Celebrate Moms this May with Bake Fair at SM Bulacan malls

  

This May, SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan invite you to indulge in a delightful celebration of the special women in our lives at the "Bake Fair by Mom."

The Bake Fair by Mom promises a culinary journey like no other, offering a diverse array of sweet treats to honor the special bond between mothers and their loved ones. Whether you're looking to surprise your mom with a decadent cake, share a box of delectable donuts over coffee, or savor the simple pleasure of freshly baked bread, this event has something to satisfy every craving and create unforgettable memories.

Moms would love savory pies and cheesecakes from Banapple available at the Bake Fair in SM City Marilao. 

Bring home mom’s Brielle’s Cinnamon Rolls available at the Bake Fair in SM City Baliwag

Photo spot adorned with dainty blooms will greet moms this May at SM City Marilao. 

Moms deserve the sweetest treats from Adda’s Confectionery available at the Bake Fair in SM City Baliwag

There is delectable selection from mall tenants such as Banapple, Red Hat Donuts, and Pan De Manila at SM City Marilao, as well as Adda’s Confectionery and Brielle’s Cinnamon Roll at SM City Baliwag.

From intricately decorated cakes to melt-in-your-mouth donuts and perfectly crusty loaves of bread, shoppers will be spoiled for choice with the range of toothsome options available at the Bake Fair until May 19.

Capture moments with mom at the flower-themed display in Center Pulilan.

Additionally, mallgoers can capture their memorable MOMents and snap their unforgettable groupies and selfies at the radiant flower-themed displays at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. Located at the ground level of SM Bulacan malls, these flourishing classic beauties set the tone for a memorable moment with moms.

Don’t miss the chance to snap precious moments during your Date with Mom over delightful dining deals or on a pampering treat at SM. Everything is here, so drop by the nearest SM Bulacan mall until May 19 to honor and celebrate our Super Moms.

For more events and updates, visit the SM Supermalls official website or follow SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan on their social media accounts.

Converge achieves double-digit growth rates in Q1

 

Consolidated revenues are up 10.4%, while net income is up 17.5%.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG), a leading fiber broadband and technology provider, began the year strong, with consolidated revenues of P9.5 billion in the first quarter of the year, up 10.4% from the same period last year, and net income of P2.6 billion, up 17.5% year on year, owing to sustained robust demand for its flagship and flanker fiber broadband products and enterprise solutions.

”This strong showing in the first quarter of 2024 puts us solidly on track to reach our revenue guidance for the year. We’re confident we can sustain this steady growth for the rest of the year, especially as we lean into our mass market offerings,” said Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Y. Uy.

Converge registered its highest quarterly net additions in subscribers in ten quarters, with 124,793 added to its subscriber base to reach nearly 2.3 million residential customers at the end of March 2024. 

“We continue to see rising demand for our fiber products, both prepaid and postpaid. At the same time, we are not sitting still - we are diversifying our potential offerings to go beyond connectivity through cooperation with global tech companies, such as the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding with NAVER Cloud of South Korea,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

Enterprise revenues grew by 10.5% in the first quarter of the year, reaching P 1.4 billion. Enterprise remains a growth area for the company as it intends to officially roll out forthcoming products targeting the MSME sector and expand services to the public sector.

“For the rest of 2024, we are laser-focused on growing our sales partnerships and distribution channels to further prop up customer acquisition in our mass market brands. We also plan to strengthen the push for our Enterprise-grade solutions to growing industries,” said Converge Chief Commercial Officer Benjamin Azada.

“Keeping customers happy remains a top priority for us; that’s why we keep fortifying our network and pushing programs to improve customer experience. And we are seeing these efforts bearing fruit with elevated customer satisfaction,” added Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero.  

Gains were made in residential churn management as consolidated residential churn reached a low 1.82%, the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2022. This contributed to the shoring up of net additions in the latest preceding quarter.

Home Credit Philippines: Every Filipino's financial ally

 

In its 11th year of operation, the Philippines' foremost consumer financing company aims to empower and enable Filipinos to live more fulfilling lives.

With over 10 million consumers, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) serves a diverse range of Filipinos, with 78% of its sales originating from customers living outside the National Capital Region. Recognizing the diversity of its customer base, Home Credit has created offers that appeal to different sectors, with the goal of empowering their lives. 

Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, stated at a recent event that in order to provide financial and credit opportunities to Filipinos during peak shopping seasons, HCPH runs three year-round major campaigns in which customers can purchase their products at great prices, including 0% interest installment rates: the summer campaign, the back-to-school campaign, and the holiday campaign.

“We create campaigns with our diverse customer base in mind. Our initiatives to make financial solutions more accessible through our campaigns enable them to live the life they desire. We are grateful that our efforts are well-received by our customers, and we consider their recognition of our campaigns as a testament to our commitment to providing only the best initiatives that can truly benefit Filipinos,” Paul added. 

