Believe you can turn your savings into your dream car with RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank’s (RSB) new Deposit and Drive promo.
Six units each of brand new Isuzu mu-X SUVs and Honda Civic Sedans are up for grabs. The more you save with RCBC and RSB, the more chances you get of winning in the raffle draw. Turn your saving woes into the ultimate grand prize!
Simply earn a raffle entry by depositing “fresh funds” into your new or existing account, and maintaining the minimum average daily balance of at least Php 50,000 for your personal account and Php 500,000 for your corporate account. The final number of raffle entries per account will depend on the cut-off period.
Fresh Deposit Funds are limited to: (a) funds deposited to open an account during the Promo Period; or (b) additional deposits made to existing accounts during the Promo Period.
Also, by just dropping by your branch of account and updating your account information, an additional raffle entry is given to you.
With RCBC and RSB, each deposit gives you a chance to earn a spot for you to drive away with your dream wheels!
Deposit and Drive is open to all new and existing account holders, from individual, joint and corporate accounts. Mark your calendars for the first draw on February 14, 2019 and April 15, 2019 for the final raffle draw date.
Start believing you can drive home with a brand new car. Saving has never been this exciting with RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank’s Deposit and Drive promo.
Over 100% growth in network locations across the Philippines 2018 v 2017
Fexco EasyDebit, one of the Philippines most innovative fintech solutions is today marking a significant period of growth having processed over 1billion pesos in transactions since its launch in 2017. The growth is further reflected in increases of cash withdrawal amounts (up 466% in 2018 v 2017) and transaction volume (up 375% in 2018 v 2017).
EasyDebit is a unique service that uses a mobile Point of Sale (or mPOS Pin Entry Device) and a mobile phone allowing customers in the Philippines to withdraw cash using their ATM card at any number of local accredited merchants including; payment and remittance centres, retailers, rural banks and cooperatives instead of having to travel to an ATM.
EasyDebit is a ‘plug and play’ solution requiring minimal installation for merchants who simply download the EasyDebit Mobile App. The solution has the capacity to reach over 100million people, many of whom are disconnected from the limited ATM infrastructure in the Philippines. Through merchant uptake and participation EasyDebit promotes financial inclusion by providing more secure access to cash withdrawal for the millions of unbanked Filipinos. Uptake of EasyDebit increased by 100% in 2018 (v2017) and the solution is now live with over 700 merchants across the country.
Speaking about the growth seen by EasyDebit this year, Ann Chan Foley, CEO at Fexco Philippines, Inc. commented, “2018 represents a significant year for the business. We have seen hugely positive growth trends across the county in terms of transaction volume, value and merchant growth demonstrating the robustness of the solution. We are excited to continue this growth in 2019 as we further expand the EasyDebit network helping to reach more unbanked and underserved Filipinos.”
Recognised as one of the world’s original and most established fintech organisations, Fexco employs over 2,300 people across its suite of companies headquartered in Killorglin, Co. Kerry located in the South West of Ireland. Founded in 1981, Fexco now has operations in 29 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America.
Fexco serves some of the world’s biggest brands across multiple industries, predominantly in the payments and FX sectors, through a wide range of innovative products and services including; Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), Multi Currency Pricing (MCP), Tax Free Shopping and Retail FX. Fexco also offers bespoke Managed Business Solutions and Outsourcing services as well as a full suite of payment management solutions through its Corporate Payments business.
Since inception, Fexco has been driven by an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. This ethos has brought the company to new regions and industries of growth, connecting customers with exciting new opportunities. Through its commitment to partnership and innovation, the company has built an international network of customers. To find out more visit www.fexco.com
About EasyDebit
FEXCO has developed a microATM card solution for merchants which allows merchants to offer cardholders cash out and balance inquiries. The EasyDebit solution acts as an additional revenue stream for merchants who earn a fee from each transaction. The solution is safe and secure, accredited to the highest security standards – PCI DSS and EMV Level 1 & 2 compliant. To find out more visit www.easydebitasia.comR
The country’s leading fast-food chain’s Jolly Kiddie Meal makes school recess and playtime breaks more refreshingly fun for kids with its Jolly Tumblers! The colorful and jolly-looking beverage containers are one of the convenient ways for young ones to bring their favorite drinks to school, the playground, and to their playmate’s house.
With the new Jolly Kiddie Meal Tumblers, young ones can enjoy their favorite fruit juices, iced tea, milk and chocolate drinks, or water anytime and anywhere with their most-loved Jollibee and Friends mascots.
