LG Breathes Creativity With BGC Art Mart

Wearable art is all the rage nowadays. From tote bags, tie-dyed shirts, to hand-painted masks, mixing fashion with art is a match made in heaven. BGC Art Center’s flagship program, BGC Art Mart - one of the most popular periodic events in the city, is also the venue for exquisite samples of wearable art. This year, they partnered with LG Philippines to provide impeccable hand-painted LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier (w/ VoiceON™), and clean pure air. Aside from keeping you safe from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, it helps a lot with allergens. It provides thorough air purification with H13 grade HEPA filters that filter out 99% harmful particles for clean, fresh air. If you want peace of mind with the air you breathe, this is the mask for you. These filters are easily replaceable as well to ensure they’re always clean and allergen-free.

LG’s Wearable Air Purifier offers greater protection than disposable and nylon face masks. With tests done by Environmental Allergens Info and Care Inc., they were able to show that LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier can filter out over 99% of allergy-inducing pollen in just 5 minutes. Whether it’s pollen, pollen allergen, or mite allergen. LG’s PuriCare filters offer far superior filtration efficiency than disposable masks.



For the duration of the event, LG selected ten different artists and gave them an LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier (w/ VoiceON™) to paint and customize as they see fit to create a unique, one-of-a-kind wearable art. The hand-painted works of art were displayed throughout the BGC Art Mart event. The participating artists were Marita de Leon (Handmade Lemonade), Tany Nosce (TG_Artistry), Chelsea Javier (Space of Chelsea), Mycah Santos (Project Lemons), Yana Ofrasio, Kate Bautista, Fchel Estanislao (Glassicology), Patricia de Vera, Kankan Ramos, and Woman Create.


Aside from the masks, LG also donated a unit of LG PuriCare™ 360° Air Purifier to the Bonifacio Arts Center, a project of Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI). This air-purifier is tested and certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF), Korea Air Cleaning Association (CA), and Korea Asthma & Allergy Association (KAF). It purifies the air 360º around you, in every direction, no matter where you place it. It has a Clean Booster feature that delivers clean air 24% faster, 7.5m far to every corner of the venue or room. It has a multi-filtration system that captures unwanted particles- bacteria, viruses, dust, allergen and odor components. This system includes a 2x SafePlus Pre-filter and H13 HEPA Filter that eliminates >99% of bacteria, viruses, fine dust and allergens, and a 2x Deodorization Filter that eliminates home odor, harmful gasses and toxic air pollutants. 

Lisa Nicandro, Head of Operations of the BGC Arts Center saw this partnership as an affirmation of synergies, saying, “the industries working with artists make partnerships even more relatable, joyful and delightful.” Seungjae Kim, LG Philippines’ Managing Director, looks forward to a long partnership with the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. “Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. is all about fostering, growing, and cultivating BGC’s artistic community and we are ecstatic to be able to help as well. We at LG hope to collaborate more in order to have stronger ties with the community.”

Globe, UnionBank ink alliance on info sharing to fight online banking fraud

 

Leading Philippine digital technology companies Globe and UnionBank recently inked an agreement to provide mutual support on investigations involving online banking fraud.

The alliance, the first of its kind in the country today, covers information sharing among others.

Under the agreement signed on March 24, Globe will provide UnionBank information about mobile numbers potentially used by fraudsters to help in online banking fraud investigations.

This will help Globe detect illicit activity within its network. UnionBank for its part, will likewise trigger and share relevant information necessary to pursue investigations in accordance with the Data Privacy Act and the aforementioned Data Sharing Agreement.

The pact came as online fraud has become a growing threat, with the rise in digital transactions especially during the pandemic.

“Currently, when it comes to gathering information in relation to fraud investigations, banks and telcos have to go through a tedious process of court orders first. This partnership will make that process a lot faster, and is a step forward in working with the BSP to ensure a safe and secure digital economy for all,” said Joey Rufo, UnionBank Chief Information Security Officer.





“Also, this partnership is the first of its kind in the Philippines between a telco and a bank, which makes it truly a game-changer,” he said.

Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer Anton Bonifacio said the agreement takes the existing collaboration between Globe and the banks a step further. At present, banks report phishing campaigns to Globe, which Globe investigates and blocks accordingly. Globe has also implemented free whitelisting of official aggregators of the banks to prevent spoofing of their official SMS sender names. This sets an example on how private sector initiatives for cooperation could reinforce efforts against cybercrime.

