Better Days with Difflam-C® vs COVID-19 Sore Throat

This days it's really hard to have sore throat with the COVID-19, a sore throat may be caused by COVID-19 as one of the symptoms. It hurts to swallow, speak, eat, and drink, so it can negatively affect the quality of your day to day life. And to further, the common infections that typically cause a sore throat usually cause a variety of other symptoms, such as body aches, headaches, a fever, cough, and running nose, so you’re usually feeling really crummy.

A recent in-vivo study done by the UERM Memorial Medical Center Research team shows Difflam-C®, a locally-available c, significantly alleviates the so-called COVID-19 Sore Throat – the most common symptom and tell-tale sign of people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Dr. Jennifer Nailes, MD 9 (leftmost), and Dr. Roberto Salvino, MD, the doctors who spearheaded the recent study done to evaluate the effectivity of the Difflam-C gargle against COVID 19-related throat pain were at a media roundtable held recently in Makati City, to reveal their findings. iNova Pharma Philippines Inc. are the makers of the Difflam-C gargle.

The in-vivo study focused on establishing whether the combination of Benzydamine HCl and Chlorhexidine gluconate in Difflam-C® are effective in a real-world setting and was conducted on 219 COVID-19 patients from November 2021 until February 2022. This combination of active ingredients found in Difflam-C® solution have been gaining popularity in the Philippines particularly among doctors and healthcare professionals, with the synergistic action of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, and antiseptic properties in relieving sore throat, as well as other symptoms of throat and mouth infection.

Difflam-C® is a locally-available antiseptic gargle solution. It significantly alleviates the so-called COVID-19 Sore Throat – the most common symptom and tell-tale sign of people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Clinically-tested Efficacy in COVID-19 Patients

Lead investigators of the study have found that Difflam-C® significantly relieves the COVID-19 patients’ sore throat and alleviated throat discomfort associated with difficulty and/or pain in swallowing. Results also show that it helps shorten the duration of the said condition of COVID-19 patients, with the VAS scores of participants significantly decreased during course of treatment with Difflam-C®. 

“At specified time intervals, median VAS scores showed a decreasing trend from baseline until after 12 hours of Day 1 and is significantly different from baseline values (p<0.001). There were some participants whose sore throat pain were relieved within 30 minutes of first use of the solution which persisted even until after 12 hours. There was a noticeable shortening of the course of the sore throat in the study subjects, with their use of Difflam-C® during treatment. This gargle solution could be viewed as an effective treatment for patients with odynophagia (painful swallowing) or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), conditions associated with severe sore throat among COVID-19 patien.” ~Dr. Jennifer M. Nailes, MD, MSPH, Vice-President for Research of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Inc.

 

Gargle Against COVID-19 Sore Throat

Though yet to be published by Acta Medica Philippina, a peer-reviewed general medical and health science journal, these results are extremely encouraging and present a positive step in addressing the COVID-19 sore throat, using a widely available medicated gargle solution such as Difflam-C® in the study.

While Benzydamine HCl + Chlorhexidine gluconate (Difflam-C®) could be an effective treatment for COVID-19 sore throat, getting vaccinated with boosters, the observance of standard health protocols, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the current mainstays for the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Representatives from iNova Pharma Philippines Inc. (makers of Difflam-C gargle) together with Dr. Jennifer Nailes, MD, and Dr. Roberto Salvino, MD, the doctors who spearheaded the recent study on the effectivity of the Difflam-C gargle against COVID 19-related throat pain, recently held a media roundtable to reveal their study’s findings. Standing from left are:  Michelle dela Cruz, Marketing Manager of iNova Pharma Philippines Inc., Ria Enriquez, Difflam Product Manager; Dr. Jennifer Nailes, vice president for research at University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center Inc, Dr. Roberto Salvino, Medical Director, iNova Pharma Philippines Inc., and Eric Yuson, Associate Medical Affairs Manager of iNova.