Trusted partner for lifestyle products

Over the years, the increasing trust of Filipinos also meant an increase in demand to finance more and more commodities and high-ticket items for its customers. What was initially just four commodities—smartphones, televisions and computers and laptops—grew and diversified to more than 80 types of commodities now, the widest selection for any consumer finance company in the country. Some additional commodities include tablets, e-bikes, motorcycle necessities, musical instruments, furniture, farming equipment and medical needs, among others.

This growth in the types of commodities financed over the years were driven by strong partnerships with the most trusted brands and retail stores in the country, some of which were present as collaborators during the event to celebrate HCPH’s milestones and welcome its new decade: Abenson, Acer, Cellboy, Digimap, Imperial Appliance Plaza, Octagon, Power Mac  Center, Samsung, and Silicon Valley. 

Top-selling commodities over the years

In the past years, the commodity with the most units sold by HCPH is mobile phones, with over 12 million units sold. In 2023 alone, the company facilitated installment financing of 12.5 million units of mobile phones worth P30 billion, with iPhone being the top brand sold, accounting for P6B worth in overall sales.

Apart from mobile phones, HCPH has also financed three other top commodities over the years: televisions with 1.2 million units sold, computers and laptops with 900k units sold, and aircons with 500k units sold.

These remarkable numbers are driven by the company's 0% interest deals across its product range. For instance, Home Credit’s introduction of its Summer Campaign’s 0% interest promo on cooling appliances and other home essentials helped Filipinos survive the unforgiving heat through the 1000+ per day air-conditioners that the company has sold since the middle of March. 

New way for Filipinos to shop

Filipino customers' shopping behavior have dramatically changed over the years with online shopping becoming a preferred way to get information and buy products. According to a study conducted by Agile Data Solutions Inc., Filipinos’ consumer behavior prefers in-store shopping over online one, with 77 percent of Filipinos still prefer in-store shopping for unknown products.  The recent pandemic, however, has also opened them to the world of online shopping deals, where customers utilize online shopping platforms to do price research and get deals, and do physical shopping for sensory appeal and visceral experience. 

As Filipinos increasingly adopt the digital lifestyle, Home Credit also underwent a digital transformation journey to enhance its customer service and provide easy access to its products, deals, and locations of partners shops via mobile phones. HCPH introduced Shoppingmall.ph, an online platform where customers can discover over 50,000 deals and select them from over 500 merchants, in three easy steps. 

Shoppingmall.ph gives customers the opportunity to look for the commodity they need, search for the best deals, and choose their preferred store from HCPH’s more than 50,000 partners shops nationwide.

As Home Credit enters a new decade, the company remains committed to its mission of empowering more Filipinos through more financial solutions, more store locations, more innovative technologies and more customer-centric services. It will continue to make credit opportunities more accessible and remain as every Filipino’s financial ally, para sa life.

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 may also visit Shoppingmall.ph to browse the latest 0% interest deals. To take the first step to apply for an installment, they may also download the My Home Credit App on Google Play. 

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). 

From Bump to Baby: Johnson’s Baby supports new moms on their journey into Motherhood

Johnson's Baby Johnson’s Baby Mombassadors together with the Johnson’s Baby team.

(L-R: Claire Ericta Khadka, marketing manager, Kenvue Philippines; Isabel Lacson-Ruiz, senior marketing manager, Kenvue Philippines; Angelica Panganiban-Homan, Johnson’s Baby celebrity mombassador; Maxine Medina-Llana, Johnson’s Baby celebrity mombassador; Juhanna Evangelista, Johnson’s Baby mombassador; Dette Zulueta, Johnson’s Baby mombassador)

Following its heartfelt dedication to celebrating and supporting moms, Johnson's Baby proudly establishes its inspiring From Bump To Baby campaign, just in time for Mother's Day.

Johnson's Baby sought to empower moms, particularly those who are pregnant or new to motherhood. It's no secret that many moms, especially during pregnancy and in the early stages of motherhood, can feel overwhelmed by the myriad responsibilities and uncertainties that come with caring for a newborn, hindering their ability to truly embrace and enjoy the precious moments of motherhood. This initiative aimed to empower moms to navigate the journey of motherhood with confidence and joy, creating a supportive community where moms could feel understood, supported, and celebrated every step of the way.

Dr. Therese Cacas, MD sharing the importance of keeping newborn skin clean,

Nurse Tyona Gesite, RN demonstrating important first bath techniques to the audience of first-time moms and pregnant moms.

The initiative featured a series of activities designed to educate and uplift moms, including an engaging on-ground event on May 11th. Pregnant and new moms gathered to learn from fellow moms, including new moms Angelica Panganiban, Juhanna Evangelista, and mom-to-be Maxine Medina. The event featured demonstrations and walkthroughs from Dr. Maria Theresa Cacas, MD, pediatrician-neonatologist, Dr. Ruth Alejandro, MD, general pediatrician, and Tyona Gesite, RN covering a range of topics, from giving babies their first baths to infant massages and first aid tips for newborns.

