[Editor's note: Here's something to satisfy your nightly cravings. McDonald's will be giving away McDelivery Moon Coupons to celebrate Global Delivery Day. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – With the many mysteries of the moon, who would have thought that one of them would be about giving exciting discounts to help satisfy cravings! This month, to celebrate Global Delivery Day on September 20, McDonald’s adds another layer to the mysteries of the moon by surprising customers with McDo PH App-exclusive discounts based on the phases of the moon!

Available only on September 20, 24, and 29 from 9-11 pm, McDonald’s will be releasing McDelivery Moon Coupons to make it more exciting to have your McDonald’s favorites delivered straight to your doorstep.

Enjoy your McDo favorites by the moonlight with #McDeliveryMoonCoupon! Get all the latest updates when you download the McDo PH App on the App Store or Google Play and follow McDonald’s on Facebook and Twitter. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – SM Supermalls has launched their pre-Christmas campaign last September 16 at SM Aura Premier with #SparkingSMallidays. With lots of discounts, activities, and events prepared for their shoppers, SM Prime Holdings-owned chain of shopping malls aim to provide every Filipino a complete Christmas experience. 

“For many years SM has been part of every Filipino holiday celebration, from dining, gift-shopping, or simply enjoying activities in our 72 SM malls nationwide,” said Bernice Baculi, SM’s assistant vice president for operations. 

Part of #SparklingSMallidays campaign is the launch of the Bears of Joy, the annual charity project of SM Cares, SM Supermalls, and Toy Kingdom where for only P200, you can buy a pair of toy bears, where one goes to you, and the other is donated to a charity.

“The project started in 2011 and since then SM and its customers have given out more than 170,000 bears to underprivileged children nationwide. We invite all of you to spread the joy, buy a bear, and make a child happy this Christmas,” said Carlos Bauzon, SM’s assistant vice president for CSR marketing.

SM vice president for corporate marketing, Grace Magno, also announced the launch of SM Supermalls Christmas playlist on Spotify and #DearSMSanta campaign. 

In partnership with Spotify, SM curated a playlist to set the holiday mood with their Christmas jingle, ‘SM Mallidays’, and other best-loved Christmas tunes. They’ll continue to create playlists throughout the year to celebrate other Filipino occasions such as Valentine’s and Easter.

Meanwhile, #DearSMSanta campaign is a digital mailbox where kids and kids at heart can send their Christmas wishes by writing an e-letter. “We have many SM santa mailboxes in SM malls. You just have to fill out the form and submit it to get the chance to be one of the 60 lucky winners who will have their wishes granted. You may also send your e-letters to smsupermalls.com/dearsmsanta,” said Magno.

Event attendees singing along to famous Christmas songs by Jose Mari Chan marked the start of SM Supermalls 100-day countdown.

“Friends and families can look forward to bigger and brighter events, installations, and activities at SM, the ‘Home of Family Reunions’, as we continue to light up everyone’s lives in SM malls nationwide,” said SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan. – Rappler.com

Starting September 15, you can buy Christmas baskets starting at P350 from SM Markets. You can also avail up to 50% off on children’s wear, shoes, accessories, and toys with Babies & Kids’ sale at the SM Store from October 1 to 31. For more exclusive holiday deals, please visit www.smsupermalls.com

[Editor's note: This September 25, at the Peninsula Manila, eCompareMo.com will be bringing together various industry experts in a summit to discuss how to improve access to financial services amongst Filipino. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – Leading online financial marketplace eCompareMo.com presents Finovation 2019: Real Problems, Real Solutions. The annual forum will gather key industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, and cooperatives to discuss financial trends, industry challenges, and possible solutions to improve credit access among financially underserved Filipinos.

Guided by the goal of providing valuable financial services to more stakeholders, Finovation 2019 will have roundtable discussions covering topics from consumer behavior, industry-wide challenges, to regulatory initiatives.

Keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Diokno, governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), will grace the program, encouraging industry leaders to maximize technology and innovation to reach more financially underserved Filipinos. Gathering an esteemed panel of experts, Finovation 2019’s sessions delineate existing issues and action steps to empower financial institutions and strengthen financial inclusion in the country. 

The first roundtable discussion will interrogate Filipino attitudes toward financial literacy and credit – identifying prime solutions to combat the lack of financial education, lack of inclusion informal services, and predatorial lending schemes.

Moderated by Vince Rapisura, President and Founder of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI), the panel will include Pia Roman-Tayag, Managing Director, Inclusive Finance Advocacy Office, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Mags Vasquez-Surtida, FVP, Cards Business Group Head, Asia United Bank; Harvey Libarnes, VP-Financial Service Head, Smart Communications Inc.; Hamilton Angluben, General Manager, Cashalo; and Stephanie Chung, Co-Founder and CEO, eCompareMo.com.

The second panel will survey industry-wide challenges, identifying areas of improvement in credit infrastructure, data and verification, and digital financial ecosystems. The discussion aims to generate solutions that will strengthen collaboration between financial service providers and create an accessible and trustworthy financial ecosystem for more Filipinos.

