MANILA, May 2024 — DKT Philippines Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization promoting family planning and HIV prevention, officially launched the SODEX (Service Outreach and Distribution Extension Program) Mobile Clinic — the country’s first-ever family planning ambulatory clinic. This pioneering effort aims to provide safe and accessible modern family planning methods for Filipinos in far-flung areas to bridge the gap between Filipinos wanting to space and limit pregnancy and the disparities in Family Planning service provision. 

The SODEX Mobile Clinic is an innovation to improve DKT Philippines Foundation’s SODEX Program and its contribution to achieving the DOH 8-Point Action Agenda and National Objectives for Health. 

“DKT Philippines Foundation’s mission is to provide couples with affordable, and safe options for family planning, and HIV/AIDS prevention through dynamic social marketing,” said Loida Almendares, the Foundation’s Director of Programs. “The SODEX mobile clinic will provide a wide array of free family planning services especially in areas with lesser access to services like the geographically isolated or socially disadvantaged areas. The mobile clinic will bring the services closer to the people and meet them where they are,” she added. 

The mobile clinic will provide free Family Planning commodities such as pills, condoms, injectables and intrauterine devices (IUD). It will also offer free bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) using local anesthesia and non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV). Onboarding the clinic are Physician/Surgeon trained on the provision of BTL, NSV, IUD, and subdermal implant services; FP-trained nurse; FPtrained midwife; a circulating staff, and a driver. To ensure that all clients are well-informed and fit to take the services, they will undergo counseling and final screening prior to getting the method. 

In partnership with 30 LGUs from Luzon, DKT Philippines Foundation aims to foster sustainable and long-term partnerships with these LGUs to cultivate Filipinos’ desire to 

Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) celebrates another milestone achievement as its Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund was recognized as the 2024 Best Managed Fund in the Balanced Fund-Dollar Category by the CFA Society of the Philippines¹.

This second win for the Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund underscores SLAMCI’s track record of delivering strong and consistent performance for its investors.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the CFA Society of the Philippines, one of the most respected industry accolades in the country,” said Gerald Bautista, SLAMCI President. “This acSun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund named as the Best Managed Fund of the Yearhievement is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our fund management team, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional value for our clients.”

The Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund aims to provide moderate growth through high quality offshore equities and fixed income funds. It has a diversified geographical allocation spread across global fixed income and equity funds from US, Europe, Japan and other major economies or corporations.

“This award validates our investment philosophy and reinforces our commitment to providing Filipinos with innovative and effective investment solutions,” added Bautista. “We are confident that the Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund will continue to be a valuable instrument for Filipinos in achieving their financial goals.”

Learn more about the Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund by visiting https://sunlife.co/dollar- advantage-fund

Leading finance app GCash, through its lending arm Fuse Lending, Inc., has teamed up with pioneer e-commerce platform Lazada Philippines to help support Filipino entrepreneurs by offering cash loans to eligible platform sellers to help fuel the growth of their online businesses.

The partnership was officiated by Fuse Lending President and CEO Anthony Isidro, Fuse Chief Strategy and Product Officer Baby Aquino, GLoan Product Head Kevin Yu, and Lazada’sHead of Seller Financing Benjamin Ng at a launch ceremony recently held at Bonifacio Global City.

Fuse Lending is the first partner to fully integrate a seller loan product within the Lazada Philippines Seller Center app. The partnership allows Fuse to reach micro, small, and medium enterprises beyond the GCash platform while enabling Lazada to offer loans to its sellers.

“As we continue to grow our presence in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, which is the backbone of the Philippine economy, we are glad to be Lazada Philippines’ entrusted partner in providing their extensive network of small business owners with cash loans that are easier, safer, and more convenient,” said Fuse Lending President and CEO Anthony Isidro.

GCash and Lazada Philippines piloted the program with selected sellers earlier this year, and are now looking to extend their user base over the coming months on the eCommerce platform.

The partnership is also in line with the digital roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas which aims to strengthen the current landscape of digital payments and digital financial inclusion by making 50% of retail transaction volumes in the country digital. Moreover, the collaboration is a testament to the efforts of both fintech and e-commerce giants to provide effective access to a wide range of digital financial services for all, especially the underserved sectors.

“We’re excited to provide Lazada Seller Loans together with Fuse Lending and we believe this offering will give Filipino entrepreneurs more opportunities to thrive in the digital retail space. This partnership represents an important step in our shared mission: contributing towards Sustainable Development Goal 17, expanding financial access to Filipino MSMEs, and accelerating progress in the Philippines,” said Benjamin Ng, Head of Seller Financing, Lazada.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com

Ballet Manila once again unearths the magical baul of Lola Basyang as it transports its audience to a world of fantastic dance, music and spectacular visuals with Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang set to happen at Aliw Theater from May 11, 2024 at 8PM and May 12 &18, 2024 at 5PM.

