Thursday, July 3, 2025

Say Yes To Sm’s End Of Season Sale

There is no better time to revamp your wardrobe, refresh your space, and restock your must-haves than right now—because SM’s End of Season Sale is in full swing, and it is everything a bargain hunter dreams of.

This limited-time shopping event, which runs until July 6, 2025, offers up to 70% off across hundreds of stores, ranging from fashion-forward finds to home essentials and everything in between. Whether you are eyeing that new appliance, hunting for a sleek sofa, or itching to update your closet, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela have you covered.

Stretch your peso with irresistible markdowns from your favorite stores at SM—including The SM Store, Surplus, Miniso, Watsons, Simply Shoes, SM Supermarket, and SM Hypermarket. Fashion lovers can say YES to fresh new looks from SM’s trendiest boutiques, while wellness seekers can treat themselves to beauty and self-care finds, all in one convenient destination.

And it is not just about shopping—SM makes it an experience. Swing by SM Appliance Center for major upgrades on home electronics, Our Home for chic interiors, and Ace Hardware for DIY essentials. Feeling peckish? Make a delicious pit stop at the SM Foodcourt or explore the mouthwatering new food stalls at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela—where flavors from around the world meet local goodness.

So, whether you are in it for the steals, the thrill, or simply a good day out, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela are ready to welcome you with doors wide open and discounts waiting to be discovered.

Time is ticking, and the deals are flying—shop now, save big, and say YES to SM’s End of Season Sale before it ends on July 6!

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

MSMEs advised to take small steps towards AI adoption

 

Speaking before the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan province, Uy championed technology adoption, especially in the face of widespread use of new technologies such as generative AI.

As intimidating and complex artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should take gradual but steady steps towards exploring how these could make operations more efficient and scalable, according to Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Chairman Dennis Anthony Uy. 

Speaking before the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan province, Uy championed technology adoption, especially in the face of widespread use of new technologies such as generative AI. 

“Companies all over the world are trying to adapt to AI. Here in the Philippines, we’re barely scratching the surface. And the smaller businesses, which are just starting to embrace digitalization, have to learn new ways of doing business with the growing pervasiveness of these new technologies,” said Uy.

“AI is not just for medium to large companies. Micro and small businesses can also find a foothold in the use of the game-changing technology,” he added. “With AI adoption, MSMEs can potentially increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive competitive edge.”

Coming from a trip to Taiwan which is known as the global hub for the semiconductor industry, Uy noted that artificial intelligence is making its way through the manufacturing value chains of most technology sectors.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) Chairman Dennis Anthony Uy (third from left) delivered the keynote address during the opening ceremony of the North Luzon Area Business Conference of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) held in Bataan.
IN PHOTO (from left): PCCI-Bataan President Bryan Joseph Banzon, PCCI Chairman Emeritus and ECOP and Philexport President Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr., Converge CEO Uy, Bataan Governor Hon. Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia, PCCI Vice President for Regional Affairs and Membership Bing Sibal-Limjoco, PCCI Director for Environment and Climate Change and Education and Corporate Governance Edgardo Lacson, PCCI-North Luzon Area Vice President Atty. Maria Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan, and PCCI-Region III Regional Governor Cristina Tuzon.

“If the Philippines can find a niche spot in this value chain, the multiplier to employment, skills and knowledge upgrading, and the effect on downstream industries is massive,” he said. “While micro and small businesses may not yet be able to participate in these larger value chains, where they can benefit from is by taking small steps in adapting AI tools,” noted Uy. 

From the part of the local government, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III pledged his support to make his province “future-ready” by hosting start-ups and supporting digitally-enabled businesses.

“We want to express the support of the provincial government of Bataan, of course together with all the local government units for the creative and innovative industry. We know this sector is the key to accelerate more productivity and growth, especially for the youth who were born adept to digital devices,” noted Garcia. 

The possibilities of AI use were experienced first-hand by micro and small businesses in the Byte Forward Hackathon jointly organized by Converge, PCCI, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Converge subsidiary Rev21 Labs. 

Converge and the participating small businesses came up with problem statements stemming from actual pain points experienced in the course of business. Ten teams of third and fourth year college students from Bataan came up with solutions aided by AI tools. 

