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Monday, December 27, 2021

BDO Foundation Helps Communities Hit by Odette

Typhoon Odette is something that I will not forget anytime soon. I am currently based in Negros Occidental and it was my first time to experience a typhoon that strong. I can vividly recall the strong winds while our windows were banging loudly. It was around 11pm and the electricity had already gone out. No matter how tired we were, it was impossible to sleep. The anxiety and fear that your house might be destroyed or the roof will just be blown away was real. 

In the morning, there is no internet and even mobile communication lines are not available. You seem to be cut off from the world. It was late in the afternoon that that mobile internet was restored and sadly, the damage and the situation of the others were heartbreaking. 

Help was needed and it's not going to come easy as many people in different provinces are affected too. In reality, the government cannot do this alone. The damage is so vast and we need all the assistance that we can get. This is why I am so thankful and happy to read the news that even private companies are helping out. 

Just like BDO Foundation, in line with its disaster response advocacy, they are providing aid for communities devastated by Typhoon Odette. The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank is coordinating with dioceses and parishes in disaster-affected areas for the distribution of relief goods containing food, rice, and drinking water. The foundation is organizing relief operations, mobilizing volunteers to extend immediate assistance to families in typhoon-stricken provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao. The ongoing corporate citizenship initiative is made possible with the support of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches.



Thank you, BDO and BDO Foundation! 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Christmas Feast Ideas That You'll Love: Meatballs in Black Truffle Sauce and Three-Cheese Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

There are two traditional feasts that Filipino families often look forward to during Christmastime: the Christmas Eve Noche Buena and the one that follows on the 25th itself, which is often held as part of a festive family reunion. Either way, expect those in charge of preparing the dishes to pull out all the stops to serve the most delectable food on the table for everyone to enjoy.

And if that happens to be you, chances are high that you already have some recipes in mind to make each of these feasts a gastronomic delight to remember. They might even be all-time family favorites or even hand-me-downs from your great-great-grandparents. Having said that, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to learn a few more recipes just to keep things fresh and put something different on the table for Christmas. Two that are guaranteed to make you look like Master Chef are Meatballs in Black Truffle Sauce and Three-Cheese Truffle Macaroni and Cheese.

The recipes are as follows:

Meatballs in Black Truffle Sauce


Ingredients

• 2 slices white bread crusts removed, broken into pieces
• scant 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2 1/4 cups finely minced ground beef (or a mixture of meats, such as pork, chicken or turkey)
• 1/2 cup meat pâté
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Plain all-purpose flour, for dusting
• Olive oil for frying

FOR THE BLACK TRUFFLE SAUCE
• 1 tablespoon + 2 tsp butter
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 1 bunch spring onions scallions, finely chopped
• 1 carrot finely chopped
• 1 heaped cup button or oyster mushrooms finely chopped
• 3 1/2 tablespoon plain all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 cups beef chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
• 1/2 cup double heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Umbria Black Truffle Sauce

Instructions

1. Place the bread in a bowl and pour over the milk. Set aside to soak.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the meat and the pâté. Add the soaked bread and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Form meatballs by rolling walnut-sized pieces of the mixture between your hands. They should be about 1oz each. Dust the meatballs in flour.
3. Heat some oil in a shallow pan over medium-high heat and fry the meatballs just until they are golden. Do not overcook at this stage as we are going to finish them in the sauce. Set aside.
4. To make the sauce, heat the butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat and add the finely chopped spring onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the onion is transparent. Reduce the temperature to low and add the flour to the pan, stirring with a wooden spoon to make a roux. Cook for about 4 minutes and then add the wine, continuing to stir until you get a paste and the alcohol has evaporated, then add the stock with the salt and rosemary. Keep stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens, then add the cream, stirring so that the mixture doesn’t split or curdle. Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for a further 5 minutes.
5. Put Umbria Black Truffle Sauce into the sauce, mix and fold and serve hot.


Three-Cheese Truffle Macaroni and Cheese


Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter, divided
1 cup mushroom (75 g), sliced
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk (240 mL)
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (110 g)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
2 cups shell pasta (400 g), cooked
TOPPINGS
½ teaspoon Umbria truffle oil
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Preparation

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook until the mushrooms are softened. Remove from the pot.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and flour to the pot. Whisk until the flour is toasted, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce is thickened.
4. Whisk in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses and season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the cooked pasta and mushrooms. Mix until the sauce coats the pasta well.
6. Top with Umbria truffle oil, fold, and add chives.

Of course, it’s understandable that you’d stop at nothing to make this year’s Christmas celebrations as grand as possible. After all, last year’s Holidays were mostly muted due to the pandemic. Now, the scourge that is COVID-19 is still here, but the country is showing signs of recovery and the quarantine restrictions are easing as a result.

