 |
| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/GCash) |
GCash, the number one finance super app in the Philippines through its official lending arm Fuse Lending, partners with Puregold, one of the country’s biggest supermarket chains, to empower more sari-sari store owners and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners by offering them access to a full suite of digital business solutions including GGives for Business. “Sari-sari store owners under Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Program can now use GGives for Business a 'buy now, pay later” solution, allowing them to pay up to Php5,000 worth of inventory using credit – straight from the GCash app, with no additional documents required. We are hopeful that this joint initiative will allow sari-sari store owners to scale up their offerings by providing them with accessible and affordable working capital,” said Fuse President and CEO Tony Isidro.
To help sari-sari store owners grow their businesses with GCash, the e-wallet also offers GCash Pera Outlet (PO) for sari-sari store owners. “This in-app feature allows sari-sari store owners to earn extra income of up to Php50,000 monthly by offering customers in the community convenient access to various GCash services such as Cash-In, Cash-Out, Pay Bills, and Send Money. This is just one of our initiatives in enabling more MSMEs to thrive with the help of like-minded partners like Puregold,” said GCash for Business Head Jong Layug. MSMEs are the backbone of the Philippine economy, accounting for 99.58% of business establishments and holding 63% of the country’s workforce, according to a report by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). However, according to the Tech For Good Institute’s Platform Economy Report, 79% of MSMEs cite a lack of working capital to maintain their businesses.
GCash also supported Puregold’s annual sari-sari store convention by showcasing its full suite of digital business solutions and the newest feature to the attendees. This year's event, with the theme “Asen20 Tayo", celebrates Aling Puring’s 20th Convention Anniversary and the TNAP program’s diverse membership of small and medium-scale business owners that include sari-sari store owners, bulk buyers, caterers, operators of karinderya owners, canteens, bakeries, and online sellers. “Partnering with GCash gives us another opportunity to give back to our loyal Aling Puring members and customers who never fail to support our business,” said Puregold Price Club Inc. President Ferdinand Vincent Co.
* * * *
UA&P vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament Kicks Off With Exciting Matches
 |
| The participating teams lining up for the opening of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/vivo Philippines) |
 |
| vivo Philippines Assistant Brand Marketing Manager Glenn Chiu (in black shirt), Tournament Chair Nikko Alquiros, University Chaplain Father Carlos Estrada, and University Officer John D Borra performing the opening kick, signalling the start of the UA&P vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/vivo Philippines) |
The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) vivo Intercollegiate Futsal Tournament officially kicked off on September 21, 2024 with thrilling matches and an exciting start to the season. Organized in partnership with vivo Philippines, the UA&P Physical Education Department and the Men’s Futsal Varsity Team, the tournament promises weeks of intense competition among top university teams. In his opening remarks, vivo Assistant Brand Marketing Manager Glenn Chiu highlighted vivo’s commitment to fostering both fitness and innovation, sharing, “We’re proud to partner with UA&P’s Futsal Team as it aligns with our passion for promoting an active lifestyle and excellence. This tournament is a testament to the positive impact sports bring to communities.”
This year’s league showcases some of the country’s best university futsal teams, including UA&P, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Enderun Colleges, Rizal Technological University, University of Makati, and Treston International College. The tournament will run every Saturday until November 2024 at the UA&P gymnasium with the games streaming live on the official Facebook page of the UA&P Men's Futsal Varsity Team. In a dominating performance, the UA&P Men’s Futsal Team secured a resounding 13-3 victory over UPLB, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. Meanwhile, Enderun Colleges and Treston International College also delivered a thrilling match on opening day, giving fans a taste of the fierce competition ahead. Enderun won with a score of 7-2.
vivo raffled off exclusive prizes during the event including a speaker, bags, and Bluetooth earbuds, adding more excitement for attendees. In addition to the tournament, vivo set up a two-day booth inviting students to join the vivo Club. This platform offers students exclusive perks, including internship opportunities, special event invitations, and other exciting experiences designed to help them connect with vivo and explore career-building opportunities. The collaboration with UA&P marks vivo’s continued support of both local sports and community engagement, offering a platform for athletes to showcase their skills.