In addition to the on-ground event, Johnson’s Baby Health Activation in partnership with select Local Government Units and their respective barangay health centers extended support to more moms. Through collaborations with these esteemed organizations, Johnson's Baby launched the "Linis, Lusog, Love" program, which aims to educate moms on proper and complete baby care that involves hygiene (Linis), health (Lusog), and emotional support (Love). Furthermore, Johnson's Baby provided essential Newborn Kits to Quezon Memorial Medical Center, colloquially known as a “labor hospital”, ensuring that moms have access to necessary baby care products.

From Bump To Baby also made sure to cover more moms through retail partnerships, notably at the Watsons Mom and Baby Fair. Exclusive Mother's Day promos were offered to treat moms while making Johnson's Baby products more accessible and cost-effective for them. A highlight of the fair was a First Bath demonstration led by Ciara Magallanes and Nurse Tyona Gesite, RN, providing practical newborn care tips for new moms.

Reflecting on the From Bump To Baby's success, Johnson's Baby senior marketing manager Isa Lacson-Ruiz remarked, "At Johnson's Baby, we are committed to supporting moms through every step of their journey into motherhood and beyond. 'From Bump To Baby' exemplifies our ongoing mission to provide moms with the resources and support they need to navigate the beautiful yet challenging world of motherhood from their firsts and beyond."

Johnson's Baby encourages everyone to show their appreciation for moms and their babies by purchasing Johnson's Baby products, available on its official e-commerce shops online and at the nearest drugstore or supermarket.

For more information about Johnson's Baby and its From Bump To Baby initiatives, please visit Johnsons Baby PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Johnson’s Baby is available in the nearest Watson’s store, and on its official e-commerce shops.

Show Mom your Love and Appreciation at SM Supermalls this Mother's Day

Capture timeless memories with Mom with SM City East Ortigas’ photo area

This Mother's Day, SM Supermalls nationwide are rolling out the red carpet for all the incredible moms out there! Celebrate the special women in your life with a variety of activities and treats guaranteed to make their day unforgettable at SM Malls in the East – SM City East Ortigas, SM City Taytay and SM Center Angono.

Treat Mom Like a Queen

• Dine Out and Bond: Take Mom on a special date and create lasting memories over delicious meals. Participating restaurants and cafes will be offering group set menus and exciting promotions – the perfect way to combine quality food with quality time.

• Find the Perfect Gift: Spoil Mom with a present that shows you care. SM offers a wide selection of gifts to suit every taste and budget, from fashion and beauty products to gadgets and homeware. 

• Relax and Rejuvenate: Pamper Mom with a day of self-care. Explore the many wellness options available at SM, from spa treatments to beauty services that lets her unwind and recharge in a tranquil setting.

Elevate Mom’s culinary adventures with the best kitchen aids – the perfect gift for the master chef in your life

Celebrate Mom with a feast fit for a Queen! Visit La Casetta at SM City Taytay for an Italian delight!

Spoil Mom with a day of relaxation and pampering at Hey Sugar in SM Center Angono

Cakes and Brownies for Mom: Give Mom the sweetest treat she deserves from Brownies Unlimited

More Ways to Celebrate Mom at SM

• Show Your Gratitude: Start the day with a special blessing for Mom at the Mother's Day Mass held at select SM malls' activity centers or chapels.

• Support Mom-preneurs: Discover unique finds and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of moms at the Mom-preneur Market. This pop-up features a variety of products from local businesses run by amazing moms, offering everything from food and beauty items to wellness and fashion finds.

• Capture the Moment: Create lasting memories with fun photo opportunities at SM's beautiful Mother's Day installations. Don't forget to share your snaps on social media and tag your favorite SM Malls in the East!

SM Supermalls is treating every SuperMom like the superstar she is. Whether she’s a first-time mom, a furmom, or anything in between, SM Supermalls is the perfect destination for a truly AweSM Mother’s Day celebration!

Celebrate Epic and Awesome memories this Mother’s Day with Samsung devices!

Score the best Galaxy gift for the best moms until May 31, 2024

A galaxy of amazing deals awaits moms this May, with devices that cater to all their passions and interests! Whether you’re a multitasking marvel, a stylish pet mom, or a nurturing greenskeeper, there is surely a great Galaxy gift in store for her this Mother’s Month. 

Check out these amazing deals on Galaxy devices this May and get that perfect gift sure to bring a smile to every kind of mom in your life. 

Multitasking Marvel Moms deserve a nifty companion

For the mom with a full schedule, she deserves an epic companion– namely, the Galaxy S24 series. Boost your productivity with Note Assist in Samsung Notes, and search for new recipes and plan for your next family vacation seamlessly through Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Circle to Search with Google. 