However, that doesn’t mean you and your family should be letting your guard down. Rather, continue to be vigilant even as you think of ways to gather everyone this Christmastime—ideally, sharing some sumptuous Meatballs in Umbria Black Truffle Sauce and servings of mouthwatering Three-Cheese Umbria White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Essential workers, Enjoy exclusive Vouchers and Discounts with the Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package


The noche buena and gift-giving traditions are both huge parts of the Pinoy Christmas. However, let’s face it: the holidays can get costly.


Since every peso counts, we always keep an eye out for exclusive deals to get the most out of our holiday budget. If you’re a frontliner, here’s a special treat—a way of saying "thank you" for your hard work. The Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package offers an exclusive digital package that includes Shopee discount and free shipping vouchers, ShopeePay bills cashback vouchers, and discounts from participating merchants such as Ultra Mega Supermarket, Shawarma Shack, Moonleaf, Tapa King, and National Book Store until January 9, 2022.


Eligible frontliners include: Health Care Workers (hospital admin and janitorial services, health and service personnel in LGU facilities); Medical Professionals (doctors, nurses, medical technicians); Policemen, Military Personnel, Coast Guards; Hospitality Sector Workers (restaurants, hotels, bars, travel Agencies); Government Agencies (LGU workers, admin staff); Delivery and Logistics Providers (food, restaurant, medicine, and logistics company drivers and riders); and Security Guards and Mortuary Services Personnel. Don’t forget to sign up here to qualify: https://shopee.ph/m/frontliner-holiday-package.


Here are some ways to make the most of your holiday celebration:


Feast like royalty because you deserve it

After a year of hard work, reward yourself with great food and good company. Treat your loved ones to Filipino comfort food at Tapa King or meet up with your colleagues and bond over delicious snacks at Shawarma Shack. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head over to Moonleaf and indulge your sweet tooth with their Okinawa or Wintermelon Milk Teas.


Surprise your family this noche buena

Elevate your dinner table by preparing traditional handaan favorites with a twist. Instead of the usual mango float, take your dessert game up a notch and impress your family with no-bake queso de bola cheesecake topped with chocolate shavings. Ultra Mega provides a selection for every budget—perfect for anyone looking for the best grocery finds without breaking the bank.


Score deals as you wrap up your holiday shopping

Still looking for holiday presents? Take your pick from National Book Store’s bestsellers list, where you’re bound to find the perfect match for every literary taste, or scout their school and office essentials.


Add to cart and enjoy discounts, cashback, and free shipping vouchers with the Bayanihan package. As an additional treat, new Shopee users will also receive a free shipping voucher and an additional discount voucher for their first Shopee purchase.


Activate and cash in ShopeePay to avail the Frontliner Package at https://shopee.ph/m/frontliner-holiday-package. With ShopeePay, you can also get daily exclusive deals on load, bills and ShopeePay P1 Deals. Enjoy free cash ins and bank transfers via InstaPay, when you get up to P25 cashback on your InstaPay fee after cashing in. Additionally, if you haven’t had the chance to go Christmas shopping for your loved ones, why not pay for their next Shopee purchase? Send money for free to any ShopeePay user with ShopeePay, and personalize your transfers with a themed virtual card. Stay updated on the latest ShopeePay promos at https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay.

Finding the Right Vibe: Nightlife in Whistler

If you recently moved into one of the Whistler homes for sale, bought a vacation home, or simply just visiting, and would like to experience and take advantage of the nightlife, you'll find plenty here in Whistler. With an après scene that's buzzing all year long and after a day hitting the trails or the slopes, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly bars and casual pubs with live music to upscale lounges and trendy clubs.




Bars to Meet Nearly Every Budget

If you are on a budget trip or you'd just rather not spend $20 for a drink, there are plenty of places that fit the bill. Crystal Lounge at the Crystal Lodge in Whistler Village is well-known for its affordable prices and comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. Not only does it host a wide array of events, including live music, karaoke, and stand-up comedy but it also hosts outstanding happy hours. The happy hours are from 4 to 6 pm and from 10 pm to closing. They also have 40-cent wings which are available every single day.

You can also check out happy hours at other bars in Whistler Village with ads often placed in the Whistler Question or the Whistler Pique. Many provide specials with discounts on both food and drink. Dubh Linn Gate is known for its great prices along with a menu that includes more than 25 draught beers, including B.C. brews and Irish favorites. There are over 20 different whiskeys, 20 single-malt scotches, and fabulous cocktails too. All can be enjoyed with authentic Irish fare like the Steak and Guinness Pie.


Swanky Bars and Lounges

For those looking for a sophisticated, chic atmosphere, there's no shortage of options either. Fairmont Chateau Whistler is not only one of the best places to stay in town, but it hosts the Mallard Lounge offering a cozy log fire and stunning mountain views enjoyed with a fantastic range of signature cocktails and other drinks. Live music is often hosted here too. Or, head to Fifty Two 80 at the Four Seasons Resort. Named for Blackcomb Mountain's vertical, it's considered the top spot for indulging in martinis.

