series 5G purchases

Get the OPPO Band together with A16k for Php 5,099 or with the A17k for Php 5,698 and A18 for only Php 6,598. 

Get the OPPO Band paired with OPPO Buds2 for only Php 1,999 

Get the OPPO Enco Buds2 bundled with the A16k for Php 4,999, with the A17k  for Php 5,598, or with the A18 for Php 6,498.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on these great deals this coming March 3 to 7, 2024. Stay updated on the latest offers and deals, visit our OPPO Official Stores on Shopee , Lazada and Tiktok.

Learn more about the OPPO devices by visiting https://www.oppo.com/ph/  or follow OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Converge CEO Joins Global Tech Leaders at the MWC Barcelona, Slated to Share How Fiber Technology Uplifted PH Connectivity

At least 80,000 global tech leaders will converge in Barcelona this week for the Mobile World Congress (MWC) with the roster of speakers featuring admired chief executives like Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet, and HP Enterprise CEO and President Antonio Neri. Among the hottest topics in this year’s conference are artificial intelligence, 5G (and even 5.5G), and sustainability among telecommunications companies.

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy joins the well-respected list of speakers to talk about how fiber technology helped uplift broadband connectivity in the Philippines at the forum of optical fiber company Yangtze Optical Fiber and Cable (YOFC), entitled “All-Optical Connectivity with New Value”.

The global tech and connectivity event kicks off today, February 26, Monday, and will see the largest congregation of the titans of the tech industry worldwide, as well as the heads of government authorities and regulating bodies. MWC will serve as a week-long, wide-ranging platform for dialogue on emerging trends and issues impacting the global technology landscape.  

Uy, nicknamed ‘The Fiber Master’ for his pioneering effort to bring fiber technology to the Philippines, expresses his excitement at the discussions to be had at the MWC: “It’s an exciting time to take part in international conferences such as this, where prominent voices in the tech industry are heard and ideas are the ultimate currency. Especially now that AI is such a topical issue, I’m sure a lot of innovative views will be shared and we will get a good pulse of where the industry is going.”

On Wednesday (February 28), Uy will take the stage at the forum of YOFC and impart the Philippines’ fiber journey from its introduction in the 1990s to the present, and the rise of broadband use and penetration in the Philippines, especially during the market-disrupting entry of Converge at the height of the pandemic. 

“Apart from the industry talk, I’m also excited to share a snapshot of the Philippines’ connectivity landscape at the forum. The pandemic truly changed the picture of the entire market, not just with the growth of Converge; the Philippines was forced to embrace technology and it presented us with as many opportunities as challenges,” Uy added.

Converge Paints the Philippines Purple with Boosted Fiber Internet Plans

At the heels of its clean sweep of *Ookla® **Speedtest Awards™ in February, leading Philippine fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is proving yet again its fiber technology is second to none as it boosts its FiberX plans by as much as 600 Mbps for free for its existing customers.

In celebration of its successive wins, Converge held a lighting ceremony of its Manila headquarters, illuminating it in dazzling purple as well as key areas across the country. Converge also lit up Plaza Anghel in Angeles City, Fort San Pedro in Cebu City, and Damosa IT Park in Davao City. The brilliant display was simulcast online and in front of media guests, brand ambassadors, and subscribers symbolizing Converge's commitment to connect and brighten the lives of Filipinos nationwide.

Recently crowned as the ***fastest and most awarded internet service provider in the Philippines, Converge is enabling this speed boost in gratitude to its over 2 million customers.

Consistent with its vision to empower Filipinos and businesses, the free upgrade of its affordable and unlimited bandwidth FiberX plans introduces boosted packages for a faster and superior digital experience. The company’s flagship FiberX 1500 plan now has 300 Mbps, an upgrade from 200 Mbps. Converge previously upgraded the plan in June 2022 from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps, and again in November 2022 from 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.

“As more customers turn to our solutions for their internet needs, we stay rooted to our commitment towards exceptional service as shown by our wins in the Ookla Speedtest Awards. This speed upgrade is our way to say we are in full #BoostMode in ensuring our customers can enjoy a much better online experience with us as their connectivity partner,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

Other plans with speed increases include FiberX Plan 2000, FiberX Plan 2500 and FiberX Plan 3500, which now have speeds of 500 Mbps, 700 Mbps, and 1 Gbps respectively. Subscribers on work-from-home or learn-from-home arrangements using the award-winning Converge Time of Day plans also received speed boost of up to 1 Gbps which will enable them to get double their subscribed bandwidth from 7:00 a.m. to 6:59 p.m. for the Day Plan, and from 7:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. for the Night Plan.