Artificial intelligence will come into bigger focus in the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo organized by the PCCI. As Chairman of the Conference, Uy deliberately made the move to make the event ‘technology-forward’ and bring modern, digital solutions to MSMEs. The Conference will be held on October 20-12 at the SMX Convention Center. 

Capacitating Educators for the Revised K–10 Curriculum: The 2025 COCOPEA–REX Regional Run

School leaders, stakeholders, and educators nationwide take part in the 2025 COCOPEA-REX Regional Run—deepening their understanding and strengthening their readiness for the effective implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

From classrooms to communities, across institutions and islands—the COCOPEA–REX regional run gathers stakeholders and educators anew to lead, learn, and shape a better future for the Filipino learners.

As a new school year begins, educators are presented with an important opportunity to improve their teaching practices, serve their students more effectively, and ultimately, contribute to elevating the quality of education in our country. This year, with the Revised K–10 Curriculum taking root in our classrooms, that opportunity has never felt more urgent and meaningful.

This is the spirit behind the 2025 COCOPEA–REX regional run.

Organized by the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and Rex Education, in partnership with the Department of Education, this initiative aims to equip educators with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively implement the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

A Transformative 2-Day Learning Journey Across the Archipelago

This year’s regional run, themed “Capacitating the Private Education Sector for the Effective Implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum,” aims to ensure that every Filipino learner has access to quality, relevant, and responsive education. The run began in Davao City on February 27–28, hosted by the University of the Immaculate Conception, Bajada Campus, welcoming educators from Regions 11, 12, SOCCSKSARGEN, and parts of BARMM. From there, the initiative traveled across the country through five more major legs: Baguio City – St. Louis University for Regions I, II, CAR, and parts of Region III,  Cebu City – Cebu Institute of Technology for Regions VII, VIII, and parts of Region IX, Iloilo City – Angelicum College for Region VI,  Cagayan de Oro – Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan for Region X, parts of BARMM and Region IX and  Muntinlupa City – San Beda College Alabang for Regions NCR, IV-A, and IV-B

School leaders, stakeholders, and educators nationwide take part in the 2025 COCOPEA-REX Regional Run—deepening their understanding and strengthening their readiness for the effective implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

Over the 2-day program, participants were provided with the tools and platform to unpack the revised curriculum—not just in theory, but in practical, tangible ways. The first day opened with a plenary session that set the tone for the training—bringing together educators, administrators, and stakeholders to align on the goals and significance of the Revised K–10 Curriculum.

Following this, the second plenary session titled “General Updates on the Revised K–10 Curriculum” provided participants with an overview of the recent changes and developments, focusing on curriculum content and structural updates for the priority grade levels.

From there, participants moved into concurrent breakout sessions, grouped per learning area, for a curriculum walkthrough, where they engaged in two core activities:

●       An In-depth Exploration of Learning Standards for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8, clarifying what students are expected to know and do at each grade level

●       Curriculum Unpacking of Learning Competencies for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8, which involved breaking down each competency into practical, actionable teaching objectives

As the run transitioned into the second day, the focus shifted from understanding the curriculum to implementing it effectively in the classroom. It began with the third plenary session, titled “Evidence-Based Intervention: Focus on Pedagogical Practices and the Importance of Assessment,” highlighting how research-based teaching methods and meaningful assessments can drive better student learning outcomes.

This was followed by morning breakout sessions, again organized per learning area, that explored the Pedagogical Practices that Integrate and Develop Literacy and 21st-Century Skills through theoretical discussions and strategy-sharing. Educators shared strategies and discussed how to incorporate these essential skills into their teaching methods.

In the afternoon, educators participated in a series of hands-on workshops, still within their respective learning areas. These included:

●       A workshop on pedagogical practices to further strengthen instruction that fosters literacy and 21st-century competencies

●       A theoretical discussion and a workshop on effective assessment and feedback strategies, guiding educators in using assessment not only for grading but also for supporting student growth and reflective teaching.

School leaders, stakeholders, and educators nationwide take part in the 2025 COCOPEA-REX Regional Run—deepening their understanding and strengthening their readiness for the effective implementation of the Revised K–10 Curriculum, particularly for Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8.

Anchored in Purpose, Rooted in Legacy

This year’s run is especially meaningful as it coincides with REX’s 75th anniversary—a milestone that honors decades of commitment to supporting Filipino learners, educators, and institutions.