Details on how this initiative was pushed forward were also shared by Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer, Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, “Our agreement with UnionBank is an important step in our shared fight against online banking fraud. We hope that strengthening the bank’s capacity to investigate these cases would lead to the prosecution of fraudsters. This ultimately leads to better protection of our customers.”

Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga congratulated the two companies for the groundbreaking partnership as he talked about its importance in the current digital landscape.

“I would like to commend Globe and UnionBank in executing this agreement despite it not being required under the Data Privacy Act. This goes to show our stakeholders; continued efforts in promoting data privacy and protection within their organizations.”

In its Q2 2021 Financial Crime Report, Feedzai, a US-based company specializing in artificial intelligence-driven financial crime solutions, bared that 93 percent of banking fraud committed within the period was online.

Among the many ways online banking fraud is committed is through using mobile numbers in a racket called “SMiShing.” In this attack vector done via SMS, a perpetrator uses an anonymous phone number claiming they are a representative of a reputable company to extract sensitive personal information from unwitting victims, such as one-time passwords (OTPs) and credit
card numbers. This in turn allows them to commit fraudulent financial transactions, usually at the expense 

of the victims.


UnionBank is confident that its partnership with Globe will help facilitate faster data gathering in fraud investigations linked to the use of mobile numbers, as the agreement does away with the need for court orders for such information exchange.

The bank also hopes that the joint effort will help boost consumer confidence and trust in financial institutions, while making it harder for malicious entities to commit online banking fraud.

For its part, Globe has for long been campaigning for a safer cyberspace through its #MakeITSafePH and Alagang Globe programs, which seek to protect customers and businesses from illicit online activity. Globe Business, meanwhile, provides large enterprises and government agencies with cybersecurity tools and solutions, and easy-to-digest information on threats they may face to promote vigilance against cybercriminals.

UnionBank has always advised customers to approach law enforcement agencies such as the NBI and PNP, who can help go after cybercriminals. For more information about how one can keep #CyberSure, please visit unionbankph.com and look for CyberSure.

SPLAT toothpastes are safe for kids as young as 0 years old

Bringing children to the dentist as soon as they start growing teeth is an important routine for parents to keep children’s oral care and overall health safe, as untreated cavities can cause infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning .One of the best ways for parents to make their children’s dentist visit smooth and less scary is to teach them good dental habits. 

Parents shall encourage children to brush their teeth at least twice a day, particularly in the morning and before bedtime. To many kids, especially toddlers, brushing can be painful or intimidating as they don’t understand the importance of brushing their teeth.

To make the experience more fun, parents can choose toothpaste with special flavors known by every child. For example, SPLAT Kids Natural Toothpaste in Strawberry-Cherry and Fruit Ice-Cream flavors make brushing experience similar to having an ice-cream and at the same time takes care of the teeth. SPLAT KIDS toothpaste is safe for children even if they accidentally swallow it as the toothpastes are made from natural ingredients. The SPLAT toothpastes don’t contain artificial coloring agents, flavorings or preservatives. These natural toothpastes are also hypoallergenic.

Another way to encourage them is to make brushing a family activity. Let them see you brushing your teeth so they won’t feel it’s such a chore. As parents, you can also institute a rewards system, perhaps with stickers or stamps. Another way to make it fun is by letting the kids brush to their favorite song. Parents must be sure that the toothpaste they buy for their kids is safe and natural. 

SPLAT toothpastes don’t contain SLES, triclosan, chlorhexidine, aluminum lactate, peroxide, petroleum-derived products, synthetic antiseptic agents, sodium lauryl sulfate and saccharinate because these are ingredients that could potentially harm humans, animals and the planet.

SPLAT, a global pioneer in natural eco-friendly oral care, is present in 70 European and Asian countries. SPLAT products are manufactured from ingredients of leading global suppliers at the company's own ecoplant in Europe. SPLAT manufacture has CO2-neutral status and has been certified for compliance with international standards of GMP Cosmetics and ISO 9001.

SPLAT is holding a special promo with up to 30% on all toothpastes at all Watsons stores, Shopee, Lazada and ShopSM. Included in the promo are SPLAT Kids Natural Toothpaste in Strawberry-Cherry and Fruit Ice-Cream (Php129.50 from Php185), SPLAT Professional White Plus, SPLAT Professional Sensitive White, SPLAT Professional Biocalcium, SPLAT Professional Medical Herbs, SPLAT Professional Green Tea, SPLAT Professional Maximum and SPLAT Professional Lavendersept (Php132.50 from Php189).