Gaming-focused GameChanger subscribers also get a major speed boost of at least 500 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, allowing for an ultra-high-speed, high prioritization, low latency, and low jitter gaming experience.

The nationwide and automatic speed increase special offer will be effective from today until March 31, 2024. All existing residential subscribers with subscription plans ranging from FiberX Plan 1500 to 7000 are eligible for the speed boost. No additional eligibility criteria, cost, or sign-up is required.

“Converge has always been about amazing customer experience and our awards prove that. The annual speed increase that we gift to our more than 2 million subscribers is just one of our pledges to our customers,” said Converge EVP & Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin B. Azada. “This speed boost underscores Converge’s commitment to bridging the gap with the best in the world in terms of connectivity, affordability, and experience.”

Based on Ookla®'s Speedtest Global Index, the average fixed broadband speed in the Philippines as of January 2024 is 93.31 Mbps for download and 93.05 Mbps for upload. As of the second half of 2023, Converge reached top download speeds of 457.56 Mbps and top upload speed of 448.15 Mbps. Ookla® is the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence, testing applications, and related technologies. Converge also secured awards in multiple categories during Ookla®’s Speedtest Awards™, including Best Internet Gaming Experience, Best Internet Video Experience, and Top-Rated Internet Experience in the Philippines.

NCR subscribers can further have seamless, instant, and HQ video experiences with Converge Vision Xperience Box, an all-in-one entertainment hub with over 88 multi-genre and multi-language local and international channels. The company is currently offering it with no cash out and plans to roll out the box to regional customers very soon.

Considered as the youngest and most robust end to end fiber network in the Philippines, Converge has been narrowing the digital divide and advancing digital democracy as the world undergoes rapid digitalization. The company's mission is to extend connectivity to the farthest and least developed areas of the Philippines to empower all Filipinos and businesses.

*Ookla® is the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence, testing applications, and related technologies.

**Based on Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence® data for the six-month period.

***Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q3-Q4 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

BITE INTO MILKY GOODNESS WITH MILKANA CREAMY LOLLIPOPS

Check out the new fun film about these great ‘baon’ treats!

As 2024 continues to unlock fresh beginnings and possibilities, kids and their families again face an exciting new chapter – back to school. This activity-filled time provides an excellent opportunity for parents to ensure that their young ones are ready to make the most of their experiences as they resume learning.

As kids happily get geared up, parents are invited to consider and make more mindful choices that support their children’s active bodies and hungry minds – and for this purpose, making their kids’ “baon” more delicious, nutritious, and fun gets top marks.

During this period, Milkana, Savencia Fromage & Dairy’s premium international brand, encourages and inspires parents to make healthy and delicious snacking a part of their kids’ daily routines. 

With all the tempting junk food and sweets that kids can consume during school mealtimes, parents could be worried about their eating preferences. Milkana wants to share with these parents that more nutritious and enjoyable options are available, like the brand’s Creamy Lollipops, launched last August 2023. 

Milkana recently released a fun film about their new and nutritious Creamy Lollipops, which can be viewed today online – including on Facebook and Instagram.

These fun and delicious bite-sized dairy snacks are packed with milk proteins containing essential amino acids, calcium, and vitamin D, which builds stronger bones. They’re also made with zero preservatives, giving parents peace of mind that they’re serving honest-to-goodness “baon” snacks to their kids.

With Milkana Creamy Lollipops, there’s always a fantastic flavor to love and share. Kids can enjoy four variants: Fruit Heart Strawberry, the main variant with natural fruit filling, Yogurt N Fruits, Mixed Berries, and Milky Ice Cream – all adapted to their tastes. 

Since the Creamy Lollipops were launched, many Filipino kids, and even their moms and dads, have enjoyed them and experienced their benefits. Coming with cool animal designs and practical packaging, eating them is fun, easy, and hassle-free. All it takes to bite into milky goodness is to open them up, lick, nibble, and enjoy them slowly.

With Milkana offering these treats, the brand invites parents to bring their kids and other family members into a more nutritious journey – for better health, enjoyment, and satisfaction as they engage in their activities.

Flora Guyenot, Southern Asia Marketing Director of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, the makers of Milkana, says:

“During the back-to-school season, snacking moments with Milkana Creamy Lollipops can be made better for kids’ nutrition, especially when it comes to their daily “baon.” At Savencia, we believe in offering delicious and nutritious treats that infuse joy in every experience – those that also spark fun and imagination while boosting health. Our Creamy Lollipops truly and strongly represent our dedication to helping Filipino families lead better lifestyles. We hope more kids and their parents will try and enjoy them!”

Milkana’s premium snacks are now available at major leading supermarkets and outlets.