Or if she’s looking for a bigger screen to use more apps, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 also makes a great addition to her productivity arsenal. She can accomplish her tasks anywhere with the multitasking powerhouse’s massive 7.6-inch Main Screen and features like the Taskbar which allows you to switch quickly between tasks and a slimmer S Pen Fold Edition, making annotating and ideation easy. 

She can also pursue DIY home projects with ease through the Galaxy Tab S9 series. With its larger battery capacity of 10,090 mAh and the S Pen, she can let their creativity flow and work from home more efficiently! 

Shop these epic devices for your supermom and get a FREE Watch5 Pro worth PHP 26,990 with your Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 5 and freebies up to PHP 19,190 with your new Tab S9 Ultra.

Snap unlimited furmom and furbaby memories with Samsung’s stylish devices! 

For the stylish fur mommas, help them level up their pet parent journey in the most stylish way with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5’s Flexcam magic! With the trendy foldable, they can enjoy hassle-free content creation with the pocketable self-expression tool’s biggest cover screen yet at 3.4”, and the user-favorite flexcam that allows them to take photos and videos hands-free.

Get your favorite furmom her own Galaxy Z Flip5 this Mother’s Day and get a PHP 10,000 discount and a FREE Watch5 Pro worth PHP 26,990! 

If you are looking for an awesome budget-friendly gift option, give a Galaxy A55 5G or Galaxy A35 5G to your trendy pet mom. It has awesome camera features for content creation like the Stable HDR for steady videos, Dual Recording, to showcase reactions while taking content, and an array of creative editing tools. Let them capture and record their pet parent journey with the Galaxy A55 and A35 5G – get it via Home Credit and enjoy discounts up to PHP 4,000. They even get a free travel adapter with every purchase.

Treat yourself and Experience Galaxy this Mother’s Day

Cop the best Mother’s Day deals and treat the best plant mom you know this month to some amazing Galaxy devices.

Capture everyday milestones with pro-grade camera features made more accessible with the Galaxy S23 FE, with a 50MP high-resolution lens and 3X optical zoom. It even comes with the Camera Assistant app and AI-powered editing tools to help her elevate her content. Shop the Galaxy S23 FE for your mom and get FREE Buds FE worth PHP 5,490. 

Awesome adventures are also possible with the Galaxy A15 5G’s Super AMOLED Display which can give you improved screen visibility even under direct sunlight, allowing you to take more photos of your plant baby outdoors! Or give your plant mom a Galaxy Buds2 Pro so they can experience the ultimate sound quality with 24-bit Hi-Fi audio, intelligent ANC, and Dolby Atmos while gardening. 

Purchase a Galaxy A15 for your favorite plant mom for PHP 1,000 off, plus get a free travel adapter.

The best moms only deserve the best Galaxy gift this Mother’s Day; don’t miss this chance to get amazing deals from now until May 31, 2023. Visit your Samsung Experience Stores and authorized stores this May!

For more information, visit www.samsung.com.ph.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No.FTEB-192097 Series of 2024

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. 191948 Series of 2024

DTI Fair Trade Permit No FTEB-192096 Series of 2024 

Converge, Naver Cloud to jointly explore PH cloud market

 

Converge and NAVER Cloud ink a strategic partnership represented by Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy (left) and NAVER Cloud Corp. CEO Yuwon Kim. Converge hopes this collaboration with the South Korean tech giant will mark the start of wider cloud adoption of businesses in the Philippines.  

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a leading provider of fiber broadband and technology, and NAVER Cloud Corp., of South Korea, have signed a strategic collaboration to jointly explore options aimed at serving the Philippines' growing cloud market.

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy and NAVER Cloud’s Chief Executive Officer Yuwon Kim were in attendance during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  at the Converge Headquarters in Pasig City last Thursday, May 9.

Through the said cooperative venture, both companies will collaborate to discuss and establish potential partnerships, leveraging NAVER Cloud’s expertise to deliver innovative cloud solutions for the specific needs of Filipino customers. The company also plans to promote all-round cooperation for the Digital Transformation projects in the Philippines by utilizing NAVER Cloud's innovative technology capabilities related to smart cities and business capabilities such as Large Language Model (LLM), Sovereign Cloud, WORKS (B2B communication tool), and Whale (browser-based web service integration platform).

"Our continuous leap to digital calls for advanced solutions that would support a technology-enabled lifestyle in a robust digital environment. We look forward to working with NAVER Cloud to discover ways how we can empower more customers through cutting-edge cloud technologies," Uy said.

From South Korea, NAVER Cloud executives personally visited the country to mark the partnership with Converge. Aside from CEO Kim, also present during the signing were NAVER Cloud Chief Technology Officer Yong-Jae Kwak.

