The continued rise of Southeast Asia’s “digital decade”, now projected to gross around $1 trillion across the region by 2030, has increased the demand for tech talents who can drive the digital economy. Amidst this growing digital landscape, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to seek for the next generation of industry leaders through the Global Leaders Program (GLP).

The Shopee Global Leaders Program is a 2-year graduate program consisting of four 6-month local and overseas rotations. It is designed for highly enthusiastic and ambitious young Filipino talents who have the potential to boost the country’s e-commerce industry. Final-year students or young professionals with up to two years of working experience can apply for GLP and be part of a structured learning and development program. Participants will also receive dedicated mentorship from Shopee leaders.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Digital transformation has been an ongoing focus in several key economic sectors. As a result, the demand for tech talent has been on the rise in recent years. Shopee remains committed to developing the next generation of talents in the Philippines through immersive training and mentorship initiatives like the Global Leaders Program. We will continue to come up with various programs that aim to value-add to the Philippines’ digital economy.”

Now in its 4th year, the program continues to provide its participants with eye-opening experiences and regional exposure

CJ, a GLP participant, shares why she chose Shopee to grow her career in e-commerce. “Shopee has been taking big strides to enhance the user experience and keep up with the recent changes in the retail market industry. It’s evident that the company is constantly growing bigger, better, and faster—and I want to be part of this growth.”

Among the many interesting components of the GLP, CJ says what caught her attention the most was the regional experience and exposure it offers. “Working with other teams from various countries is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives and insights that can help further the industry in our country.”

Currently working with Shopee’s Business Development team, CJ’s exposure to different functions allowed her to grow, adapt and learn new things every day. “I am constantly pushed and supported to become a better version of myself every day. The projects that I handle allow me to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, good leadership, and proper time management skills. Seeing how e-commerce campaigns are brought to life, and how people communicate and collaborate to achieve success regularly definitely inspire me to keep growing and eventually contribute.”

CJ takes pride in being part of the GLP. “If you want to become a future tech leader and be part of the growing digital economy in the Philippines, the Global Leaders Program is the best way to jumpstart your dream. You get the best training and development possible: close mentorship from Senior Management, rotating stints in different markets, and you get to drive crucial projects across the business. The program is truly for those who are willing to push themselves every day to be better and keep growing. I am grateful and humbled to be part of all this.”

Are you an aspiring tech leader and interested in learning about the e-commerce industry? Apply to be part of Shopee’s Global Leaders Program starting February 14, 2022. For more information about the program, visit https://careers.shopee.ph/GLP.

PayMaya is bringing Filipinos the convenience, safety, and time-saving benefits of paying for their fees and dues to the Social Security System (SSS), the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) with the Bills Bayad Promo.

From February 1 to March 31, customers who will pay for their Pag-IBIG, SSS, PRC, and BIR fees and dues for the first time using PayMaya can get a 10% cashback voucher. Meanwhile, existing customers who are paying their recurring fees using PayMaya can also enjoy a 5% cashback voucher monthly during the promo period. Users can get up to P200 cashback.

"We are always looking for ways to make everyday transactions easier and more rewarding. These include encouraging more consumers to use digital payments when transacting with national government agencies. We want to give users a more convenient experience as we also help promote ease of doing business with the government," said Pepe Torres, Chief Marketing Officer at PayMaya.

Paying fees and dues to the four participating national government agencies is easy - here are the different channels where you can pay using PayMaya:

SSS – pay for your social security contributions via the PayMaya app and the SSS mobile app 

Pag-IBIG – remit your regular housing amortizations via the PayMaya app and the Pag-IBIG website 

PRC – pay for your professional fees via the commission’s website 

BIR – settle your taxes and fees via the PayMaya app.

On top of the cashback rewards, individuals who will sign up and upgrade their account can enjoy a P100 voucher when they use the code BILLSBAYAD upon registration.

So if you have government fees and dues to pay—pay now with PayMaya and enjoy the sweet benefits of getting your money back! Basta government payments, pay it with PayMaya!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on Smart Padala, visit https://smartpadala.ph/

What makes the New Year so special, more than anything, is hope. It’s the promise of a new beginning; a signifier that we are given another chance; that we can still better ourselves and our families.

When it comes to resolutions, many tend to go overboard and list things that are difficult to sustain. No need to fret. It is never too late to redo yours, and to come up with simpler yet fundamental intentions.

