Device linking has recently become popular among those who want to be flexible and spontaneous in their daily digital activities. However, an emerging threat known as the Powerstar Backdoor Malware is also on the rise to exploit a technology that was meant to make lives easier. This malware targets the PC (Personal Computer) operating system and infects linked mobile phones or tablets to phish sensitive data.
The Powerstar Backdoor Malware is a type of computer virus that can extract sensitive information via a persistent backdoor. A single click on a malicious link, attachment, or prompt to download a deceptive update can infect linked devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops, allowing sensitive information such as e-wallets and bank accounts to be extracted.
To protect the public from this particular cyber-attack, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash, the country’s no. 1 fintech super app, share the following guidelines.
PC users are advised to update their software for the latest security patches and enhancements. Choosing only reputable antivirus and anti-malware software can significantly enhance user protection. Users should enable firewalls and be conscious of unusual and suspicious behavior on their devices. They should use strong and unique passwords for all their accounts.
Users are also advised to exercise caution with email attachments, especially those from unfamiliar and dubious sources, when using devices and should constantly be alert for phishing links from email, messaging apps, or social media posts. Prudence must be exercised while downloading software, and should only be done from trusted sources.
Additionally, GCash reiterates its warning to users never to disclose their MPIN or OTP and to avoid clicking on unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps. For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph. To report scams and fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
The sweet little tune expresses the joy of returning to someone on Christmas and finding home, not necessarily in a place or entity, but in the company of people that matter.
“I wrote it thinking of my family and the heart-warming feeling of our Christmas reunions, where all our worries melt away, replaced by thankfulness and joy,” the Filipino singer-songwriter explains.
Written and produced in the comfort of her own home, Clara Benin wanted a song that evokes the endearing warmth of the holidays, where spending one’s precious time with folks she considers family makes living truly worthwhile and memorable.
Despite the logistical challenges that she encountered during the recording of the song in early October, the prolific folk-pop artist pulled through the odds with a compelling track whose sense of comfort radiates in every note and chord.
“It took me multiple attempts to get the right take because my home studio isn’t soundproof, and the rain could be heard in the background during the recording,” Clara reveals. “I managed to record the song one early morning and finished at around 4 a.m.”
According to Clara, the song holds a special place in her heart as it started out as a collaborative effort with her fans in her Patreon community. She even solicited their help for words and phrases that bring to mind the essence of Christmas and somehow used it as part of her writing exercise.
“Shoutout to my Patreon member Stephen Duma, whose line ‘all the longing finds hope in the faces we call home’ deeply resonated with me, and I knew it had to be a part of the song,” Clara shares in a statement.
The new track serves as the third offering from their upcoming EP, ‘It Was A Moment,’ due early next year
Manila, Philippines — Filipino indie rock quintet SOS delves into the impact of lost connections and romantic fallouts on “Please Lang,” their new single under Careless Music.
An emotional anthem that reflects on the weight of unresolved fights and the silent, often unacknowledged trauma it inflicts, “Please Lang” serves as the third offering off their upcoming five-track EP, It Was A Moment—to be released sometime in early 2024.
According to vocalist Roberto Seña, the guitar-driven song delivers confessional songwriting that is evident in most of their music.
“It’s a sad song that focuses on what happened rather than what could have been. It’s also just good fun, really—being able to laugh or have a sense of humor while experiencing inevitable heartbreak. Eventually, the song takes a darker turn as the song settles; things come to an end, and we just have to accept it.”
Over the course of two days, Seña wrote most of the lyrics during one of their jam sessions at Bavarian Records Studio in La Union, while guitarist Andrew Panopio helped with the second half of the song. The song was produced and arranged by the members of the band, resulting in a punchy but subdued release with ‘80s pop and ’90s alt rock influences worn proudly on its sleeves.
Drummer King Puentespina shares, “I think we were slated to finish arranging another song that day, and during our lunch break, I opened a new project file wanting to jam something out. I remember laying in the chords, progression, and drums and it started morphing. I asked Andrew to go for the groove; Ram was on the keys, and everyone in the room could feel it. It just slowly brought itself together. Seña and Anjo came into the studio after one of their lunch breaks or meetings or something, and they all got excited. I remember stepping out for a meeting and dinner. I came back, and they had all the words down. It was insanely fun.”