(From left: Converge Chief Network Transformation Officer Paulo Martin Santos, Chief Technical Advisor Eugene Yeo, Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero, Converge President and Co-Founder Grace Uy, Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, NAVER Cloud Corp CEO Yuwon Kim, NAVER Cloud Corp CTO Yongjae Kwak, and NAVER Cloud Corp Executive Director and Head of Global DX & Innovation Business Sangyoung Han, and Hongseok Ahn, Director, APAC, Business Development, NAVER Cloud Corp. )

"The Philippines is a high potential market for cloud and digital transformation business growth, and with the signing of the MOU, we expect to contribute to the digital transformation of the Philippines," said Yuwon Kim, CEO of NAVER Cloud.

"We will collaborate with Converge based on our capability in smart city technologies and localized sovereign AI, sovereign cloud implementation to secure data sovereignty," he added.

NAVER Cloud is a part of NAVER's affiliates, which is the largest Internet Company in Korea, one of the world’s top tech companies. Since launching its Cloud platform business in 2017 with 22 products, NAVER Cloud has expanded its product portfolio over 200 individual products, including those in IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, hybrid cloud, and provides the same level as global hyperscale Cloud Service Provider.

The company has launched HyperCLOVA in 2021, the third LLM to be launched in the world, heralding a new era of AI-driven capabilities. Through relentless investment in research and development, NAVER Cloud were able to announce highly advanced powerful in-house backbone model HyperCLOVA X last year.​​

As both companies engage to potentially extend cloud services, Uy said Converge targets to spur cloud adoption among local industries, ushering the country’s digital transformation.

"We constantly drive innovations that will redound to the country's technological advancement, in our mission to leave no one behind. This partnership is poised to enhance accessibility, and efficiency for businesses and individuals alike, marking an exciting development for the Philippines’ cloud market,” Dennis Anthony Uy added.

Converge is the fastest growing broadband provider in the Philippines with a fiber footprint of more than 690,000 kilometers nationwide. It offers services to residential and enterprise customers. By end-December 2023, Converge had captured more than 2.1 million subscribers, consisting of more than two million postpaid and over 114,000 prepaid subscribers. The company also provides private data network solutions, cloud and colocation services and other connectivity solutions to enterprises of varying sizes, industries and types.

From One Mother To Another

Dimples Romana shares message and tips for fellow moms on Mother’s Day

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping humans with an increasing number of complicated activities, if not totally replacing humans in the modern world. However, no advanced technology will ever be able to match a mother's resilience in the face of the difficult demands of parenthood. Giving moms the strength and ginhawa they need enables them to provide their family with the same.

How do they do it? Actress and working mother of three Dimples Romana offers a piece of her mind.

TIP 1: Find your support system.

“Having three kids while working is a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, I am surrounded by good people - both family and friends,” Dimples said.

After giving birth to her third child two years ago, Dimples remains grateful for the immense support that her husband Boyet (whom she fondly calls “Papa B”) gives in ensuring that all their kids are always well and happy. To keep her guided as she gets through every day, Dimples firmly holds on to her family and her faith.

“Family. Sila talaga ang lakas ko. At dasal. Madaming madaming dasal,” she added.

TIP 2: Time management is priority-setting.

The showbiz industry always demands long hours but Dimples always makes time for family.

“No matter how busy I get and how crazy our shoot schedules go, I make sure intentional ang pag-set ko ng time with my family,” she said. 

She would even discourage her family from using phones whenever they do activities together to ensure that they are all absolutely present. 

“No phones muna, no other distractions. Just them,” she added.

TIP 3: Self-care. 

Being a mother may be a 24/7 job but everybody needs a break from everything–and everyone.

“Recently ko lang talaga natutunan ito. I almost reached a burnt out stage kaya I got worried. That’s when I really took a step back and reassessed what needs to be done,” Dimples added.

For Dimples, taking solo road trips, going on a date with herself at cafes and restaurants, and reading good books keep her mind at ease. She also regularly keeps an eye on her spiritual well-being through prayer and meditation.

Most importantly, what allows Dimples to stay on top of the complexities of being a mother is staying well and healthy by practicing good skin care, as well as taking supplements and vitamins that she needs to stay strong and active.

“Tiwala ako sa Actimed Quality Generics which I buy from Generika Drugstore. When I know I’m strong, I can also keep my family strong,” Dimples added.

TIP 4: Remember why you love being a mom.

For Dimples, the best thing in being a mother is the job itself. But like any job, being a mother involves risks and challenges.

“Iba na din talaga ang hirap ng buhay ngayon. We truly have to count our blessings sa bawat araw na nakikita nating masaya, malusog, at ligtas ang pamilya natin sa ano mang sakit o karamdaman,”  Dimples said.

But what makes the risks worth taking is the reward that constantly reminds Dimples why she loves being a mom.

“It’s having the ability to raise children who will hopefully make the world a kinder, safer, and happier place for all,” she stressed.

Despite these tips, no one really knows the best formula to being the most effective mom, or parent for that matter. But everybody knows that it takes a lot to do so much with so little –whether it’s time, money, or know-how– and even more difficult to choose to do it everyday. Ultimately, a mother like Dimples finds comfort–a sense of ginhawa– in knowing that there are millions of others who also draw their daily strength from their unique experiences of caring for their families, and are always ready to share their learnings, from one mother to another.