In the Philippines, SPLAT is exclusively distributed by ABGPH Corp. and is now available at selected Watsons online and offline stores, Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/watsons/?q=splat&langFlag=en&from=wangpu&lang=en&pageTypeId=2&spm=a2o4l.10450891.searchbar ) and Shopee (https://shopee.ph/mall/search?keyword=splat&shop=92328166).

At SM, We Know What Women Want

Throughout the whole month of March, women take center stage at SM Supermalls. For inspiring us with their voice, their courage in everything they do, SM Supermalls salutes all Women of The World by giving them what their hearts desire most.

The Womenpreneur Market

From comfort food and beauty cosmetics to active lifestyle and more. Great finds that women love are on sale at the Womenpreneur Market, a gathering of pop ups of small and medium business endeavors for women, by women. Presented in partnership with various SM tenants, affiliates and women’s partner organizations. The Womenpreneur Market is open from March 1 to March 15.

Women at Home

The Home Edit Fair for Women opens a world of hobbies that women love to indulge in.  Interior designing, gardening, baking, art and other ways of sprucing up the home have taken the fancy of today’s women. An inviting and charming home for her family and guests is in every woman’s bucket list. The Home Edit Fair is open from March 16 to March 31.

Women’s Wellness and Wednesday Sale

 

To be pampered from head to foot is an offer no woman can refuse. To avail of the offer at discounted prices makes it even more irresistible. For the whole month of March, women can avail of great deals from wellness salons at SM Supermalls, from facials, hair and body treatments to nail care and massage. Women’s Wellness is on from March 1 to March 31.

The Wednesday Sale is a weekly offering of special deals exclusively for women. Shopping on Wednesdays has become even more tempting for her at SM Supermalls. Catch the sale every Wednesday of the month: March 2,9, 16, 23, and 30

Women Who Lunch

From dining deals to specially prepared dishes and free drinks, women are in for some flavorful treats this month. Moms, Titas, Mars, Lolas, Sis and girlfriends may fulfill their cravings at participating restaurants and food outlets that are whipping up delicious offers exclusively for women. From March 1 to March 31.

Women’s month at SM Supermalls began with a Summit on Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Tomorrow entitled, Women Now and The Future that took place last March 8, in partnership with UN Women, Spark Philippines, Connected Women, and Girl Scouts of The Philippines. The hybrid summit focuses on womenpreneur mentorship with women in business such as, Rissa Mananquil- Trillo, Krie Lopez, Gina Romero and Jammy San Juan-Magsino, as well as empowering the next generation women with Antoinette Taus, Sam Tamayo, Mariane Rosario and Nina Lim-Yuson of Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Hosted by Karen Davila with keynote speech from Steven Tan, live at SM Megamall and the @smsupermalls Facebook page.

Women’s World, a celebration of Women’s month at SM Supermalls, aims to make every woman’s shopping experience more special and meaningful. Because at SM Supermalls, we know what she wants and what she deserves. Visit www.smdeals.com to see all our treats just for you. #WomenFeelAweSM

CSMC advocates for holistic brain and spine tumor management in latest webicon

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) zeroes in on brain and spine tumors in its latest webicon entitled, “It Takes A Village to Save A Life: A Webicon on the Multidisciplinary Approach to Brain and Spine Tumor Management.” The webicon was held on February 24 via ZOOM and Facebook livestreaming.

Together with its top medical experts from the Brain and Spine Institute, CSMC debunked common myths about brain and spine tumors and discussed the different types of treatments and ways to provide the best, most holistic care to a patient. The webicon was moderated by Dr.Michael Louis Gimenez, Chair of the Brain and Spine Institute, and the specialists invited to speak were Dr. Theodor Vesagas, Clinical Director of the Philippine Gamma Knife Center and CSMC Brain and Spine Tumor Center; Dr. Gilbert Rañoa, Training Officer of the CSMC Spine Fellowship Program; and Dr. Ma. Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, Chair of the Cancer Institute.

Dr. Gimenez opened the webicon by touching on the different signs and symptoms of brain or spine tumors. Meanwhile, Dr. Vesagas explained the benefits of CSMC’s multidisciplinary approach to treating tumors. He noted that a team effort in diagnosis and treatment allows patients to receive consistent and timely care, and increases patient satisfaction.

Dr. Vesagas also talked about Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, a procedure that is only currently available at CSMC. The goal of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is to control or stop the growth of the tumor, and allows for excellent control in the removal of tumors with minimal morbidity.

