PAYMAYA: Digital Payments help Unite Filipinos in battle against COVID-19

March 27, 2020
Just a week after its #OneAgainstCOVID19 initiative launched, PayMaya has already helped raised more than P7.8 million in donations from Filipinos all over the world through its digital payments channels, with donations growing rapidly by the day.

This feat was accomplished as companies and non-profit organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, Caritas Manila, OXFAM Pilipinas, the UP PGH Foundation and other groups work together to mobilize much needed relief and resources to help combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  




With many financial touch points such as banks and payment centers in limited operations and as cash handling is discouraged to prevent the spread of the virus, digital financial services like PayMaya indeed offer the fastest, safest and easiest way for people to contribute to various response and relief efforts addressing COVID-19. 

“The response we have gotten just a week after launch has been tremendous, which only highlights not just the magnanimity but also the creativity of Filipinos in responding to this crisis, aided by technology. We will continue to support consumers, businesses, communities, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations in this united effort during this pandemic by providing the most convenient and inclusive means of sending monetary support,” said Orlando Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya. 

With the most extensive network of humanitarian and non-profit partner organizations and various causes supported, the #OneAgainstCOVID19 initiative has quickly become a one-stop-shop for those who are looking to support medical personnel, frontliners, and disadvantaged communities who are caught in the crossfires of the battle against the disease. This is because aside from enabling donations via the PayMaya app, even overseas Filipinos and other card holders are able to contribute to #OneAgainstCOVID19 efforts via PayMaya's end-to-end platforms.  

To date, people with credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as PayMaya accounts, can donate via the website (http://donate.paymaya.com) or the PayMaya app to the following organizations: Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, PGH Medical Foundation, Caritas Manila, OXFAM Pilipinas, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance & Ethical Leadership, Ronald McDonald House of Charities Phlippines, YesPinoy Foundation, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Rock Ed Philippines, UTownPen Foundation, #nowheretogobutUP Foundation, and the #UniTENTweStandPH initiative of actress Angel Locsin. 





Online concerts, game streaming
As the enhanced community quarantine persists across the island of Luzon and some provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, many individuals and groups have turned to showcasing their talents and skills to help encourage people to donate to various funds for COVID-19 response and relief efforts through the #OneAgainstCOVID19 project.

National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, for instance, has kickstarted “Bayanihan Musikahan” in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), which features a nightly online concert highlighting the best of OPM via Facebook, YouTube, and other streaming channels. Donations to urban poor communities are accepted through PayMaya's #OneAgainstCOVID19 channels.




Technology and gaming bloggers like Gian Viterbo, meanwhile, have dedicated their online game streaming time–particularly to feature new games such as Nintendo’s Animal Crossing–to help promote donations via #OneAgainstCOVID19 to their viewers. 


Unity while in isolation 
With the enhanced community quarantine still scheduled to last a few more weeks, the need for funds and resources will continue to rise as the whole country attempts to "flatten the curve" of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate its socio-economic effects, especially to the most vulnerable segments of our communities. 

As part of precautionary measures against the disease, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has encourage the use of digital payments in transactions since paper bills have been found to be potential carriers of the virus. 

To this end, PayMaya has encouraged users to send money, pay their bills, or do bank transfers through the app instead of stepping out of the house to perform these transactions. Users can also send money to anyone in the country using their PayMaya account by doing a Send Money transaction to a Smart Padala by PayMaya center. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to self-isolate in their homes, digital financial initiatives such as #OneAgainstCOVID19 show that Filipinos can quickly stand united with the help of technology. 

To donate to the #OneAgainstPayMaya campaign, visit http://donate.paymaya.com or go to the Pay Bills section of the PayMaya app.
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FDCP Launches DEAR Program for Displaced Freelance Audio-Visual Workers Due to COVID-19


March 24, 2020




At a time when almost everything is at a halt due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Filipino Audio-Visual industry is suffering from the suspension of work and cancellation of events as recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease. While regular and contractual employees get to continue their tasks via alternative work arrangements and still get paid, most of the Audio-Visual (AV) industry workers are not as fortunate to have employment during the national state of calamity. These include freelancers—from talents, to production staff, and technical crew members who get paid on a "per day" basis, “no work, no pay” scheme, and have no direct employer to work for.