To be updated with news, updates, and other great content about Milkana’s Creamy Lollipops, please follow https://www.facebook.com/MilkanaPhilippines and https://www.instagram.com/milkanaph/.

Chinabank Welcomes The Year of the Dragon With Michelle Dee as Brand Ambassador

From left: Chinabank Chief Finance Officer Patrick Cheng, President & CEO Romy Uyan, Michelle Dee, Sparkle GMA Artist Center Vice President Joy Romina Marcelo, and Miss Universe Philippines Creative Director Jonas Gafud.

Chinabank has signed up its first-ever brand ambassador, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee. The collaboration was formalized on February 14, 2024, at the Chinabank head office in Makati City.

The beauty queen, actress, host, athlete, and model is a fitting and inspiring representative for Chinabank. Michelle, who has won the hearts and minds of Filipinos and the world with her charisma, authenticity, and sense of purpose, is redefining contemporary Filipino culture on a global stage.  Her lifelong autism acceptance and inclusivity advocacy have led her to a degree in BS Psychology and to use her platform and her work with the Autism Society of the Philippines to create awareness about the condition. With Michelle on board, Chinabank is strengthening its brand presence and building a profound connection with the new generation of dynamic and forward-thinking banking customers.

“This engagement with Michelle Dee signifies the beginning of many things to come.  For us, Michelle is family.  But beyond her obvious lineage to the bank's co-founders, we firmly believe that Michelle has the qualities to aptly represent a bank with a storied history and an unwavering commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable future for every Filipino,” Chinabank President & CEO Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said during the contract signing.

Michelle expressed her happiness and excitement for her new role, noting that she and Chinabank are a good fit as they share the same high regard for building trust, making an impact, and bringing about change.

“Chinabank isn’t just any bank, it’s been a beacon of trust and resilience for over a century.  Now that’s a lot of years of making a difference in people’s lives and making dreams come true, but it’s also the spirit of making a difference that resonates with every Filipino heart,” she said. “I would like to keep it real.  I’m here to share my stories and the incredible work Chinabank does…  I can’t wait to make memories and make such groundbreaking opportunities for everyone around us as well.”

Chinabank founder Dee C. Chuan was Michelle Dee’s paternal grand-uncle.  Her grandfather was former Chinabank Chairman Dee K. Chiong whose leadership shaped the bank into prominence.  He also led the bank’s early foray into computer technology, becoming the first bank in Southeast Asia to process deposit accounts online.

Chinabank is the fourth largest private universal bank in the Philippines. The bank is set to launch an advertising campaign featuring Michelle as it continues to innovate and improve its products and services with a keen focus on its customers.

Chickenjoyers Celebrate Their Love For The Philippines’ Iconic Fried Chicken

The Jollibee team are all smiles as they lead the Chickenjoy toast

At the "I Am A Chickenjoyer Fan Meet" held at Trinoma Activity Center on February 17, Jollibee convened fans of its beloved fried chicken for the first time in the history of Chickenjoy.

Over 1,500 people attended this joyful gathering to celebrate their love of the renowned Chickenjoy with friends and family.

Chickenjoyers flocked and showed their full support by joining the fun-filled activities

“We are so excited to finally bring so many Chickenjoyers together in one venue and host an exciting day for them,” said Pamie Cruz, Senior Marketing Manager of Jollibee Philippines. “This is our way of thanking them for their continued support for Chickenjoy, and for spreading this love to their families and friends from all over the country and even all over the world.”

Guests create core memories with fun-filled games, prizes, and a whole lot of Chickenjoy

Guests participated in numerous activities listed on their event passports. Attendees earned points, received exclusive Chickenjoy products, and made lifelong memories by conquering activities like the Claw Machine, the Giant Gachapon, and the Ball Bucket Shoot Out. In addition, guests were treated to a state-of-the-art studio setup that would expertly capture their moments in photographs and movies.

Donny Pangilinan is a certified Chickenjoyer!

Joshua Garcia can’t have enough of the Crispylicious, Juicylicious Chickenjoy!

Joshua Garcia and Donny Pangilinan, two Jollibee endorsers and self-described Chickenjoyers, respectively, contributed to the excitement during the morning and afternoon programs. Donny said, "As a child, I remember going home via expressway and ordering Jollibee via drive-thru because that's really our favorite," in response to a question about his best memory of Chickenjoy. When my dad would ask us what we wanted in the car, we would always say, "Chickenjoy." Feeling content, we would share it in the car before heading out once more.

