July 2020

MANILA, Philippines – Following one month of intense competition, Zedrik “Jeff” Dizon was named this year’s Red Bull R1v1r Runes Champion! Regional qualifiers were held across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and gathered Dota 2 players around the country to compete in 1v1 matches. As the newly crowned Champion, Dizon is scheduled to face Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, team captain of 2-time The International 2019 Champions, Team OG, at Red Bull R1v1r Runes Civil War on Monday, July 20, 2020 at KuyaNic’s Facebook Page at 6:00 PM.

Red Bull R1v1r Runes Philippines 2020

Red Bull R1v1r Runes takes places on a custom map built in the Dota 2 environment and pits players in a fast-paced 1-versus-1 mirror battle that rewards intuition and the ability to make quick decisions. The first player to achieve three kills or collects the first kill on an enemy T1 Tower wins the match.

Ateneo De Manila University’s Zedrik “Jeff” Dizon made his tournament debut during the Luzon Qualifier. After finding little success early on with a battle-focused approach to gameplay, Dizon studied his opponents’ use of the push strategy. He devised alternatives using Meteor Hammer, an approach that led him to the National Finals against DSLU.Quanon. When everything was said and done, Dizon was crowned the 2020 R1v1r Runes Champion with a score of 4 – 0, and a set win of 100%.

Ruler of the River

As the 2020 Red Bull R1v1r Runes Champion, the young champion has the chance to establish himself as the rightful ruler of the river by facing Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, team captain of the 2-time The International 2019 Champions, OG, on a 1v1 mirror match.

N0tail is one of the most recognizable figures in esports. After establishing himself in the international Dota 2 scene, Sundstein co-founded OG and would lead the team to 4 Major Dota Championships and back-to-back The International Championships.

Now the question remains: Can Jeff score the ultimate upset and defeat OG Team Captain, N0tail, in a one-on-one competition? Find out at Red Bull R1v1r Runes Civil War on July 20^th, 2020, at 6:00PM. Civil War features an under card with four matches consisting of local and international Dota 2 players.

MANILA, July 6, 2020 – Health experts reveal that it is not enough that the water you drink looks clean to the naked eye. Your water should also be proven clean through lab tests, to avoid common water bourne diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. Unfiltered water also has many potential contaminants, such as chlorine, heavy metals and allergens, as well as parasites.

Despite this, keep in mind that water is also important in everyday hydration. A document released by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition cites hydration as a key to supporting the body’s ability to fight the COVID-19 virus and support the immune system, recommending 2-4 ounces of clear liquid beverages every 15 minutes.

“Keeping properly hydrated at a time like this refreshes our bodies and keeps the virus away,” said Dr. Sybil R. Bravo, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and a member of the Blood-Bourne Infectious Diseases Core Team.

Health experts around the world continue to stress the need for proper hydration, along with getting enough sleep and proper handwashing, as the best ways to ward off the COVID-19 virus. However, access to safe and clean water continues to be a challenge. There are many harmful substances and minerals in unpurified water, and not all bottled water in the market is the same

Finding clean water that undergoes stringent purification processes to filter harmful substances and minerals means checking the purification process of which it undergoes. Some follow stricter and more stringent global processes to ensure that they are truly clean. Wilkins Pure, one of the water brands of The Coca-Cola Company, is certain to be clean and pure. With international certifications under its belt, Wilkins Pure goes through an advanced, seven-step purification process, which help assure that the water you drink purifies the body of toxins.

Learn more about the Wilkins via its official Facebook page or cokebeverages.ph.

Grab the best deals on Shopee’s Shake & Win TV Special on GMA’s Wowowin and Eat Bulaga this coming July 6 and 7. In addition to that, users can enjoy offers such as low-priced deals, free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend for featured stores, up to 90% off on selected products, and cash prizes:

Maybelline Sensational Liquid Matte LIP & CHEEK TINT

Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation Tube 18mL

LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Triple Care Hair Color [World’s No. 1]

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Cream Silk Conditioner Triple Keratin Rescue Gold Ultimate Repair and Shine 340ml x2

Mikana 18k Rose Gold Plated Katsura Pendant Necklace for women

 Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash 1L With 650ml Refill Set

Surf Fabric Conditioner Antibacterial with Mint 1.5L

Anker PowerCore Select 10000mah, Portable Powerbank

Vivo Y15

In this time of pandemic, parents are looking at homeschooling as a learning option.