For something particularly unique, the Ketel One Vodka Ice Room at Bearfoot Bistro serves some 50 vodkas from around the world, including some that are distilled from hemp seeds. But what makes it a standout is its tasting room. It's the coldest vodka tasting room on the planet with temperatures a steady 25 degrees below zero. You will get a Canada goose-down parka to ward off the chill and the vodka tasting is sure to add to the warmth as you learn all about the process of filtration and distillation as well as how it affects the flavor profiles of the finished products.


Lively Clubs

Whistler offers lots of places to drink and dance the night away with many trendy nightclubs. DJs like to come for the opportunity to play more intimate gigs while enjoying a break from the big city and big-name bands occasionally hit the stage too. Unlike clubs in major cities, there's more of a casual atmosphere with sky-high heels generally not the norm. There are plenty of themed and costume parties hosted throughout the year if you're looking to get dressed up.

Moe Joe's offers very popular Disco Nights with psychedelic décor, glow sticks, and lasers that have been taking place for more than two decades. The Sunday Glow Party, funk and soul nights, and Recovery Monday with happy hour lasting until 11 pm, all provide a fun time out. Garfinke's draws a 20s and 30s crowd with large weekly après parties. Thursday is locals' night while Friday features champagne and Saturday provides the chance to dance the night away. Or head to Tommy Africa's to dance to top 40 tunes and hip-hop until the wee hours of the morning.

Monday, December 20, 2021

BDO plans issuance of ASEAN Sustainability Bonds to be issued off its PHP365 billion Bond Programme

Are you planning to make more investments this 2022? 
If yes, you might want to consider investing in bonds. 



BDO Unibank, Inc. (the “Bank”) plans to issue Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 Billion as its third issuance off its PHP365 billion Bond Programme. The net proceeds of the issue are intended to be used to diversify the Bank’s funding sources, and finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. This is the first time that the Bank will be issuing a Peso-denominated Sustainability Bond to both institutional and retail investors. The Bank had previously issued a USD150 million green bond in 2017, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as the sole investor. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier confirmed the qualification of the issue as an ASEAN Sustainability Bond, having complied with requirements under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular.


The proposed issuance has an indicative tenor of two (2) years and a minimum investment amount of PHP500,000, with additional increments of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will be from January 10 to 21, 2022, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on January 28, 2022.

The Bank reserves the right to update the terms and the timing of the issuance (as appropriate).

Standard Chartered Bank is the Sole Arranger of the proposed issuance, while BDO Unibank, Inc, BDO Private Bank, Inc., and Standard Chartered Bank are the Selling Agents of the proposed issuance. BDO Capital & Investment Corporation is the Financial Advisor of the proposed issuance.



THE BONDS ARE SECURITIES EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 9.1(e) OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (“SRC”) AND AS SUCH WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SRC.

THE FOREGOING IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO INVEST IN THE BONDS NOR AN OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF BDO TO ISSUE THE BONDS OR THE ARRANGER AND SELLING AGENTS TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER. THE ABOVE INFORMATION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR EXHAUSTIVE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR FOR THE OFFER IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE BONDS WILL ONLY BE SOLD DURING THE OFFER PERIOD STATED ABOVE.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Say hello to clear, blemish-free skin with Seoul White's Anti-Acne sets available on Shopee Beauty!

2022 is just around the corner and it's time to make our new year's resolutions and set new goals! 

Since self-love has been a big word this year -- why don't see start with our skincare routine. Say hello to clear, blemish-free skin with Seoul White's Anti-Acne sets available on Shopee Beauty! 

From hair care to makeup, Shopee Beauty has all your makeup and skincare needs! Enjoy the most exclusive deals up to 90% off, new launches, and exciting offers fit from various brands for every makeup & skincare haul--only from Shopee Beauty!



Seoul White Korea AT HOME ANTI-ACNE FACIAL SET FREE 6 x Gifts worth P372

Anti-Acne Self Care At-Home, Score clear, blemish-free skin at home with this face-saving set that deeply cleans the skin, removes dirt & oil, and while leaving skin healthy and glowing.

Click here to order


What's inside?

  • Seoul White Korea BYE BYE ACNE Pimple-fighting whip soap FREE 6pc Pimple Patch
  • Seoul White Korea BYE BYE ACNE AHA BHA PHA serum toner
  • Seoul White Korea GLOW JELLY Soothing Gel
  • 5x Seoul White Korea INSTANT WHITE Tone Up Whitening MIlky Cream Sachet
  • BYE BYE ACNE Black Head Extractor

What do they say about the product?

  • After a few days of using it, I already saw visible changes on my face.
  • The blackhead remover works well. The suction is powerful. 
  • Been using it for 6 months and I like the result on my skin. No allergic reactions. 