“Please Lang” is the second single that features new member Ram Alonzo performing keyboard duties while also being prominently involved in the studio, aiding in the mixing and mastering of the material. He recalls being swept away by the fragility of the track, and how its tale of love and loss deeply resonated with him on a personal level.
“Working on this song felt particularly personal for me,” Ram admits. “While we were writing it, I was going through a similar experience to what the song is all about, which made listening to it kind of difficult. Masakit siya (It’s painful).”
Get OPPO’s newest foldable smartphone, now available in the Philippines
The OPPO Find N2 Flip accomplished a large margin in the market in mere months since its launch early this year. This incredible feat was testament to Find N2 Flip’s premium build, impressive cameras, and first-class performance, but the number one feature Find N2 Flip users loved above all others was its cover screen.When Find N2 Flip was released, its 3.26-inch cover screen was the largest of any flip phone.
Now, with the launch of Find N3 Flip, OPPO has overhauled the cover screen experience to deliver improved usability, best-in-class camera performance. Not only that, Find N3 Flip certification of folds has been updated from 600,000 to 1,000,000 for a more seamless crease even for a long-term use.
At the heart of Find N3 Flip’s flagship features is its impressive vertical cover screen. Its tall orientation is instantly familiar, mirroring the smartphone experience everyone knows. By being vertical, Find N3 Flip’s cover screen creates the horizontal space needed for a best-in-class camera system, and it also previews photos with almost no crop.
There are so many ways Find N3 Flip’s powerful cover screen helps it strike a perfect balance.
Here are some things you should know about the upgrades from the Find N2 Flip, how cover screen apps elevate the flip phone experience, and how the vertical cover screen makes a world-class camera possible.
From Find N2 Flip to Find N3 Flip
Find N2 Flip demonstrates why a vertical cover screen makes sense with the simplest tasks.
Every time you look at your notifications, it displays more on its tall cover screen, and when browsing text messages and adjusting quick settings, there’s less scrolling than on smaller or square displays. OPPO even includes built-in and customisable quick replies, as well as speech-to-text support to add even more functionality which allows you to use the phone even when the cover is closed.
Find N3 Flip brings back all Find N2 Flip’s advantages over alternative cover screens, while simultaneously overhauling and upgrading the experience from the ground up.
Easier to use than ever, Find N3 Flip’s cover screen introduces a familiar apps menu – just swipe from right to left to pull it into view – so if you’ve used an Android phone with an apps tray, expect zero learning curve when navigating its interface.
OPPO has also upgraded the vertical cover screen’s home screen, adding support for up to three dynamic widgets, so you can quickly access handy features like your camera, voice notes, weather, or even shortcut straight to a messaging app.
It isn’t all about productivity, though, with Find N3 Flip bringing back interactive cover screen pets and upgrading them from 2D to 3D. This time, there are also more pets to pick from, including a Bird, Cat, Dog, Hamster, Koala, Panda, Rabbit, and Tiger. These animated fur babies reflect what you’re doing – listening to music or sleeping, for example – or they just get on with what they do best: looking playful and charming.
Cover Screen Apps
Find N3 Flip also upgrades the cover screen with another much-requested feature, support for third-party apps.
The vast majority of Android apps are optimised to work on a vertical screen, just like the screen of a typical smartphone. That means apps are natively oriented to look great on a tall display, just like Find N3 Flip’s cover screen.
To make sure every detail is on point and to perfect how each app looks and functions on its front display, OPPO worked with Google and other partners to fine-tune the experience for the most popular Android apps.
The native Google Phone app, Maps, Keep, and Gmail are all ready to go for cover screen use, as are popular social media apps for short-form video and short-form posting services. When displaying these apps, Find N3 Flip’s taller screen shows more emails, messages, and posts than more square alternatives – mirroring your phone’s main display for a more intuitive view.
Find N3 Flip can natively control currently playing music from the cover screen, irrespective of which app’s playing back content, but it’s also been optimised for the most popular music streaming app with a fully featured interface so you can access your playlists and discover new music.
If you’re travelling, you can even access maps and car-hailing services without opening your phone, and when hunger strikes, quickly order food in moments, all from Find N3 Flip’s front display.
The Best Camera on a Flip Phone
Have you ever wondered why the camera sensor on a phone is normally the same orientation as its main display? It’s so you can see the fullest picture possible when previewing your photos and videos. This same logic extends to cover screens.