As cases rise and new Omicron variants are discovered, the results of this study could be valuable information in making the public more aware of clinically tested remedies to help address key symptoms like the COVID-19 sore throat. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4: The Most Versatile Devices, Changing the Way We Interact with Smartphones

“Samsung Galaxy foldables are built on the foundation of our openness philosophy, enabling new possibilities with complete customization both inside and out. Created in collaboration with our world-class partners, the next foldable devices offer unparalleled mobile experiences that meet the needs of our most dynamic users. Through our unwavering focus and industry leadership, excitement for the foldables continues as a testament to Samsung’s dedication to superior craftsmanship, every component in both form factors has been thoroughly analyzed to deliver a truly optimized experience to ensure that every consumer has a device to fit their needs. The Galaxy Z Flip4 builds on the success of Samsung’s iconic form factor, adding key features, including an upgraded camera experience, a larger battery and expanded customization, while maintaining its ultra-compact design. The Galaxy Z Fold4 opens up new possibilities for users by delivering Samsung’s most comprehensive smartphone experience to-date, offering shape-shifting design, immersive displays and PC-like multitasking features, in addition to advanced camera technology and powerful mobile processors.” ~Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics

Samsung pushes the boundaries of smartphone versatility with its fourth-generation foldables, providing enhanced productivity, customization capabilities, and FlexCam experiences.

Multinational manufacturing conglomerate Samsung announced the next generation of groundbreaking foldable smartphones: Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4; including Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

New Samsung Galaxy Foldables Drive More Sustainable Future. While Providing the Most Versatile Mobile Experience. The Company’s MX business series the progress on its commitment to do more with less through Galaxy for the Planet.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the next generation of groundbreaking foldable smartphones: Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4. Both devices feature customizable form factors, tailored experiences, and upgraded performance. Now in its fourth generation, Galaxy Z series continues to break from convention to deliver new, impactful interactions that enhance everyday life.  

Galaxy Z Flip4 can capture, watch and connect longer between charges with the expanded 3,700mAh battery. With Super Fast Charging, now supported on Z Flip4, charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes, keeping users connected when they’re running low.

With the slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass and glossy metal frames, the design is our most refined yet. The users can fully customize the Z Flip4 inside and out, with Galaxy Themes on both Cover and Main Screen to complement their style with custom fonts, icons and designs. Plus, users can create their own Cover Screen with new clock designs and backgrounds in various formats such as images, GIFs and even video.

Shoot hands-free video or capture full group selfies at various angles by partially folding Z Flip4 to activate FlexCam. These can even be enjoyed on users’ favorite apps. Thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Meta, FlexCam is optimized for the most popular social platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook. Do more than ever with Z Flip4 by taking high-quality selfies right from the Cover Screen by leveraging the main camera with the upgraded Quick Shot. Start high-quality video recording in Quick Shot mode and then seamlessly switch to Flex mode to continue recording hands-free without stopping the video – ideal for content creators and vloggers. The users are now able to take selfies in Portrait Mode and see preview in actual photo ratio when using Quick Shot. With an upgraded camera equipped with a 65 percent brighter sensor powered by the Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, photos and videos are crisper and more stable – day or night. 

Z Flip4 is crafted to go truly hands-free – doing more without ever opening the phone. Make calls, reply to texts, and even control the SmartThings Scene widget, all from the Cover Screen. 

Galaxy Z Fold4, a Multi-tasking Powerhouse with Ultimate Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold4 is the result of Samsung Galaxy’s enduring smartphone innovation and our most powerful smartphone yet. Z Fold4 combines Samsung’s collective mobile technology expertise to create a device with increased functionality whether opened, closed, or in Flex mode. Furthermore, it is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.