This July, learn about the WORLD’s FIRST EVER BlendFlex and TripTeach program!

Join Ms. Rossana Llenado, Founder and President of Ahead Education, and her team as they talk about how it can help you and your children face real-world challenges using the best attributes of traditional education, progressive learning, and homeschooling.

TripTeach is a learning approach that combines the structure of traditional education, the synergies of progressive learning, and the commitment of homeschooling.

Click here to register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parent-seminar-tickets-111914252542. You can also set a reminder directly from your Facebook messenger here: https://m.me/AHEADAlpha?ref=w11647324

#AHEADAlpha
#BlendFlex
#TripTeach
#HomebasedSchool
#HomeSchool
#SalgadoPR

Robinsons Bank joins six (6) other financial service providers (FSPs) in enabling cash assistance to reach Filipino families in a more efficient and expedient manner as the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) subsidy is targeted to cater to approximately 12 million Filipino families.

With its nationwide presence and experience in commercial roll out Robinsons Bank, together with other FSPs was deemed compliant to partner with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the electronic disbursement of the SAP subsidy through e-wallets and online banking.

According to DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao, the electronic disbursement of the second tranche of the SAP subsidy is expected to start in the coming weeks.

RBank is taking adequate steps to ensure cash availability throughout the SAP disbursement period.

Beneficiaries who will be claiming their cash subsidies through Robinsons Bank can do so through any RBank ATMs or over-the-counter transaction in any RBank branch or from its subsidiary, Legazpi Savings.

Designated tellers and ATMs are allocated for the disbursement to avoid disruption of regular banking services. Longer queues and waiting time are expected during the payout period.

The shift to a digitized disbursement of the SAP subsidy aims to speed up the distribution to the beneficiaries. Additionally, the digitized payout is expected to better comply with health protocols to ensure the safety of Filipinos who will be receiving the payout.

The Bank will be catering to unbanked beneficiaries with almost 53% of them coming from the National Capital Region (NCR), and at least 41% of the beneficiaries coming from the Albay province.

Recognized as the Fastest Growing Commercial Bank in the Philippines for 2020, Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country, with assets amounting to Php 131.088 Bn as of December 2019.

For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank. Stay updated and join RBank’s Viber Community at https://bit.ly/RBankCommunity to know the latest announcements.

 Pexels shows photos of families with straight couples, same sex couples, and interracial couples when you search for the term ‘family’

Pexels’ algorithm update gives LGBTQ+ couples equal presence, another step in strengthening its overall quest to improve representation for marginalized communities

Pexels, the multimedia library dedicated to sharing diverse, free stock photos and videos, announced that it has made a major update to its algorithm to increase visibility of content that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. This announcement follows Pexels’ previous partnership with Nappy in March of 2018 to highlight photos representative of diverse cultures and races. A company that values inclusivity at its core, Pexels has been on a mission to improve its search results to provide more well-rounded offerings since it launched in 2014 and was later acquired by Canva in 2018. Now, in light of Pride month, Pexels is permanently adjusting its algorithm for all relationship-based search keywords to deliver more diversity across genders and sexualities, giving presence to all types of relationships.

Searching for the term ‘couple’ on Pexels returns images representing all races,

genders and identities

Pexels sets itself apart from its competitors with its artful, high-quality and curated library that offers over two million photos and videos for free. Additionally, Pexels’ library is the first truly inclusive collection focused on diversity across cultures, ethnicities and genders. While other stock photo sites do have images to reflect diversity, these do not naturally surface in the search results.

To find these photos, users must use search terms that clearly indicate whether they want a photo of a straight or a same-sex couple. Pexels’ algorithm update is focused on inclusivity and prioritizing LGBTQ+ imagery, democratizing all images, not requiring a user to delineate between same sex or other descriptors. Search terms like ‘couple’ or ‘holding hands,’ that typically only return images of heterosexual couples, now yield photos representing all races, genders and identities, increasing visibility and encouraging mainstream use. In a space that is crowded with cisgender, heteronormative, and white-washed content, Pexels continues be a pioneer in supporting underrepresented communities. The company hopes to empower its own community to tell better stories and inspire other stock photo sites to do the same.