Quality time as a love language

It’s no secret that technology is a parent’s best friend, especially when it comes to keeping the kids preoccupied while you’re trying to be productive. While there is nothing wrong with it, it’s still of utmost importance to unplug your devices every now and then and really connect with them on a regular basis.

You can’t underestimate the importance of devoting undivided attention to your children. Sharing meals, watching movies, or even having game nights are non-grandiose yet very meaningful ways to show you love them.

You can also include them in your exercise routine. Perhaps take them for an afternoon jog, or teach them how to swim close by. These and more doubles as bonding time for the family — allowing you to stay fit and active, while creating the most priceless of memories.

Family, friends, and fresh air

Being cooped up indoors all the time can not only take a toll on your kids’ development, but on your own mental and emotional health as well. So whenever possible and when you think it’s safe, it won’t hurt to take your kids to see other people and to experience other sceneries.

Mask up, and you can take your kids for morning or afternoon walks at the park, or tell them all about your glory days, al fresco style, in the gardens of your community. Give them some childhood memories they can fondly look back to when they grow up.

Instilling responsibility with household chores

It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of being responsible, and one way to do that is to allow them to take part in household chores. Not only does it improve their motor-eye coordination skills, but it also lays out a foundation for them in terms of managing a home and managing themselves in general.

You can start by selecting a specific room for them to clean and maintain. It can be their bedroom or designated play area.

Family-centric living spaces

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) understands parenting is definitely no easy feat, but residing in a community designed specifically for raising families can, without a doubt, be of great help to you.

It’s Spring Residences in Bicutan, Parañaque City that has suites uniquely created for all of your family’s needs. The community features several mid-rise towers, and boasts of two efficiently laid-out bedroom units, as well as spacious living areas which you can design and modify however you please.

It also comes with luxurious amenities that you and your children can enjoy. Take vigorous laps in the adult size pool after a long day of work, while the kids frolic in the kiddie pool. Fun and safety is guaranteed, with a play area they can run around and make friends in. The community also has 24-hour security to assure you have safe spaces to share with your family.

Strategically situated beside SM City Bicutan, Spring Residences also provides quick-and-easy access to restaurants, shopping, and more. With its close proximity to the Skyway and the future Metro Manila Subway station in Paranaque, you are granted the convenience of being close to the airport and major business districts.

Moving into Spring Residences will surely make a fulfilling year for you, with all your family’s new year’s resolutions ticked off line-by-line. SMDC offers friendly payment terms on top of its affordable ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units you and your family can immediately start a life in.

Regardless of what your family goals are this 2022, remember that the most important step is to start. Give rise to a new beginning at Spring Residences.

For more information about SMDC’s Spring Residences, visit www.smdc.com/properties/spring-residences/

TECNO, a premium smartphone brand focused on emerging markets, recently partnered with BBC StoryWorks to create a short film The Future Lens: Looking Ahead With TECNO to explore how mobile camera lens provides inclusive mobile camera technologies to local consumers

  “Cameras have evolved over the years, but unfortunately, it feels like the technology isn't created with everyone in mind. As a photographer, I think one of the most intimate things you can do is take a portrait of someone that accurately portrays who they are.” according to photographer, Justin Amoafo. 

This is where TECNO comes into the picture. TECNO envisions a world where inclusive phone design can help form communities, connect people with one another and ensure no one is left behind. In the film, TECNO illustrates why portrait imaging is its most ground-breaking technology and how it has empowered users of dark skin tones to realize all possibilities of expression.

Based on innovations that can significantly increase light intake, and an enormous database that covers 7 skin types across 76 skin categories, TECNO has made a significant impact in resolving the technical challenges regarding exposure, colors, and hues in portrait photography. Meanwhile, in TECNO TAIVOS Camera Lab, more than 3,000 local samples with approximately 6,120 evaluation scenarios spanning 115 countries enable the camera lab team possible to focus on the localized ethnic research, social aesthetic ideology and aesthetic preference research, so as to make the experience of product image effect direction conform to the localized trends. All these innovations bring users technology that they do not have to adapt to, but that instead accommodates for them.

“The future Lens is the world without limit. Technology should include everyone and let us to be our true selves, instead of being depicted through a subjective lens . I believe that it should be the mission of humans to create the technology that is more understanding and inclusive of all of us.” said Li Jiangtao, Senior Director of TECNO Imaging Product and head of TECNO TAIVOS™ Camera Lab.