As the national film agency and whose stakeholders include audio-visual workers, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) created the Disaster/Emergency Assistance and Relief (DEAR) Program to assist its stakeholders during calamities and major disasters. This disaster-triggered funding mechanism of the FDCP came about as a response to the plight of freelance AV workers who have been displaced by the Enhanced Community Quarantine and consequent State of Calamity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The DEAR Program will be implemented through the FDCP National Registry, which maintains the database of the different sectors of the audio-visual industry including AV industry workers. FDCP supports and protects the interest of National Registry members by offering services that provide assistance in accessing social services, skills development workshops and programs, and basic legal assistance and work opportunities. Under the DEAR Program, the targeted support program DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) will provide financial assistance to disaster-affected freelance AV workers who suddenly lost work as a direct result of a major disaster. This income support program aims to complement the CAMP program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which covers private companies whose employees regardless of status (regular, contractual, project-based) can receive P5,000 in assistance.

The DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) is for those who have become suddenly unemployed for at least five (5) work days as a direct result of a major disaster and are not eligible for other government-instituted benefits. The application for the DEAR program and the FDCP National Registry can happen concurrently. A flat rate cash financial assistance of P8,000 will be given to a displaced worker whose application has been approved. The one-time tax-free financial assistance aims to help beneficiaries with their expenses for personal needs, medical expenses, housing, rent, and other essential needs. FDCP emphasizes that DEAR benefits are not payable to individuals who are entitled to or qualified for regular unemployment compensation, waiting period credit, or benefits from the DOLE, Social Security System (SSS), their local government unit, their own employer, and similar agencies.


FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra and CMB Film Services workers at a Technical Working Group meeting in 2019


DEAR Program Qualifications and Application Process

Conditions of Unemployment
One of the following conditions of loss of unemployment or engagement from a company, or inability to perform services in self-employment must have occurred as a direct result of the disaster:

- The individual is unable to reach his/her workplace.
- The individual was scheduled to start work and the job no longer exists or the individual was unable to reach the job.
- The individual cannot work because of an injury or illness.
- The individual lost a majority of income or revenue because the employer or self-employed business was damaged, destroyed, or closed by the government temporarily or permanently

Qualifications
In order to qualify for this benefit, the individual must satisfy all of the following:

- The individual must have had at least five (5) work days of loss of employment or engagement during the declared dates of the major disaster.
- The individual’s engagement or self-employment must have been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster as declared by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
- The individual must have been determined not otherwise eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits under any Local or National Law such as from SSS, DOLE, LGU, or from his/her own employer and similar agencies.
- The individual must prove that he/she is of low income and receives around P20,000 or less a month, has a package rate of P20,000 or less per project, or whose talent fee is around P3,000 or less per day.

Application Process
To file a claim, individuals who are suddenly unemployed or suddenly out of work as a direct result of the disaster should contact the Film Development Council of the Philippines National Registry.

Applications for DEAR ACTION! (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers) must be filed within thirty (30 days) of the announcement of the activation of the DEAR Program through an FDCP Advisory released online and through mass media channels. Applicants must follow the instructions in the FDCP Advisory and file for an application based on the filing methods used by the Agency (i.e. in person, mail, telephone, or online)  

Documentation
Applicants are required to substantiate loss of employment or engagement or self-employment or to substantiate work that was to begin on or after the declared date of the disaster.

If documentary proof cannot be provided at the time the claim is filed, individuals have twenty-one (21) calendar days from the time of application to meet this requirement.

Requirements for Displaced Freelance AV Workers:
- Copy of current membership to the National Registry for Audio-Visual Workers (NRAW). As for non-members, applications may be lodged to NRAW concurrent with the DEAR application. In light of the COVID-19 situation, the NRAW processing fee is waived.
- Filled out DEAR ACTION! form (For Displaced Freelance AV Workers)
- Affidavit of Unemployment (template available on the website) 
- Copy of latest income tax return (ITR) or any proof of income
- Proof of Engagement that Accounts for at least seven (7) work days of cancelled/suspended Work (during the declared period of the disaster)
e.g. Call Sheet, Contract of Service, Certificate of Engagement, or any Certification duly signed by the employer/producer
- Evidence of Unemployment (during the declared period of the disaster)
e.g. E-mails regarding suspension of work, Proof of Cancellation, etc.
- Copy of the Official Executive/Memorandum Order on the declaration for the State of Calamity

Return Service
The DEAR Program is a government fund and in the spirit of serving the community and stakeholders, the beneficiary must commit to rendering return service by participating in at least two (2) FDCP-led or FDCP-supported events, activities, or projects as a volunteer worker or professional, serving in the capacity of his/her field. The return service must be rendered for free within two (2) years upon the receipt of the assistance.

