BDO Reminds Clients to Ignore and Delete “Deactivation” Emails

Happy Singles Day! Are you done shopping? I am so happy and excited as there are so many great deals and offers available. Honestly, it's so hard to resist when you can complete your purchases with just a few clicks. 

Anyway, as we make more digital and online transactions, we'd like to encourage you to be responsible and careful as well. 

BDO Unibank reminds clients that they will NEVER send a warning message about account deactivation as banks do not deactivate accounts via email, text, or call. Moreover, they will never urge clients to click on links that lead to websites asking for personal information to verify their identity and prevent account deactivation.

BDO continues to advise its clients to do the following steps to outsmart scam messages:

Check the email sender’s address. Scammers can change the sender name but not the email address. If the email sender’s address doesn’t end with @bdo.com.ph, it’s a scam email.

Double-check a link before clicking on it. Using a computer, clients can point their mouse cursor at the link to reveal the website address. Using a mobile device, clients can “long press” a link to see a preview of the web page it goes to. Remember, BDO will never send links to a web page asking for confidential information.

Be wary of the message. Scammers alarm clients by informing them of an unauthorized transaction using their bank account. They will include details such as the total amount as well as the date and place of purchase. BDO assures clients that it will never send this kind of message via text message and email.

BDO encourages clients to report suspicious incidents to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph or get in touch with its representatives by logging in Messenger and looking for BDO Customer Care with the blue verified checkmark from Facebook. Clients may also call its hotline at 8631-8000 or email BDO at customercare@bdo.com.ph.

Shopee Launches 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, its Biggest Sale of the Year, with Unbeatable deals and Nonstop Fun

The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale becomes the ultimate holiday shopping destination with promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, 10% off daily vouchers, and giveaways worth over ₱12,000,000

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, kicks off its annual 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, the most anticipated shopping festival in the region. The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale headlines a year where more people and businesses use the platform to connect with each other. In fact, the number of sellers and brands on Shopee surged by 60% in 2021, while 1 in 3 shoppers at its recent 9.9 event was new to the platform.

The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, which ushers in the year’s busiest shopping season, presents Shopee’s greatest selection of deals, fun, and entertainment for everyone. To add to the festive mood, users can look forward to the widest variety of discounted products from over 25 categories and unbeatable promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 10% off daily. With such an irresistible line-up, the number of new buyers on Shopee is expected to peak further during 11.11. Brands and local MSMEs stand to benefit from the increased traffic, supercharging business growth and scaling their online presence.

International superstar Jackie Chan also returns with a fun commercial for the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. After his 9.9 commercial met with viral success by garnering 435 million views online, the action-packed sequel sparked excitement for all users as well. Fans can catch the commercial here: https://shp.ee/64cba9b

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Christmas holds a special place in Filipinos’ hearts. During this season of giving, Shopee Philippines hopes to make this year’s festivities even more memorable for both our users and sellers. As the holidays approach, we aim to bring more joy to shoppers and help them save more on things they love by curating the best deals. We’ve also pioneered efforts to expand our digital ecosystem to help more consumers, businesses, and communities access and benefit from e-commerce. We invite everyone to join us in making this the biggest and most impactful 11.11.”

1. Biggest growth opportunities for businesses

The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will act as a springboard to accelerate growth for businesses on Shopee. In 2021, more than 8 million new local shops opened on Shopee. With a growing base of shoppers and more marketing tools provided by Shopee, 11.11 will give brands and MSMEs greater visibility to maximize demand. Businesses with an offline presence can also participate in 11.11 through ShopeePay and Shopee’s digital products feature.

• Exclusive deals from leading brands on Shopee Mall: Shoppers can look forward to exclusive deals from top brands such as Xiaomi, POCO, realme, Samsung, Nokia, Vivo, DJI, PerySmith, Deerma, Coocaa Home, and Bata Philippines.

• More offline deals from brands: Brands also stand to generate more in-store traffic through promotions from ShopeePay. Users can turn to ‘Deals Near Me’ to check for special in-store deals from brands such as Puregold, National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Power Mac Center, The Generics Pharmacy, Family Mart, Lawson, Olympic Village, Shoe Salon, Potato Corner, Mary Grace, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Siomai House, and Fruitas Group of Companies.