* * * *
BINI Takes BLOOMs To Their Quest To Stardom In "Born To Win" Documentary On iWantTFC
 |
| (Image Source: Rappler/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Follow the rise of BINI, from their aspirations in the music scene to becoming the beloved Nation's Girl Group, in the first chapter of the highly anticipated docuseries entitled "BINI Chapter 1: Born To Win", now streaming for free and on-demand on iWantTFC, the Home of Filipino Stories. Co-produced alongside ABS-CBN News and premier talent agency Star Magic under the direction of ABS-CBN News Chief of Reporters Jeff Canoy and award-winning filmmaker Jet Leyco, this iWantTFC Original Docuseries is a three-part feature that takes BLOOMs into the group’s journey to stardom while presenting never-before-seen footage during their preparations for their first major concert "BINIverse".
The first of the three-part documentary series on BINI, "Born To Win" serves as an introduction to the BLOOMs' 'One True 8' in Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena as they take viewers to their humble beginnings as trainees undergoing hardships to becoming the next sought-after girl group. Despite the challenges, the girls exhibited resiliency and camaraderie, eventually finding booming success as today’s Nation’s Girl Group behind the hits "Born To Win", "Na Na Na", "Lagi Lagi", "Pantropiko" and more. Before its much-awaited premiere, BINI members Mikha, Colet, Maloi, and Jhoanna surprised BLOOMs during its advance screening last September 23 (Monday) at Gateway Cineplex — thanking them for their outpouring support not only for their docuseries but also for their unwavering love throughout their journey.
BLOOMs in the Philippines can now watch the series for free by signing up for an account on iWantTFC.com or the iWantTFC app on Android and iOS. Users should look forward to upcoming installments of the Docuseries, which will also be streaming soon on iWantTFC, including the next chapter of the BINI docu-series. iWantTFC's content library of Filipino movies, television series and documentaries are accessible for free to users in the Philippines. Aside from portable devices, users can enjoy the iWantTFC viewing experience on a larger screen with select devices, available on Chromecast and Airplay, among others.
* * * *
Blogapalooza Leads Advocacy For Children's Wishes With Project Headshot Clinic
 |
| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Blogapalooza) |
Blogapalooza, the Philippines’ premier influencer marketing company, took a stand for hope and unity through a meaningful campaign benefiting children with critical illnesses. In collaboration with Project Headshot Clinic and Make-A-Wish Philippines, the event brought together creators, influencers, and advocates for a cause that aims to grant the wishes of children facing critical health challenges. "This initiative is about more than just bringing people together; it’s about showing these children that they are not alone in their battles. By partnering with influencers and creators, we’re using the power of digital platforms to amplify a message of hope and resilience," said Blogapalooza CEO Ace Gapuz.
With the theme centered around the Japanese legend of folding 1,000 origami cranes — symbolizing strength and solidarity — the event was held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every photo taken during the event symbolized a crane with proceeds going directly to Make-A-Wish Philippines, an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children battling serious conditions including cancer. While Project Headshot Clinic, spearheaded by conceptual photographer Niccolo Cosme, played a key role in providing the visual element of the campaign, Blogapalooza ensured that influencers and creators rallied behind the cause to maximize its reach. “It’s inspiring to witness influencers leverage their platforms for something that truly matters. We’re proud to have united them for this advocacy,” said Gapuz. Cosme, who is known for turning headshots into advocacy movements, said, “Through this collaboration, we were able to create a visual representation of the hope we all have for these children. Every headshot taken reflects that shared hope and support.”
The event saw participation from key influencers including Blogapalooza BX talents such as Chal Maling, Rozel Basilio, Ezra Mane, and Chef Gelo Guison alongside well-known figures like Macoy Dubs, Alec Cuenca, Jako de Leon, and Daiana Meneses. “We are grateful to our partners and sponsors like Korea Garden PH and Aperture Philippines for helping us bring this advocacy to life,” said Gapuz. As Blogapalooza continues to champion meaningful campaigns, Gapuz emphasized, “This is just one of many steps we’re taking to use our influence for positive change. We’ll continue to bring people together, share their stories, and offer hope to those who need it most.”