OPPO makes the only flip phones with a cover screen that’s also the same aspect ratio as the camera sensor, so when you’re using the Find N2 Flip or Find N3 Flip’s front display to take a selfie or a group shot, your preview has almost no crop.
By contrast to Find N3 Flip’s seamless selfie experience, photos taken on square cover screen flip phones produce a significant crop by default, using a smaller portion of the camera sensor and taking a lower-quality photo.
There’s another reason Find N3 Flip’s vertical cover screen helps make its cameras the best flip phone imaging system possible: space for quality camera hardware. What does this mean? World-class camera hardware requires space for large camera sensors and high-quality optics. Square cover screen flip phones push the cameras to the side or squeeze them within the display. This results in lower-quality camera hardware.
Find N3 Flip is the world’s first flip phone with a triple camera system, and the world’s first flip phone with a telephoto camera. It also has the largest sensors of any flip phone across all three of its cameras. By bringing back its large vertical cover screen and crafting the striking Cosmos Ring camera system, OPPO has created the most compromise-free flip phone camera possible. Handy, but without sacrificing the usability of your most crucial smartphone features.
So whether you need to quickly reply to a message or call, navigate to a meeting or hail a cab, or send a perfectly framed, portrait-perfect selfie to a family group or loved one, you won’t even need to open Find N3 Flip to flow through your day in a compromise-free way.
Ultimately, OPPO Find N3 Flip refines an already iconic experience, taking Find N2 Flip’s large, 3.26-inch vertical cover screen, adding a wealth of features to it, and enhancing the camera system to create a supremely balanced flip phone.
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is now available
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is now available to purchase for Php 64,999 in selected OPPO authorized offline concept stores, ecommerce, and multi brand stores nationwide.
MyOPPO app users can also redeem exclusive perks with every purchase of the Find N3 Flip. The first 50 users can get 5,000 Mabuhay Miles. The first 100 users can also claim a one-time free access to any PAGSS Premium lounge. Last but not the least, exclusive gift sets from either MAC Cosmetics, Jo Malone London, Estee Lauder, Origins, or Clinique can also be redeemed until supplies last.
E-Commerce
Shopee,Lazada, TikTok Shop
Free OPPO Enco Air3 (worth PHP 3,999) and OPPO Band2 (worth PHP 3,999) with every purchase
100% Free Shipping
0% Interest Installment via SPayLater
0% Interest Installment via LazPayLater
Operators
Globe
Find N3 Flip will be available via Globe Plan 1499 with Php 34,000 cash out
Free OPPO Enco Air3 (worth PHP 3,999) and OPPO Band2 (worth PHP 3,999) with every purchase
Smart
Find N3 Flip will be available via Smart Postpaid Plan 1999 with cash-out
Free OPPO Enco Air3 (worth PHP 3,999) and OPPO Band2 (worth PHP 3,999) with every purchase
Installment Plans
Home Credit
Available in installment plans of 6/9/12/15/18 months at 0% interest
Lowest monthly payment of PHP 1,676/month in all OPPO stores partnered with Home Credit nationwide
Credit Card
Available at 6 or 12 months installment at 0% interest for all credit cards.
Finally, those who will purchase the OPPO Find N3 Flip will be entitled to exclusive after sales benefits when you visit any authorised OPPO service centre, including a Premium Lane, International Warranty Service, Exclusive Hotline, Door-to-Door Service, and Customer Service Check-up.
Enjoy the Present with OPPO Philippines
Spread holiday cheer and enjoy exclusive promos when you purchase OPPO smartphones this Christmas. Make the most out of special discounts and freebies, exclusive benefits and gifts, and exciting festivities until January 7, 2024 for a merrier, more meaningful celebration.
Bumble, the women-first dating app, today released its annual dating trends for 2024. The popular dating app has garnered insights from more than 25,000 singles on Bumble around the world to identify trends that will define dating and relationships in the year to come.
Over the past year, we’ve seen fandom reach new heights, discovered a new obsession with young and rising local stars who bring excitement to the forefront of entertainment, seen men embrace their inner ‘ken-ergy’, and witnessed iconic women driving the economy through their creativity and passion in ‘making it’.
