Made It Through Mum

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) recorded P4.3 billion in profits in the IH 2020 vs. P20.1 billion in the comparable period last year, as the Bank booked total provisions of P22.4 billion in anticipation of potential delinquencies due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The provisions are anticipatory in nature, and meant to safeguard the balance sheet. By recognizing the provisions upfront, the Bank can now focus on growing its business as restrictions under ECQ/GCQ are gradually relaxed. Core businesses held up well amid the COVID19 pandemic, with Pre-Provision Operating Income (PPOP) up 17 per cent. Net Interest Income (NII) likewise went up by 17 per cent. Customer loans rose by 1 1 per cent to P2.3 trillion, while total deposits went up by nine (9) per cent to P2.6 trillion, driven by the 19 per cent expansion in Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) deposits which now account for 77 per cent of total deposits. As of end-June 2020 , branch operations have been fully restored from only 45...

It is undeniable that no influence is so powerful as that of a MOTHER. It has been observed that most of the noble characters and fine leaders of history have had good, God-fearing mothers. When it comes to questions of honesty, industry, kindness, and temperance - the children know and absorb a mother's example, attitudes, and beliefs. Indeed, a mother's influence cannot be measured as it is amplified every time she discovers something new. Her influence transcends and becomes a foundation not just within the four walls of their home but even outside of the community they belong to. A mother's influence is felt around the world. It is in fact, being recognized and that gave every mother the chance to let their voices be heard and let their influence rule the digital platform and the influencer marketing industry. The attention and importance being given to Moms gave rise to the so-called Mommy influencers.  Who are mommy influencers? Most Mommy inf...

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) sets the theme “Batang Pinoy, Sana Tall. Iwas Stunting, Sana All” for this year’s nutrition month. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) joins the nation in celebrating the National Nutrition Month this July to bring to light the ill effects of stunting and how to prevent a child’s healthy growth from being stunted.  According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 3 out of 10 Filipino Children (5 and below) are stunted. Stunting or “pagkabansot” in our native tongue is a manifestation of long term occurrence of malnutrition. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) “as impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation”.  How Stunting is Stunted Growth failure can start from the womb and progress after birth. The effects of stunting, if not immediately and properly addres...

“ What if she says ‘no’? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if she gets sick? What if I get sick?”—these are the thoughts running through the mind of a young man as he prepares to propose to his girlfriend in the newly-launched online video of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. The video spotlights a man confronted by life stage uncertainties or the ‘what ifs’ that come with getting married, starting a family, and growing older. “What if she wants a big wedding? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if we have twins? What if ours kids want to get double majors?” Like the video’s lead character, it’s  normal to feel uneasy over these ‘what if’ questions despite the excitement of beginning a life together. Fortunately, there is a way to address life’s ‘what ifs.’ “Everyone needs two plans in life. Plan A consists of a wealth accumulation program focused on successfully saving and investing within a given timeframe. But given life’s uncertainties, li...

BDO Unibank, Inc. cautions against scammers who use SIM cards to deceive and steal their victims’ money. One modus is called SIM Swapping, where scammers disguise as telco agents offering upgraded network connection in exchange for SIM cards.  More prevalent is the SIM Upgrade modus. Scammers purchase 4G SIM cards, register their victims’ mobile number, and fool their victims into giving the One-Time PIN (OTP) needed to own the mobile number. In both modus operandi, scammers take over their victims’ mobile numbers to control their victims’ online bank accounts. BDO urges clients to call BDO Customer Care to deactivate their accounts if they get SMS notifications or emails about suspicious online transactions. How SIM Swapping and SIM Upgrade work Scammers identify then gather their victims’ personal information through phishing or from the internet. They mention personal information such as birth date and mother’s maiden name when they call their vic...

The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill and had a sudden and substantial impact on the arts and culture sectors.  With exhibitions and galleries still under severe restrictions, artists are among those who were heavily burdened by the circumstances brought about by COVID-19. Responding to their call for help, A rtisteSpace, Inc., together with Arth Art International in India, launches Art CARES to raise funds and support the artists’ communities. A collaboration of artists from India, Malaysia, Philippines, and the United States, Art CARES gallery provides a platform for emerging and distinguished artists to showcase their art pieces online. While they continue to inspire and shed hope through art, these artists also hope to sustain their livelihood and provide help to those who are most vulnerable. The funds raised through Art CARES will not only provide support to the artists but also benefit Ekta Charitable Trust in India and ...

​ After being homebound for quite some time, we’ve all come to appreciate our living spaces more. We’ve seen them transform into work spaces as WFH becomes part of the new normal; and into family centers as we embrace more time together. ​With that, we’ve come to realize how having the right home essentials can help everyone to stay happy, comfortable and safe. And the good news is that SM Appliance Center now has its Order To Deliver service that will help creating your dream home more fun and convenient. ​Now you can shop on line for air conditioners to keep your home cool and comfortable especially during the summer months. Some brands have a Nanoe technology which deodorizes and purifies the air in your home. Give your home a stylish and modern look with Samsung’s line of inverter refrigerators with amazing innovations and designs. It’s also the best time to create nutritious meals for your family with stylish inverter refrigerators which not only keep your ingre...

As we embrace the new normal, keep your family safe and protected at home or anywhere you go with great nds you can Shop & Ship from Surplus. There are face masks and smart thermometers to keep you healthy and protected. Surplus is also a one-stop shop for a healthy and happy home: air humidiers and revitalizers, as well as rechargeable handy mist fans to keep you cool this summer. You’ll enjoy homemade juices and smoothies with rechargeable juicers; as well as listening to your favorite tunes with portable Bluetooth speakers. Join the Surplus’ Viber community to shop, then call the available branch you prefer to be assisted and pay through cash, debit or credit card or online transfer. You may also shop for Surplus essential items at ShopSM.com . Surplus stores that are now open to safely serve you. Keep you and your family safe and stay updated as Surplus goes interactive. Like them on Facebook and Twitter at SurplusPH and Instagram at Surplus_ph to know mor...

BDO Foundation : PRIORITIZING HEALTH Repatriated overseas Filipinos at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) receive hygiene kits before they go back home to their respective provinces. In coordination with BDO Foundation, BDO Remit turned over hundreds of bags of hygiene kits to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 and the PITX, which were then distributed to overseas Filipinos who were sent back here due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  The repatriated overseas Filipinos, who have already tested negative in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and completed their required quarantine period, were then transported back to their home provinces thru the assistance of OWWA.

TMH Lobby: The Grand Lobby of the historic Manila Hotel will light up again soon as the hotel partially reopens to accept guests beginning July 3, 2020 The historic hotel partially reopens in time for its 108 th anniversary with upgraded hygiene protocols for guest safety; and launches special anniversary promo Just a day before the historic hotel’s founding anniversary, The Manila Hotel plans to partially open its doors to its valued guests, with the famed Café Ilang Ilang, the Lobby Lounge, and the Delicatessen resuming operations on July 3, 2020. A rebirth of sorts after months of following the government’s quarantine protocols, the hotel has adjusted along with the rest of the world in navigating the “new normal,” and puts a high premium on the well-being of guests.  With the lobby shining bright anew signifying eternal hope, The Manila Hotel commemorates its 108 th founding anniversary on July 4 by welcoming guests with an enduring brand of service that is now fo...