Seoul White Korea YOUR ACNE STARTER KIT SET

Say annyeong to clear, blemish-free skin with Seoul White Korea’s breakthrough range designed to treat acne fast while keeping you protected from future breakouts. A complete skincare lineup, it features a powerhouse blend of cica extract, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid to gently soothe, nourish, and refresh oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin—for bright and clear beauty like no other. Our formulas are clinically-proven, technology-driven and designed to nurture (not strip) your skin to help you achieve your healthiest skin.



What's inside?

  • 1 x Seoul White Korea BYE BYE ACNE AHA BHA PHA serum toner
  • 1 x Seoul White Korea BYE BYE ACNE Pimple-fighting whip soap 
  • FREE 6pc Pimple Patch
What do they say about the product?

  • It is mild yet effective. 
  • It dries my pimples but it still provides moisture on my skin

Seoul White Korea WHIP IT! Whip Soap 120g FREE 5 x INSTANT WHITE Tone Up Cream Sachet 3g

With an ultra-soft net that whips a soft and airy form, this whip soap deeply cleanses the skin and brightens and evens out the skin tone for a glowing, K-Bright skin.



What do they say about the product?

  • No sticky feeling. 


Seoul White Korea INSTANT WHITE Tone Up Cream Sachet 3g 10 + 15 FREE

The best Korean moisturizer in the local market, Seoul White Korea’s Instant White, Tone-Up Whitening Milky Cream packs all three potent ingredients (bearberry arbutin, white strawberry, and donkey milk) in a lightweight, instant whitening/lightening cream that brightens as its moisturizes skin."




What do they say about the product?

  • I really love the instant white effect. 

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Shopee Ends the Year on a Festive Note with K-Pop Stars “Tomorrow X Together” and Over ₱12 Million Worth of Prizes at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale TV Special

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, invites everyone to enjoy a festive night of big giveaways and exciting performances at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale TV Special this December 12, 10:30 PM-12:30 AM on GMA-7 and Shopee Live. 


Viewers can win over ₱12 million worth of prizes, including motorcycles and a brand-new car, and enjoy special numbers from rising K-Pop act Tomorrow X Together. Meanwhile, shoppers can save on their holiday purchases with free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.


Here are the highlights of the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale TV Special:


Over ₱12 million worth of prizes to win

● Two Shopee Shake players get to win ₱300,000 and three Honda Click 150i motorcycles each, while two more get ₱300,000 and three Honda Supra GTR150 motorcycles each. During the fifth Shopee Shake session, several players get to share a ₱1 million coin pool, and one player also gets a brand-new MG 5 Core from Morris Garages Philippines.

● One lucky Shopee Milyonaryo winner gets to take home ₱1 million in cash.


The hottest local and international celebrities



K-Pop fans should stay tuned to enjoy performances from South Korean boyband Tomorrow X Together. Viewers can also catch local celebrities and performers such as Jessy Mendiola, Ysabel Ortega, Kate Valdez, Rayver Cruz, Julie Anne San Jose, Bianca Umali, Michael V, Ben & Ben, Ariella Arida, Max Collins, Arra San Agustin, Derrick Monasterio, Bugoy Drilon, Kris Lawrence, and Michael Pangilinan. Up-and-coming local artist geiko will also perform her new single, “Oh no I’m on Shopee again.” Shopee brand ambassadors Dingdong Dantes and Jose Mari Chan, together with TV Special host and fellow ambassador Willie Revillame, will join the fun as well.


Limited-time flash deals

During the show, shoppers can enjoy exclusive deals and discounts, available in few quantities for a limited time only, from trusted telco, electronics, and food brands such as Dito Telecommunity, Abbott, McDonald's, Enfagrow, Garnier, Huawei, Potato Corner, Bonchon, Candy Corner, Wendy's, and Gong Cha.


Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Filipinos can end the year with the biggest discounts and promotions such as free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily at the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee’s biggest sale of the year.

For a chance to win ₱10,000 in cash, users can join Shopee’s #PaskongShopeeFam raffle. Until December 12, participants should save the #PaskongShopeeFam template from Shopee’s official Facebook page, add their family photo and last name, and upload their entry to this link: https://woobox.com/fq28ih. They can also post their entry on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Tiktok accounts with the hashtag #PaskongShopeeFam.

For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

Friday, December 10, 2021

BDO Network Bank, tuloy ang suporta sa MSMEs sa pagsulong ng ekonomiya



Dahil sa tulong ng BDONB Kabuhayan Loan, natuloy ang planong business expansion ni Virgilio De Guzman. 
Bukod sa chicharon, nagbebenta na rin siya ng plasticware at soap products sa kaniyang tindahan. 


Sa kabila ng matinding epekto ng pandemya, ang micro-SMEs (MSMEs) pa rin ang nanatiling taga-sulong ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Kaya patuloy lang ang suporta ng BDO Network Bank (BDONB) upang masiguro na hindi titigil ang kanilang business operation.


“Ang BDO Network Bank ay committed sa pagtulong sa mga MSME dahil importante ang kanilang pag-unlad hindi lamang sa kanilang negosyo, pati na rin sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa nakakarami sa komunidad,” ani BDONB senior vice president at MSME Group Head Karen Cua.