Joshua continued sharing his memorable Chickenjoy moments, saying, "We always order Jollibee on someone's birthday with my family. I would bring my nephew a bucket of Chickenjoy on his birthday, and we would eat it with rice or Jolly Spaghetti because he loves Chickenjoy. The chicken wings are my favorite part; I enjoy taking the bone off and dipping the wing into the gravy. Sarap!"

This exceptional occasion demonstrated the impact Chickenjoy has had on millions of people, from fulfilling desires to completing enjoyable bonding experiences. Famous for its tasty and crispy skin, juicy and luscious meat, and distinctive gravy, Chickenjoy will live on and be cherished for many generations to come.

For PHP 82.00 (1 piece of Crispylicious, Juicylicious, Best-Tasting Jollibee Chickenjoy with rice and drink), you may have it anywhere in the country. Visit the Jollibee location closest to you and indulge in its delicious, crispy food, whether you choose to eat in, take out, or drive through. Additionally, you can order delivery through Foodpanda, GrabFood, #87000, JollibeeDelivery.com, and the Jollibee App.

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Converge Speeds Up Basic Education Delivery of DepEd San Fernando with Fiber-fast Connectivity

DepEd’s administrative offices, including the curriculum development department, are powered by Converge’s pure fiber internet. 

Education is the foundation of the nation’s progress, and ensuring its access in every area of the country is crucial for forming the next generation of leaders and thinkers. The governance of the basic education system is distributed to different regions and provinces but the quality of it must be the same whether you’re in Metro Manila or the countryside. 

The role of digital technology in this goal is central as the Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes the requirement for learners and educators to update their digital skills as stated in the current administration’s MATATAG Curriculum Shaping Paper. 

For the San Fernando Schools Division Office (SDO) of the Department of Education in Pampanga, this significant task of ensuring a digital-ready environment for teachers and students is made easier and faster, thanks to reliable and stable fiber broadband. 

As the ICT support officer of the division, Nadine Alibutod is in charge of ensuring the digital infrastructure which the SDO heavily relies on, is up to date, secure, and provides seamless connectivity throughout the area. 

Nadine Alibutod, Administrative Assistant III of the SDO’s ICT Division said that the office has fully transitioned online and in the process, has digitally empowered their office’s functions and activities, from teacher training to curriculum development.

“What happens in the office is, online na lang lahat ng ginagawang meetings. Kahit mga interview or orientation examination ng mga applicants, we do it online, which is more convenient on the end of the applicants and the division because we can maximize our time,” noted Nadine. 

Nadine is tasked with user management and network management; for the former, this means giving the employees their virtual Google Workspace environment and for the latter, this translates to ensuring the entire office has a stable and reliable connection to the internet. Network management also entails providing connection to online and on-site events of the Division. 

“We have a centralized network in the office. Kahit magkakaibang building kami (Even if we’re in separate buildings), we have several access points to make sure hindi ma-dedegrade yung speed and quality ng connection wherever you are,” she added. 

Facilitating this connected environment is the Enterprise solution of Converge, which not only meets the technical requirements of DepEd Pampanga SDO but fits their publicly-funded budget too. 

“Since we are a government agency, our budget is very tight. Kung ano i-require ng government in terms of budget and specifications, dapat ma-meet. Doon pa lang, approved na (ang Converge). Seamless yung pino-provide sa amin ng Converge na service so it’s worth the price,” Nadine said. 

The world-class fiber connection proves its worth not just with the quality of service but with after-care service too, said the ICT officer. 

Nadine’s daughter, who stays with her in the office, can access her school modules and answer her assignments due to the fiber-fast connection of Converge. 

If the billing has been overlooked by their office and they were disconnected, their reconnection is immediately acted on, ensuring that their operations are not severely delayed. 

“Ang maganda, since nagapply kami ng connection hanggang ngayon, agad agad tatawag lang kami sa aming contact sa Converge. Hindi mo mararanasan na twice or thrice kang tatawag in a day basta tumawag kami, sagot agad, tapos mamaya ok na,” Nadine said happily. 

The San Fernando SDO office uses Converge Flexibiz Peak, an innovative, business-grade plan that provides doubled speeds 24/7, night and day. The said plan caters to small businesses, providing high-speed connectivity of up to 300 Mbps.

With You Through Thick And Thin

A captivating story of love with Home Credit

Finding the ideal gift amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations is no easy feat, yet it's one task that’s filled with heartfelt intentions. For Diana Marie Mendoza-Zabala, a devoted high school Science teacher, this quest took on a new significance just three days before saying “I do.” to Joemar Zabala, a secondary Social Studies educator.

The perfect partner para sa love

Wedding preparations are usually hectic, and Diana and Joemar weren’t exempted from this experience when they started getting ready for their big day. Their schedules and calendars were so full that Diana almost forgot to buy a special gift for Joemar, a present that was intended to be a part of their vows. 