* * * *
eSports Integrity Commission, MOONTON Games Partner To Strengthen Competitive Integrity In Professional Mobile Gaming
 |
| (Image Source: MOONTON Games) |
The eSports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and MOONTON Games, the publisher behind the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), have entered into a strategic partnership to bolster integrity within the eSports ecosystem. This collaboration marks a significant step towards ensuring fair play and ethical standards across mobile eSports, a rapidly growing sector of the global gaming industry. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ESIC and MOONTON Games will work together on a range of initiatives aimed at safeguarding the integrity of eSports. The partnership encompasses activities such as information sharing, educational campaigns, policy development, risk management, and the identification of emerging threats in the esports environment. MOONTON Games will also join ESIC's Publisher Committee, actively participating in shaping integrity policies and providing industry insight.
"MOONTON Games has long been the leader in the global mobile esports space, and we are excited to welcome them as a partner in our ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of eSports. Through this partnership, we aim to promote a fair and secure competitive environment, ensuring that mobile eSports can continue to thrive," said ESIC CEO Stephen Hanna. MOONTON Games Managing Director of Global eSports Lucas Mao added, "Professionalism and integrity have always been cornerstones of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang competitive eSports. By working together with ESIC, we are setting a new standard for fairness in eSports and reaffirming our commitment to building a transparent and ethical gaming environment where excellence and integrity go hand in hand."
Additionally, both ESIC and MOONTON Games will explore joint opportunities to develop policies that address the unique challenges of mobile eSports. This includes identifying potential risks in the growing mobile eSports ecosystem and working collaboratively to mitigate them through industry-leading practices. This collaboration reflects the growing importance of mobile gaming in the eSports world and reaffirms both organizations' commitment to fostering transparency, fair competition, and ethical behaviour.
* * * *
McDonald’s Stripes Run Offers Family Fun With Pets
 |
| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/McDonald's Philippines) |
McDonald's Philippines recently announced that registration for its annual family fun run is now open. Since 2010, McDonald’s Stripes Run has been a much-awaited event that gathers thousands of runners — now including their fur babies — to don striped socks and have fun, all for the benefit of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines. Happening on December 1, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, this year’s McDonald’s Stripes Run aims to raise funds to help RMHC build more Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers across the country. These Learning Centers are safe spaces for children ages two to four years old, providing access to early childhood education while their parents are at work. There are currently 43 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers in the country.
“We’re expecting over 10,000 participants this year. McDonald’s is about making feel-good moments happen with experiences that bring friends and families together in fun and special ways. More importantly, McDonald’s Stripes Run is a demonstration of our commitment to supporting children’s well-being through RMHC and its flagship program Bahay Bulilit," said McDonald's Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and RMHC Philippines Vice President Adi Hernandez. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a beginner, or just looking for a great way to bond, participants at the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2024 can choose from 10km, 5km, 3km, and 1km. They can even choose to run with their fur baby in the 1km Fur Category. Best of all, each participant will receive an exclusive race kit to wear on race day, inclusive of race singlet, socks for kids and adults, a race map, bib, a breakfast meal on race day, and a finisher’s token. Participants in the 1k Fur Stripes will receive a dog bandana for their fur baby.
Hernandez added, “Aside from the races, we have prepared a fun program with a lot of activities, and of course McDonald’s food to enjoy. We invite everyone to join and run with your family, friends, and furry pals for this year’s Stripes Run. It’ll be a great bonding experience, and you’ll also be able to support RMHC in providing more families with better access to early childhood care and development." Interested participants can register online at bit.ly/StripesRun2024 powered by RaceRoster.com. For more information on RMHC’s programs and how you can help, visit their official website at rmhc.org.ph and the online donation portal at rmhc.org.ph/donate/.