Ang BDONB ay community bank ng BDO Unibank na nagbibigay serbisyo sa mga taong nasa malalayong lugar at hindi naabot o hindi sapat ang serbisyong nakukuha mula sa regular na bangko.


Ang MSMEs ang nagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya ng komunidad dahil sa kanila nagmumula ang pangkabuhayan ng lokal na mamamayan, pati na rin ang mga mahahalagang produkto at serbisyo, paliwanag ni Cua.


Ayon sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ang MSMEs ay 99.5% ng mga negosyo sa buong bansa, kung saan 62.4% ng mga trabaho ang nanggaling sa kanila. Ang datos na ito ang nagpapatunay kung bakit kailangan nila ng suportang pinansyal para maipagpatuloy ang negosyo.


Katatagan sa gitna ng pagsubok

Ayon kay Cua, ang mga MSME ay kilala sa pagiging matatag lalo na ngayong pandemya at matiyaga sa pagpapatakbo ng negosyo para masuportahan ang pamilya at ang komunidad.


“Ang mga essential businesses ay nag-adapt sa new normal at sinimulan ang pagbebenta ng kanilang produkto at serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng online selling o streaming, habang ang mga non-essential businesses naman ay nag-shift sa pagbebenta ng essential goods and services,” dagdag pa nya.


Kasama sa pag-unlad

Bilang ka-partner ng mga MSME sa paglago ng kanilang negosyo, ang BDONB ay nagbibigay ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng Kabuhayan Loan. Ito ay maaaring gamitin na pandagdag puhunan para sa pagbili ng additional stocks, sa pagpapalaki ng negosyo at sa pagbili ng mga gamit tulad ng delivery trucks at iba pang mga equipment.


Paliwanag ni Cua, mabilis at simple lamang ang application process ng Kabuhayan Loan at ito ay nagpapautang ng hanggang P1 million. Bukod dito, ang Kabuhayan Loan ay may abot-kayang monthly installment options at nagbibigay ng mga karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa financial management upang ma-maximize ang kapital ng mga negosyante.


Ilan sa mga napiling borrowers ng BDONB ngayon taon ang nabigyan ng BDONB ng free insurance coverage at Kabuhayan Package mula sa SM Appliance at SM Supermarket.


Para sa iba pang mga impormasyon tungkol sa produkto at serbisyo ng BDONB, bisitahin ang www.bdonetworkbank.com.ph o ang official facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH.

How to avail Shopee's Frontliner Holiday Package

After launching Frontliner Package and Fully-Vaxxed Package earlier this year, Shopee launches a new digital bundle just in time to spread joy and cheer this coming holiday season with Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package.


Starting today until January 9, 2022, our everyday heroes can avail of the exclusive digital package that includes Shopee discount and free shipping vouchers, ShopeePay Bills Cashback vouchers, and discounts from Ultramega Supermarket, Shawarma Shack, Moonleaf, Tapa King, and National Book Store*. Eligible beneficiaries include:

  • Health Care Workers (Hospital admin and janitorial services, Health and service personnel in LGU facilities)
  • Medical Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Medical Technicians)
  • Policemen and Military Personnel
  • Coast Guards
  • Hospitality Sector Workers (Restaurants, Hotels, Bars, Travel Agencies)
  • Government Agencies (LGU workers, admin staff)
  • Delivery and Logistics Providers (Food, restaurant, medicine, logistics company drivers and riders)
  • Security Guards
  • Mortuary Services Personnel

The brand vouchers included in the package are from ShopeePay and users can redeem these vouchers via ShopeePay’s Scan to Pay feature at the brand’s stores. Eligible individuals who are not yet on Shopee can also create an account by downloading the Shopee App from Google Play or the App Store to sign up for the package and receive an additional discount and free shipping vouchers.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As we welcome this season of hope and gratitude, Shopee and its partner brands continue to support frontliners by offering exclusive vouchers they can use to enjoy the holidays. We are inspired by the number of frontliners who enjoyed the first two iterations of this package, and we added in industries like the hospitality sector, which have been integral in the country's economic recovery efforts. With the new year ahead, Shopee will push for more initiatives that will benefit not only our frontliners but the Filipinos community as well.”

Starting today, frontliners can avail of the bundle by signing up on the Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package microsite in the Shopee App. Users can also check out the link here https://shp.ee/h957tu5.


1. Sign up and upload a valid PRC license or company ID through the link found on the Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package microsite

2. Wait for Shopee to approve your application

3. Once verified, Shopee will notify you that your application has been accepted and will preload the package vouchers to your account (note: New Users will receive additional vouchers as part of the package)

4. Enjoy your Shopee Bayanihan: Frontliner Holiday Package vouchers




Thursday, December 9, 2021

Moms Overcome "Nutri-problems" for their Kids by Giving Them “Lakas at Talas”

Nutrition has always been a pressing issue, especially now when families are becoming more vulnerable to health and economic problems. During these trying times, the resiliency shown by moms has inspired the Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink team in conducting a survey to better understand their nutrition needs and issues encountered by their families during the pandemic.