Bumble’s 2023 trends focused on navigating love abroad with Wanderlove, dating beyond your type with Open-casting and establishing new boundaries with our partners, our work lives and our finances. Looking ahead, 2024 is set to be the year of “self” in dating and relationships with more people looking inwards at what they value and want.
This personal prioritization sees singles rejecting the constant strive for perfection, discarding outdated timelines, challenging ‘jobification’, and placing more value on emotional vulnerability, self-acceptance, and shared priorities.
Heading into 2024, there is an air of optimism and clarity for the ‘year of self’ as Bumble’s research* shows that more than half (63%) of Filipino women surveyed are going into the new year with a clear view of what they want from their romantic lives.
Bumble’s dating trend predictions include:
1. Timeline Decline: People, especially women, continue to feel a constant pressure to follow traditional relationship timelines. Into 2024, we’re seeing the decline of timelines in favor of women choosing to actively build their own path, with 1 in 3 (31%) Filipino women saying they are no longer focused on adhering to traditional timelines and milestones. This is reflected in intentions with nearly 3 in 4 (76%) of women looking for a long-term relationship and less than one-third (31%) seeking marriage. For nearly half (43%) of women, this means only dating people who have the same perspective on timelines and milestones. And for a quarter of women (25%) in the Philippines, this means actively avoiding friends and family who put pressure on them, especially during holiday celebrations.
2. Gen(erational)-Blend Romance: Building on dating beyond your ‘type’, there has been an increase in cross-generational relationships. Singles on Bumble are increasingly open to connections both older and younger. For 2 in 3 (63%) people surveyed globally, age is not a defining factor when dating with more than half (59%) of women saying they are now more open to dating someone younger than them. In the Philippines specifically, 4 in 5 men are now more open to dating older women. We’re also changing how we view others’ relationships with more than half of Filipino men (50%) and women (59%) on Bumble stating they have become less judgemental towards age gap relationships over the last year as compared to their global counterparts (34%).
3. Val-Core Dating: Singles today are looking for shared priorities and expect their partners to not only care about social causes but to actively engage. Val-Core refers to the rise of people valuing engagement on issues that matter to them. For almost half (48%) of the people on Bumble in the Philippines, it is key that their partner actively engages with politics and social causes, in fact, it makes them more attractive. Specifically, 84% of Filipinos say their potential partner engaging in Human Rights issues is important to them, followed by sustainability (73%) and politics and voting (72%). When it comes to dating, Bumble’s research shows that Filipino women are less open (63%) to dating someone with differing political views as compared to men (52%), and for 1 in 3 (36%) women it is a turn off if someone they are dating is not aware of current societal issues.
4. Intuitive Intimacy: For people today, and particularly women, it seems attraction comes down to one key thing: emotional intimacy. Filipino singles are focused on finding security, safety, and understanding, with 44% of those surveyed on Bumble believing that emotional intimacy is now more important than sex and that it’s actually more attractive than physical connection. When it comes to dating, an overwhelming majority (78%) of women in the Philippines say it’s key that their partner has an understanding of both emotional and physical intimacy. In 2024, it’s time to get in your feels.
5. Consider-date: This year’s prioritization of self-care and mental health has led to more than half (58%) of singles around the world being more open about their mental health and making a concerted effort to slow down. In the Philippines, single people are reframing how they date to better protect their mental health, with almost half (49%) of those surveyed locally actively ‘slow-dating’ and being considerate about how much they are dating to ensure quality over quantity, even more so amongst women (56%). In fact, almost half (46%) of Filipinos are actively seeking people who practice and value self-care. This is bringing back a trend that Bumble identified in the pandemic, challenging the “job-ification” of love with 1 in 4 (26%) Filipinos actively deterred by anyone who treats a date as a checklist exercise.
6. Open-Hearted Masculinity: The year has been filled with global conversations about masculinity and gender roles in fashion, media, music, and film (ken-ergy, anyone?). When it comes to relationships, close to one-third (30%) of Filipino men state that they have actively changed their behavior, becoming more vulnerable and open with people they are dating than ever before. For 42% of men, this new-found openness has had a positive impact on their mental health and for whom a lack of vulnerability is now a dating dealbreaker.