 

2. Upsized variety, deals, and entertainment for the holidays

Shopee is committed to helping more shoppers access the benefits of e-commerce, especially during the busiest shopping time of the year. To encourage more people to try shopping online, Shopee introduced initiatives such as special welcome gifts and vouchers for new shoppers, with over 5 million welcome gifts across the region redeemed since the start of the year. Throughout 11.11, shoppers can look forward to an unbeatable range of more rewards and deals: 

• Rewards for first-time shoppers: As they start their e-commerce journey, new and first-time Shopee users can look forward to a free welcome package, bills cashback, free shipping, 100% off vouchers, and ₱1 deals with their first purchase. 

• Gift guides for easy holiday shopping: Users can enjoy a quick and easy holiday shopping experience with Shopee’s Christmas in our Carts gift guides. They can get discounts up to 90% off on a wide range of branded gifts and bundles, from the latest gadgets to luxurious personal care items. They can also check out Shopee Mall for 10% off Mall vouchers, special deals on holiday gifts, and vouchers from their favorite brands.  

• Bigger deals across different categories: Shoppers can discover the best deals on everything they need at 11.11 Big Sale. Highlights include 1-for-1 Deals, Early Platform Voucher Hunt, and Mega Midnight Sale, covering the widest range of product categories. They can also look out for themed sales such as the Big Sports & Outdoors Sale on November 4, Big Fashion Sale on November 5, Big Groceries & Pet Care Sale on November 6, Big Mommy & Babies Sale on November 7, Big Shopee Mall Sale on November 8, Big Electronics Sale on November 9, and Big Vouchers Sale on November 10.  

• Exclusive Shopee Mall discounts from the biggest roster of brands: At the 11.11 Midnight Mall Exclusive Sale from 12MN to 2AM, shoppers can enjoy huge price drops and exclusive bundle deals. Throughout the sale, brand sukis can also enjoy discounts up to 90% off on leading brands in the country:  

• Secure and convenient shopping with ShopeePay: Users can shop with greater security and enjoy better deals when they pay with ShopeePay. They can also now enjoy a free, instant, and more convenient way to cash in from their bank apps via InstaPay. Until November 7, users can cash in via InstaPay and get up to ₱25 cashback. 

The 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will also spark more joy with the big finale on November 11:

 

 

• 11.11 Big Christmas Sale TV Special: NCT 127, one of today’s hottest K-pop boy bands, will delight Filipino audiences with their chart-topping hits at the 11.11 TV show on November 11, 9:30-11:30pm on GMA 7 and Shopee Live. Filipinos can also look forward to appearances from top local celebrities such as Jessy Mendiola, Aira Bermudez, Rocco Nacino, Klea Pineda, Andre Paras, and Gil Cuerva. Lastly, viewers stand a chance to win prizes and giveaways worth over  ₱12,000,000, including two new house & lots and a brand-new car.

For more information about Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale.

 

#NeverForget: How to Take Care of your Brain and Memory

Ever since I have read the novel, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, one of my greatest fears is the loss of memory. If you are not familiar with the book or the movie,  The Notebook depicts Allie (one of the main characters) as having complete memory loss of her past. She suffers from Alzheimer's dementia which is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure and it gradually worsens over time. 

Sometimes I can't help to think that everyday we are all trying to be the best version of ourselves, live life to the fullest, and be with our loved ones, but what if one day we forget everything? What if we suddenly can't recognize our family and friends anymore? What if we don't even know who we are or we can't even recall our name? 

Honestly, these thoughts scare me. The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease aren't fully determined and as mentioned there is no cure; thus, it is important that we take care of our brain and memory. 

Here are four (4) practical tips that can help take care of our brain and memory:

1. Eat Right 

Having the proper nutrition is important in keeping our brains healthy. Experts recommend eating oily fish rich in Omega-3 such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines since these can help improve the neurons in our brain and provide better cognition abilities. 

Eggs are also a good source of choline which is known to help reduce inflammation and help promote brain functions such as maintaining memory. 