As a rising innovator in mobile camera technology, TECNO devotes itself through an inclusive and emerging market-specific approach to bringing its “Future Lens” camera concept to consumers. The brand’s continuous innovations, its initiatives to develop cameras that function at a professional level, and the impact of these efforts on progressive young consumers have encapsulated its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing” and the inclusive future they want to create.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to support local sellers through the #TatakPinoy: Shopee Celebrates Local campaign. During the campaign, Shopee held a contest where users voted for their favorite among 12 Filipino sellers. Uniq.mnl, Chelssydresstaytay, and Mighty Clean emerged as the top three winners, where they not only exemplified excellence in their businesses but also supported the community by providing job opportunities amidst difficult times.

Sharing their success to empower others

Sisters Ira and Ireen Cruz have been in the garment industry for five years, but when the pandemic hit in March 2020, their business was greatly affected. Instead of cutting their losses and ceasing operations, the siblings decided to try selling online through Shopee. Their business flourished and they have been consistently hitting their sales targets. The shop’s significant growth also led to more employment opportunities for skilled Filipinos specializing in garments, a point of pride for the entrepreneurs.

Ira Cruz, Owner of Uniq.mnl, said, “It was such an honor to be part of the ‘Shopee Celebrates Local’ campaign. We are happy to be able to provide job opportunities to our community. It is the most rewarding experience of all and we are truly blessed with loyal staff. Since we started, we have grown the team from a handful to now over 50 staff members. We hope to pay it forward and be able to offer more jobs to help improve the livelihood of the people around us.”

In addition, they continue to encourage their team members, resellers, and other small business owners to explore and try out e-commerce and help others find a way to earn a living during this time.

Providing locally-made quality products for the Filipino household

Second runner-up Mighty Clean has been manufacturing household chemicals that fit the needs of every Filipino home since 2004. With a desire for continuous improvement through extensive research and development, Mighty Clean stays true to its promise of providing consumers with high-quality products at affordable prices.

Mico Cruz, Brand Manager at Mighty Clean, said, “We strive to create a difference in every Filipino’s household through high quality and value for money products. With Shopee’s support, we were able to grow and provide our customers with the kind of products and services that they deserve. ”

Like Uniq.mnl, Mighty Clean pivoted to e-commerce in March 2020– a move that allowed them to thrive as they reached even more customers nationwide. Through Shopee’s extensive seller support tools and initiatives, Mighty Clean is able to grow brand awareness through innovative ways, and attract more customers by giving them deals such as flash sales, vouchers, discount promotions, bundle deals, and many more.

Catering to the Filipina’s fashion needs

First runner-up Rochelle Estandarte started joining bazaars and night markets when she was still in college. Armed with her love for fashion and the help of her mother who has been in the industry for 20 years, she began her own clothing business in 2005.

Rochelle’s keen eye and ability to keep a pulse on Filipinas’ evolving fashion needs led to the growth of her sales and orders, as well as an increase in followers. After taking her business online in 2020, she was also able to hire more employees, giving other Filipinos an opportunity to earn and provide for their families amid the pandemic. She attributes her success to Shopee’s marketing tools, campaigns, and support from relationship managers who helped her and her team understand the industry easily.

Rochelle Estandarte, Owner of Chelssdresstaytay, said, “ We are very proud to market our locally-made apparel. We design our clothes with Filipinos in mind and are happy to say that our products are also well-loved by shoppers overseas as well. Since my mother has been in this business for the past 20 years, I picked up a few lessons on ladies’ fashion trends, allowing me to provide a wider variety of clothing pieces that Filipinas can enjoy wearing. We are also grateful for all the support we have received from Shopee and we strive to scale our business further on Shopee.”

These entrepreneurs are only three of the many MSMEs who found success and thrived on the e-commerce platform. At Shopee, sellers can leverage the extensive marketing tools, participate in monthly campaigns, and learn how to maximize the e-commerce landscape through proper guidance and support through the Shopee Seller Education Hub. For current and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to grow their business online, learn more about Getting Started on Shopee here.