7. Betterment Burnout: From biohacking and starting your day at 5 am, to plugging into self-help podcasts, there has been a rise in people ‘self-optimizing’ – striving to become a perfect version of themselves. This has led the majority (55%) of singles surveyed globally to feel pressure to constantly look for ways to better themselves, with this number being even higher in the Philippines at 69% of Filipinos feeling the same way. This leaves more than 1 in 4 (26%) feeling unworthy of a partner. Looking ahead to 2024, singles are rebelling against the constant self-improvement with more than 2 in 3 Filipino women surveyed (69%) taking active steps to be happier with who they are here and now. In fact, 38% of women will now only date people who will not try to change them.
Lucille McCart, Bumble’s APAC Communications Director said: “In 2023, dating themes centered around travel romances, the importance of clear and healthy boundaries (a term that was hijacked by a certain Hollywood star earlier this year), and dating outside your type. We know that social and cultural movements are incredibly intertwined with our dating and social lives, and this year we saw many conversations come to a head on social issues including misogyny, therapy speak, women’s rights, among others, which have left many people – especially women – feeling exhausted. This is all having an impact on how people on Bumble are dating in the Philippines and around the world – people are assessing what is important to them, feeling more empowered in their sense of self, and seeking out people who value the same things as them – whether that is social causes, lifestyle choices, or even as simple as their favorite sports team.
We are also observing a really exciting phenomenon that sees singles rewriting the rulebook and unpacking expectations around age, the pursuit of perfectionism and relationship timelines. People are looking inward more than ever before, becoming more accepting of who they are, and showing up to their dating experience as a more vulnerable and authentic version of themselves. We predict that 2024 will usher in a year of the self, with Filipinos feeling empowered to prioritize what they value, be fearless about what they stand for, and have a renewed sense of clarity about what they want in their romantic lives.”
To empower singles to make the most of 2024, Bumble has launched new features including Best Bees, a curated daily set of four compatible profiles to help you find more relevant connections faster. See someone who also shares your passion for sports or sustainability? You can send a message with the Compliments feature.
In this collaboration, Mapúa MCM students and faculty are provided with unparalleled opportunities to explore high-quality, global education in business and health sciences.
Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines – True to its commitment in delivering global education to students, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM)’s Alfonso T. Yuchengco College of Business and College of Health Sciences collaborate with Arizona State University (ASU), the No. 1 in Innovation among universities in the U.S. for nine consecutive years—according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings. Dr. Rick Shangraw, Jr., President of Cintana Education, affirmed this undertaking and solidified the ongoing relationship during his most recent visit to Mapúa MCM.
In this collaboration, Mapúa MCM students and faculty are provided with unparalleled opportunities to explore high-quality, global education in business and health sciences. Dr. Shangraw emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “Students and faculty are given the chance to engage in excellent programs and courses, both at Mapúa MCM and Arizona State University. They can enroll in ASU or study online at other state universities, earning degrees from both institutions.”
One of the notable aspects of this collaboration is the synergistic network of both institutions. Mapúa MCM has made its mark on the global stage when its business students competed in the 2023 Grand Finals of the International Student Start-Up Idea Competition in New Delhi, India. ASU’s pursuit of excellence in innovation further emphasizes the exceptional educational experience provided to MMCM students.
Dr. Rick Shangraw, Jr., President of Cintana Education
The collaboration extends beyond academics, offering scholarships, loan programs, and other financial aid programs to ease the burden on students. Dr. Shangraw elaborated, “We are actively working to make their experience more affordable, understanding the financial challenges faced by Filipino students.”
Moreover, students benefit from real-world experiential learning, industry-driven problem solving, and modern tech-enabled simulation environments. Dr. Shangraw emphasized ASU’s commitment to preparing students for the future, stating, “We focus on digital skill sets, essential in the era of rapid technological transformation. ASU, through the Cintana Alliance, offers a vast array of courses, ensuring students are well-equipped for the evolving global landscape.”
Dr. Shangraw stressed the importance of nurturing not just students’ academic abilities but also their character and values. He emphasized the significance of internships and community engagement, highlighting ASU’s commitment to being a responsible and responsive community partner.
In essence, Dr. Shangraw’s visit serves as a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between Arizona State University, Cintana Education, and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao. Together, they continue to shape the educational journey of Filipino students, providing them with a holistic, globally relevant, and transformative learning experience.
In the Philippines, the second half of the year not only signals the start of the long countdown to Christmas, but also monsoon season. Traditionally, typhoons sweep across the country during this time, often aggravating the south-western spell (“Habagat”) that trigger flooding and other concerns.