If you are a chocolate lover like me, you are in for a treat since dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants which is also important for brain health.

Berries, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are also found beneficial for brain health and functions. Fruits and vegetables such as avocado, kale, and broccoli are also said to be good for the brain. 

Aside from these recommendations, we should also learn to stay away from food that is considered harmful. This includes sugary drinks, highly processed food, instant noodles, microwave popcorn, aspartame (which is usually present in chewing gums), and of course, alcohol.

2. Exercise 

Exercise such as walking, running, or swimming is highly recommended to keep your brain healthy. These aerobic exercises can help increase a person's heart rate which means that the body will pump more blood/ oxygen to the brain. 

Experts also say that exercise can help increase our focus as well as help sharpen our minds.

3. Sleep 

Studies show that sleep deprivation and memory loss are closely related since sleep is crucial in consolidating memory. This means that without sleep, one will have a hard time making a memory "stick." 

Lack of sleep also leads to poor focus and performance. It affects fine motor skills and even judgment. No wonder medical experts consider having quality sleep a top priority.  

If you are having problems getting one, try making a routine. Sleep and wake up at the same time each day. 

Avoid alcohol or caffeine before going to bed. 

Blue light emitted from our gadgets/ mobile phones is also said to affect our quality of sleep. Try to avoid using them before going to bed. 

4. Stay Mentally Active 

"Use your brain or else you will lose your brain."

This famous saying is quite accurate. Brain exercises are very important across all age groups. If you are not sure what brain exercises entail, these are simply activities that you can do on a daily basis such as answering puzzles, playing cards, and doing some mind games. 

The best part? You can even do this online. There are many free websites like www.solitaire.org where you can have these fun and exciting brain exercises. This has been one of my go-to websites when I have some free time or when I am not so busy and I wanted to relax. 

Aside from card games, they also have the hidden objects game - a personal favorite. 

Zuma legend which is super popular in the 90s, Mahjong and many more are also available. There are many options available that can suit your interest.  

Anyway, that's it for now! Never forget what is important to us. Let us start taking care of our brain and memory in these 4 practical ways. 

Five Ways the Realme Pad is Designed to Entertain

realme’s first-ever tablet is launching on October 21 

with an incredible deal exclusively on Shopee

realme, the country’s number one brand for smartphones, watches, and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for Q2 2021, is set to indulge the realme squad once again with an exciting new innovation to cater to their digital-driven lifestyles.

On October 21, the brand will be making its first foray into the tablet scene with the realme Pad, guaranteed to deliver an all-around no-frills tablet experience to suit every Filipino’s modern needs. It’s the brand’s latest offering as it continues to create a full-circle digital ecosystem consisting of various smart devices including smartphones, laptops, smart audio, smart home, and smartwatch products.

The realme Pad is designed to entertain Filipinos, whether it be at home or on the go, as it comes packed with a variety of features that are sure to suit the market’s digital needs.

Here we list down why the realme Pad is the ideal entertainment companion:

1) It comes with a crystal-clear immersive display.

The realme Pad is perfect for all your entertainment needs as you can enjoy binge-watching your favorite series or playing your favorite games with its 10.4-inch screen with a resolution of up to 2000x1200 delivering a clear and rich display. It also has a high screen-to-body ratio of 82.5% for a more immersive visual experience. In addition, it supports eye protection features such as low blue light protection, black and white reading mode, and dark mode, allowing you to take care of your eyes while studying or browsing through social media especially at night.

2) Its Dolby Atmos quad speakers deliver immersive audio.

Of course aside from display, your entertainment experience will not be complete without outstanding audio. The realme Pad’s audio is definitely tough to beat as it is equipped with quad speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res high quality sound certification. This means it delivers stunning bass and rich detail, giving you a cinema-like audio experience at the palm of your hands.

3) It can play videos for up to 12 hours.

Battery life is not a problem with the realme Pad as it boasts a 7100mAh super large massive battery, which supports a 65 days standby time, and users can play videos continuously for 12 hours. It also supports 18W super charging so you don’t have to worry about waiting for it to reach a full charge.