Ginhawang Mother’s Day to all moms! 🧡

Huawei Unveils Industry-Leading Innovations in Dubai |HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3

Huawei introduces new innovations in Dubai, including the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, to expand its smart life ecosystem

With the launch of the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, Huawei unveils industry-leading innovations to broaden its all-encompassing smart life ecosystem in Dubai.

Huawei unveiled a number of significant new wearable, audio, and smart office products on May 7 at its Innovative Product Launch event in Dubai. These products included the highly anticipated HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, the updated and redesigned HUAWEI MateBook X Pro, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11"S, the company's first tablet featuring the newest generation of PaperMatte Display.

Huawei emphasized the significance of the product launch. They highlighted that it marked the first time in several years that the company had organized an international event of such magnitude, unveiling numerous products simultaneously on the global market. Beyond introducing innovative hardware, they also unveiled the self-developed GoPaint app. Additionally, they acknowledged the contributions of HUAWEI XMAGE to photography through technological innovation and the nurturing of mobile photography culture. Following the product launch, they announced another event in Dubai titled 'A Heartwarming World—12 Years of Huawei Photography'.

HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3: The perfect fusion of cool and healthy technology

The slogan "Fashion Forward" neatly captures the essence of Huawei wearables, and simultaneously its quest to secure its place as a truly high-end brand. The brand new WATCH FIT 3 inherits the classic square design of earlier FIT models, while the materials and manufacturing processes, interaction design, and expanded selection of strap colors represent a comprehensive leveling up. All of the innovations to the design elements add up to a cohesive realization of Huawei's "Fashion Squared" concept. A 1.82" extra-large high-definition AMOLED floating display brings a broader, more three-dimensional visual experience. The aluminum alloy watch body has a chic texture. Thin, at 9.9 mm, and weighing just 26 g, the watch body is no heavier than a strawberry, making it the lightest and thinnest entrant yet in its series. With a diverse range of color options, and a vibrant UX that integrates the dazzling rotating crown, the WATCH FIT 3 is not just easy to use, it's also an attention-grabbing piece of wristwear.

On the fitness front, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 aims to be a personal trainer right on the user's wrist. The Stay Fit app has been thoroughly upgraded. Its food database has been expanded to better cover 50 different countries and regions, and a new nutritional analysis feature has been added, helping users strike a balance between diet and exercise, and leverage science to achieve healthier weight loss. The WATCH FIT 3 also marks the debut of Smart Sports suggestion that recommends doing certain types of exercise for certain durations, based on the user's habits, weather conditions, and Activity rings status, in order to encourage users to develop healthy habits.

As for health monitoring, the WATCH FIT 3 features HUAWEI TruSleep™4.0, which comprehensively improves upon previous iterations. TruSleep™4.0 covers a more complete range of physiological indicators, its sleep score system has been improved, and offers sleep pattern interpretation and tailored advice. Additionally, the new Sleep Breathing Awareness feature allows users to sleep with a better peace of mind. The WATCH FIT 3 also comes with HUAWEI TruSeen™ 5.5 health indicators monitoring, with 30% more stable heart rate monitoring. SpO2 interface has got a revamp, and a user can check their current SpO2 in as little as 25 seconds.

To know more about HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, visit Huawei’s official website. 

A Gastronomic Adventure at SM this Mother’s Day

Mother's Day is approaching, and there are some amazing dining options in the SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan that you may give your mother. SM malls in Bulacan can cater to her preferences for comfort meals, international cuisine, or sweets. Here are a few highlights: 

Mother’s Day Sur-fries. Start your day with Potato Corner’s famous thick-cut fries. They have signature dips that will satis-fry your mom's cravings. Visit their newly opened branch at SM Center Pulilan.

Tea-rrific Pair. Enjoy fries with tea while spending quality time with your mom. You can customize your drink at Coco to perfectly match your taste. Visit their branches at SM City Marilao and SM Center Pulilan.

Go-to Filipino Restaurant. If your mom craves Filipino dishes, head to Kuya J Restaurant at SM malls in Marilao and Baliwag. Treat her to a hot meal of Kare Kare, Grilled Scallops, Pinakbet, Crispy Pata, and Lechon Kawali. Don't forget to try their crowd favorite, Kuya J Halo Halo Espesyal.

Ultimate K-food Delight. After shopping, indulge in Korean cuisine at Ssamjang Korean Grill Restaurant in SM City Baliwag. They serve a variety of K-foods made with love and passion. From Chap Chae to Gimbap, every bite is a celebration of flavors.

Healthy and Refreshing. End the day on a sweet note by visiting Koomi and Yowell. Treat your mom to guilt-free goodness with yogurt from Koomi and a cup of froyo topped with fresh fruits and granola from Yowell. These healthy options are available at SM City Marilao.