Multitasking on Z Fold4 is easier than ever, so users can get more done on the move. The new Taskbar provides a layout similar to your PC, offering access to your favorite and recent apps. Multitasking is also more intuitive, thanks to new swipe gestures. Instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level. Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links, photos and more from one app to another. With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call. Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook take advantage of the foldable display, providing more information on the screen and faster ways to interact with the content. The multitasking experience is complete with S Pen functionality, enabling on-the-go drawing and notetaking with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case. 

Galaxy Z Fold4 takes stunning photos and videos with an upgraded 50MP wide lens and 30x Space Zoom lens. A variety of camera modes, including the larger Zoom map activated on Capture View Mode, Dual Preview, and Rear Cam Selfie are custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility. And with the larger pixel size, a 23 percent brighter sensor, and enhanced processing power, users can capture clear images even at night. 

Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch Main Screen with a brighter screen, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a less visible Under Display Camera (UDC) featuring a new scatter-type sub-pixel arrangement. Popular social media apps like Facebook are optimized for the large-screen experience to make content more enjoyable. Or open your favorite streaming entertainment service apps like Netflix and watch hands-free with Flex mode. For non-optimized apps, users can even control the device without disrupting the content with the new Flex Mode Touchpad, offering accuracy while pausing, rewinding, and playing videos, or zooming in and out of content while the device is in Flex mode. 

Games are snappier too thanks to the powerful Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform and hyper-fast 5G. With a slimmer hinge, lighter weight, and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.

Samsung continues its barrier-defying innovation journey to deliver the level of durability consumers expect, both in and out. With our Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass, Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 are our toughest foldables ever. Durability of the Main Screen panel is also enhanced thanks to the optimized layer structure, helping to reduce damage from external shock. In addition, both Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 are equipped with IPX8 water resistance, so users can worry less if they get caught in the rain.

Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Premium Design with the Ultimate Listening Experience

Joining the Galaxy Z series are Galaxy Buds2 Pro - Samsung’s new top-of-the-line earbuds that provide the most immersive wireless audio experience with a new, compact design, and seamless connectivity that is perfect for any aspect of your everyday life.

Appreciate every musical interlude with superior Hi-Fi 24bit Audio, which offers high-dynamic range helping you feel connected to the content you’re listening to with crystal-clear resolution. With the new Samsung seamless codec(SSC HiFi), quality music is enabled to transfer without a pause, and the new coaxial 2-way speaker makes those sounds richer than ever.

The new compact, ergonomic design is 15 percent smaller, with a secure fit that is engineered to prevent rotation, making it the perfect fitness companion. Take calls on-the-go with powerful ANC to eliminate outside noise. The new Buds2 Pro allows users to escape into their own world and simultaneously stay connected to their life.

When you need to answer an urgent call while enjoying a gaming session or a movie on your tablet, the Buds2 Pro can seamlessly switch the audio connection to your phone with a touch of a finger. The Buds2 Pro now features Auto Switch to provide effortless transition from your favorite TV Show to take a call from your loved ones. 

And if you happen to misplace your Buds2 Pro on your commute SmartThings Find now makes locating them fast and easy whether they’re inside their cradle or not.

Galaxy for the Planet 

Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series, Samsung has incorporated recycled materials not just in our packaging, but also in the hardware of our new products. These are the first steps in our Galaxy for the Planet initiative, which includes our continued incorporation of recycled plastics and the creation of new materials in partnership with leading sustainability partners. As we continue to pursue innovations in sustainable manufacturing, we are proud to announce that more than 90% of the new Galaxy Buds2 Pro is made with recycled materials. The new Galaxy Z series also incorporates ocean-bound plastics into key components and 100 percent recycled paper for its packaging. We also reduced volume of the packaging up to 58% compared to the first-generation Galaxy foldables. This equates to an avoidance of approximately 10,000 tons of carbon emissions from transportation this year.