Dr. Rañoa then elaborated on other innovative open surgery treatment options that CSMC offers, such as Stereotactic Biopsy, where neurosurgeons use a needle to obtain tissue from the brain, as well as Awake Craniotomy, which can only be done if an intraoperative neurostimulator is available, and is used to remove tumors in more critical parts of the brain.

Finally, Dr. Tiambeng spoke about non-surgical tumor management, and wrapped up the team’s discussion with some reminders and practical tips to follow for when one schedules a checkup for possible tumors.

Mr. Rodel Perez, a 45-year-old OFW based in Dubai and one of CSMC’s patients, was also present as a speaker. Perez recounted his experience after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was about the size of a medium-sized lemon. He noted CSMC’s world-class methods and facilities, praising the compassionate care and sincerity the doctors and nurses of CSMC had towards him during his treatment.

The webicon was concluded with the standard Q&A session with all the panelists, where Dr.Tiambeng stamped out the misconception that these treatments are available only to those who are well-off.

“The Philippine Alliance for Brain and Spine Tumors [is a] foundation [that] is helping and has helped hundreds of patients get free treatments,” she said. “There is also Cardinal Charities Foundations, which helps indigent patients get big discounts or even free procedures.”

When asked how they could encourage Filipinos to seek medical advice over checking their symptoms on the internet, Dr. Tiambeng said, “The internet cannot treat you—Google cannot treat you— it can only give you information.” Despite being a powerful tool in gathering information, a specialist’s intervention is still essential in treating any illness.

“Always remember that here at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, you have a village of medical experts working hand in hand to save lives,” Dr. Gimenez concluded.

For more information about the Brain and Spine Institute, as well as other services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

Fly Emirates to Dubai together and save 25% on fares with brand-new offer

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has
launched a new offer for passengers visiting Dubai with friends and family, when booking by February 6, 2022.

Two or more passengers traveling to Dubai from January 24, 2022 to April 30, 2022 will have the opportunity to save 25% on fares when traveling together.

This special offer is valid for two or more travelers who book a return trip via emirates.com to Dubai in Economy or Business Class, between January 24, 2022 and February 6, 2022 on the same booking reference. The offer is also available via travel and call center agents and Emirates Retail shops.


Experience Dubai with Emirates
In addition to this exclusive new offer, there are plenty more ways to save on your Dubai getaway with Emirates and take advantage of its incredible winter sun, beaches, outdoor dining, and events including:

•  Free Emirates Expo Pass: It’s an amazing time to travel to Dubai with the much-anticipated Expo 2020 mega event taking place until March 31, 2022. Emirates customers visiting and traveling through Dubai anytime during the final two months of Expo 2020, will be eligible to receive a free Emirates Expo Pass for every flight ticket booked with the airline. For more information on this promotion, please visit the dedicated offer page.

•  My Emirates Pass – Expo Edition: Customers traveling to or via Dubai anytime until March 31, 2022, get to explore the city for less with My Emirates Pass Expo 2020 Dubai. They can enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits at over 500 retail, dining, and recreational attractions by simply showing their Emirates boarding pass.

• Earn a Mile a Minute in Dubai: Emirates customers can earn 1 Skywards Mile for every 1 minute spent in Dubai until March 31, 2022. Existing and new Emirates Skywards members who sign up for the program before March 31, 2022, can benefit from the offer Mile A Minute, and will earn up to 5,000 Skywards Miles. The offer is applicable on all Emirates flight tickets purchased until March 31, 2022, for travel during Expo 2020 Dubai. Emiratesmarketed, flydubaioperated flights with an Emirates (EK) flight number are also included in the offer.

Visiting Dubai with friends & family

Whether seeking a city break, a beach getaway, a relaxing retreat, or a unique desert experience, there is something for every traveler when visiting Dubai.

Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, especially during the winter season, and visitors can choose from an array of hotels to stay at, to suit all budgets, as well as exciting entertainment, dining and shopping options for all ages. From sun-soaked beaches a heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences.

 

As international borders reopen and travel restrictions ease, Emirates has resumed passenger services to over 120 destinations and currently operates 10 weekly passenger flights from Manila to Dubai.

Explore Dubai with Emirates Holidays

Dubai safely re-opened for international business and leisure visitors in July 2020, and it remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world's first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai's comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Customers can book their holiday to Dubai, including other Expo-themed packages through Emirates Holidays.