Three days before their special day, Diana revisited the mall where they first crossed paths with a clear idea of what she wanted to give him—a watch that would perfectly symbolize their enduring, timeless love. She scoured the mall and found a variety of options, some more affordable than others, but a particular timepiece caught her attention.

“Noong bumili ako ng gift para sa wedding namin, sa SM Store sa Lucena City ako pumunta. Yung gift na gusto kong ibigay ko sa kanya is relo, pero that time, kapos na kami sa budget. Iniisip ko talaga paano ko ma-a-avail yung relo kung wala naman akong hawak na pera para mabarayan siya ng full payment. Buti na lang tinawag ng sales lady yung sales associate ng Home Credit at nasabihan niya ako na ‘Sakto, Ma’am, naka-promo kami ngayon, 0% interest. 

Bago ko ibigay yung regalo kay Joemar, gumawa ako ng letter para sa kanya; pero sa dulo ng message, sinabi ko na bayad na ang downpayment ng relo, siya na nga lang ang bahala sa installment na three months, pero 0% interest naman,” Diana happily recalled. 

(I purchased my wedding gift for Joemar in SM Store Lucena. I really wanted to give him a wristwatch as a gift, but at that time, I didn’t have enough money for it. I was thinking of possible ways to get it, even though I didn’t have enough cash on hand, when the sales lady assisting me called for Home Credit’s sales associate. The associate then went on to tell me that, as luck would have it, Home Credit had a 0% interest promo at that time. 

Before I gave my gift to Joemar, I wrote him a letter, indicating in the last part that I had already paid for the wristwatch’s downpayment, he just needed to pay for the remaining three-month installment fees, but with no interest). 

The lifelong companion in every chapter

And then, it was D-day. As Diana presented Joemar with her gift availed through Home Credit, videographer Bryant Nanez captured the heartfelt moment, where Diana even presented Joemar with the Home Credit care card as part of her present, in a sensational same-day-edit video. The sincerity and distinctiveness of the gesture caused the video, which was posted online, to go viral and quickly garner over 41.5K views. The unexpected attention from the public was a delightful surprise for the couple, who were overjoyed to see their wedding inspiring viewers.

“At Home Credit, we understand the importance of celebrating life's special moments, especially when it comes to love. As a trusted lifestyle partner, our commitment lies in delivering convenient and fast access to credit, empowering Filipinos to lead the lives they deserve. We are overjoyed to be a part of not just Diana and Joemar's beautiful love story, but also of the multitude of life stories that we touch through our services,” Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of Home Credit Philippines, expressed.

Joemar conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Home Credit for consistently serving as a reliable partner throughout the various chapters of his life. 

“Kung tao si Home Credit, lubos kaming magpapasalamat sa kanya dahil noong walang-wala ako, naging malaking tulong ito para sakin.  Ngayon na nagsisimula na kami bilang mag-asawa, gusto naming makapagpundar ng mga gamit, at naisip namin na why not i-try namin gamit ang Home Credit.

Pero hihintayin muna namin na matapos ang existing loan namin dahil ang pagkuha ng loan ay isang proseso na kailangang pagplanuhan kung kailan dapat kunin. Ito ay isang responsibilidad at ang mga nagagamit natin na galing sa hiram ay kailangan nating bayaran dahil napakinabangan na natin ang mga ito, at dahil naging mabait ang mga nagpahiram nito at napakabilis lang din naman ang proseso,” Joemar remarked.

(If Home Credit were a person, we would thank them profusely because they were there for us when we had close to none. Now that we are starting our married life, we would like to build a home and try to use Home Credit for it.

However, we would wait first to finish our existing Home Credit loan, since acquiring loans is a process that needs thorough thinking and planning. Getting loans is a responsibility, and the things that we get to use and enjoy because of it need the right repayments since the creditor was generous enough to let us borrow, and the process of borrowing was also fast and convenient.)

With this touching wedding tale, how did Joemar discover the love of his life, Diana? To unveil the enchanting story that binds them, let's rewind to the very beginning.

A tale of love at first sight

Diana and Joemar's charming love story unfolded when fate intervened one day. According to Joemar, the magic began with a love-at-first-sight encounter. Sometime in 2017, while browsing through social media, he stumbled upon Diana's profile, tagged in a wedding photo shared by mutual friends.

“Social media talaga ang naging way para magkakilala kami nitong aking asawa. [Noong nakita ko siya], sabi ko, why not i-chat ko siya? Noong first time ko siyang na-meet, parang na-love at first sight ako. Na-realize ko agad na magiging asawa ko siya,” Joemar fondly reminisced.