Pricing and Availability

Starting August 10, 10:00 PM to September 1, 2022, customers who pre-order the  Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 through samsung.com, can get freebies and discounts worth up to PHP 33,500. Customers can enjoy a FREE Standing Cover with Pen worth PHP 4,899 when they purchase the Galaxy Z Fold4, or a FREE Clear Slim Cover worth PHP 1,199 with the Galaxy Z Flip4. On top of that, customers can enjoy a FREE Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth PHP 4,599, 50% off on Galaxy Buds2 Pro and 30% off on Galaxy Watch5 Series, and 1 Year FULL PROTECTION Screen & Device worth PHP 9,499 with Samsung Care+.

Customers can also pre-order through Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online starting August 11 to September 1, 2022, to get as much as PHP 30,400 worth of freebies. Customers can enjoy a FREE Standing Cover with Pen worth PHP 4,899 and a Super Fast Wireless Charger worth PHP 3,099 when they pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold4. Customers to pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip4 can get a FREE Clear Slim Cover worth PHP 1,199, plus a Super Fast Wireless Charger Duo worth PHP 4,599. In addition, customers can enjoy 50% off on Galaxy Buds2 Pro and 30% off on Galaxy Watch5 Series, and 1 Year SCREEN PROTECTION worth up to PHP 7,880 with Samsung Care+. 

Starting September 2, 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 will be available in Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, select Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online, and telco partners. The Galaxy Z Flip4 will start at PHP 58,990.00 for the 128GB variant, PHP 62,990 for the 256GB variant and PHP 69,990 for the online-exclusive 512GB variant in Bora Purple, Pink Gold, Blue and Phantom Black, while the Galaxy Z Fold4 will be priced at PHP 98,990 and PHP 105,990 for the 256GB and 512GB variant respectively, plus, a 1TB samsung.com exclusive priced at PHP 119,990, in Gray Green and Phantom Black. Customers can also avail of the 256GB variant in Beige, exclusively released in samsung.com.  

Customers can also pre-order the Galaxy Buds2 Pro starting August 11 to September 1, 2022 through samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, and Authorized Samsung Stores and enjoy freebies and discounts worth up to PHP 6,400. Choose from a PHP 1,500 Token for Samsung mobile products or 50% off on Galaxy Buds2 Pro and 30% off on Galaxy Watch5 Series when they purchase the Galaxy Z Fold4 or Z Flip4. 

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro will be available starting September 2, 2022 in Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, select Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online for PHP 12,990 in Bora Purple, Graphite and White.

Unfold a greater Galaxy and pre-order today! Learn more about the Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 and Buds2 Pro here.

For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. 

Jollibee Group to relaunch Yoshinoya in PH with beefed-up menu and new store design

“Japanese food lovers in the metro are in for a treat. We will give our customers the authentic Yoshinoya experience, as if they were dining in Yoshinoya Japan. This forms part of our commitment to offer Filipinos with great tasting food and make Yoshinoya the No. 1 Japanese quick service restaurant in the country.” ~Ned Bandojo, Business Development Head of Jollibee Group Foreign Franchised Brands

Yoshinoya’s world-famous beef bowl features thin strips of tender beef, slowly simmered in the brand’s signature gyudon sauce and served over Japanese rice

Jollibee Group as it is all beefed up to offer a bowl of culinary surprises, the Jollibee Group is celebrating the authentic Yoshinoya Japan experience in the Philippines, with the re-opening this August of the Glorietta 1 Mall branch in Makati of Japan’s world-famous Beef Bowl Chain.

 

“Japanese food lovers in the metro are in for a treat. We will give our customers the authentic Yoshinoya experience, as if they were dining in Yoshinoya Japan. This forms part of our commitment to offer Filipinos with great tasting food and make Yoshinoya the No. 1 Japanese quick service restaurant in the country.” ~Ned Bandojo, Business Development Head of Jollibee Group Foreign Franchised Brands

 

The relaunched Yoshinoya will offer a beefed-up menu bannered by the brand’s world-famous bestseller, the gyudon or beef bowl.