Declaration and Agreement
Each approved beneficiary worker of DEAR must sign a Declaration and Agreement with FDCP, agreeing and abiding to all the terms of the Program and certifying that all details of the application and documents submitted are factual and authentic.


For inquiries, contact the FDCP National Registry through dearnationalregistry@fdcp.ph or +63 917 800 3227.
For more information, visit http://fdcp.ph/dear-program and the FDCP National Registry Facebook page.


The cover photo is from the set of "Lola Igna," Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019 Best Picture.





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Caritas Manila To Provide Ligtas COVID-19 Kits to Poor Families in Metro Manila



President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine (Lockdown) from March 17 to April 12 suspending all means of public transportation. Everyone is advised to stay inside their homes as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases intensify its efforts to identify and isolate confirmed Covid-19 cases.
Many poor families in Metro Manila, even before the declaration of the Community Quarantine, are already unable to purchase food and basic protection needs against COVID-19. More than the virus, they’re afraid that the lockdown will deprive them of livelihood.
“We won’t last a month here. We won’t even last a few days if my husband doesn’t earn a living,” a woman living in Baseco, Tondo Manla said in an interview.  
In response to this crisis, Caritas Manila, the lead social service arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, launched the LIGTAS COVID-19 campaign. This aims to provide Caritas Ligtas COVID-19 kits and Caritas Manna food bags to 6,000 poor families in Metro Manila.
The 2000 Pesos Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit for a family of 5 includes:
  • 1 liter of 70% ethyl alcohol
  • 5 handy bottles of 30 ml alcohol
  • 5 washable face masks
  • 1 liter of antibacterial liquid soap
  • 1 box of 100 tablets of vitamin C with zinc
  • A pair of reusable gloves
  • 1 liter of liquid bleach
  • 3 pieces of cleaning cloth
  • Eco bag
The 700 Pesos worth of Caritas Manna bag to the family contains:
  • 5 kilos of rice
  • munggo beans
  • 9 assorted canned goods
  • 2 packs of Caritas Margins kalabasa/malunggay noodles
  • 1/4 pack of sugar and salt
  • Eco bag
Joining this campaign is now made even easier with GCash. Simply scan the QR code below in your GCash app and you can donate as low as 1 peso to help protect the poor from COVID-19.

The crisis has affected our country and there is no other way to #FightCOVID19 than to live out the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan. No one should be left behind.
For MORE information about Caritas Manila and its campaigns please go to www.caritasmanila.org.ph or CONTACT 0917-5955083

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SJDM's task force ERID: All set and very much ready

SJDM Mayor Art Robes and Congresswoman Rida Robes together with some of their healthworkers, police officers, officers in medical and technical groups during the media conference about the COVID-19 awareness and preparedness just recently 



1 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people which are called by name shall HUMBLE themselves pray and seek my face & turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven & I will HEAL their land” 

With what is happening around us, not only here in our country but globally, this most talked-about and dreaful virus called COVID-19 from the large family of Coronaviruses including from the more common cold to severe diseases like the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), this latest coronavirus had greatly affected people from all walks of life, rich or poor, all ages but more on the elderlies, the ones spared are those who have strong immune system, well-protected, good hygiene and those who are practicing healthy lifestyle. 

In connection with this, the local government of the city of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, had developed a task force as in accordance to DILG's mandate, spearheaded by SJDM Mayor Art Robes and Congresswoman Rida Robes. The task force ERID (Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases) was set together with some of the LGU's departments and national agencies to plan and form preventive measures to fight the Corona Virus scare. 

SJDM "Power Couple" Mayor Art Robes and Congresswan Rida Robes

When asked if they are ready if there will be another person that will come out as COVID-19 positive, Mayor Art Robes quickly answered: "Preparado na kami ngayon, not only 'yung ospital ng lungsod, even the private hospitals now, handang-handa na, personally, isa ako sa nag-inspect kahapon sa disaster kit namin, para tiyakin, even the private hospitals, na in case ha, na 'wag naman sanamg dumating, ayaw naman naming dumating 'yun, sa sana namam ay huwag dumating pero kung talagang darating 'yun ay handang-handa na kami." 

In addition, Congresswoman has a special message to everyone: "Siguro lang po ang talagang dapat ang taumbayan po ay manalig talaga na dapat hindi lang ang lokal na pamahalaan o national government ang kikilos, kailangan tulung-tulong po talaga at pangalagaan ang ating mga sarili." 