(Social media paved the way for our paths to cross. When I first saw her profile, all I could think of was sending her a chat message. The first time I met her, it felt like love at first sight, and I already knew back then that she would be my future wife.)

Following their initial meeting, their love blossomed, leading them to officially become a couple. During the first two years of their relationship, they chose to keep things lowkey, recognizing Diana's parents' protective nature. They discreetly went on dates, always respecting her parents' wishes, and adhering to her 7 PM curfew, despite both being of legal age.

As a couple, Joemar and Diana share a simple yet meaningful connection, marked by common hobbies, interests, and values. They enjoy exploring different restaurants, savoring new experiences one venue at a time—and being practical about it. This love language formed the foundation of their relationship. 

Seven years down the road, Joemar and Diana embraced the next chapter of their love story, deciding to exchange vows and tie the knot in 2023. After their union, Joemar and Diana were abundantly blessed. They acquired a new home and a car, and the blessings continued with the anticipation of a baby on the way.

Learn more about Joemar and Diana’s love story here.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in Shopping Mall Philippines. 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

Give The Gift of Ginhawa to Your Loved Ones with Generika Drugstore’s MEDPadala

Giving gifts has long been a common way for families in the Philippines, where distance frequently separates them, to show their love and concern for one another. Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are away from their family in the Philippines can attest to this. This feeling also applies to people who decide to relocate for employment from their place of origin, whether it is from their region to Manila or the other way around, putting them apart from their loved ones.

With Generika Drugstore's MEDPadala, an electronic gift certificate (e-GC) intended for the purchase of medications and other necessary medical supplies within the Generika Drugstore network, choosing a gift that skillfully blends thoughtfulness and practicality has become easier.

Filipinos are now able to send their distant relatives the gift of ginhawa thanks to MEDPadala. This can be given as a gift for holidays, birthdays, or just to convey "I care about you" in a straightforward yet meaningful way. 

Because of Generika Drugstore's dedication to affordability, your MEDPadala will last a long time, enabling you to significantly improve the health of your loved ones without going over budget. Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements can save you up to 85% on branded equivalents, so even a small money can buy a significant supply of necessary medical supplies.

Buying or sending MEDPadala can also be done with these three simple steps:

1.  Buy the MEDPadala e-GC at any Generika Drugstore branch or visit medpadala.com. ph
2.  Send the MEDPadala code and PIN via SMS or email. 
3.  Present the code and PIN to any Generika Drugstore branch to purchase medicines or medical supplies.

Let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them by sending them a MEDPadala. For more information, visit medpadala.com.ph

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF LOVE AT SM CITY VALENZUELA

Despite being the shortest month of the year, SM City Valenzuela's Love Month is full of passionate events and attractions. For customers of all ages, SM City Valenzuela went above and beyond to create an amazing love season.

Every day is Valentine’s Day with SM City Valenzuela’s Luck in Love Spots.  Located at the heart of the mall, this enchanting display features captivating lights and romantic designs that will make hearts skip a beat. From fluttering heart motifs to mesmerizing elements, "Luck in Love Spots" promises to be a delightful attraction for lovers, friends, and families alike.

 

With SM City Valenzuela's Luck in Love Spots, Valentine's Day is celebrated every day. This dazzling exhibit, which is centrally located in the mall, will make your heart skip a beat with its fascinating lights and romantic decorations. With captivating features and fluttering heart designs, "Luck in Love Spots" is sure to thrill lovers, friends, and families alike.

Customers can enjoy soul-stirring shows and live music sessions, which enhance the atmosphere. Enjoy the bliss of being together while being serenaded by the calming tunes for you and your loved someone.

SM City Valenzuela is the ideal location to celebrate love, offering an abundance of Valentine-themed attractions. Everything you need to make this love month truly memorable is available at SM City Valenzuela, whether you're seeking for the ideal present or are just looking to spend time with loved ones. 

Celebrate Love this Valentine’s Day and Get Up to 50% Off HONOR Gadgets!

Don’t forget to check out items from your shopping carts this Valentine’s Day loaded with freebies and vouchers for a week-long celebration!

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to show your love and appreciation with a gift from the global tech giant, HONOR, as they launch their Valentine’s Day sale. With discounts of up to 50%, there has never been a better time to shop for that special someone in your life. Hurry, though, as this sale won't last forever!

“We at HONOR Philippines are thrilled to spread love during Heart's Month by offering amazing discounts to our beloved HONOR fans. Take advantage of these discounts to make gifting easier and more delightful, with our wide range of products catering to every consumer's personality and needs,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Grab the HONOR 70 5G at a whopping Php 9,000 off! Plus, receive a FREE HONOR premium speaker to enhance your intimate dinners with loved ones. The HONOR X8 and HONOR X9 are also available at an amazing Php 6,000 discount, with FREE Earbuds Pro included.