The second show among the repertoire for Ballet Manila’s 26^th Performance Season aptly titled “Ballet Masterpieces,” Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is based on the retellings of Severino Reyes’ stories by Christine Bellen Ang. Published by Anvil Publishing, the three stories are an engaging mix of romance, adventure and comedy, touching on such universal themes as loyalty and commitment to family, the power of humility and of course, love conquers all.

“We chose three stories out of twelve (12) Lola Basyang books. It was an interesting process because there were so many great tales that were worth sharing. But in the end, we felt that the themes we chose can truly resonate with an audience across many generations,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Manila.

“As a publishing company that’s known for producing books about Philippine culture, we feel it is part of our duty to ensure that the magic of these stories is not lost among the younger generation. “Ang Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang” is among the books that have mesmerized generations of Filipino children and we are confident they will love the ballet version,” shared Xandra Ramos Padilla, Anvil Publishing president. ”We’re so thrilled that these stories will once again be brought to life through compelling performances, thanks to our partnership with Ballet Manila.”

Bringing life to the enduring character of Lola Basyang is Mitch Valdes – the acclaimed performance artist who has been active in the theater and entertainment industry for over 50 years. Best known for her award-winning roles in Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mitch has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

Mitch’s captivating performance of Lola Basyang will open the production. Not surprisingly, the role has evoked a sense of patriotism in the actress. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklore come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will then unfold with the first story, Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon which tells the tale of a princess who wishes to marry her beloved bird against her father’s disapproval. In the end, the princess decides to turn into a beautiful bird to join her beloved bird who happens to be a prince in his kingdom.

Breathing life into the characters are principal dancers Jasmine Pia Dames/Shaira Comeros as Prinsesa Singsing and Romeo Peralta/Joshua Enciso as Prinsipe ng mga Ibon. Choreographed by the late Osias Barroso Jr., Ballet Manila’s co-artistic director until his passing in December 2023, the production hopes his legacy will live on through the choreographies he has created.

Barroso once said, “I want Ang Prinsipe ng mga Ibon to be very romantic. I want people to fall in love after watching it.” Complementing his vision is the award-winning musical arranger Mon Faustino who arranged music for the production using compositions of national artists for music.

From the soaring magic of enchanted birds, the production moves on to focus on the dark ramifications of greed in Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria which tells the story of a couple who are folk healers, thanks to the leaves of a magical tree that their three daughters would pick every morning. Because of the couple’s greed, they were punished by the serpent living in the tree, taking their three daughters to marry them off to beastly animals. The couple soon had another child, this time a son, and before the father’s death, he requested his son to look for his three sisters.

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Maria is a collaborative partnership between Lisa Macuja Elizalde as the choreographer, and Filipino Music legend, Joey Ayala who composed the music for the entire ballet.

“For Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya, I wanted to merge the movements of the folk dances of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to represent the three worlds to show the cultural diversity and color of our nation,” explained Macuja Elizalde.

Apart from the magnificent ballet, the production is an auditory treat as it will feature a rare combination of raw sounds from kawayan and metal, complemented by orchestral synthesizer sounds to stimulate the imagination of the audience. For this story, Anselmo Dictado/Sean Pelegrin will perform the role of Pedro, while the Tatlong Maria will be played by Rissa May Camaclang (Maria Trining), Stephanie Santiago (Maria Loleng) and Jessa Balote/Jessica Pearl Dames (Maria Upeng).

No less than National Artist Ryan Cayabyab composed the lively and catchy music that will accompany the dancers in Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin. The last installment in the trilogy, its tells the story of a young man named Rodrigo who is rewarded with a magical violin for his kindness to an old woman.

Completing the creative powerhouse for this final tale is the late award-winning Filipino ballet dancer Tony Fabella, whose amazing choreography reaffirms his belief that, while the story is easy enough to understand, audiences will have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful message of Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin if told through ballet. True enough, theater goers must prepare to be enthralled by the performances of Gerardo Francisco Jr./Anselmo Dictado as Rodrigo and John Ralp Balago/Junmark Sumaylo as Ahab.