Emirates Holidays’ dedicated 24/7 On Holiday Service team will be there to support holidaymakers for every moment that they’re away.


Traveling with Emirates

Keeping the health and well-being of its passengers as top priority, Emirates has introduced a comprehensive set of safety measures at every step of the customer journey. The airline has also been building on its contactless technology offering and has scaled up its digital verification capabilities to provide its customers even more opportunities to utilize the IATA Travel Pass.

Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services that address traveler needs during a dynamic time. The airline has taken its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, its covid-19 medical travel insurance, and helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status.

Customers are encouraged to check their latest government travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors and residents returning to Dubai visit: https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/

Grand Videoke’s Bahay Entablado Continues Singing Community Aimed At Spreading Joy

Here’s one fun fact that anyone who loves to sing might find interesting: a research study conducted by the Royal College of Music in London in 2017 has proven that singing helps reduce stress by lowering the amount of cortisol–the stress hormone–in the body. In addition, the study also states that the effects of singing in boosting one's happiness are even more effective when the activity is performed by a group or shared within a community.

This is probably one of the most solid proofs that explain why we as Filipinos consider a good round of videoke as something synonymous with happy moments together. With the pandemic leaving us with no other choice but to adjust to the ‘new normal' and the most recent changes shifting us to the ‘next normal,’ simple bonding moments like this had to keep up with the times. The good news? We didn’t really have to let go of something as close to our hearts as singing even during these trying times. We simply needed it to evolve so that it could fit into our lives.

That’s the main rationale behind Bahay Entablado 2.0, a singing community started by leading home entertainment brand Grand Videoke, to spread good vibes across social media. Now on its second year of run, the interactive campaign once again invited talented members of the media to share some of their song numbers following the theme of LSS or Last Song Syndrome. Also doubling as a virtual singing contest, the campaign also invited renowned names in the world of theater and performance arts like Ava Santos (Freestyle), Reb Atadero (Ang Huling El Bimbo, the Musical), and OJ Mariano (The Company) to act as mentors to the participants.

More than just providing helpful tips on how to connect with their audience and how to choose the best song, however, the three also shared nuggets of life lessons that are very timely to the current climate the rest of us are facing.

“We can reinvent ourselves and begin again. You can unlearn, relearn, and learn more if you want to,” Ava said after sharing her initial struggles during the pandemic when she had to cope with the cancellation of live performances. From back when her life revolved around the stage, she managed to make a shift by entering the Sales and Marketing industry. Still, Ava grounded herself by finding other ways to express her love for singing–in her case, by performing regular FB lives.

“It pays to have a creative outlet," she continues. "For me, singing is an easy way of spreading the good vibes which we all needed during the pandemic.”

Mentors OJ and Reb, on the other hand, focused on other tips that could be easily applicable to singing as much as they could apply in everyday life. “Be genuine and enjoy the moment,” Reb says as a piece of quick advice. In a time when people are expected to keep their distance, finding other ways of connecting with each other is important. OJ adds, “Sing to express and not to impress.” Technique may be important, but at the end of the day, what really matters is whether you’re enjoying what you are doing or not.

All of these concepts are something that Grand Videoke has always fully supported as a brand, even more so during the pandemic. The company, which is under the management of Audio-Video Solutions Corporation, has provided more focus on spreading joy during the most trying times of the past few years by giving the market the channel and the means to enjoy something they’ve always held close to their heart.

Grand Videoke, in particular, provides the same enjoyment of singing at home with its products that includes top-of-the-line features like Perfect Pitch, a voice coach feature that helps anyone sing like a pro. Moreover, the videoke unit is also designed for easy virtual sharing and connecting with friends and family via the GV Smart App–where you can send fun messages or easily save your videos to share on social media–and robust compatibility that lets up to four smartphones connect to the main unit.

Through the use of Grand Videoke and the Bahay Entablado 2.0 campaign, the brand was able to bring together a community that is focused on spreading joy and inspiration to everyone. Similar to the tip of OJ when it comes to delivering the best performance–“It is important to find the best part of the song. It can be a verse or a chorus. Whatever it is, look for the hook"–the virtual campaign succeeded in its goal of helping people refocus their attention and love for things. Instead of finding the best hook in a song number, however, everyone is encouraged to look for the best part of life, despite all its challenges at the moment.

Want to get your own professional singing coach at home? Choose from any of Grand Videoke’s premium entertainment units by visiting this link.