For 75 years, REX has stood not only as a learning solutions provider, but as a katuwang sa buhay—a partner for life, in learning, growth, and transformation. The regional run serves as a continuation of this legacy, reaching out to private schools, listening to their needs, and assisting them in navigating the evolving educational landscape through collaboration and shared learning.

Moving Forward, Together

With COCOPEA, CEAP, REX, DepEd, and countless Edukampyons at the forefront, this movement proves that progress is possible when we lead with collaboration, compassion, and courage. Even in the face of shifting systems and emerging challenges, we can always rise—grounded in legacy, driven by purpose—Para sa bata. Para sa mamamayan. Para sa bayan.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Stay Flu-Free with These 5 Essentials from SM City Marilao

Let’s face it — June’s exit didn’t bring clarity to our weather situation. One minute it’s pouring, the next it’s unbearably humid. And when the climate can’t decide, our immune system takes the hit. Whether you're powering through work, staying in to binge your favorite shows, or nursing a scratchy throat, a solid flu survival kit is a must.

Here are five rainy-day essentials to keep you cozy, stylish, and flu-free — because being sick doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your vibe.

1. Rain-Ready Footwear from Crocs .Rain or shine, your feet should be protected. Crocs has waterproof pairs perfect for quick errands, long commutes, or just surviving a sudden downpour. Bonus: they're comfy enough to wear all day.

2. Statement Jackets and Hoodies from Marithé + François Girbaud. Just because it’s gloomy out doesn’t mean your outfit has to be. Layer up with sleek jackets or hoodies that don’t just fight the cold — they serve. Bonus: They’re perfect for that rainy-day coffee shop aesthetic.

3. Cozy Sleep Staples from Our Home. Your bed deserves a glow-up too. When you're stuck indoors battling the sniffles, the right sheets, pillows, and throws can turn your room into a five-star recovery suite. Our Home has soft, breathable options that feel like a hug from a cloud.

4. Immunity Boosters and Meds from Watsons Don’t wait for the flu to strike. Stock up on essentials like Vitamin C and cold meds while you're still standing. Watsons has you covered for both prevention and recovery — because staying healthy is way cheaper than getting sick.

5. Glow-Up Face Masks from The Face Shop. Even when you feel like a wilted noodle, your skin doesn’t have to look the part. Grab sheet masks from The Face Shop to hydrate and refresh your face. Think of it as your “I may be sick, but I still slay” skincare routine.

Keep all your essentials in one corner of your room or tote so you’re ready the moment the sneezes hit. This flu season, stay prepped, stay dry, and stay glowing with SM City Marilao. 


MAMAMO at Surf2Sawa: All-star Moms Bilang Bagong Brand Ambassadors, hatid ng Converge ICT

Umapaw ang kasiyahan sa paglulunsad ng MAMAMO, ang kauna-unahang P-Pop girl group na binubuo ng mga minamahal na celebrity moms, na siyang opisyal na pinakilala bilang unang brand ambassadors ng Surf2Sawa, ang prepaid fiber internet plan na unlimited, mura, at walang kontrata mula sa Converge ICT Solutions Inc. 


Sa ginanap na contract signing at press conference, pormal na inilunsad ang grupo na kinabibilangan nina Melai Cantiveros-Francisco at apat na orihinal na miyembro ng SexBomb Girls: Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Jopay Paguia-Zamora, Sunshine Garcia-Castro, at CheChe Tolentino. Inilunsad ang MAMAMO upang isalamin ang layunin ng Surf2Sawa na makipag-ugnayan sa “ilaw ng tahanan”: tagapangalaga, tagapayo, at bukal ng saya sa bawat tahanan.

Ayon kay Mr. Dhing Pascual, Vice President at Business Unit Head ng Surf2Sawa: “Ang campaign na ito at ang paglulunsad ng MAMAMO ang diwa ng Surf2Sawa: masigasig, makatao, at laging konektado,”

“Napansin namin, hindi ba ang mga nanay ang madalas na gumagawa ng mahahalagang desisyon sa bahay? Sila ang ilaw ng tahanan at sila rin ang nakakaalam ng tunay na kailangan ng pamilya, lalo na sa mga praktikal solusyon sa pang araw-araw. Kaya naisip namin, bakit hindi sila ang mismong i-celebrate?”