From the brilliantly written word to the wonderful stage of ballet, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang is a production mounted with the heartfelt intention of giving birth to a newfound appreciation for our vibrant Filipino culture: “We hope that they come out of the theaters having learned so many valuable life lessons,” said Macuja Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Manila, Philippines – Huawei, a global leader in technology and innovation, is rolling out exclusive discounts this May for its HUAWEI MateBook Family laptops, including the  latest model the HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024. This limited-time offer gives Huawei and tech enthusiasts alike an opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology without putting a hole in their pockets.

From May 1 to May 31, 2024, customers can enjoy substantial discounts across the entire HUAWEI MateBook lineup. These laptops are esteemed in the industry for their sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative features, making this limited-time offer an opportunity not to be missed.

Experience unparalleled performance in a laptop 

The HUAWEI MateBook D 16 2024 shines among its peers with cutting-edge technology. Its 16-inch FullView display and slim 17mm profile offer immersive viewing without sacrificing portability. With a 90% screen-to-body ratio and 180-degree hinge flexibility, users can customize their experience seamlessly. It handles tasks effortlessly, catering to both professionals and casual users, with up to 13.5 hours of battery life for uninterrupted productivity. Innovations like Metaline Antenna ensure stable connectivity, while Super Device enhances collaboration and AI integration elevates the user experience, setting it apart from competitors.

On the other hand, the HUAWEI MateBook D 14 2024 also shares similar features, including the Eye Comfort HUAWEI FullView Display, Super Device, and HUAWEI Metalline Antenna, and it also comes with a valuable price point. Discover what these laptops have to offer in terms of innovation, design, and performance.

Take advantage of this month’s exclusive price discounts and bring your digital experience to the next level. 

To learn more about the HUAWEI MateBook Family laptops, visit Huawei’s official website, online HUAWEI Store, Shopee, Lazada or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

The smooth, laid-back track marks the first collaboration of Purplecat with an international artist

Thai duo Purplecat teams up with Filipino siblings duo Ysanygo on “Sunny When I’m With You,” a new single that celebrates the magic of being in love.

The smooth R&B track showcases the best of both worlds, inviting listeners into a realm where every moment is a little more illuminated—a little sunnier.

Delivering a captivating mellow sound with lighthearted arrangements and lo-fi beats, “Sunny When I’m With You” exudes the beauty of being romantically swept away by someone whose company brings light and sunshine to your everyday routine.

“This is a love song written from a place of honesty and confidence,” Purplecat shares in a collective statement. “It expresses the feelings of falling in love with someone at first sight and relishing in the excitement of spending time together with the person you’re pining for.”

For their part, Ysanygo came up with the melody of the chorus first and produced the song for Purplecat, who in return, penned the lyrics that entail situations of going on a date with the subject of affection.

The eclectic duo adds, “We’re really grateful to Ysanygo for being open-minded throughout the entire process. We love their work so much that we don’t want to change anything, except for a few parts.”

“Sunny When I’m With You” serves as Purplecat’s first international collaboration and marks the duo’s plan to expand their reach on a global scale, particularly in Southeast Asia where there’s demand for their music. The R&B duo is composed of Mon Napasin Chaisri on vocals, who provides soulful delivery with a touch of melancholy, and Palm Pholrutt Sirirutt, who injects cool synthesizer sounds and rap verses to the mix.

Ysanygo is a genre-fluid sibling duo from the Philippines, composed of Ysabel and Yñigo Ferraz. The alt-pop pairing is part of this year’s Spotify RADAR, an annual program committed to bringing emerging talent to the forefront of the global music landscape.

Purplecat and Ysanygo’s “Sunny When I’m With You” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Check out the “first batch” of music guests for Kitchie’s homecoming concert

Barbie Almalbis, Aia de Leon, Lougee Basabas, Hannah Romawac, Acel Bisa, and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise are joining the first batch of guests for SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert, happening on June 2, 2024 (Sunday), at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Kitchie Nadal’s fellow contemporaries in the local music scene recently teamed up with her in a display of solidarity for the sold-out TANAW concert at the Solaire Theater in 2022. Monty, on the other hand, will also perform with the Y2K alt-rock royalty for a special number.

“We’ve prepared a showstopping collaboration with musicians who also happen to be good friends of mine,” said the Bulong hitmaker. “I look up to these artists whose work resonates with me on an intimate level. It doesn’t feel like work at all when you’re surrounded with likeminded individuals who share the same goals in life and career.”

Aside from the inclusion of TANAW girls and Monty, Kitchie Nadal will soon announce the final group of guest acts for her 20th anniversary concert, which includes some of the biggest artists of the current generation.

“I can’t reveal anything at the moment, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities other than the usual,” shares Nadal.