With its built-in straw, kids can easily sip beverages from their rainbow-colored Jolly Tumblers. They can also play with Jollibee, Hetty, Popo, Twirlie, and Yum by turning the gear and seeing the Jollibee and Friends mascots rotate on top of their tumblers.
The Jolly Kiddie Meal Tumblers come with every purchase of a Yumburger (P80), Yumburger Meal with Drink (P100), Jolly Spaghetti (P95), Jolly Spaghetti Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Burger Steak (P95), 1-piece Burger Steak Meal with Drink (P105), 1-piece Chickenjoy with rice (P120), or1-piece Chickenjoy Meal with Drink (P135), each with its own Jolly Joy Box.
Get all five collectible Jolly Tumblers from December 1 to 31 and make your kids’ recess more refreshingly fun!
They are known for casually making green jokes and getting away with the most exciting (and sometimes erotic) discussions “on air”, to the delight of their amused fans and
listeners, especially those caught in early evening traffic or stuck in offices with OT work.
The trio of radio disc jockeys Slick Rick (Eric Virata), Tony Toni (Tony Bueno) and Sam YG (Sam Gogna) have made Magic 89.9’s Boys Night Out (BNO) a legendary radio talk show in the early evening time slot, especially with their crazy antics, uniquely challenging games with celebrity guests,
and the most candid opinions about love, sex and anything in between.
So, it was no surprise that the “bad boys of radio” have actively taken on an advocacy that is within their “area of expertise”, yet one that tackles an issuebrought about by unprotected sex—HIV infection.
As advocates of Durex Philippines’ “Always Come Prepared”, a campaign geared towards raising awareness on human immunodeficiency virus infection, especially among young
adults, the trio have gone out of their way to engage their listeners about the dangers of the virus and what infected people can do to get treatment.
“The HIV/AIDS infection is a global health problem that started decades ago. Yet today, its prevalence is still growing and now affects young Filipino adults. This is what convinced
us to help out, especially since we realized the potential impact of us talking to our listeners and fans about this concern,” said Tony Toni.
Latest figures from the HIV/AIDS & Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Registry Data indicate that 31 new HIV infections are diagnosed daily and 1 of every 3 new cases are from 15 to 24-year-old
individuals.
Aside from raising awareness about HIV in their radio show, the Boys Night Out trio also visited the Far Eastern University and Lyceum of the Philippines University and partnered with the FEU Central Student Organization and the LPU Manila Central Student Government for a sex education and HIV awareness talk among thousands of students. Known for their antics, the Boys Night Out trio and Durex share the same advocacy to remove the taboo on conversations about sex and HIV to raise awareness about the issue and potentially save lives.
From November 29 to December 11, all proceeds from the sale of Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album will go towards the funding for San Juan Nepomuceno School
In line with Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, together with its Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, invites everyone to join in giving back this Christmas season.
From November 29 to December 11, users can do their part for charity by purchasing Jose Mari Chan’sGoing Home to Christmas album via the JMC Music Official Store on Shopee. All proceeds from the album sale will go towards funding the renovation and educational programs of the San Juan Nepomuceno School. In addition, as a token of appreciation for users’ contribution, those who purchase the album will also be in the running to win two roundtrip tickets to Macau, Brunei, or Cambodia.
Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer, Shopee, said, “Youth are key drivers of the Philippines’ digital economy, and it is important that we do our part to improve the quality of education they receive in the Philippines. In line with our Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, and together with our Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, we hope to be able to make a difference and to give back to the community this festive season. We invite our users to join us in this meaningful cause.”
“I am thrilled to partner Shopee to raise funds for the San Juan Nepomuceno School which holds a special place in my heart. Christmas is a time for us to not only celebrate and spend time with our friends and family but to also give back to our fellow Filipinos. I hope that everyone will enjoy the brand-new Going Home to Christmas album and will join Shopee and I in doing something special this year-end holiday,” said Jose Mari Chan.
Ongoing till December 12, the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale features deals up to 99% off from leading brands including P&G, Maybelline, Vivo, SM Store, Silverworks, Unilever, Lactum, and Platinum Karaoke. Users can enjoy daily free shipping promotions, flash sales as low as ₱12, Shopee Shake worth 12 million, and the launch of a brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz. Leading industry players including Smart, Viber, and Mini Stop, will also be joining in the celebrations with exciting promotions this Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.
Purchase Jose Mari Chan’s Going Home to Christmas album from the JMC Music Official Store at https://shopee.ph/jmcmusic
For more information on the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit http://shopee.ph/12-12
Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.
