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| Shopee Philippines and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials at their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony. Seated from left who have formally signed the MOU are Shopee Philippines' Head of Corporate Affairs Erin Tagudin and Director Vincent Lee, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Michael John Dubria, and PNP Director for Research and Development Police Major General Oliver Enmodias. (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/Shopee Philippines) |
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in the Philippines, has taken significant steps to ensure the safety and security of online shoppers by forming a joint commitment with the Philippine National Police (PNP) through a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure public safety and security while shopping on the platform. This initiative compromises two main components. First, it involves proactively preventing the sales of police-related items and ensuring these items are not misused or made available for illegal purposes. Secondly, it includes an educational campaign to enable users to effectively detect and address online scams.
Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to user safety, stating, “Our partnership with the PNP reflects our dedication to making the shopping experience secure and rewarding for our users. We are fully committed to protecting our users and equipping them with the knowledge to identify and defend themselves against potential online threats.” On the other hand, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria praised the collaboration, saying, “Through this partnership, Shopee demonstrates its strong support for our safety efforts and our shared commitment to public security. This marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat the illegal sale of uniforms and textiles that replicate those used by the Philippine Armed Forces.”
Shopee has proactively introduced various security measures to protect its users from scams including a buyer protection program that guarantees refunds for buyers who receive counterfeit or defective items. Its collaboration with the PNP signifies a substantial step forward in Shopee’s endeavor to further intensify its educational initiatives on online scam prevention. Its partnership with the PNP is a testament to Shopee’s firm commitment to user safety and its position as the leading and most trusted e-commerce platform in the Philippines. By working with the PNP and implementing various security measures such as the buyer protection program and consumer educational campaigns, Shopee continues to create a safer shopping environment for everyone.
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UST Tops Off Henry Sy Sr. Hall In Manila Campus
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| An architect's perspective of the University of Sto. Tomas' Henry Sy Sr. Hall in its Manila campus (Image Source: Philstar.com/University Of Sto. Tomas/C.A. Ventura & Partners) |
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) held a topping off ceremony of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall on its Manila campus last October 7, 2023 which is a builder’s tradition that highlights the placement of the final beam on top of the structure. The seven-storey building is a tribute of the Sy family, the SM Group, and UST to the SM founder for his life-long education advocacy. It is equally a manifestation of the ever-growing desire of the UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc., Anargyroi: FMS Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the 152-year old UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) to further level up in the field of medicine.
Designed by C.A. Ventura & Partners and on track towards its completion by June 2024, the Henry Sy Sr. Hall will serve as a hub for simulation in medical education, interactive student centered-learning, collaborative multidisciplinary research, and interprofessional education. It will house the Sts. Cosmas and Damian Simulation and Research Center. “The Henry Sy Sr. Hall will be a state-of-the-art structure designed to meet the challenges and expectations of a digitally-inclined medical education landscape. It will house technologically advanced facilities and equipment, which will complement the existing teaching, learning, and research practices of the University. It is yet another milestone, securing the UST FMS a relevant spot, a significant spot in Catholic medical education in the country, the region, and the world," said FMS Dean Dr. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao about the Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
“Medical students can access a broad range of digital tools and resources to enhance their learning and education as we were compelled to shift to e-learning and online course platforms,” said UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. “Nowadays, keeping up with the advances in medical education is paramount to ensure that our students are competent, agile, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ever-changing educational landscape of modern medicine, and this building, this edifice, will give us state-of-the-art equipment, which will give our medical students a cutting-edge knowledge on how to use robotics as well as other equipment,” Fr. Ang added.
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Make It Christmas With Jollibee's Chickenjoy Christmas Perfect Pairs
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| (Image Source: Jollibee) |
This holiday season, Jollibee is leveling up Christmas joy for its customers through the sizable savings they can get from its newest limited-time offer promo. From now until November 30, 2023, customers can avail of Chickenjoy Christmas Perfect Pairs which pairs the crispylicious, juicylicious 1-pc. Chickenjoy with their side of choice. Customers can enjoy this merry promo with two easy steps:
1. Order 1-pc. Chickenjoy
2. Add 1 side
• With Pair A, choose among Regular Fries, Extra Rice, Coke Float, or Peach Mango Pie for only Php109 and save as much as Php26.
• With Pair B, choose between indulgent limited-time offerings Choco Banana Pie or Cookie Caramel Sundae for only Php125 and save as much as Php16.
“This promo marries the Filipinos’ love for the holidays as well as their distinct love for Chickenjoy. Not only will they get to savor Chickenjoy paired with other Jollibee favorites, but they will also be able to enjoy savings that will surely bring more joy this Christmas season. We invite everyone to Make it Christmas with Chickenjoy Christmas Perfect Pairs, and — together with family and friends — have the most festive season yet,” said Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Masterbrand & Chicken Mari Aldecoa. Chickenjoy Christmas Perfect Pairs is available nationwide for a limited time only, so make sure to drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and treat yourself via dine-in, takeout, or drive-thru. You can also have your favorites delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.