The Lunar New Year gives us another shot at a fresh start. With the hope and excitement that the Year of the Water Tiger brings, it could be the year of transformation we all need. For those born in the Year of the Tiger, it’s a year for making big changes, risk-taking, and new adventures. Whatever your zodiac sign is and whether you can expect good fortune in love, health, or wealth, equip yourself with these items on Shopee to boost your abundance and prosperity:

Luck in Love: Year of the Snake, Sheep, and Rabbit

For those born in the Year of the Snake, Sheep, and Rabbit, prepare to make strides in your love life! This year has opportunities for you to meet the right one or make your current relationship flourish. If you’re single, it’s time to put yourself out there and meet new people. Turn heads with your youthful glow by trying Olay’s Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream + White Radiance Essence Dropper. This power duo formulation has Carob fruit extract and amino-peptide complex to give you plump and radiant skin. For those already in love, make your significant other fall for you even more with a Mikana 18k Rose Gold Plated Bangle Bracelet. The piece is a perfect gift for any occasion, even for spontaneous surprises for when your partner least expects it. Flaunt your couple status with matching INSPI Oversized Shirts, which come in a variety of sizes and colors. These closet staples aren’t just versatile, but also extremely comfy.

Good Health: Year of the Dragon, Dog, Rat, and Ox

Those whose sign falls on the Year of the Dragon, Dog, Rat, and Ox can thrive this new year while making strides in their overall health and wellness. Achieving a sound mind and body starts with the commitment to your daily fitness goals and ample rest and relaxation. Start each day with Vicks Immune Defense Multivitamins, packed with Vitamin C to boost the immune system, Vitamin D3 to fight against infections, and Zinc to protect against cell damage. Focus on keeping your body in tip-top shape with the Kemilng M7 PLUS Electric Treadmill Foldable Machine. This is a must-have for your home workouts, which you should squeeze into your day no matter how busy it gets. When you need to unwind and de-stress, soothe your muscles using the HAN RIVER Massage Gun. Spend a few minutes with this to relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and boost your overall mood.

Success in Business and Career: Year of the Horse, Monkey, Rooster, Pig, and Tiger

Despite the optimistic fortune for those in the Year of the Horse, Monkey, Rooster, Pig, and Tiger, it won’t hurt to be extra careful in making big financial decisions and career moves. Hard workers can look forward to fruitful career milestones, along with growth and investment opportunities if things fall into place this Year of the Water Tiger.

Maximize your productivity and efficiency with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, an on-the-go device which lets you stay on top of your work, side hustles, and money matters. Track all your to-do lists and jot down all your business ideas and important notes on the simple and straightforward The Everyday Classic Planner. Have the best of both worlds by enjoying the functionality of a gadget and the memory retention of classic notetaking. Lastly, stay comfortable through the long working hours by getting a home office essential like the Headrest Tiltable Mesh Home Office Chair.

No matter what zodiac sign, you can have a seamless, rewarding online experience this Year of the Water Tiger with ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet. Score exclusive deals and discounts when you buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Get up to 10% off on load across all networks and up to 25% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers. For food and essentials, get big savings when you avail of ₱1 Deals via “ShopeePay Near Me” and redeem your discounts when you pay via ShopeePay at their physical stores.

Say goodbye to sneaky transaction fees, and enjoy free transfers to any bank and any Shopee user with ShopeePay! Withdraw money to your bank account; or send money to your friends and family to their ShopeePay wallet or bank account. Transferring money with ShopeePay is instant and available 24/7. You can also get up to ₱25 cashback on your transfer fee when you cash in to ShopeePay via InstaPay; on your InstaPay fee. Enjoy these exclusive deals and more when you activate your ShopeePay, for a rewarding and cashless experience.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

As we greet a new year, new challenges have inevitably arisen given the current state of the world. With these problems that we face during these uncertain times, Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk sought to uplift vulnerable communities and share the spirit of giving. Last Christmas, Alaska invited members of its Facebook community, MOMs of Alaska (MOMAs), to make the holidays a little brighter for the children from the company’s partner orphanages, Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation, Inc. and House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. Over a hundred members of the Alaska MOMAs community came together to create special Christmas cards, with creative designs and personalized messages dedicated to each of the children.

Alaska collected the Christmas cards and held a turnover with the partner institutions, donating 70 days’ worth of “Lakas at Talas” in the form of Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk products that can give the children the added nutrition to help with their brain and body development while they are growing. Gift packs with toys and educational materials were also included in the turnover, which the children welcomed with smiles and loud cheers.