4) It’s slim, lightweight, and premium to the touch.

All these powerful features are packed in a slim and lightweight body measuring only 6.9mm thin and weighing only 440g, making it one of the slimmest and lightest tablets in its segment. With this tablet, users can easily indulge in their favorite entertainment platforms whenever and wherever, and be guaranteed comfort especially for extended periods of time. Its aluminum alloy body design also looks and feels premium, complemented by two stunning colorways: Real Grey and Real Gold.

5) It can run various apps smoothly.

When it comes to the processor, realme made sure that the tablet is capable of running apps and performing tasks with ease. The realme Pad comes equipped with a Helio G80 processor and this octa-core processor was born to game, with two A75 cores, up to 2GHz, ARM Mali-G52 GPU and support for MediaTek HyperEngine gaming technology.

Aside from entertainment, the realme Pad also lends well to online schooling, working from home, or even just connecting with loved ones with the tablet’s 8MP HD camera capable of taking clear videos. It also features a 105° ultra wide-angle letting you capture more of your surroundings when you take a selfie or attend video conferences. At the same time, realme Pad also supports Dual Mic Noise Cancellation so you'll always benefit from clear communication when video conferencing or taking online classes.

The realme Pad will be available in two sophisticated colorways: Real Gold and Real Grey, and in three storage variants: 3+32GB (SRP P10,990), 4+64GB (SRP P14,990), and 6+128GB (SRP P16,990) so you have more options to choose from depending on your lifestyle and tech needs.

Starting October 22, you can avail of the realme Pad 3+32GB with an incredible early-bird offer of P2,000 OFF (discounted price of P8,990) exclusively via the realme Official Store on Shopee! 

The Story of Grace from Both Sides of the Coin

Gratitude and kindness is the most powerful currency in the world. You might have heard stories about some passengers who suddenly get upgraded to business class during their flight. I asked a friend from the airline industry how they choose or identify passengers and she said -- "the customer was kind and grateful." 

Personally, I would be willing to extend an extra mile too for our clients and customers even if that means working late at night or during weekends. I don't even need additional compensation for the time and effort because a simple "thank you" is enough. Knowing that they appreciate what you do makes it all worth it. 

However, it is a totally different story when entitlement wins over gratitude. There are some people who do not know how to appreciate because they feel that they are entitled to 24/7 assistance or they must have 100% satisfaction because they paid. When something goes wrong, these are the type of people who go berserk and get mad because they feel they got shortchanged. They are the type of people who do not want to extend a little grace for people who commit mistakes. They feel that they own you and your soul.  

In reality, no one is perfect and many times, things won't go as planned. However, the world has a lot of more serious problems and a little compassion and grace can go a long way.

Do you remember the 90/10 principle? According to Stephen Covey, the 90–10 principle basically says that our life is 10% made of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it; thus, you have a choice on how you will react when things don't go well. 

Yesterday, I got tested by this principle as well. I made some orders online and arranged delivery via a 3rd party courier. Our house is far and delivery fees are quite expensive. 

Unfortunately, when the order arrived, I received the wrong items. Apparently, the store personnel gave the wrong plastic bag to the delivery rider. So, they are asking me to send back the wrong items and book another pick-up to get my order. This means that I had to spend a two-way booking fee aside from the initial one I paid even if it is NOT my fault. Such a waste of money, right?

However, I opted to extend a little grace and compassion to this store personnel. I know that it is not her intention to mess up. When I talked to her, she was worried. If I don't pay for the fees, this would be charged against her which would cost her more than half of her daily wage.  I am aware that it was not my fault and it is not my responsibility to pay but a little compassion can make a difference for this person. This difference may mean food for her family. I really do not know but I decided to pay for everything. 

I realized that this other person who has feelings is much more important than money. She was very helpful every time I order and I am thankful for her assistance. She may have made a mistake but it is not right that she feels "crucified" for this. I decided to put aside my disappointment. I choose to let it go and find a resolution. 

For someone who has seen both sides of the coin - an individual who had been hurt and "crucified" because of a mistake and as a customer whose order has been messed up, I am reminded of this quote from JoyBell C...