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"GenXins" Mark Monumental 10th Year Of Mr. And Ms. Chinatown Philippines
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| The candidates of Mr. (bottom) and Ms. (top) Chinatown Philippines 2023 (Image Source: Dot Daily Dose/Miss Chinatown Foundation) |
The 10th year of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines (MMCP) gets underway with 20 young Chinoys and Chinays, or “GenXins”, all vying for the chance to be the next ambassador and ambassadress of the Chinese-Filipino youth. Currently the only pageant in the Philippines for the Chinoy community, MMCP is the flagship project of Miss Chinatown Foundation, which it co-organizes with CHiNOY TV. For its 2023 edition, the project will be represented by 10 male and 10 female hopefuls, or known as GenXins, who come from various schools and backgrounds, ranging from athletes to entertainment professionals.
CHiNOY TV Prssident Alvin Kingson Tan shares, “GenXin originated from Generation and Xin, which means ‘new’, so we coined this word to depict the next generation Chinoys. With the candidates being mostly from the Gen-Z generation, we are utilizing MMCP as a platform for GenXins to share their ideas, improve themselves, but more than anything, for them to be appreciative of their Chinoy roots.” Mikko Araneta, who is MMCP’s Pageant Director since 2018, adds that the project’s 10-year mark is also an opportunity to broaden its vision and contributions to the wider community. “I think we are trying to redefine what pageantry means in this time and age. Aside from the gloss and spectacle, it really is about the contestant’s journey and what meaning they can draw out of it, when the contest is done," said Araneta.
All candidates will be taking part in a series of training sessions and challenges to help them learn more about their culture, discover their skills, and showcase their potential such as the Cultural Costume Competition or Chinatown Day, where they will parade in elaborate getups that symbolize Chinoy culture. There will also be a Ting Hun-inspired Chinatown Ball which will take place in Hilton Manila. Finally, the GenXins’ journey will culminate on November 19, 2023 where they face off for the last time at the Coronation Night in Newport World Resorts Manila. Witness the journey of MMCP’s 10th-year candidates, or GenXins, by following Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Philippines and CHiNOY TV on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The same will be shown in a four-part limited series of the documentary "Chinese By Blood, Filipino By Heart" which airs on CNN Philippines.
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Tears From Heaven: CHILD Haus Celebrates 21st Year Anniversary
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| CHILD Haus beneficiaries celebrating the institution's 21st year anniversary with founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/SM Supermalls/CHILD Haus) |
The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall was the venue of the 21st-anniversary celebration of CHILD Haus, an institution founded by ‘Mader’ Ricky Reyes to be a bastion of hope for children stricken by cancer. Throughout its history, one consistent major supporter of the establishment has been the Sy family – in its early years, Henry ‘Tatang’ Sy Sr., and over the last decade, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy continuing the tradition established by his father. Leading the event were Mr. Sy and ‘Mader’ Ricky and several individuals and companies who, over the years, have contributed to the well-being of CHILD Haus were invited. Many children, who have been ‘adopted’ by CHILD Haus and now call it home, were also in attendance. The media was present as well, recognizing how establishments like CHILD Haus make a big difference and become the ‘answered prayers’ of so many children and their parents.
Three CHILD Haus stories featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa were turned into video vignettes that highlighted the message of hope and the life-saving work of the organization. While it is easy to describe such events as heartwarming and tear-jerking, it was truly remarkable to witness even the most seasoned press photographers being moved to tears by these videos. This is a clear testament to the profound impact that these testimonials had on the audience at the event. After ‘Mader’ Ricky’s heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization’s life-saving work possible.
Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations – one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay..A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by her husband and Spongecola frontman Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality. In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.
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Professional Arm Wrestling Comes To FITE Via Arm Wrestling Canada
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| (Image Source: FITE/Arm Wrestling Canada Championship) |
FITE by Triller and Arm Wrestling Canada (AWC) Championship have announced that global professional arm wrestling events will be aired worldwide on PPV via FITE beginning with AWC3: All or Nothing on January 13, 2024. "AWC Championship and its president Magda Kaczmarek are leaders in bringing new respect to this sport. We're going to see the top competitors in the world go at it with the high-end production and smart commentary they deserve," said FITE Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Michael Weber.
"I was an arm wrestler before I became a promoter so I know both what it takes to win and the importance of staying humble. Right now, I'm proud that with FITE's global reach we'll develop even more fans of our arm wrestling worldwide," said AWC Championship President Magda Kaczmarek. AWC3: All or Nothing will feature professional arm wrestlers such as Jeff "Popeye" Dabe vs Jason Costantini, Allen Ford vs Kacper Sinica, World Champ Heidi Cordner vs Anna Gronlund, Artem Taranenko vs John Therrien, and not to mention Alex Koshadze, "The Georgian Kid". Exciting amateur preliminary armfights include Mady Gagnier vs Sabrina Folz. This is just the beginning to an incredible AWC Fight Night. AWC Championship joins the best in boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, Pro Wrestling, and more sports and entertainment on the most reliable, best valued, global streaming platform.