 

Yoshinoya’s beef bowl features thin strips of tender beef, slowly simmered in the brand’s signature gyudon sauce. The gyudon bowl can be enjoyed in many ways, including adding togarashi, red ginger, green onions, and even cheese toppings. Yoshinoya Philippines also offers “onsen” egg or the traditional Japanese slow-cooked egg with custardy egg white and egg yolk, as an optional topping that makes the beef bowl comfortingly creamy.

 

Also on the menu are other must-try Japanese favorites like tempura, chicken karaage, chicken teriyaki, and beef yakiniku. Yoshinoya’s tempura or crispy fried shrimp is coated in traditional Japanese-style tempura batter. For its karaage, the Japanese Style Fried Chicken showcases thick cuts of chicken leg and thigh marinated in special marinade, deep-fried until crisp golden brown. These dishes are served over steamed Japanese rice.

All Yoshinoya stores in the Philippines will be redesigned with a contemporary and casual Japanese style that exudes an authentic, light, and welcoming feel.

Want more to satisfy your cravings? Yoshinoya will also offer ramen and other side dishes such as gyoza, kani salad, miso soup, among others. For dessert, customers can enjoy the brand’s Matcha Mochi Ice Cream and Coffee Jelly.

 

To complete the dining experience, all Yoshinoya stores in the Philippines will be redesigned with a contemporary and casual Japanese style that exudes an authentic, light, and welcoming feel.

 

The opening of the new Yoshinoya store officially seals the Jollibee Group’s first foray into Japanese food. The Jollibee Group recently formed a joint venture with Yoshinoya International Philippines Inc.  to establish the Yoshinoya Jollibee Foods, Inc, which will operate the Yoshinoya stores in the country, with plans to expand to 50 stores in the long term.

 

Like the humble beginnings of the Jollibee Group, Yoshinoya started as a family-run shop located at Nihonbashi Fish Market in Tokyo. Today, Yoshinoya has over 2,000 global locations.

To get more information about Yoshinoya, visit YoshinoyaPhil on Facebook and @yoshinoyaph on Instagram.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. It operates in 34 countries, with over 6,200 stores globally with branches in the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Panama, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Australia. 

Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin' and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. 

Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. It also has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. Jollibee Group also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. In 2020, Gallup awarded the Jollibee Group with the Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the first Philippine-based company to receive the distinction.

Jollibee Group has grown brands that bring delightful dining experiences to its customers worldwide, thus spreading the joy of eating to everyone.

BEAR BRAND initially turned over the first 1,500 Tibay chairs from the target of 5,000 chairs

“Knowing that having sufficient equipment is one of the key factors in an environment conducive to learning, the brand saw an opportunity to support school children with tibay chairs for a better learning experience. Sharing this goal with DepEd, we were able to identify and extend help to these locations. Through the Tibay Chairs, we not only aim to help students excel, but also, by producing these chairs through upcycled plastic sachets, we contribute to Nestle’s global commitment of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” ~Russell Lipchin, BEO Dairy Health and Nutrition Solutions

Tibay chairs upcycled from single use plastic sachets

With the Brigada Eskwela 2022 National Kickoff event held yesterday in Imus, Cavite City, BEAR BRAND initially turned over the first 1,500 Tibay chairs from the target of 5,000 chairs for 2022. The tibay chairs upcycled from single use sachets aims to support Filipino schoolchildren by providing them the right tools for a conducive learning environment.The longstanding partnership of BEAR BRAND and DepEd stays true to their commitment on preparing for the safe return of children to school after 2 years. 

Tibay chairs upcycled from single use plastic sachets

With the country gearing up for the return of face-to-face classes after two years of the virtual and hybrid setup, BEAR BRAND doubles down on its commitment of building generations of Batang Matibay by strengthening its support for children’s education. Through the brand’s Tibayanihan Project, a total of 5,000 Tibay Chairs made out of upcycled BEAR BRAND packs will be turned over to schools in 12 cities nationwide this 2022.