Capture the memorable moments of this celebration with the HONOR 90 5G, now at a special discount of Php 1,000 off, and get a FREE JBL Go 30.

Looking for durability and functionality? The All-angle ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G is now Php 500 off, and it comes with FREE HONOR Choice Earbuds X5 and an exclusive HONOR Gift Box. For those who prefer a wider screen for viewing, the HONOR Pad X9 is now Php 400 off, and it comes with a FREE HONOR Smart Keyboard.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic deals! Celebrate Heart’s Month with HONOR and make your February truly special! Add to cart and check out this Valentine’s Day via Shopee (https://bit.ly/ShopeeHONOR_V-DaySale), Lazada (https://bit.ly/LazadaHONOR_V-DaySale), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTokHONOR_V-DaySale. 

Don’t forget to tune in on HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for more exciting announcements!

Converge urges employees, public: Protect your heart, wallet, and privacy this February

The UnMatch PH webinar is part of the month-long activity slate of Converge as it celebrates February as Safer Internet Month.

With the popularity of online dating and the prevalence of online interactions, it’s harder to spot the so-called ‘red flags’ today than ever before. This is why leading fiber broadband provider Converge teamed up this Safer Internet Month with citizen cyber education organization Scam Watch Pilipinas to outline the do’s and don’ts when it comes to finding love online. 

“When it comes to cyber dating, ika nga #Budol is real. We don’t want to find ourselves in the situation where we’re heartbroken and at the same time, “catfished” and scammed out of our hard-earned money,” warned Eumir Espiritu, Converge AVP and Head of Data Privacy, in his remarks for the #UnMatch webinar, hosted by Converge as part of its Safer Internet campaign. 

Given that situation has become a reality for so many, as attested to by Scam Watch Pilipinas founders Art Samaniego Jr. and Jocel De Guzman, here are some practical tips to avoid getting your heart broken (and your wallet emptied): 

1.  Practice cyber hygiene

Education in cybersecurity practice is the core mission of Scam Watch, said Mr. De Guzman, because citizens are simply uninformed about basic “cyber hygiene” - important security habits meant to protect oneself from a cyber attack. Mr. De Guzman shared four “attitudes” to take in keeping one’s guard up in confronting a possible cyber threat: Magdamot, Magduda, Mang-Isnob, and Magsumbong. 

2. Don’t underestimate your password protection

Your account password is akin to the first lock on your door - it’s the first layer of security you have against cyber criminals, so make sure to make it a strong one, says Art Samaniego Jr. who is also the Manila Bulletin Technology Editor. He recommends 8-14 characters and a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum security. If these are in combination, it’ll take several months before hackers can crack your password.  

3. Cyber scams - including love scams - are a real and ongoing threat

Being defrauded or scammed may seem like something that would happen to others but not to you, but actually, the Philippine National Police - Anti Cybercrime Group reports numbers that show cyber crimes happen more often than one thinks. In 2023, they investigated more than 16,000 incidents and the value lost from these scams amounted to Php 155 million, shared Mr. Espiritu. Being extra vigilant and alert to these ploys is a must, especially with so much of our lives spent online, the Data Privacy head added. 

“As a leading fiber internet provider and actually, as the fastest internet service provider in the Philippines as validated by Ookla, Converge recognizes its responsibility to promote ways to be smart and safe online. We’ve always advocated for a safe internet environment, we don’t want our internet highway to be used by cybercriminals. We want our customers to be safe. And education is key to this,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado in her closing remarks.

Filipinos who find themselves victims of online scams may reach out to Scam Watch Pilipinas through https://scamwatchpilipinas.com/ for reporting or call The Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326 within 24 hours of the crime.

ARC  is the joint project of the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to centralize reporting of online scams to the government.

HONOR X8b with Massive Storage and Glamorous Design to arrive in PH on February 21

Looking for your new gadget with a glamorous design? Check out what HONOR Philippines is launching on February 21!

Joining HONOR’s highly acclaimed X Series, the HONOR X8b will debut its powerful innovations and unmatched user experience on February 21! By combining exceptional photography capabilities, immersive display, and a stylish design, HONOR X8b will surely be a feature-packed smartphone that caters to users' needs for visual excellence and unique aesthetic.

“If there's anything we can promise our HONOR fans, it’s our dedication in providing solutions to the ever-changing needs of smartphone users. With the arrival of HONOR X8b, we can give a solid example of quality technology without having to be expensive,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The HONOR X8b offers massive memory and storage options, including 8GB of RAM + 8 GB RAM Turbo and 512GB of storage – enabling it to handle demanding tasks and store a large amount of content.