Mailyn Balairos, Center Head of Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation, Inc. (CCMFI), a church-based Christian organization that aims to provide children with educational assistance, shelter, medical aid, skills training and nourish their souls with the word of God, shared her appreciation to the moms who took their time to create Christmas cards for the children under their care. “On behalf of CCMFI and the children, I wanted to convey my deepest gratitude to the moms of Alaska and to Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk for this unforgettable event for the children,” Mailyn shared.

Riza Lepasana, OIC and Directress of House of Refuge Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting orphaned and abandoned children in Metro Manila, also expressed her gratitude for the initiative. “On behalf of House of Refuge, I sincerely thank the moms who made an effort to make this Christmas feel special for our kids, and to thank Alaska for sharing their blessings of ‘Lakas at Talas’ with our children,” Riza said.

Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk also thanks its partner orphanages for assisting and providing homes to children in need and giving them the “alaga” or care that they deserve. In these challenging times, Alaska reaches out to the children of House of Refuge and Christian Compassion Ministries Foundation and hopes to continue their mission of providing affordable quality nutrition to Filipino children and families everywhere.

For more information on Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk and its initiatives, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.facebook.com/alaskamilkph.

 

It’s going to be a prosperous 2022 as SM Supermalls celebrates the Year of the Tiger with fun-filled events and activities for its shoppers! Whether you choose to stay home or safely shop at SM Supermalls, there are exclusive CNY deals for everyone to enjoy!

Lucky Dining Deals. Kick off the festivities with an abundant gastronomic feast with discounts and promos from January 16 to February 2. Shoppers can enjoy Lucky Eats Deals of as much as a 22% discount from participating tenants. For your convenience, you can easily shop via the SM Malls Online app where you can arrange for delivery or pick-up, or by calling our SM Customer Care hotline at (02) 8876-111, 0917-876-111 or 0908-876-1111. You can also have your fill of your favorite food while safely dining at Chinese New Year-themed indoor and outdoor Lucky Eats Dining Spots.

Lucky Red Finds Bazaar. Boost your luck and find all the lucky red items from SM Supermalls’ partner tenants and affiliates in this Chinese New Year-themed pop-up market.

Lucky Tiger Park. Families will be treated to a dazzling Chinese New Year experience featuring an outdoor set-up with lighted 3D tiger art installations, Chinese lanterns, and Drive-Thru Lion and Dragon Dances and Fireworks Displays to welcome the year of the Tiger!

Lucky Paws. Show off your pet’s best CNY-themed costume and get a chance to win pawsome prizes when you submit photos of your pets online or take them to select SM Supermalls Paw Parks.

Lucky Forecasts. When it comes to ushering in good fortune, SM Supermalls knows how to help prepare shoppers for the positive energy this new year brings. By scanning the QR codes, you can check out your 2022 Chinese zodiac brought to you by Feng Shui expert Ms. Marites Allen. Plus, you can also get a chance to win exciting prizes and SM vouchers!

Additionally, SM Supermalls has also prepared other activities and promos for everyone to enjoy until February:

●Lucky Plants. Attract good luck all year round with lucky plants in your home! This Chinese New Year-themed green market in select SM malls features floras that are considered lucky like the lucky bamboo, money tree, Jade plant, mandarin orange tree, orchid, bamboo, and bonsai.

●Lucky Finds on SM Deals. Check out CNY exclusive offers from SM Supermalls’ tenant partners and affiliates from Buy 1 Get 1 deals and 50% discounts.

●Lucky22 vouchers. If you opt to stay at home during these festivities, don’t worry about missing out on these exciting deals because SM Supermalls has got you covered. SM Malls Online will be having Lucky22 vouchers– a special voucher offering a 22% discount on food and non-food items for stay-at-home shoppers like you!

●Lucky in Red Pick-up at Curbside Promo. When you pick up your order at SM via SM Customer Care Hotline, SM will be giving away Php 200 worth of SM GCs on February 1 for those decked in red! So wear something red or drive by to pick up the items you’ve ordered in your flashy red car! This promo is for the first 22 customers only, so be sure to get there as early as you can.

Enjoy all these and more when you celebrate your #LuckyDaysAtSM this Chinese New Year! So, increase your luck and safely celebrate with SM Supermalls as it welcomes the Year of the Tiger with wishes of prosperity, health, abundance, and continuous good fortune!

For #SafeMallingAtSM, you can follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.