“As one of the premier free photo and video libraries, we understand the power a photo or video can have,” said Monica Silvestre, Head of Community at Pexels. “Media has the power to make or break ideologies, challenge the status quo and humanize experiences. Images fuel stories and create movements, and it’s our responsibility as a global platform to act as a force for good; a force that helps power progress. This is why we’re improving our learning algorithm. The next time someone searches for “couple” or “love” they will find refreshing content that reflects life as it really is around us—straight couples, same sex couples, interracial couples, non-binary folks and more.”

In addition to the algorithm update, Pexels has amped up its efforts to partner with creators and companies that prioritize images and videos that challenge relationship norms and offer LGBTQ+ perspectives. The team will continue to adjust how its algorithm learns, making it intentionally calculate equal representation in order to offer its users choices they might not have previously considered. Pexels also employs a team of curators to specifically view, tag and boost submitted images to ensure the highest level of diversity and equality across the platform. Pexels encourages all photographers and creators to upload their LGBTQ+ photography to the platform.

For more information about Pexels, please visit pexels.com.

MANILA, Philippines, July 2, 2020 — The start of the schoolyear in the Philippines is an event that parents and their school-age kids await with plenty of excitement and bits of anxiety. This year, however, with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still lurking in our midst, apprehension overshadows anticipation.

Blended/Distance learning was proposed by the Department of Education (DepEd) as an alternative to the traditional face-to-face classes in a physical school. An educational strategy that enables students to attend learning sessions in the safety of their homes, the Blended/Distance learning can be managed through printed modules being delivered to the homes of students or picked up by their parents; online learning resources such as the DepEd Commons; and television or radio-based instruction.

To prepare for the coming schoolyear, Teacher Eric Lasam has been working from home since the first day of June. He is studying a module that contains sample activities such as powerpoint presentation, videos, simulations and other online teaching strategies.

“We are preparing for the modular instruction as well as online classes for the blended learning approach,” said the affable MAPEH (Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health) teacher.

For the modular approach, teachers will be formulating lessons that contain activities and review questions for students.

The public high school is currently conducting a survey among parents and students on their learning preferences – the choices being online, modular, radio, and tv.

Teacher Eric’s 17 years stint in the noblest profession has acquainted him with the tough lives that most public school students endure which underscore the need to take a flexible approach to learning under COVID conditions.  “For example, not all students have their own gadgets nor an internet connection at home, how can they learn properly if we hold our classes online?”

Like other schools in the country, they have adopted the non-face-to-face interaction. Enrollment, he said, is conducted online, but parents have the option of sending their children’s required documents through a drop box located at the school’s guard station. Last March, when the ECQ was ongoing, students graduated through online ceremonies via the school’s Facebook page.

In elementary school, Teacher Helen Dichoso related that they too are actively preparing for blended/distance learning: “We are devising modules and worksheets for every subject area, while also getting ready for the online strategy.”

She said enrollment is likewise held online but parents have to fill up a form that they return through a designated dropbox.

In the public school where she teaches, parents and their children are also asked to choose in a survey whether they prefer modular, online, radio or tv type of instruction. For Teacher Helen, who teaches Technology and Livelihood Education at Grade 6, the modular approach might be more doable because many students do not have gadgets nor an internet connection in their homes.

To provide a more meaningful learning and teaching experience for dedicated teachers like Helen and Eric and their students amid the challenges of the current crisis, leading telco and digital services provider PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications are working with the DepEd to support its blended learning strategy. The two companies are focusing their efforts on improving the digital tools and solutions for the education system in the country.

According to PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, “We are part of the technical working group of the DepEd, working on digitalizing the education ecosystem.”

PLDT has recommended a broad range of digital solutions to the DepEd. These include learning management systems, digital infrastructure and connectivities, wireless and fiber plans, and digital devices for the 1.2 million teachers and 32 million students in the country.

It has also proposed the use of the satellite broadcasting systems of Cignal for use in blended or distance learning.

To complement these technology solutions, Smart has offered to help teachers in using an innovative learning system called the Dynamic Learning Program which can be effectively used in modular, online and on-air learning settings.

“We want to ensure that no student and no teacher – public or private – is left behind,” Pangilinan said.