With that assurance from the great leaders, the San Joseños are undoubtedly in good hands. And for each and everyone of us, this incident in our life will not haunt us forever, let's all be hopeful, obedient and be positive (not with COVID-19) but let us all continue to pray and believe that this too, shall pass. Keep safe amazing peeps!!!  



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Hisense launches its first 100" 4K Laser TV that's about to change your TV viewing experience

Hisense 4K Laser TV 100L10E

In this ever changing and ever evolving modern world, a lot of manufacturers or electronic companies to be specific had produced different kinds of innovative gadgets, appliances, machines and a lot more to make our lives easier or shall I say, to level up with the high value and expectancy of our lifestyle. 
Hisense, top global manufacturer of consumer electronics, is about to change your TV viewing experience. The brand launched the Philippines’ first 4K Laser TV, the Hisense 100L10E, last March 4, 2020. A known leader in Laser TV technology, Hisense breaks barriers once again with its 100-inch display.


The Hisense 100L10E 4K Laser TV features a unique Laser Light Projector Technology called X Fusion. This laser engine provides exceptional picture quality and color output as compared to traditional projectors that make use of light bulbs. The brand takes pride in their dual red and blue color lasers that help create a wider color gamut. And, because laser light is capable of emitting higher lumens, this 4K Laser TV can even be used in daylight.
With its Ultra Short Throw Laser Projection System, the Hisense 100L10E’s projector can cast a 4K image at 100” in size, even though it is situated only 8-inches away from the wall. Smooth motion and exceptional detail can be expected with this TV’s Ultra HD 3840x2160 resolution. Its Optimized Ambient Light Rejecting Screen complements the laser projector, making sure that light causes only minimal alteration on the display. This allows for big, bold, beautiful viewing from almost any angle, even in brightly lit conditions.


While the use of lasers at home might spark some safety concerns, there is no need to worry. The Hisense 4K Laser TV is equipped with a safety sensor, and makes use of Class 2 lasers, which are approved for household use. This smart TV is powered by Vidaa U, a Hisense-owned Operating System. Its simple interface allows easy navigation between compatible apps for video streaming, such as YouTube and Netflix.
Completing the entertainment experience is the TV’s speakers which are sound designed by Harman Kardon. The fourteen speakers embedded into the console, partnered with a separate wireless subwoofer can provide full, clear sound worthy of a total cinematic vibe. 

The Hisense 4K Laser TV costs Php745,000,000 

Truly, the Hisense 100L10E 4K Laser TV is your best option in the market today. Imagine yourself with the Hisense Laser TV in its 100-inch visual glory while watching action-packed basketball replays, or getting lost in the virtual world of gaming, or simply indulging in your best-loved flicks like it’s movie premiere night! Have the ultimate viewing experience all in the comforts of your home. Get yours today and visit www.hisense.com.ph.

About Hisense International 
Hisense Group was founded in 1969. At present, Hisense Group owns two listed companies—Hisense Electric and Hisense Kelon Electrical, listed in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. And it also owns many brands including Hisense, Toshiba, Gorenje, Kelon and Ronshen. 
In the past 50 years, Hisense has always adhered to the core values of “Honesty, Integrity, Practicality and Positivity” and the development strategy of “Sound Technological Foundation and Robust Operation”. The business covers areas including multimedia, home appliances, intelligent information and service industries. Over the years, Hisense has ranked No.1 in TV industries in China, and also No.1 in the new industries such as intelligent transportation and optical communication.
With the products exported to over 130 countries and regions, Hisense has also sponsored the world’s top sporting events such as UEFA EURO 2016, 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2020. In the “China National Image Global Survey” released by China International Publishing Group, Hisense was one of the “Top Ten most familiar Chinese brands to overseas citizens” for four consecutive years. With more than 80,000 employees world-wide, Hisense Group has 14 industrial parks and production bases, which are located in Qingdao, Shunde, Jiangmen, Yangzhou, Guiyang, Huzhou, Czech Republic, South Africa, Mexico and so on. There are also 12 R&D centers located in Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, USA, Europe, Israel, Japan, etc.
For four consecutive years (2015-2018), Hisense received “The Best Global Image award” at the Chinese Enterprise Global Image Summit. Back in February 2018, Hisense made the cut for the “BrandZ Top 10 Chinese Global Brand Builders” and earned the title for the “fastest growing electronics and home appliance brand.” In September 2018, the “User experience Gold Award” from the IFA Product Technical Innovation Award 2018 was given to the Hisense 4K Laser TV L5. With the continuous brand-building efforts, Hisense enjoyed an excellent brand reputation across the globe.


