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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Google Philippines) |
Google, together with Filipino folk pop band Ben&Ben launches a new song to promote internet safety and digital responsibility. Entitled “Mag-Ingat” (Be Safe Online), the song is part of Google’s commitment to helping Filipinos use the internet safely and responsibly. The two-and-a-half minute Filipino song now available in digital music streaming platforms worldwide with its music video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGUfgc5QHsA addresses online threats today including scams, misinformation, and catfishing, and the importance of critical thinking and verifying information using trusted sources to protect oneself and others. It also reminds netizens to be wary of bad actors who lurk in the online space, just like in the real world.
This newest single from the young band ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility – people are all stewards of the digital world. It’s all in the hands of netizens to use the internet right and care for the online safety of one another. The catchy and lively tune was written and performed by Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021. The award-winning nine-piece act is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity. “Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough. With ‘Mag-Ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue – because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” said Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben.
“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility. By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” said Google Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head Mervin Wenke. Google’s holistic approach to digital responsibility is helping millions of people to stay safe in the online space. Aside from security measures including the two-step verification process, and security and password checkups, it also introduced programs such as Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education, and supported NGO campaigns like the Cyberpeace initiative of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement. “We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens,” said National Privacy Commissioner Atty. John Henry Naga.
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DTI's Go Lokal Partners With Kalocal By 1Export To Introduce MSME Products To The Global Market
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| (Image Source: Adobo Magazine/Department Of Trade And Industry) |
Go Lokal! is a flagship program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that aims to help the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make their products more accessible to new markets. It is a marketing platform that promotes the incubation and mainstreaming of MSME products and is provided for free by the DTI and its retail partners. The program supports a wide range of manufacturing sectors including food and beverage, lifestyle, fashion, home décor, and health and wellness and showcases unique and quality products with compelling stories on the Filipino’s craftsmanship and ingenuity. Since its inception in 2016, the Go Lokal! program has partnered with 24 retailers, rolled out 154 stores nationwide, and assisted 859 MSMEs of which 385 have become regular suppliers of partner retailers. To date, the program has generated sales amounting to Php428 million.
This year, Go Lokal embarks on another groundbreaking move towards the global market to reach Filipino communities abroad by partnering with Kalocal, a platform pioneered by 1Export where you can order export ready Filipino products at wholesale prices. Kalocal aims to help Filipino communities abroad who want to start their own business through importing and reselling products directly from local producers and manufacturers by offering competitive pricing for a wide variety of products – from heritage to novelty, from premium to popular and fast-moving brands. In 2022, Go Lokal! together with Kalocal by 1Export, will launch the “Go Lokal Surprise Box” — a curated gift box containing Filipino products that will be made available, initially in the USA and Canada. Every product highlights a unique story of being proudly and passionately made by MSMEs in the Philippines. Key influencers who are proudly supporting this partnership include Jimmy Alapag @jalapag3, LJ Moreno Alapag @thelollicakechic, Raf Ignacio of @filipinofoodcrawl, Vanjo Merano @panlasangpinoy and Ruby Rodriguez @rodriguezruby. This promotional initiative will help MSMEs transition to cross-border trade as it provides the opportunity for the world to discover Filipino culture through artisanal handicrafts and delectable treats. This 2022, try Go Lokal products and join us in our journey to empower our local MSMEs. Buy Local, Go Lokal, Eat Local!
For inquiries, please contact DTI-BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan, and Go Lokal! Program Manager, Ms. Irma V. Merza at bdtp@dti.gov.ph and golokalph@dti.gov.ph.Learn more about the initiative at kalocal.1export.com.
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Moving Safely Forward With McDonald's New "Feel Good, Feel Safe" Video
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| (Image Source: Adobo Magazine/McDonald's Philippines) |
As the country slowly eases restrictions after the pandemic’s recent surge, the health and safety of everyone remains to be the top priority of McDonald’s. The newly released M Safe video, “We feel good when you feel safe at McDonald’s”, shows a couple making their way to a scenic McDonald’s restaurant. Upon reaching their destination, McDonald’s crew and managers are one step ahead in making sure minimum health standards are followed, allowing them to experience feel-good moments while feeling safe, as they snack on their favorite McDo meals.
“Two years into the pandemic, we have learned a lot in navigating this crisis. At this point, we need to change our mindset and move into treating covid as an endemic. We need to ensure that we keep ourselves and each other safe so we can go back to the things we have missed doing and move forward without fear but with cautious mindfulness. At McDonald’s, safety remains of utmost importance for our employees so we can deliver a safe experience for our customers in our restaurants and channels. We strongly encourage more people to do their part by getting vaccinated and following all minimum health and safety protocols. It is only by embracing this responsibility for ourselves, and by working together that we can contribute to the recovery of the country and move forward safely with our lives,” says McDonald's Philippines Chief Executive Officer Kenneth S. Yang.
To date, close to 100% of all McDonald’s employees nationwide have been fully vaccinated. Their next goal is to have all employees boosted by the end of March or April. McDonald’s restaurants are also acquiring Safety Seal certifications. Close to 500 stores nationwide have passed all requirements and have been provided with a Safety Seal. For customers to have more safe options to satisfy their McDonald’s cravings, the QSR giant launched its Bike & Dine facilities. With Bike & Dine, bikers can mount their bikes safely on a ledge which doubles as a table. This initiative aims to provide cyclists a dining space after they ‘Ride Thru’. ‘Ride Thru’ is another initiative of McDonald’s that encourages all types of vehicles, not just 4-wheeled ones, to order food via the drive thru lane without leaving their vehicle. “Whether dine-in, delivery, or ride thru, our customers are assured that their food is safely prepared through our stringent global food quality standards and strict safe and healthy protocols placed,” added Yang.
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GMA Network Launched New Online Lifestyle Portal
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
Enrich and live your life with intention this New Year as GMA Network launches its new website GMA Lifestyle (www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle) - the latest addition to its array of online platforms to provide lifestyle content as well as to promote GMA's lifestyle shows and celebrities.
GMA Lifestyle visitors can browse articles, galleries, and videos under the eight main sections varying from their interests: News, Travel, Food, Health & Fitness, Fashion & Beauty, Relationships, Home, and Shopping. It also has two minor sections, Polls and Quizzes, that netizens can equally enjoy participating in. The website also features subject matter experts and professionals who contribute engaging stories with more in-depth insights about various topics that are relevant and helpful for the readers.
Dubbed as “Straight From The Expert,” GMA Lifestyle produces an online exclusive video series that highlights Kapuso celebrities and contributors discussing relevant and important topics. GMA Lifestyle's pool of experts includes clinical, cosmetic, and functional dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez; transformation coach Julia Sucgang; travel photojournalist and blogger Melo Villareal; chef and entrepreneur Waya Araos-Wijangco; award-winning book designer, food writer, and visual artist Ige Ramos; interior designer and owner of Chat Fores Design Studio Chat Fores; plastic and reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Dr. Ryan Paraiso; developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Mark Reysio-Cruz; and fashion photographer Shaira Luna.
With GMA Lifestyle, browse through an array of fun content about travel, food, health, fashion, beauty, and more lifestyle stories you love. Visit www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle now and experience life to the fullest!