As a result of the longstanding 6 year partnership of BEAR BRAND with the Department of Education (DepEd), the brand joined the national kickoff of the Brigada Eskwela program in Imus Pilot Elementary School where the Tibay Chairs were turned over. Brigada Eskwela, which aims to prepare for the return of Filipino children to school, this year launched with a theme of Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral. The first batch of 1,500 Tibay Chairs to be turned over as part of the Brigada Eskwela kick off will be distributed in public schools in CALABARZON, Benguet, and Baguio.

L-R: Carlo Sampan, Milo Sports Head, Nestle Philippines, Regine Mendoaza, Brand Manager, Nestle Philippines, Gerard Chan, Undersecretary, Legislative Affairs and International Cooperation Office VP Sara Duterte, Vice President, Philippines, Secretary, Department of Education Denya Gracia Anastacio-Uy, Corporate Affairs Executive, Nestle Philippines

Since the start of the Tibay Chairs program of BEAR BRAND began in 2016, DepEd has received and distributed over 12,000 benches and armchairs to 131 public schools.

Even everyday citizens can take part in helping enrich the lives of Filipino students. By donating plastic waste to the Tibayanihan Project, BEAR BRAND commits to upcycling the waste and producing more TIbay Chairs that can be used by students all over the country. To donate plastic waste, check out the hashtag #PlasticDropPH and search for the nearest collection point through this link.

Cebu Pacific Unveils Gr8 8.8 Seat Sale

“We continue to see a resurgence in tourism as people have become more confident to travel amidst our new normal. As we want to keep stimulating travel, both in and out the Philippines, we are pleased to offer another hard-to-miss promo that will enable everyJuan to save up on fares as they plan trips ahead.” ~Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Director

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines' leading airline, unveils its special seat sale for both domestic and international destinations.

From August 8 to 10, 2022, the airline is giving everyJuan the chance to plan out their dream trip for as low as PHP8 one-way base fare. Travel period for this seat sale is from September 1, 2022, until February 28, 2023.

Whether passengers would like to rediscover their favorite beach destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Siargao, Palawan, and Cebu; or enjoy the must-try food culture in Pampanga and Negros, travelers can enjoy the best of the Philippines without breaking the bank.

Likewise, those who plan to finally fly abroad can finally do so as more destinations have eased travel restrictions. Whether you feel like going on a cultural immersion in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam; or on a food trip in Bangkok, Korea, and Singapore - all this is now possible and made affordable through CEB's lowest fares.

The airline currently operates 88% of its pre-pandemic systemwide capacity. To date, CEB flies to a total of 34 domestic and 18 international destinations. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

Canva shares visual communication tips for more effective learning

Join the Canva for Pinoy Teachers’ learning session on August 10 to learn how teachers can prepare for back to school with Canva.

The opening of classes is just around the corner. While teachers and students will slowly shift back to face-to-face classes this year, visual communication will continue to be an important tool for learning.

To continue making classrooms visually interactive and engaging, here are some balik-eskwela tips from Canva:

*Design visually appealing worksheets, learning materials, and school posters 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sheila Micah Yao, a Canva teacher ambassador from Cauayan, Isabela, started her online business where she first discovered Canva. When classes officially resumed online, she returned to teaching and used Canva to create visually appealing worksheets and learning materials for her students.

Canva has thousands of printable worksheet templates that are free to customize, download, and use for any grade level. To learn more about how teachers can create, communicate and engage students with Canva for Education, Canva also offers design tutorials from engaging students with presentations to designing storyboard activities.

For all your back to school needs, check out Canva’s brand new templates for an awesome school year. Simply change your language to English (Philippines) to search for "Back to School" templates. Check out more back to school resources here.