“The kindness that we receive from others in life, is also the kindness that we will want to give. The harshness that we receive from others in life, will also be the harshness that we will give. But true strength lies in seeing the harshness that we have received in life; and living in such a way so that others will never feel the same from us."

May we extend more grace and compassion to others. Let us be kind to one another. 

Thank you for reading! Let's connect via IG.

www.instagram.com/mymetrolifestyle 

3 Most In-Demand Careers in the Post-Pandemic World

While we wish for the COVID-19 pandemic to end soon, we understand that it has made lasting effects on the way we interact with other people, the way we view our health, and the way we work. As we look forward to the future, we want to be more prepared, change-adept, and resilient so that we won’t be as unaware or as helpless as to how this pandemic caught us.

The pandemic has become a tipping point for many of us to reconsider our options. Many of us ask, “Am I pursuing a career or college course that would eventually be rendered useless or obsolete?” As we now can observe, the pandemic has introduced shifts in our behavior that also created new needs and demands for governments, schools, and businesses. The shift to the new normal demands expertise that can only be filled in by new and emerging disciplines that we thought we didn’t really need a few years ago.

According to the World Economic Forum, the “job of tomorrow” is about maximizing the potential in the interaction between “humans, machines, and algorithms.” For those looking for a sensible course to take in college or for new career options, you might want to consider some of the insights here that would help you and the people around you to make significant progress in the post-pandemic world.

1. Digital Marketing

The pandemic gave all the reasons for companies to go digital, especially in their sales and marketing. According to the COVID-19 Digital Engagement Report by Twilio, the pandemic broke down the traditional barriers of getting executive buy-in, lack of clear strategy, and lack of budget to push through with their digital transformation.

With the lockdowns during the pandemic, the market has nowhere else to go but online. Accordingly, companies have nowhere else to go but where their market is. Companies that invest in their digital transformation have been more resilient during the pandemic and are poised to enjoy market preference in the long run due to their responsiveness to their customers’ needs.

The World Economic Forum projects digital marketing to be an even more relevant field in the post-pandemic economy. We will see the rise in demand for the following:

• Social Media Managers
• Content Creators
• SEO Specialists
• Website Designers and Developers
• Software and Applications Developers 

Communication, Information Design, and IT graduates are seen to benefit from the rising demand for their expertise in the current and emerging economy. While colleges and universities offer courses in Communication, Advertising, and Business, among other related fields, there are schools that offer multi-disciplinary courses that combine the traditional with emerging hybrid disciplines.

STI College, known for its IT programs, started offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Retail Technology and Consumer Science and a two-year Associate in Retail Technology in 2020. These courses were co-designed with industry experts in order to equip students with in-demand specialized skills in the areas of retail marketing, consumer psychology, information technology, and data science ― key areas that STI College believes to be the competencies for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“In the academic sector, this retail revolution has made us keenly aware of the need to equip our graduates for more lucrative job and business opportunities in retail and e-commerce. Elsewhere in the world, colleges and universities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Sweden, Ireland, South Africa, and Singapore are now offering retail management programs in line with this vision,” shares Aisa Q. Hipolito, STI Vice President for Academics.

2. Data Science and Analytics

The post-pandemic economy will be largely data-driven. While there has been an exponential increase in the demand for Data Scientists and Analysts even prior to the pandemic, the crisis itself has highlighted the relevance of data-driven strategies both for the public and private sectors. Corporate and government leaders and managers now heavily rely on data to fuel their decision-making.

In the Philippines alone, there has been a shortage of data scientists and analysts to support the growth of industries through the use of data, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, especially in the retail sector. The government, through the Department of Science and Technology, has been encouraging young Filipinos to take up data science-related courses in order to bridge the shortage of data scientists in the country.

According to iACADEMY School of Computing Dean, Mitch Andaya, “there’s an increasing demand for data scientists in virtually every industry in the Philippines. Our country produces about 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily and we need help from data scientists to make sense out of this much data.”