Breakthrough lung cancer pill Osimertinib shows promise at stopping disease progression and improving patient survival.
The fight against lung cancer doesn’t have to be a solo battle.
To help Filipino patients and their loved ones rise above this challenging condition, biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has partnered with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), along with local support groups such as the Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCP), and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) to launch LVNG With Lung Cancer, an online resource portal for patients across all stages of the disease.
From left: Dr. Mary Claire Vega-Soliman, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and Head of the Tumor Clinic of East Avenue Medical Center; Carla Comendador Britanico, a patient living with Stage IV lung cancer for more than 6 years; Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Abesamis-Tiambeng, Director of the Cancer Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center; and Dr. Paolo dela Rosa, Medical Advisor and Medical Oncologist at AstraZeneca Philippines.
“Being diagnosed with lung cancer can make patients feel anxious and hopeless, which is why support is vital,” explains Dr. Donald Ray Josue, Medical Affairs Head of AstraZeneca Philippines. “LVNG With provides support by forming a community of patients and their loved ones so they can inspire one another and exchange helpful information about their treatment. Through the network, patients may realize that while lung cancer is not yet curable, it is very treatable. There’s still so much more for them to look forward to in their lives.”
Struggling with stigma
Lung cancer is the top cancer killer worldwide, with 2.09 million incidences and 1.76 million fatalities this year alone according to the GLOBOCAN 2018 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).[1] But while a majority of lung cancer deaths involve tobacco use,[2] non-smokers are also at serious risk.
“‘Are you a smoker?’ Many lung cancer patients get this question, but the truth is, different factors cause the disease,” said Dr. Denky Shoji Dela Rosa, a medical oncologist from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center . “Lack of awareness has been a source of stigma because people often put the blame on the individual. This makes it difficult for lung cancer patients to find support and form communities.”
A 2015 study on the European Respiratory Journal notes that about 25 percent of lung cancer incidences are not linked to smoking, and that the rate of never-smokers diagnosed with the disease has been increasing.[3] The American Cancer Society identifies several causes, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, diesel exhaust, asbestos, radioactive radon gas, and chemicals released by burning coal products.[4]
Adding to the stigma, new patients tend to think that their illness is a hopeless case. This leaves them with a sense of isolation that worsens their anxiety over their diagnosis.
LVNG With addresses these stigmas by dispelling myths that prevent lung cancer patients from seeking proper treatment and seeing hope in their condition. The community also empowers patients with information that enable them to reach out to medical professionals so they can learn more about treatment options.
Dr. Mary Claire Soliman, president of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and member of Cancer Coalition Philippines also emphasizes that, “Standard evidence-based medicine is the way to go in treatment. I understand how the promise of alternative medicines (‘natural”, “herbal” or “nutraceutical medicine”) may be tempting, especially with their claims that they do not have side effects. The fact of the matter is that there is very little evidence to support these claims.
A recently published study by Skyler B Johnson at the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this January 2018 revealed that patients who initially chose alternative medicine over conventional lung cancer treatment had a more than twofold increase risk of dying. At the end of the day, alternative treatments should not replace standard evidence-based medicine.”
Breakthrough treatment
Chemotherapy—or the use of drugs to kill and stunt malignant tumors—is usually thought of as the only treatment for cancer. “The fact is, various options are now available depending on the patient’s diagnosis, preference, and recommendations from the healthcare team. Among these include surgery to remove affected lung tissues, radiation therapy that use high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells, and targeted drug therapy.”, Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng of Cardinal Santos Medical Center emphasized.
Targeted drug therapy may be recommended based on biopsy findings. Through biomarker testing, the biopsy can reveal genetic mutations in cancer cells that can be targeted by drugs designed to zero in on those cellular abnormalities.
Therapeutic advances have made targeted drug therapy the standard of care for personalized medicine in the fight against certain lung cancers. One breakthrough is Tagrisso (Osimertinib), an oral tablet from a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.
Tagrisso (Osimertinib) is a third-generation EGFR TKI that has shown better precision and power at stopping lung cancer growth and improving patient survival. A double-blind FLAURA study shows that Tagrisso delivers 18.9 months of median progression-free survival, nearly twice as long as older drugs that deliver a median of 10.2 months. Tagrisso (Osimertinib) also reduces the risk of lung cancer metastasis on the central nervous system by 52 percent, and lowers the risk of death by 37 percent based on its preliminary data.