Aside from guest artists from various generations, SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20th Anniversary Concert will also feature several surprises that fans of the pop-rock icon would surely love.

“Expect quality music, surprise OPM artists, and most of all, a Filipino-led world-class production that will bring back memories of Kitchie Nadal’s classic hit music,” Rolando Garcia Jr., Chairman/Founder of Rolling Gum and the Executive Producer of Kitchie Nadal’s upcoming concert, explains. “We’ve realized the importance of working with artists who match our values and goals, especially producing quality music that Filipinos deserve. And Kitchie is one. Her unwavering passion for music has brought her to the OPM pedestal and to these 20 years of giving music hits.”

SAME GROUND: Kitchie Nadal’s 20^th Anniversary Concert is presented by Big Brew and Rolling Gum, in partnership with GNN Entertainment Productions. This event is supported by: B Hotel, JB Music, and Southbay Studios.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and via their website. Check out the ticket prices below.

SVIP – ₱4,000.00 (with Meet and Greet + signed poster)

VIP – ₱3,500.00 (with signed poster)

ORCHESTRA CENTER – ₱2,900.00

ORCHESTRA L&R – ₱2,500.00

LOGE – ₱2,000.00

BALCONY – ₱1,200.00

On April 27, 2024, BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, combed through the shores of Villa Estelita’s beachfront in Anilao, Batangas alongside several organizations in support of the 1^st Saksi Ngayon Bouyanihan and Coastal Clean-up Drive.

The clean-up drive derives its name from the combination of the words “bouya,” the Filipino word for buoy, and “bayanihan.” Saksi Ngayon, the event organizer, came up with the Bouyanihan as its event name to bring people together in the communal spirit of environmental stewardship and support. This event brought together BingoPlus, Saksi Ngayon, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Hotel Sogo, independent professional divers, and locals from the community.

BingoPlus began cleanup mid-morning, meeting up with other participants at the beachfront. Several trash bags were gathered at the meet-up area by the one-hour mark, where attendees meticulously decided on which was the oddest item in the pile. During the cleanup, BingoPlus also gave out merchandise to event-goers who were taking a break from the summer sun.

Once the shores of Villa Estelita were cleaned up, BingoPlus and Hotel Sogo were invited to take a speedboat out into the waters where buoys with their respective brand logos were going to be set up by professional divers. These buoys are meant to provide boats with a place to moor as an alternative to using anchors that have a possibility of destroying corals and disturbing the local aquatic life.

Saksi Ngayon recognized BingoPlus’ support and participation at the end of the cleanup with certificates of participation and acknowledgement, thanking the brand for its partnership.

While known as a champion of Philippine leisure and entertainment, BingoPlus makes sure not to forgo its responsibilities to the community and environment. The culture that the brand works to invest in also includes the flora and fauna that make the Philippines’ biodiversity unique and globally recognized. BingoPlus saw the clean-up drive as an opportunity to observe responsibility to the environment and community-based collaboration.

BingoPlus and ArenaPlus proudly stand as flagship brands under Digiplus Interactive Corp, solidifying its position as a leading gaming and leisure provider in the country. For more updates, visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net or download the apps now via the App Store and Google Play.

Summer is about to get even more memorable as OPPO is giving MyOPPO App users more reasons to celebrate as it offers various activities, rewards, and giveaways exclusively for registered users until May 31.

Raining Rewards All Summer Long

It’s raining rewards! MyOPPO App users can play the Raining Rewards game daily and get a chance to win vouchers from OPPO’s partner brands such as Macao Imperial Tea, Llao Llao, McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Classic Savory. Whether you’re craving a refreshing drink, or tasty snack and even a mouthwatering dessert, OPPO has got you covered.

Each user can play the Raining Rewards game once a day, so remember to log in to your MyOPPO App account daily for the duration of the promo.

Sharing Summer Memories to win OPPO’s Vacation Starter Pack

But the excitement doesn’t end there! MyOPPO App users are also invited to share their experiences with their OPPO devices for a chance to win big in the OPPO Summer Giveaway.

One lucky winner and a friend will enjoy the ultimate Vacation Starter Pack which includes two (2) Php 10,000 shopping spree from CUL-DE-SAC at Level 2 of The Podium Mall, two (2) PHP 2,000 Klook eGift Certificates, and two (2) BASH Travel Organizers. Winners will be announced on the MyOPPO App.

With the MyOPPO Summer campaign in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience all that the MyOPPO App has to offer. Download it now on your OPPO device to join in the fun.

For more details about our promos and rewards, check the official OPPO website or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.