Head on to SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan to make this Mother's Day a truly memorable celebration for the incredible women in our lives.

Converge stages first silent auction to nourish mothers and infants under Caritas Manila’s Unang Yakap program

(From left: VP & Head of Enterprise Risk Management Jerome Orfano, VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, VP & Head of TOCD and HR Operations Enrique Reyes, and VP and Head of Corporate Planning, Transformation, and Sustainability Management Bryan King Kay)

Converge holds the first-ever silent auction to benefit the Unang Yakap program of Caritas Manila, which nourish moms and babies.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a fiber broadband and technology provider, organized a silent auction of high-end items donated by prominent leaders in advance of Mother's Day. The proceeds from the auction went toward providing under privileged mothers and their infants with the necessary resources for their first thousand days under Caritas Manila's Unang Yakap program. 

The first batch of the ‘Grace Under Pressure’ MentorSHE program graduates who generously donated items to the Unang Yakap Silent Auction.Twenty-three year veteran in the sports broadcast industry, first female to anchor PBA games, many times Olympic commentator and trainer and mentor for Women in News and Sport for the Asia Pacific region Patricia Bermudez-Hizon served as guest speaker during the closing ceremony of the first MentorSHE program, cycle 1 (center). 

Pre-loved luxury goods and high-grade items were displayed for employees to peruse at the company office while the auction itself was conducted through an online platform. Shoes, bags, and clothing were up for auction at the event. Most of the items were donated by Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy who championed the women mentorship program called “MentorSHE” and the first batch of mentors and mentees under the women leadership program. Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy also donated his slightly used branded shoes and polo shirts.

“At Converge, we strive to empower the communities through our services and our sustainability initiatives. The Unang Yakap auction is the commencement activity of the first batch of MentorSHE ladies. We are proud that our women leaders are taking steps to reach out to fellow women to ensure their welfare. However, our work is only beginning. Soon, we hope to also provide livelihood opportunities to these mothers in underprivileged communities,” said Converge President Grace Uy. 

The MentorSHE program is a woman-to-woman mentorship training initiative in Converge organized by its Human Resources (HR) and Corporate Communications and Public Relations (CCPR) groups where senior women leaders serve as mentors to a younger set of female managers.

The Unang Yakap program of Caritas Manila, meanwhile, was created to support mothers and their infants from conception to up to two years old. To date, CaritasManila has launched the program in Metro Manila, some areas in Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna. 

Converge VP and CCPR Head Jay-Anne Encarnado said that through the Unang Yakap auction, Converge is contributing to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No. 2 (Zero Hunger) and No. 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)

Employees bidded on luxury items such as these Prada pumps at a starting price of Php 2,000. 

“This project is also aligned with the Sustainability Commitment of Converge, particularly on its pledge to create a positive community impact,” said Encarnado. 

“We're not just celebrating the money we've raised for Caritas Manila's Unang Yakap program; we're celebrating what makes us who we are. It's about our people coming together, showing kindness, and making a real difference in the community. Every bid, every donation, it's all part of our shared commitment to do good," said Enrique Reyes, Converge Head of Talent and Organizational Capability Development (TOCD). 

Converge has been a partner of Caritas Manila since August 2023, signing a Memorandum of Agreement for joint activities such as charity donation cans and more recently, an in-kind Segunda Mana drive last December. 

Almost 100 items were auctioned off, which generated over Php 100,000 worth of donations.

Rex Education and Partners honor exceptional LGUs in the 2nd Gawad Edukampyon for Local Governance Awards

 

The Gawad Edukampyon for Local Governance honors local government units (LGUs) and their leaders for the second year in a row for their outstanding initiatives and extraordinary efforts that have a positive impact on their communities and alter lives.

The Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, and the Center for Local Governance and Professional Development, Inc. (CLGPD) were among the prestigious partners that helped Rex Education plan this event. The event was a joyous celebration and an eloquent homage to the honesty, decency, professionalism, focus, and fortitude of local government units (LGUs) and local chief executives (LCEs). 

HON. ISAIAS B. UBANA II, PhD Consultant, Center for Local Governance and Professional Development Inc., MS. JEANNE MARIE F. TORDESILLAS Chief Marketing Officer, Rex Education, DR. TERESITA G. INCIONG, ED., D.P.M Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC), ATTY. DOMINADOR D. BUHAIN Chairman and President, Rex Education, MR. DON TIMOTHY I. BUHAIN Chief Executive Officer, Rex Education

Championing Education: LGUs and LCEs Making a Difference

LGUs and LCEs have integral roles in nurturing their communities, from delivering basic services to going beyond—unfazed by challenges and taking solid action, they contribute to providing quality education and nation-building. As education duty-bearers and public servants, they are resolute champions. Their examples and stories inspire.

Through the Gawad Edukampyon, Rex Education recognizes not only ideals but also celebrates actual results. REX honors all the dedicated LGUs and LCEs—education duty-bearers improving the lives of fellow Filipinos in the communities they serve. 