“These results have made Tagrisso (Osimertinib) the recommended and preferred first-line treatment by international guidelines for advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer—the most prevalent type of lung cancer—that tested positive for EGFR,” Dr. Josue adds.
Dr. Jorge Ignacio, former President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists , Inc. and Head of the Cancer Institute of the UP-PGH
EGFR biomarker testing is available across laboratories and hospitals nationwide including the Chong Hua Hospital, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Lung Center of the Philippines, Manila HealthTek Inc., National Kidney and Transplant Institute, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, and The Medical City.
Learn more about LVNG With Lung Cancer at www.lvngwithphilippines.com or www.lvngph.com.
Coca-Cola returns to Bacolod with music and a vision of a World Without Waste
This year’s Masskara Festival in Negros Occidental celebrated more color and more music as Coke Studio brought together the Negrenses and the artists of this year’s Coke Studio in one special stage, hyping up the volume and heat along Lacson Street.
The Coke Studio stage was headlined by singer and heartthrob Sam Concepcion, and local bands Cali Island and Aire Band. But more than the music festival, Coca-Cola Philippines also brought to the city of smiles its World Without Waste campaign which seeks to collect every bottle and can that it will produce by 2030, while also including recycled materials into its packaging.
Specially designed trash bins were distributed around key festival areas to help the public segregate recyclables from other wastes, and in the process, help partners Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc., Masskara Foundation, IPM-Construction and Development Corporation Waste Management, and the Department of Public Service Local Waste Management in keeping the streets clean and litter-free despite the large volume of people. Throughout the five days of festivities, almost 80 kilograms of PET bottles were collected for recycling.
“There is so much to be done in order to effectively reduce the waste that we produce, and every small action makes a difference. By helping the public in segregating recyclables from trash, we are slowly making them see that recyclables like PET bottles are readily accessible resources that can and should be given second life and not just end up in our landfills and oceans after one use,” said Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Coca-Cola Philippines Director for Public Affairs and Communications.
The main streets of Bacolod City were painted with the ubiquitous red banners bearing the iconic Spencerian script font that spells out the well-loved beverage. The heart of Lacson Street was cordoned off Friday afternoon as the huge Coke Studio stage took shape for the night’s festivities.
“The Masskara Festival is an important occasion for us at Coca-Cola Philippines as it is an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with various stakeholders in Negros as well as give back to our consumers by joining the festivities,” de Lumen-Pernia said.
The beverage brand, through its social responsibility arm, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, inked several partnerships with government and non-government organizations to help improve the sugar production of small sugar farmers. The partnerships include providing irrigation, high-yielding variety, and technical training for the farmer beneficiaries.
John Paulo Ondra Caparros Public Relations Department Strategic works, Inc.
Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), operator of the country’s largest rotisserie chicken chain, has been recognized as the Most Innovative Company of the Year during the Asia CEO Awards 2018, held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
As the grand winner in the category, BAVI was cited for its efforts in innovating both the quality and variety in the way its chicken products are roasted and presented to the Filipino market.
In 2017, BAVI became the country’s first and only poultry integrator to introduce an all-natural, antibiotics-free chicken through its pioneering No Antibiotics Ever system. This eliminates the use of any antibiotics throughout the entire poultry production to ensure chickens are naturally healthy and safer to eat.
It was also through innovation that BAVI was able to expand its customer base, becoming the dominant market leader in the roasted chicken industry with more than 1,200 rotisserie stores nationwide.
In 2009, BAVI ventured into the food retail industry through its Chooks-to-Go oven-roasted chicken. With the brand promise of litson manok na ‘masarap kahit walang sauce’, the company introduced a new way to enjoy cooked chicken without the traditional sauce or gravy.
BAVI also introduced Uling Roasters Litson Manok, a fresh take on traditional charcoal-roasted chicken in 2013. This was followed by the launch of Reyal Litson Manok which boasts of unique butterfly-cut chickens and flavorful sweet-spicy sauces.
“We are honored with this prestigious recognition especially since innovation has always been at the heart of BAVI operations ever since we started as a poultry integrator company in Cebu and Davao. Like in most markets, our leadership in the local poultry industry relies mostly on how we innovate our manufacturing and operations systems and how we present our products to consumers. More importantly, innovation has been our way of ensuring that more Filipinos will enjoy our quality, healthy and affordable chicken products,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager.
The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, representing the grandest alliance of local and international business people ever created to promote the Philippines and recognize business achievers on the world stage.
John Paulo Ondra Caparros Public Relations Department Strategic works, Inc.