Together with the DepEd, PLDT-Smart is helping redefine the future of learning for Filipino schoolchildren nationwide. You may watch its latest online video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=303047017547325

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19/

From June 22 to July 7, users can enjoy sitewide free shipping, big discounts, and exclusive offers from premium brands

MANILA, JULY 2, 2020 – It is a grand fiesta! Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches 7.7 Free Shipping Fiesta with huge discounts and fantastic promotions. Running from June 22 to July 7, 2020, Filipinos can look out for deals such as ₱7 deals, free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend for featured stores, up to 90% off on selected products, and cash prizes.

Here are seven things to look forward at Shopee 7.7 Free Shipping Fiesta:

1. ₱1.9 million in cash prizes up for grabs on July 7
   On July 7, Shopee-holics can stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to a total of ₱1.9 million. Shoppers need to tune in to the following Shopee TV specials in order to win:

   1. Shopee 7.7 Free Shipping Fiesta: Shake & Win at 11:30 AM on Shopee Live and at 12 NN at Eat Bulaga GMA

   2. Shopee 7.7 Free Shipping Fiesta: Shake & Win TV Special at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Wowowin GMA
      

2. Free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend
   On July 7, users can avail of free shipping with ₱0 minimum spend all day sitewide from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Shopee will also offer free shipping vouchers from the main campaign microsite which is accessible from the homepage.

3. Amazing ₱7 deals
   Shopee-holics can buy high-value products for as low as ₱7. On July 7, users can score a Nintendo Switch Labo Variety Kit Bundle, a Platinum KS-10 Plus Junior 2 Karaoke Player, and an ACE 32″ Slim LED TV for only ₱7.

4. Exclusive Discounts up to 90% off
   Users can get huge discounts on various products from categories like beauty, electronics, fashion, groceries, and health & personal care. Users can enjoy exciting discounts up to 90% for items, including a Knight Black WaterProof Sport Watch, a Transcend SD Card with 128GB of memory, a JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and a 33 cm-Inflatable two-ring swimming pool.

5. Big prizes on Shopee Candy

• Filipinos can win amazing prizes when they play the new in-app game, Shopee Candy. Users can stand a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, and exclusive rewards, including a Nextbook Flexx 11 2-in-1 laptop and a Huawei Nova 3.

6. Convenience and bigger savings with ShopeePay 
   Shopee users can enjoy greater convenience and cost savings with ShopeePay. Users can enjoy special promotions and discounted offers when they pay via ShopeePay. Shoppers can check out more of the ShopeePay deals and 7.7 promotions here (https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pay).

7. Exciting deals and promotions from leading brands
   Users can look for exclusive offers and up to 90% off on products from leading brands such as Globe, Pampers, Nestle, Unilever, Maybelline, Wyeth, and The SM Store.

Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are excited to launch another campaign that lets our users shop conveniently and lets them save more. With the Shopee 7.7 Free Shipping Fiesta, users can shop, play, redeem amazing rewards, and win cash prizes right in the comforts of their own homes. We understand the many challenges Filipinos face as they embrace the new normal, and we commit to provide them with bigger and better offers. Shopee will continue to innovate our platform to serve our users better and elevate the online shopping experience for all.”

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

Download Shopee for free through the App Store or Google Play.

The fight against COVID-19 is far from over. Until a safe and effective vaccine is found for COVID-19, Splash Corporation believes the private corporate sector should continue to help the government curb the spread of this disease and keep people safe. As part of their continuing COVID-19 initiative, Splash Corporation has been supplying medical institutions and frontliners in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with Hygienix alcohol and Hygienix soap to ensure that their disinfectant requirements are sufficient. These donations are coursed through Splash sales personnel on the field and delivered with the help of Splash official distributors. Splash’s target is to finish delivering 80 gallons of alcohol and 5 cases of soap to each of the 40 hospitals in their list this July.

Splash Corporation also donated Hygienix alcohol and Hygienix soap to several Manila based civic organizations. Splash Corporation hopes that their donations to ABS CBN Foundation, I am Hope, Safe Shelter, and World Vision will help these organizations in their respective campaigns and programs in the fight against COVID-19.

According to Mr. Marco Nieto, Splash Corporation SVP and General Manager of Philippine Operations and International Operations, “Splash Corporation donated Hygienix alcohol and soaps to the hospitals and organizations as our way of helping prevent the spread of the virus by protecting our frontliners who are tirelessly working to save those who are afflicted by COVID-19.” The battle against the pandemic may not be over but if frontliners continue to receive the help and support they deserve from businesses and private individuals, their fight could be easier––and may soon be won.