The 2nd Gawad Edukampyon is also a platform to share their stories, inspire others, and cultivate collaboration among LGUs nationwide.

Honoring Exemplar LGUs and LCEs Nationwide

A total of 37 provinces, cities, and municipalities, along with their respective LCEs, were acknowledged for their achievements and innovations during the awarding ceremony held on May 4, 2024, at Novotel, Quezon City.

Here are the recipients of the Gawad Edukampyon for Local Governance Awards:

Gawad Edukampyon for Capacity Development

• PROVINCE: Cavite: Hon. Juanito Victor C. Remulla (Governor) 
• HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY
• Manila City: Hon. Maria Sheilah H. Lacuna-Pangan (City Mayor)
• Cagayan de Oro City: Hon. Rolando A. Uy (City Mayor)
• COMPONENT CITY: Koronadal City, South Cotabato: Hon. Eliordo U. Ogena (City Mayor)
• MUNICIPALITY: Barcelona, Sorsogon: Hon. Cynthia G. Falcotelo-Fortes  (Municipal Mayor)

Gawad Edukampyon for Learning Continuity Plan 

• PROVINCE: Cotabato: Hon. Emmylou Taliňo - Mendoza (Governor) 
• HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY: Cagayan De Oro City: Hon. Rolando A. Uy (City Mayor) 
• COMPONENT CITY: Balanga, Bataan: Hon. Francis Anthony Garcia (City Mayor) 
• MUNICIPALITY: Cabagan, Isabela: Hon. Christopher A. Mamauag (Municipal Mayor) 

Gawad Edukampyon Para sa Barangay

• Gawad Edukampyon for Barangay Social Services: Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City: Hon. Atty. Eric R. Yuan (Punong Barangay)
• Gawad Edukampyon for Barangay Justice, Security, and Disaster Preparedness

Barangay Sta. Cruz, Guiguinto, Bulacan: Hon. Emmanuel S. Joson (Punong Barangay) 

Barangay Caloocan, Koronadal South Cotabato: Hon. John L. Maanay

• Gawad Edukampyon for Barangay Governance: Barangay Malvar, Santiago City, Isabela: Hon. Manuel G. Santiago (Punong Barangay)  
• Gawad Edukampyon for Barangay Accountability: Barangay  Malvar, Santiago City, Isabela: Hon.  Manuel G. Santiago (Punong Barangay)
• Gawad Edukampyon for Fiscal Management: Barangay Malvar, Santiago City, Isabela: Hon. Manuel G. Santiago (Punong Barangay)

Gawad Edukampyon for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)  

Province

• BULACAN: Hon. Daniel R. Fernando (Governor) 
• MISAMIS ORIENTAL: Hon. Peter M. Unabia (Governor) 
• APAYAO: Hon. Elias C. Bulut Jr.  (Governor)
• QUIRINO: Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua (Governor) 
• SOUTH COTABATO: Hon. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. (Governor)

Highly Urbanized City

• QUEZON CITY: Hon. Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte (City Mayor) 
• ILOILO CITY: Hon. Jerry Perez Treňas (City Mayor)
• MUNTINLUPA CITY: Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon (City Mayor)
• CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Hon.  Rolando A. Uy (City Mayor)
• CITY OF MANILA: Hon. Maria Sheilah H. Lacuna-Pangan (City Mayor)

Component City

• SANTIAGO CITY, ISABELA: Hon.  Alyssa Sheena P. Tan (City Mayor)
• STA. ROSA CITY, LAGUNA: Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas (City Mayor) 
• TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE: Hon. Rey T. Uy (City Mayor)
• ALAMINOS CITY, PANGASINAN: Hon. Arth Bryan C. Celeste (City Mayor)
• TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE: Hon. Abraham N. Tolentino (City Mayor)

Municipality

• SURALLAH, SOUTH COTABATO: Hon. Pedro M. Matinong Jr.  (Municipal Mayor)
• MARAMAG, BUKIDNON: Hon.  Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal (Municipal Mayor)
• DUPAX DEL NORTE, NUEVA VIZCAYA: Hon. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton (Municipal Mayor)
• GUIGUINTO, BULACAN: Hon. Agatha Paula A. Cruz  (Municipal Mayor)
• NAAWAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL: Hon. Dennis L. Roa (Municipal Mayor)
• PANDI, BULACAN: Hon. Enrico A. Roque (Municipal Mayor)
• OBANDO, BULACAN: Hon. Leonardo DC. Valeda (Municipal Mayor) 

Congratulations to all the awardees.

The program was also live-streamed via the REX Facebook page. Revisit the ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/suR9Zj6ogEJBwYek/?mibextid=oFDknk

Edukampyon is REX's pledge in action. It is an invitation to everyone to consciously champion education. As an advocacy and mission, it engages education duty-bearers and aims to build their capacities for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling every Filipino learner’s right to quality education.