“Pinapaalala ng MAMAMO na ang pagiging ina ngayon ay tungkol na rin sa koneksyon, saya, at pagiging totoo sa sarili, hindi lang basta gawaing bahay. Sa Surf2Sawa, makakakuha ang mga nanay ng maaasahan at abot-kayang prepaid fiber internet, na walang stress ng kontrata o di-inaasahang bayarin.”

Ang Surf2Sawa o S2S ay ang prepaid fiber internet plan na unlimited, mura, at walang kontrata. Ito ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa bawat tahanang Filipino, lalo na sa mga nanay, na mapanatiling konektado ang pamilya, makapagturo sa mga anak, at makapag-manage ng pang araw-araw na gawain online. May bilis itong hanggang 50 Mbps (mula sa dating 25 Mbps) at maaaring ikonekta hanggang 6 na devices sa halagang ₱4.00 lang bawat araw kada user. 

“Ang gusto ko sa Surf2Sawa, prepaid siya kaya hawak mo ang kontrol,” ani Sunshine Garcia-Castro. “Pwede kang pumili ng top-up depende sa budget mo, mula ₱50 para sa isang araw hanggang ₱700 para sa 30 days na unlimited internet! Tapos pag gusto ng mas mabilis na internet, meron ding Extraboost at nakakapag surf ako hanggang 100 mbps”

“At ngayon, may Surf2Sawa 999 na rin,” dagdag ni CheChe Tolentino. “₱999 lang, may installation ka na at may 30 days ka pang unlimited internet. Swak na swak talaga para sa buong pamilya!”

Ibinahagi rin ng mga miyembro ng MAMAMO kung paano nila nakita ang sarili sa layunin ng campaign bilang mga modernong ina o ilaw ng tahanan. 

“Sobrang proud na proud ako sa mukha ko kasi pinagkatiwalaan ng ‘to ng Surf2Sawa,” pabirong pahayag ni Melai Cantiveros-Francisco. Sinabi din nang aktres na pribilehiyo na makatrabaho ang mga miyembro ng SexBomb Girls.“Sobrang kaba at hiya yung naramdaman ko kasi nilagay pa ko sa gitna, pero sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila kasi todo support sila sakin. I pray that this partnership continues to be successful. At proud din ako to represent yung mga nanay na mahilig manood, maglaro, or mag sayaw-sayaw lang online! Sa Surf2Sawa mura, mabilis, at walang kontratang Internet para sa lahat ng Pilipino.”

Nagkwento naman si Jopay Paguia-Zamora kung paano nakakatulong sa pamilya niya ang maasahang internet plan, “Sobrang laking tulong ng Surf2Sawa, kasi nakakampante ako na pwede ko i-check yung mga kids anytime lalo na pag nasa work ako tapos out-of-town. So important para sa akin na may maasahan akong connection.”

“Para sa’kin, ang MAMAMO ay hindi lang basta grupo, isa itong platform para maiangat at maipagdiwang ang mga ilaw ng tahanan. Kasi dati, sanay tayo na puro bata lang sa pop groups, pero ngayon, may grupo na para sa mga nanay!” shared Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap. “Nakaka-proud kasi sa dami ng mommies ngayon na napapanood at nakikita, kami ang binigyan ng chance ng Surf2Sawa to represent them. Hindi sila mahihirapan to connect with the audience, kasi SexBomb and Melai has always been masa. And that’s what makes it so special. Nakakarelate tayo, and at the same time, we’re helping spread the word about Surf2Sawa na kahit saan ka pa sa Pilipinas, deserve mong magkaroon ng mabilis at abot-kayang internet na walang hassle.”

Ayon sa mga executive ng S2S, marami pang dapat abangan mula sa kampanya—kasama na ang pagbisita ng MAMAMO sa maraming barangay, mga dance challenge na pwede salihan ng lahat, at ang opisyal na music video kasama ang bagong girl group. 

Para sa mas kumpletong impormasyon tungkol sa BRGY S2S at Surf2Sawa, bisitahin ang kanilang official website sa https://surf2sawa.com o i-follow ang kanilang official FB page: www.facebook.com/Surf2Sawa .

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