The HONOR X8b features a triple camera system, including a 108MP Main Camera, 5MP Wide and Depth Camera, and 2MP Macro Camera. The 108MP Main Camera comes with the powerful ISOCELL HM6 sensor, enabling it to capture sharp, vibrant photos even in low-light environments.

The 3240Hz PWM Dimming protects users from eye strain, making it ideal for digital-savvy users who spend long hours on smartphones. Additionally, the display's HBM brightness of 1200nits and peak brightness of 2000nits ensures excellent visibility even under bright sunlight. By adjusting the screen brightness from 2nits to 2000nits automatically, the HONOR X8b provides an optimal viewing experience in any lighting condition.

Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONORMagicV2Launch_PR at exactly 6PM and don’t forget to tune in on HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for more exciting announcements!

To check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

Converge Supports NGO ScamWatch PH, DICT Cybercrime Unit to Combat ‘Love Scams’

Converge ICT Solutions is among the private sector convenors of the citizen education organization Scam Watch Philippines. Converge will support Scam Watch in the dissemination of its educational materials. 

Leading Philippine fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has linked with the Department of Information and Communication Technology - Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC ) and cybersecurity protection organization Scam Watch Pilipinas along with other private sector partners to launch UnMatchPH, an information awareness campaign to guard against cyber ‘love scams’. 

According to ScamWatch Pilipinas, relationship-based online fraud, in the context of a romance, has long been prevalent in the Philippines but may see a surge this February.

The CICC forms the crux of the partnership as it serves as the main receiving government agency for all the cybercrime reports of the public. According to the CICC, Filipinos lose about Php 1 billion every year to online scams in general.

“We urge victims of cybercrime to proactively report to the CICC. We have the Inter-Agency Response Center (IARC) which responds to cybercrime complaints and recovery of hacked accounts,” said CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos.

The I-ARC is the centralized cybercrime response inter-agency collaboration of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Department of Information, Communications, and Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as its law enforcement arm.

With the start of ‘love month’, ScamWatch PH, Converge, its government, and non-government partners are reiterating their message for the public to remain vigilant against romance scams that prey on Filipinos and foreigners alike. 

Corporate Communications and Public Relations Head Jay-Anne Encarnado reinforced the need for digital citizens to protect their identities online and encouraged the public to be ‘smart and safe’ in cyberspace, especially on social media. 

“With this collaboration, we are officially kicking off our Safer Internet campaign this February. We believe that education is key in combating these cybercriminals. As an internet service provider, we want to make sure that our network is not being used for illegal activities. We have always been an advocate of a safe online experience for everyone,” said Converge Vice President and Corporate Communications and Public Relations Head Jay-Anne Encarnado. 

The UnMatchPH campaign will involve social media information dissemination and content through Converge and Scam Watch Pilipinas channels and publications in newspapers warning the public, especially women, about the dangers of romance scams. 

“Scams are prevalent and continue to increase. Based on what we’ve seen, love scams fall into several categories. People need to call 1326 and report these incidents so first we can gather data and whenever possible, repair the damage,” said Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-Founder and Co-Lead Convenor Jocel de Guzman. 

“The proliferation of these scams is expected to increase because of the season. The rationale behind this partnership is to educate citizens. The three pillars of cybersecurity culture are government, private sector, and the individual and the weakest among these is the individual, hence the emphasis on education,” added Art Samaniego, Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-Lead Convenor and Manila Bulletin Technology Editor.  

(From left):  Converge Corporate Communications and Public Relations head Jay-Anne Encarnado, Scam Watch Co-Lead Convenor and Manila Bulletin Technology Editor Art Samaniego, Scam Watch Co-Lead Convenor Jocel De Guzman, DICT Undersecretary and CICC Chief Alex Ramos, Gogolook Country Representative for the Philippines Mel Migrino, BPI head of Corporate Communications Elena Torrijos, and GoTyme Bank Head of Corporate Communications Frederick Blancas.

At a press conference held Tuesday, Scam Watch Pilipinas presented the eight most common love scam profiles that proliferate among the public. Other partners, BPI Philippines, GoTyme Bank, and Gogolook all expressed their support for the campaign. 

Romance scams involve the creation of and manipulation of a personal relationship with a victim to extort money or goods, even drugs. These scams often start as ‘matches’ online, whether through dating apps or social media. 

ScamWatch Pilipinas will feature victim testimonials, going to the barangay and parish levels, to broaden the reach of the information campaign. 

ScamWatch Pilipinas urges the public to save the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326 on their mobile devices in case of need.