The survey was conducted among members of the MOMs of Alaska (MOMAs) Facebook community, a group for moms who are dedicated to providing their children proper nutrition. And while providing nutrition remains one of their priorities, the survey has found that it has taken a back seat to more urgent concerns like supporting the family’s finances, budgeting limited earnings for food, health, and safety necessities, juggling family responsibilities, and the like.


The survey received responses from nearly 300 moms from different walks of life such as housewives, call center agents, online sellers, teachers, vendors, and many more. The majority of the respondents shared that budgeting concerns regarding groceries, health essentials, and bills have made it harder to provide nutrition for their families. Half of the respondents have struggled with losing their jobs and a fifth of them struggle with balancing their family responsibilities.


In these trying times, Jenevev, a street food vendor and mother of two described her priorities. “Kahit na sa panahon ng pandemya, dapat hindi kaligtaan ang kalusugan ng pamilya. Kaya sinisigurado ko po na palaging wasto ang sustansyang nakukuha ng mga anak ko” (“Even during the pandemic, we shouldn’t neglect our family’s health. That’s why I make sure that my children receive the nutrition they need”), Jenevev shared.


She isn't the only one from the MOMAs community that feels this way. In these exceptional circumstances, Jonalene, a housewife and mother of two struggles to provide sufficient nutrition for her children due to a lack of financial capability.


“Kahit mahirap i-budget ang PHP 100 a day, sinusubukan ko pa din bigyan ang mga anak ko ng masusustansyang pagkain tulad ng gulay. Simpleng ginisang gulay ay ayos na” (“Even though it’s difficult to budget PHP 100 a day, I still try to find ways to give my children healthy food like vegetables. A simple stir-fried vegetable dish is enough”), says Jonalene.


Most of the respondents agree with this sentiment. Out of the 94% of respondents who consider providing proper nutrition for their families a top priority, 66.3% don’t have the means to afford the nutritional meals they aspire for. On top of these problems, the pandemic continues to change the lifestyles and consumer habits of families everywhere. 81.3% of respondents prioritize pandemic essentials like face masks and alcohol in their spending over other products, making it even harder for moms to allocate time and budget for nutrition.


Regardless of these challenges, moms want their children to be healthy and grow properly, understanding how vital it is to take care of their health in today's world. As moms, they always want what’s best for their kids, giving their all to nurture and nourish them, and providing them with the proper guidance to live a healthy life. As a result, moms are finding ways to put their children's health and development first.



Moms from the MOMAs community try their best to create a healthy environment at home. More than half of the respondents (68.2%) have made it a habit to prepare nutritious meals within their budget, while others (66.3%) have started doing family exercises together. And luckily, more moms (79.8%) have found a way to solve their nutri-problems by buying affordable nutritional drinks like milk to help give their children the added nutrition they need on top of healthy meals.


Arlene, an online working mom of two from the MOMAs community, shared, “Bilang ina, lagi kong inuuna ang wastong nutrisyon para sa aking mga anak, kaya parte ng araw-araw naming pamumuhay ang pagbibigay ng masustansyang pagkain at pagpapainom ng mga bitamina na may iba’t-ibang benipisyo para sa nutrisyon. Kaya naman malaking tulong ang affordable na gatas tulad ng Alaska na may maraming nutrients at benefits para sa kalusugan ng mga anak ko” (“As a mom, I always prioritize providing proper nutrition to my children, so part of what I do for them is giving healthy food and vitamins with many nutritional benefits. This is why affordable milk like Alaska is a big help to me, as it is filled with nutrients and health benefits for my kids”).


Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink has been continuously nourishing Filipino families, and with the findings from this survey and the determination shown by moms all over the country to provide what’s best for their children, the brand aims to bring nutrition even closer to every Filipino.


The survey has made it clear that children’s health and nutrition is a concern that has become more pronounced with the pandemic. In line with its mission to make quality nutrition more affordable, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink wants to continue providing “Alagang Alaska” and nourishing every Filipino family to help them through these trying times.


To assist moms in providing nutrition to their families, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink is launching its most affordable pack to date, with “Lakas at Talas” benefits to help with body and brain development. The Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink “Super Sulit Pack” is available at 300g for PHP 70 and contains protein, calcium, and vitamin D for “lakas” which helps with healthy body development, and choline and iodine for “talas” which helps with brain development and growth. Paired with a healthy and well-balanced morning meal, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink provides nourishment in a delicious drink that kids can enjoy during breakfast.



With the launch of the ‘Super Sulit Pack’, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink shows its commitment to providing affordable yet quality nutrition to Filipino families. For just the price of PHP 70, Alaska continues to nourish our children through a tasty and nutritious drink in the morning.


Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink is available in Shopee, Lazada, leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide, and is even more affordable with the 300g “Super Sulit Pack” for only Php 70 SRP. For more information on Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.facebook.com/alaskamilkph.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Gadget Review: Samsung Galaxy AO3s

Are looking for a nice gift for your family or friends this Christmas?
Perhaps a user-friendly smartphone for your kids or grandparents?
Are you looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a good camera and longer battery life?

Then, the new Samsung Galaxy AO3s is for you.



What are the features of this smartphone?
  • The Samsung Galaxy AO3s has a 6.5" Infinity-V Display on 720 x 1600 (HD+) 
  • It runs on the latest Android 11
  • This unit has 4GB RAM with 32/ 64GB Internal mass storage, expandable up to 1TB
  • It has a dual nano sim slot, the network connectivity is up to 4G LTE
  • It has a built-in 5000 mAh battery. This provides the user a longer battery life despite multiple active applications
But what makes it different from the older Samsung models?
  • The Samsung A03s now has a 13Mega Pixel rear TRIPLE cam which includes the additional 2MP Depth camera that lets you adjust the depth of field in your photos. This can help you easily fine-tune the background blur behind your subject allowing you to take better photos. 
  • It is has a fingerprint/ power button mounted on the side of the phone which I find more comfortable to use. 
  • It is also lighter compared with the other budget smartphones. The Samsung A02s weighs 196 grams only while Samsung M12 and Samsung A02 weigh 212g and 206g respectively. The difference in weight may seem small and insignificant but if you use your phone all the time then you can actually feel the difference. 
Should I buy the Samsung A03s?

Given this price point, having 4GB RAM makes the Samsung A03s a smart choice. This will ensure a smoother user experience with no lags or unresponsive apps. Though it's not for hardcore gaming, it ran smoothly when we tried playing games such as mobile legends and call of duty.

The triple camera with additional settings such as PRO, Food, Panoramic, and Hyperlapse mode will allow you to enjoy and capture precious moments using this phone. 

Here are some sample shots: 




As you can see even the small details and the texture are captured well. 

If you are thinking of getting this for your grandparents or for someone who is not so techie, the Samsung A03s is very user-friendly and it already comes with pre-installed apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Messenger, LinkedIn, Spotify, Netflix, YouTube, Internet browser, and many more. 

If you are planning to get a new phone for your kids, then you'll love the Parental Control feature. This helps you protect your kids from inappropriate content and excessive usage. 

By simply setting up the Parental Control through Google's Family Link, you can supervise your kid's phone remotely, set a screen time limit, and add restrictions to google services like apps approvals or content filters on Google Play.

So to answer your question - YES, the Samsung A03s is worth buying. :) 

Anyway, you can watch the full video review here

Friday, December 3, 2021

List of Stephen King, Rick Riordan, and George R.R. Martin's Books Available in Big Bad Wolf

We're happy that the Big Bad Wolf is finally back! Despite the unfortunate experience of delayed shipment and deliveries during their previous sale, we can't deny that they still have the best deals and offers when it comes to brand new books. 


A few days ago, I tried to order books from them and was so happy to receive my books in 3 days (including the weekend.) This is actually pretty impressive if you have a provincial address. The only con that we observed during the ordering process is that you can't easily search by author. 

But don't worry - we did the research for you, and here's the list of available books from our favorite authors in the Big Bad Wolf flagship store. 


Please note that availability may be subject to change without future notice. Just keep visiting this post and we will try to update this regularly. To order, just click the title of the book. 

Stephen King

George R.R. Martin

Hope this helps! Don't forget to share this post and help a fellow bookworm. 

Friday, November 26, 2021

How Samsung Protects Your Smartphones from Cyberattacks

The smartphone has become the center of how we work, live, and play. For many, it has even become the only thing that we bring out of the home, replacing our laptops, wallets, and even house keys.

While we are generally more mindful today of the dangers posed by hackers to our laptops and computers, we also need to recognize that smartphones are prone to cyberattacks as well. Hackers go where the crowds are and right now, that’s mobile devices.

This is why the scam messages and SMS from unknown senders these past few weeks are truly alarming and that’s why it’s never been more important to stay safe. The good news -- Samsung is constantly innovating to protect you and your data against emerging threats.



The billions of smartphones around the world are filled with sensitive personal and business data, providing infinite opportunities for hackers to steal and sell private information. In fact, cybersecurity firm IronNet reported that cyberattacks have increased 168% between May 2020 and May 2021, with attacks on smartphones becoming one of the biggest cybersecurity threats in the Asia Pacific region.

Samsung is committed to keeping users safe and secure, with Samsung Knox providing true end-to-end protection throughout the entire lifecycle of your device. In this article, we explore five potential cyberattack scenarios that could happen when the safety of your device is compromised – and explain how Samsung Knox protects you from these threats, in line with our ethos of placing security at the heart of every decision we make.