At least 20 typhoons hit the Philippine area of responsibility every year, with the violent ones often posing the biggest threat to human lives and industry, that may result in costly economic loses and damages.
Given the frequency of natural hazard events in the country, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—ensures that its Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) teams are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to mitigate disaster risk by regularly conducting refresher training courses.
“We conduct policy and procedure refreshers among our EHSS teams to enhance our disaster preparedness. We revisit our strategy, which are aligned with guidelines set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) policies, on what to do before, during, and after hazardous events,” said PCPPI Sr. Manager for Safety and Security Dindo C. Garcia.
“We also conduct monthly performance monitoring to see if our teams across the country are consistently aligned with the regulatory standards and to assess the areas that merit improvement,” he added.
PCPPI is also committed to building on stronger relationships with local government units (LGU) to help enable and support communities in times of natural hazard events.
“Our employees are at the heart of our operations. It is our responsibility to ensure we not only empower our teams and partners, but also our customers and the communities where we operate. We recognize our responsibility to prepare and help them in times of emergencies and calamities towards quick recovery with minimal disruption to their activities,” Garcia added.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines, such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Chum Churum Soonhari. More information about the organization is available via www.pepsiphilippines.com.
About Pepsi Philippines
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages & snacks in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 70 years. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known food and beverage brands: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Sips, Milkis, Let’s Be and Aquafina. It has established 14 manufacturing facilities across the country, serving more than 700,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network.
PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.
Higher. Further. Faster! Carol Danvers – the prodigal child of the Milky Way, has returned. She’s teaming up with the Night Light Kamala Khan and S.W.O.R.D.’s Monica Rambeau on a crucial mission to protect all planets from the vengeful schemes of Dar-Benn, a Kree warrior and an Accuser of the Kree Empire. Don’t miss the comeback of the Avenger Captain Marvel, and the debut of Park Seo-joon as Prince Yan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with The Marvels , showing at SM Cinemas near you!
Renewable energy efforts in supply chain sites. Jollibee Group’s Zen3 commissary is one of its supply chain facilities where solar panels are being integrated and is expected to be completed by Dec 30, 2023. Installation at other sites, such as the Jollibee Worldwide Services Logistics Center, is set to be finished by the second quarter of 2024.
In keeping with the company’s sustainability “Joy for Tomorrow” agenda, the Jollibee Group recently announced that it is further accelerating its shift to renewable energy through solar panel installations in its stores, commissaries, and logistics centers.
“Our focus on environmentally responsible practices drives us to adopt renewable energy sources, on top of efforts to decrease our overall energy consumption. By installing solar panels in our commissaries, logistics centers down to our stores, we are able to harness energy that is friendlier to the planet so that future generations may continue to enjoy it, ” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President & CEO.
Network of Solar-Powered Stores
The Jollibee Group made history in 2014 by becoming the first restaurant chain to harness solar energy, initially implementing solar panels in six of its stores. Since then, the Jollibee Group has consistently expanded its use of solar power.
By the end of 2022, the company has equipped 28 stores in various parts of the country with solar panels, including 19 Jollibee, seven (7) Chowking, and two (2) Mang Inasal branches. Aside from providing renewable energy, solar panel integration also improves cost-efficiency of business operations delivering from 5% to 35% of the store’s energy needs.
In the current year, an additional 16 stores are slated to incorporate solar panels into their operations. By 2024, another 20 stores will be added, bringing the total count to 64. Combined with its solar panel integrated commissaries and logistics centers, this manifests Jollibee Group’s commitment to continuously better its sustainability practices.
Shared Commitment to Going Green
The Jollibee Group recognizes that implementing and fast-tracking its sustainability agenda demands collective commitment and collaborative action. As such, the company encourages franchisees to grow their businesses with sustainability in mind.
Over the years, more franchise stores have chosen to use solar energy. Jeannie Posas, a franchisee who owns several stores across various brands of the Jollibee Group, has installed solar panels in her stores – four (4) Jollibee, one (1) Mang Inasal, and one (1) Red Ribbon store. She is installing solar panels in three (3) more Jollibee stores in Davao.
Posas views solar panel installation as fundamentally right for the environment and right for business. She noted, “On average, the power generated from solar panels will contribute to around 5-12% of our daily requirements. But we believe it offers a bigger advantage, allowing us to give back and make the world a better place.”