*Enhance class photos with Canva’s image-editing features

Whether it’s for your class officer board or new class IDs, you can easily enhance and add texts or frames on your students’ photos using Canva. 

Claudine Mallari Buan, a teacher from Camias High School in Porac, Pampanga, surprised her students with a free graduation photoshoot last June. She edited the photos using Canva’s image-editing capabilities. From adding stickers, graphics, and frames, to removing backgrounds, Canva can help you make your photos stand out.

*Prep for the upcoming school year by attending Canva for Pinoy Teachers’ back to school webinar

To support teachers in their successful return to school, Canva Philippines will be holding “Canva EskweLIVE: Kickstart Your Face-to-Face Classes with Canva Tools,” a free learning session which will be hosted on the Canva for Pinoy Teachers Community on Facebook on August 10, 2022 at 4:30-6:00 PM. The session will feature a wellbeing talk from Canva Philippines Learning Designer Geryl Minguillo and graphic design demo with Senior Brand Designer Yuni Lao.

Back to school resources are now available on Canva Eskwela. 

To get updates about the event, join the Canva for Pinoy Teachers community. The community also features insights and design inspiration from its community members.

In 2020, Canva launched Canva for Education which allows K-12 educators to create and personalize lesson plans, infographics, posters, videos, and collaborate with their students for free. Canva Philippines also introduced Canva Eskwela, an online hub of learning resources that features free and visually engaging content especially tailored for educators and learners in the Philippines. 

Now celebrating its 8th anniversary in the Philippines, Canva continues to empower educators and students with access to the collaborative visual communication platform.

To learn more about Canva, visit www.canva.com or follow Canva on Facebook and Instagram. Canva is also available for download on App Store and Play Store.

About Canva

Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on desktop, web, iOS, and Android.

GCash achieves great increase in employee engagement score

“It says a lot about how supportive and caring the leadership team of GCash is and how connected the G Nation is. This is a display and proof of how our purpose of making Filipino lives better does not only apply to our customers but, most importantly, to our employees as well.” ~Robert Gonzales, Chief People Officer (CPO)

GCash employees met most of their colleagues in person for the first time since the pandemic began during their face-to-face team building in Tagaytay City.

For GCash, the leading fintech company, employee wellness and culture-building are as important as its business operations. Along with the growth of the company as an organization is the rise of its employee engagement, an aspect of the company that GCash takes seriously.

While every company is challenged to drive better performance, especially amidst the pandemic, GCash has great faith in its people and vice versa. This mutual trust is not only manifested in the business achievements of GCash but also in the recent employee engagement survey results as the organization reached a high of 91 points. This is above the global norm score of 89 based on the Willis Towers Watson surveys of companies across the globe and a huge increase compared to the company’s employee engagement score in 2020 which was at 83.

Chief People Officer (CPO) Robert Gonzales explained what this increase means to the G Nation and what it means for the company.

Along with the increase in GCash’s employee engagement rating is the organization’s growth in terms of employee population. From 756 employees in 2020, GCash recorded an additional 393 new hires in 2021. To date, the fintech company employs more than a thousand employees.

The growth in employee headcount is a sign of the expansion of GCash’s financial services. And even if the company expands and grows, employee well-being will still and will always be a top priority in GCash’s people agenda.

The nation has seen the iconic rise of the GCash brand in the last two years. Amidst the pandemic, GCash has grown exponentially. Its current registered users are at 60 million, or 70% of the Filipino adult population. It has evolved from an e-wallet to a super financial and lifestyle app, allowing customers to more than just pay bills and transfer money. They can also secure loans, pay in installments, invest, save, get health insurance, and purchase from a vast array of merchants.

From the latest financial reports released to the public, GCash has now attained profitability way ahead of its target date. The company has achieved all these while remaining faithful to its vision of financial inclusion, and its purpose of making Filipinos’ everyday lives better. 

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,400k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at 232k partner agent network; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 60 million Filipinos in the country today.