Most major universities in the Philippines, including Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and University of Sto. Tomas have general data science subjects at the tertiary level. However, schools such as iACADEMY offer specialized courses on data science to directly address the emerging needs of both local and international industries. iACADEMY’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science major in Data Science program was launched in 2020 to help the country cultivate more world-class professionals in software development, systems and business analysis, database administration, software testing, web development.

3. Cybersecurity

A number of business leaders forecast that remote work is here to stay even after the pandemic. With this shift, they foresee that most companies would follow suit and invest heavily in their cloud infrastructure, online collaborative tools, and e-commerce. With the conveniences ushered in by these tech enhancements, companies that migrate most of their resources online and shift to more tech-driven operations should also expect to brace for tech-related problems such as cybersecurity.

According to Forbes, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, transportation, and government are the industries that are most exposed to cyberattacks. We cannot afford data breaches and system hijacks in these industries, especially when they largely affect the safety and security of people’s lives. 

Through the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s National Cybersecurity Plan 2022, the Philippines recognizes the need for more cybersecurity experts as part of the government’s mission to “ensure public safety and welfare.” As most companies and schools are just adapting to the emerging cybersecurity needs of both local and international industries, the Philippine government encourages more young Filipinos to also consider taking ICT-related courses, which are also largely offered by ICT-specialized schools such as STI and iAcademy.

It is noticeable that the projected in-demand jobs of the future are more tech-related and focus on developments such as remote work, e-commerce, and automation. McKinsey’s study projects that more people may see the need to switch careers due to the changes in working conditions during and after the pandemic. We may be among these people who need to consider a more sustainable career path. By considering those previously mentioned, we may see ourselves more adapted to the new normal. 

Maximize Your Suweldo this Payday Sale and Save More When Paying for Bills via ShopeePay

Make the most out of your suweldo this coming payday! ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one mobile wallet, lets you save more with amazing rewards and discounts this coming October 15 at the Shopee Payday Sale. With ShopeePay, not only can you look forward to great deals and promos, but you can also enjoy a safer and more convenient payment experience when you settle your bills through the Shopee app or when you pay via ShopeePay QR for in-store purchases. Here’s what to look forward to this October 15.

Big Discounts & Cashback on Bills

Tired of waiting in line to pay your dues? This payday, users can enjoy up to ₱100 off on their bills from the following ShopeePay partner billers: Meralco, Maynilad, and Primewater for utility bills; Globe, Smart, and Sun for postpaid mobile bills. This discount also applies to landline and internet bills from PLDT, Globe at Home, and Converge; and SkyCable, Cignal, Cablelink, and Streamtech for TV cable bills. ShopeePay discount vouchers can also be used to pay for loans and credit card billers like Home Credit, Cashalo, Dragonloans, SkyPay, and RCBC.

To sweeten the deal, you can enjoy up to 50% bills cashback if it's your first time paying bills, buying load, or e-vouchers using ShopeePay!

Up to 50% Off on Mobile Load

This coming payday, users can also enjoy up to 50% off on mobile load from all networks. To add to this, they can get up to 10% coins cashback when they purchase Smart and TNT load worth ₱200 and up, and 100 coins cashback for Globe load worth ₱350. All major Philippine networks are now available on ShopeePay which include Smart, Globe, DITO, Sun, TM, and TNT, so you can always stay connected to your friends and loved ones.

₱1 Deals from ShopeePay Merchants

Apart from saving on bills and load, you can also maximize your suweldo by purchasing ShopeePay ₱1 Deals this Payday Sale. Buy ₱1 Deals via Deals Near Me on the Shopee app, and redeem your discounts when you Scan To Pay in participating stores of ShopeePay partner merchants like Bonchon, Potato Corner, Moonleaf, Plains & Prints, Tapa King, Nature Republic, Aerophone, Home Along, and Buddy's, among many others. ShopeePay has over 2,500 partner merchants with over 15,000 total branches nationwide; enabling ShopeePay users to make safe and cashless transactions in a wide variety of stores while enjoying exclusive discounts and perks.

Make sure to activate and top up your ShopeePay wallet in time for Shopee’s Payday Sale! On October 14, get a chance to win ₱15,000 when you top up a minimum amount of ₱500 in your ShopeePay Wallet and play the Scratch & Win Top Up Promo. Top up your ShopeePay wallet through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy a safe and rewarding cashless experience this Payday!