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New SkinWhite MoistureWhite--- not your ordinary skincare essential




The future of skincare is here! Say hello to SkinWhite’s newest revolutionary product, the MoistureWhite body lotion.

Unlike ordinary whitening lotions in the market, SkinWhite MoistureWhite lotion takes a massive leap towards beautiful skin because it combines a time-proven whitening formula with the breakthrough ingredient Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a moisture booster popularly found in Korean skincare products.


Don’t miss out on the following benefits your skin can gain by using SkinWhite MoistureWhite Lotion!

  1. It will help you achieve whiter skin by lavishing it with much needed moisturization through HA. 

SkinWhite MoistureWhite is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid (HA)—a natural ingredient that’s clinically proven to deliver deep moisturization immediately, being able to retain its weight in water up to 1000x. So that when light hits moisturized skin, it will appear even and whiter. HA acts as a magnet that attracts and locks in moisture for a fair and glowing complexion. With HA in every bottle of MoistureWhite Lotion, you’re sure to get moisturized-white skin!

  1. It has the sun protection you need.

SkinWhite MoistureWhite is also equipped with SPF 16. This means aside from shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, it also keeps your skin fairer as it successfully blocks out the darkening effects of sun exposure.
  
  1. SkinWhite MoistureWhite doesn’t feel sticky on the skin.

SkinWhite MoistureWhite lotion is made with a non-sticky formula so you can now have moisturized white skin every day without the sticky feeling you hate!

  1. Comes in soap format, too!

Your skin will feel and look even better when you also use SkinWhite MoistureWhite soap.
That’s because HA will not dry out your skin every time you bathe. By using MoistureWhite soap and MoistureWhite lotion daily, your skin will be moisturized-white all day!

SkinWhite combines whitening with the power of HA so you can achieve the skin you so rightfully deserve. SkinWhite MoistureWhite—locks moisture in to get your best white out. Try it now!




I love to moisturize my skin with the new SkinWhite MoistureWhite lotion especially this summer season!!! 

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"Skin Magical Learn and Earn Caravan" and Skin Magical Cares were successfully officiated by Ms. Ghie Pangilinan

Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, CEO of Skin Magical 

If there is one person who knows how to start the new year with a bang, it is Ghie Pangilinan, the CEO and the woman who has grown Skin Magical to be the best distributors of beauty products in the country in a period of four short years. On the second day of 2020, Pangilinan kicked off the First Skin Magical Caravan in her hometown of Morong, Rizal. 

About 150 people took part in the caravan where they learned about Skin Magical, how they could start their own business and how online selling works. “I really want to share this business with as many people as possible,” Pangilinan said. “I give them tips on how to succeed in this business and I always tell them that they should treat their clients as friends, that they should focus on this business and that they should remain loyal to the brand.” Pangilinan added that she will never get tired of sharing her story because if it were not for Skin Magical, her husband Jerry might still be an overseas Filipino worker.

 “It takes perseverance, determination and a lot of hard work to make it big in the online business,” she said. “You also have to be honest in all your dealings with your partners and clients.” The highlight of the caravan, which also took place in Quezon City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Caloocan and Laguna for the month of January, was the Live selling portion titled “Gandang Palaban Reseller.” The participants showed off their selling skills and the winners were awarded reseller packages. The second wave of the Skin Magical Caravan is currently ongoing. For the month of February, the caravan has already made waves in Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Tarlac and Bataan.




 The Skin Magical team took a break from its caravan activities when Taal Volcano erupted last January 12, 2020. Through Skin Magical Cares, the team led by the Pangilinan couple, responded to those in need by conducting relief operations in the towns of Bauan, Tanauan and Alitagtag, all in Batangas. More than 400 families benefitted from the relief operations. “We know how it feels to be down and out and taking part in relief operations is our way of helping our fellow Filipinos to literally rise up from the ashes of Taal,” Pangilinan said. “There is only one way to go for those who are already down and that way is to go up. We are just doing our share to help them overcome this calamity.”



 This year, Pangilinan is scheduled to launch her own book and Skin Magical brochure to be published by ABS-CBN Publishing. “Please watch out for the launch of my book because I will share with you tips on how to make your own Skin Magical business a success,” she said. “We will keep you posted.”
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