“We also took the cue from the Jollibee Group, their initiatives, and their eagerness to get us onboard with the effort to install solar panels. We especially appreciate their support during the entire process, from the initial stages of the installation down to the assessment of the actual performance of the solar panels,” Posas added.
In the case of Jollibee Camiling in Tarlac, located at Wishing Well Plaza Mall, the store’s franchisee, Albert Tan, took the initiative to find innovative solutions in locating a suitable placement for their solar panels. “We’re happy to support the Jollibee Group in their thrust towards treating the planet responsibly,” said Tan.
“We know that transitioning to solar energy would not be easy and it would entail physical and financial requirements, but we and our franchisees know that it is worth doing,” said Tanmantiong. “This initiative goes beyond generating cost efficiencies for operations. This represents diverse groups coming together to contribute towards a more sustainable future.”
Sustainable Commissaries and Logistics Centers
Amid the pandemic in 2020, Jollibee Group’s commissaries and logistics centers, which support the company’s varied portfolio of brands in the Philippines, has beefed up its sustainable business practices, that aims to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Solar panel installation is underway in two of its state-of-the-art commissaries in Canlubang, Laguna, with expected completion by December 30, 2023. Installation at other sites, such as the Jollibee Worldwide Services Logistics Center, is set to be finished by the second quarter of 2024.
“The implementation of solar panel systems across two manufacturing sites and a logistics center presents an exciting opportunity to harness clean energy. This initiative will effectively transform approximately 18% of the total energy consumption at these three facilities into renewable energy sources,” explained Jose Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.
The use of solar panels forms part of the wide array of initiatives that Jollibee Group has implemented in its commissaries and logistics centers to continue enhancing its responsible practices. These initiatives are integral components of the Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda known as “Joy for Tomorrow.”
“We place a strong emphasis on taking care of the planet in our sustainability agenda, and our renewable and energy efficiency programs are vital in supporting this pillar. We in the Jollibee Group, along with our partners and stakeholders, will continue taking proactive steps towards a more sustainable future,” added Miñana.
In the spirit of the holiday season, there’s a magical touch to gift-giving that transcends the material aspect. SM, the heart of shopping experiences, is here to elevate your gifting game, making each present a truly personal and memorable expression of love and thoughtfulness.
THE SM STORE: UNWRAP ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
When it comes to versatility, the SM Store stands out. Gift certificates and gift cards from The SM Store are the perfect tokens of affection, allowing your fashion-forward friends and tech-savvy family members to choose their ideal present. This holiday season, give the gift of choice, ensuring that your loved ones get exactly what they desire. Not only do these gift certificates and cards make the shopping experience enjoyable for your loved ones, but they also save you from the hassle of guessing preferences. The SM Store’s extensive range of products ensures that there is something for everyone, making your gift-giving journey stress-free and filled with joy.
SM Home: Bulk Buys for Budget Bliss
For those seeking to make a lasting impact on the home front, SM Home offers an exciting opportunity to elevate living spaces. Shoppers at SM City Grand Central can take advantage of substantial discounts when buying in bulk from SM Home. Seamlessly integrate style and functionality into your gift choices by taking advantage of the bulk order discounts at SM Home. Your recipients will appreciate the effort you put into selecting items that not only enhance their living space but also reflect their unique style and preferences.
SM Market: The Gift of Gourmet GoodnesS
SM Supermarket and Hypermarket are not just grocery havens; they are treasure troves of gourmet delights! This season of giving, consider gifting the joy of culinary experiences with a carefully curated selection from SM Supermarket in SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan and SM Hypermarket in SM City Valenzuela. Explore the variety of Christmas Baskets on offer, each brimming with festive treats and gourmet delights. What’s more, these Christmas Baskets can be personalized to suit the taste preferences of your loved ones, ensuring that your gift is not only thoughtful but also a delightful gastronomic journey.
As you navigate the joyous chaos of holiday shopping, let SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela be your partners in creating unforgettable moments. Whether you choose The SM Store for its diverse offerings, SM Home for bulk-buying discounts, or SM Hypermarket for gourmet delights, your gifts are sure to resonate with personal significance.
Embrace the art of thoughtful giving with SM, where every present tells a story, and every gift is a celebration of love and connection. Happy shopping and happy gifting!
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