For more information about ShopeePay, and its perks and benefits, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay. 

Face Republic, now at 50% off on Shopee Beauty!

Here's your chance to get premium-quality Korean skincare products from Face Republic, now at 50% off 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!

1. Face Republic Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum | Vegan-certified 45mL

If you are having acne problems or blemishes, then we recommend this to you. This calming serum soothes troubled skin and blemishes with madecassoside and tea tree extracts. It contains Madecassoside 1,000ppm + Tea Tree Leaf Extract 5,000ppm. 

***This is suitable for sensitive skin type. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Here's what they say about the product

"I have an acne-prone face and this face serum because it cleared out some blemishes on my face in 3 days. It is not harsh to the skin and has a good fragrance." 

"I'm struggling with maskne during this pandemic and have proven that these products are effective." 

2. Face Republic Calming Acne Salicylic Cleanser | Vegan-certified 100mL

This Mild pH gel cleanser calms acne and blemishes as it gently removes dirt and excess oil. It can also help with enlarged pores. What I love about this is that it's paraben-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free. It is also suitable for all skin types. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Here's what they say about the product

"After first use, I can already notice less oiliness."

"Super love their Salicylic Acid Cleanser. Very effective for drying acne." 

3. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence | Vegan-certified 50mL

The Purity Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is your solution to a clean & mild daily sun protection! Formulated in the purest form, it contains no ingredient that could harm your skin nor the ocean. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

*Features:

🕶 Intensive sun protection with SPF50+ PA++++

🌿 Vegan-certified, Cruelty-free, and Reef-safe

💦 Water and sweatproof

✨ Formulated-clean without artificial fragrance

💙 Extra lightweight with zero white cast

🙌🏼 Dermatologically tested

Here's what they say about the product

"The product is amazing. It doesn't leave white cast on the face. It's is also not heavy." 

"The sunscreen is very lightweight. Doesn't leave white cast, and very easy to apply." 

4. Face Republic AHA/BHA Toner 160mL

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

*Features:

🖤 Clears dull and rough skin, good for daily use. 

🖤 Alcohol, Paraben, Benzophenone, Chlorphenesin, and Fragrance-Free."

Here's what they say about the product

"The smell is good and I love it! It really cleanses my face."

"My face is acne-prone, oily, and dry. I'm just using these for just 3 days and already seeing and feeling great results."

----------------------------

Additional tips to maximize your Shopee shopping experience! :) 

1. Follow Face Republic on Shopee and claim some shop vouchers! 

2. Claim your FREE Face Republic Floral Breeze Hand Gel for a minimum spend of Php 1,499. :) 

3. Use Shopee pay and free shipping vouchers. Currently, Face Republic offers free shipping for orders over Php99. 

That's it for now! Share on the comments section below your favorite Face Republic product. 

What is the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines? Check out 2Go Budget Box

Dear Clarice, 

 

I read in your blog about your relocation from Manila to Bacolod.

May I ask what service did you use to move your things? 

 

Regards, 

Christine

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With the rise of eCommerce, courier and shipping services tremendously grew in the country in the past few years. This is a good development for consumers since we have many options on how to send out our packages conveniently anywhere in the country. 

Now, we can ship out parcels for as low as Php 40 for small pouches within the same city. Many couriers even offer pick-up services which are a life-saver for most businesses this new normal. 

However, shipping large and bulky items is another story since shipping items that don't fit the couriers' pouches is way too expensive. 

In 2015 when we relocated from Manila to Bacolod, we really did not bring most of our stuff. Thus, getting a full container van is not necessary. We are also bringing our car and will be traveling by land so we can just bring some of the things with us. (By the way, you can read about our road trip, here)

We just needed to find a cheaper way to ship our things that won't fit inside the car. 

So, what is the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines? 

Based on our research, 2Go Budget Box is one of the cheapest options to send large and bulky items in the Philippines. Their box (which 2Go will provide) is similar to a "balikbayan" box and it allows a maximum of 50 kilos. 