Cyberattack Scenario 1: Unauthorized backdoor access

Outside of Samsung, developers routinely create software ‘backdoors’ for apps and even mobile OSes so that they can gain easy access for troubleshooting purposes. However, hackers are able to discover these backdoors, which usually bypass any or all cybersecurity measures on the device in question.

To prevent unauthorized backdoor access, do not download unofficial or unauthorized apps. Downloading software other than what the manufacturer originally installed to gain full access to the device’s operating system could also introduce malware or spyware that leads to unauthorized backdoor access.

How Samsung protects you against this threat: At Samsung, we design, create, and validate every computer chip, every piece of wiring, and every hardware component before using them to manufacture our smart devices in highly secure factories around the world. This chip-up approach gives us control over design, manufacturing, and assembly, ensuring a secure supply chain that prevents unauthorized backdoor access in our devices – resulting in an end product that our users can trust completely.


Cyberattack Scenario 2: Compromised, weak, or re-used passwords

As users continue to create new accounts for digital services, ranging from telehealth services to new ride-hailing and e-commerce platforms, they provide more avenues for hackers to exploit.

An August 2021 survey from IBM found, 86% of consumers in the Asia Pacific admit that they re-use the same credentials across multiple online accounts. This is a poor data privacy habit – just one attack could leave a user’s entire internet footprint vulnerable to hackers.

How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung’s devices are equipped with innovative biometric authentication technology, such as Ultrasonic Fingerprint so that access to your data can be protected even if your device is lost or stolen. Known as Samsung Pass, this biometric authentication tool also lets users easily access log-in credentials without the need to remember countless usernames and passwords. To take data protection to the next level, we have also equipped our devices with Knox Vault, a secure processor that operates independently from the main CPU. Knox Vault securely isolates your biometrics data from the rest of your phone, so no one can get their hands on your data.


Cyberattack Scenario 3: Free Wi-Fi may not be so free after all

Free Wi-Fi hotspots are a boon for everyone who needs access to the Internet on their mobile devices for work or play. However, public Wi-Fi services provide an opportunity for hackers to steal data, as the data that you send across the web – such as credit card information for online purchases – might first pass through the hands of a hacker via a public Wi-Fi network.



How Samsung protects you against this threat: For everyday browsing and internet usage, Secure Wi-Fi encrypts outgoing internet traffic and disables tracking apps and websites. It allows you to browse the internet safely on public wireless connections without fear of security breaches.


Cyberattack Scenario 4: Phishing attacks compromising sensitive data

Phishing is a type of attack in which cybercriminals trick victims into handing over sensitive information or installing malware, disguised as links, attachments, or even legitimate apps, on their devices.

Once hackers have access to your sensitive information, they could use it to demand a ransom from you, steal your personal information, carry out other vices, or make purchases with your credit card information, for instance.

How Samsung protects you against this threat: Device Protection in Samsung Device Care continuously scans your device for malware or suspicious activity and alerts you when you mistakenly install malicious apps through detection via the McAfee protection.

Additionally, the Samsung Secure Folder keeps data secure and isolates problematic apps within the folder to keep apps away from users’ personal information.




Meanwhile, when you’re purchasing with Samsung Pay on your mobile device, your card information is encrypted and completely isolated to protect it at all times.



Cyberattack Scenario 5: Zero-day vulnerability

As hackers and cyber attackers are constantly trying to hack into devices, they are always on the lookout for zero-day vulnerabilities. A zero-day vulnerability is a vulnerability in a system or device that has been discovered but is not yet patched. This can be particularly dangerous as cybercriminals target the flaws in a system before developers or the public are aware it even exists.


How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung Knox offers real-time protection, always actively protecting your devices against data attacks or malware. This means that unauthorized attempts to access or modify your phone’s core is blocked in real-time.

When users reboot their Samsung smartphone, Secure Boot is activated to detect any unauthorized software and block attempts to compromise the device through multi-layered, defense-grade security. If the smartphone is booted in an unapproved state, Samsung Knox will automatically lock up apps containing sensitive data such as Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, or Samsung Health.


Looking ahead to a more secure future

The smartphone has become a key part of our digital lives, whether from home, in the classroom, or even in the office. With new cyber-threat vectors continuously putting us at risk, we need to stay vigilant and play an active role in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe in this digital world.

Security does not just stop at smartphones for Samsung, as Knox protection also extends to the smart appliances in Samsung’s portfolio for an additional layer of protection. This means that your Samsung smart appliances are protected and secured, whether you are mirroring the video you are watching on your Galaxy device with the SmartView app to the screen on your Family Hub™ or using the AI function on your AI EcoBubble washing machine to calibrate optimal wash settings.

As a Samsung user, you can be assured that you have a digital partner committed to world-class security and privacy standards – keeping you safe while you work, study, and play.

To know more about how Samsung Knox protects your devices from cyberattacks, watch Samsung Knox: Collective Protection or read it at samsung.com/ph/news/local/how-samsung-protects-your-smartphones-from-cyberattacks/