Other couriers can charge you more than 2,500 pesos for a box this big but for 2Go, we only spent around 1k+ inclusive of insurance already. 

Aside from the cost, we also love that they provide pick-up services which means you don't have to worry about going to their branch. Tracking is also very easy and their customer service is great. 

Actually, we also used this service a couple months ago when we sent out books to our authors. The books were very heavy and we are being charged almost 3k by another courier. With 2GO's budget box, we only paid around 1k and had no problems shipping in Luzon and VisMin areas. 

Please note that this service is via sea freight which means that it may take longer than usual. Nonetheless, we are pretty much happy that we found the cheapest way to ship large and bulky items in the Philippines. 

Thus, if you are relocating or moving within the Philippines,

if you are a business owner in need of a courier for your business 

or if you are someone who simply wants to send out packages for your family this Christmas,

then you might want to consider this option for you. 

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By the way, this post is not sponsored and we are just happy customers. 2Go had been our go-to courier and has helped us with our personal and business needs. 

If you are interested in their service, you can send your inquiry or book a pick-up schedule by sending an email to chinkee_sandiego@2go.com.ph. You may also call them at 8779-9222 loc 85916. For more details, you may visit their website. 

New month! New Shopee Brand Ambassador to Kick Off the 10.10 Brands Festival!

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, introduces its newest brand ambassador, Kim Chiu, alongside the launch of the 10.10 Brands Festival, its biggest brands sale of the year. The famous actress, dubbed the Princess of Philippine Movies and TV, will feature in Shopee’s new TV commercial and many exciting in-app activities.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee Philippines is happy to welcome one of the country's top entertainers into the Shopee family, Kim Chiu. Kim's bubbly, charming personality and love for online shopping both resonate with millions of Filipinos who find joy and excitement on Shopee. This 10.10 Brands Festival, we hope to bring the best brand deals and so much more with our valued and trusted brand partners.”

Users can look forward to these from Shopee brand ambassador Kim Chiu:

● Kim Chiu’s new Shopee TV commercial: Kim Chiu gives the viral “Proof of Delivery” trend her own spin. Fans can look out for the TV commercial on local TV networks and on Shopee’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts.

● Kim Chiu for Shopee Prizes: Users can find Kim Chiu on in-app games such as Spin & Win and Guess It Right, which they can play to win rewards such as coins and vouchers.

● Mini-games and contests with Kim Chiu: This October, users can join the #10BrandFaves contest featuring Kim Chiu for a chance to win 1,000 Shopee coins.

Fans can look forward to more Kim Chiu content such as behind-the-scenes videos on Shopee’s official YouTube and TikTok channels, and Kim Chiu-themed Instagram stickers. Users can also interact with the actress herself during her Twitter takeover on Shopee's official Twitter account this October 9.

Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival

Until October 10, shoppers can enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend, big brand giveaways, and up to ₱1,000 off brand vouchers at Shopee’s 10.10 Brands Festival.

Lucky shoppers can win ₱430,000 worth of prizes, such as vouchers, bundles, newly launched items, and even a lifetime supply of products, from over 30 participating brands.

Leading up to 10.10, shoppers can also look forward to Nestle, Deerma, GoMO!, Lactum, Colgate Palmolive, Shigetsu, P&G Beauty, Garnier, and Belo Brand Days on Shopee Mall, where they can get discounts up to 80% off, branded items as low as ₱179, and a free gift with every purchase.

Starting October 1, shoppers can check out different themed sales on Shopee including the Groceries Fair on October 1, Fashion Fair on October 2-3, Mom & Baby Fair on October 4, Work From Home Fair on October 5, Gadgets and Gizmo Fair on October 6-7, and Beauty and Wellness Fair on October 8-9.

At the 10.10 Brands Festival, shoppers can use ShopeePay to buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay. They can activate their ShopeePay wallet and top up through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to get up to 50% discount on load from Globe, Smart, Sun, and TNT; 50% cashback from Maynilad, PLDT, and a growing list of partner billers; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Ultramega Supermarket, Potato Corner, and other partner merchants.

For more information, visit https://shp.ee/t583r92