Moderated by Atty. Aileen Amor-Bautista from the Credit Information Corporation, the panel is comprised of J.P Ellis, Co-Founder and Group CEO of C88 Financial Technologies Inc; Marlo Cruz, President and CEO, CIBI Information Inc.; Pia Arellano, President and CEO, TransUnion; and Simone Colombara, Managing Director, CRIF Corporation.

The last roundtable discussion will look into regulator projects and platforms, action steps toward creating tech-driven interoperable government databases, standard payment systems, and report generation and storage for the BSP.

Cathy Yang, Anchor and Managing Editor of ABS-CBN News Channel, will facilitate the panel comprised of Raymund Liboro, Commissioner from the National Privacy Commission; Jeremiah Belgica, Director, Anti-Red Tape Authority; Jaime Garchitorena, President and CEO, Credit Information Corporation; and Kelly Hatel, Financial Sector Specialist, Asian Development Bank.

In addition, enriching the discussions will be presentations on best financial and digital practices on how to help facilitate increased financial inclusion. Christo Georgiev, Country Manager and Chief Strategist of FinScore, will talk about telco credit scoring, while J.P Ellis will drill down on digital onboarding for financial services.

Rappler will be covering Finovation 2019. Bookmark this page to catch our broadcast of the summit. - Rappler.com

[Editor's note: Looking for reliable data solutions? Check out Seagate's new line of products. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a world leader in data solutions, announced an exciting extension of its portfolio with several new models, including new solid-state drive offerings. From gung-ho gamers to Instagram gurus, photo-collecting parents, or visionary creatives, Seagate offers the data storage solutions that empower users to live their best digital lives in today’s fast-changing data-heavy landscape.

Today, consumers have more ways than ever to consume content, driving the need to create, distribute and manage data efficiently. According to a recent IDC whitepaper sponsored by Seagate, five billion consumers are currently interacting with data every single day. By 2025, that number will jump to six billion, or 75 percent of the world’s population. Each of those six billion people will have at least one data interaction every 18 seconds, bumping the amount of data created worldwide to 175 zettabytes by 2025. Consumers increasingly need reliable ways to collect, protect, manage and access a good portion of that data, and Seagate’s latest products – including the cutting-edge LaCie® Mobile Drive, Seagate Backup Plus HDDs, FireCuda® 510 and BarraCuda®510 internal SSDs, and IronWolf® 110 NAS SSD – are designed to fit a variety of data storage needs and digital lifestyles.

“Today’s digital world impacts businesses and consumers globally. Companies are increasing digitization and consumers are embracing personalized, real-time data interactions. With these changes come higher expectations for managing data,” said Jeff Fochtman, vice president of marketing for Seagate. “With over 40 years’ experience in data management, Seagate is continuously innovating to prepare customers for this new era of data resilience. Our new lineup of data storage solutions empowers consumers to efficiently manage their video, photos, and documents, at home, in the office, or on-the-go.”

Seagate’s newest lineup of storage solutions helps consumers level up and manage their data storage needs. They include:

The Storage Style Icon 

Seagate’s premium LaCie brand continues to deliver iconic storage solutions for all design aficionados and creative professional go-getters. Need to capture different angles of your #OOTD, several times a day? LaCie Mobile Drive is ideal for an ever-growing digital library with its capacity topping out at a massive 5TB. When there is a need for fast file transfers, It features a unique, eye-catching diamond-cut design complementing Apple® MacBook® aesthetics and include a 1-month subscription to the Adobe® Creative Cloud® All Apps plan. LaCie Mobile Drive features a 2-year limited warranty. 

Prices:
1TB - P4,299
2TB - P5,699
4TB - P8,999

Your Storage for Favorite Memories

Photos, movies, documents, phones, tablets, laptops. Today’s connected consumer has a digital world made up of many parts. Seagate’s Backup Plus is a family of portable external hard drives to help the everyday consumer balance life and provide peace of mind. Photo-happy parents can snap away and not worry about losing these precious mementos knowing their new Backup Plus drive can help them breathe a little easier. Backup Plus Ultra Touch (1TB and 2TB capacities) offers a high-touch sensory experience that feels a little like home with premium features including automatic backup with multi-device folder sync and data protection with hardware encryption. Backup Plus Slim (1TB and 2TB capacities) and Backup Plus Portable (4TB and 5TB capacities) are both outfitted with lustrous aluminum finish available in black, blue, and silver and offer automatic backup. Aiding your creativity, the new Backup Plus models include a complimentary 2-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan. 

Prices:

Backup Plus Ultra Touch
1TB - P3,990
2TB - P5,990

Backup Plus Slim 
1TB - P3,490
2TB - P5,390

Backup Plus Portable
4TB - P8,990
5TB - 10,190 

Your Speedy Advantage to Upping the Game

Fear not, PC gamers. In the Esports and live-stream era, Seagate takes your need for speed seriously. The FireCuda 510 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD delivers blazing performance with intense read and write speeds for the ultimate gaming experience. Its crisp 4K video processing and high IOPS allows gamers to run multiple simultaneous video streams and programs – crucial for gameplay recording and streaming. Plus, its ultra-small M.2 2280 form factor means you can beef up just about any size system – be it a laptop, mini PC, or desktop.

We understand that the need for speed extends beyond gaming. For the consummate multitasker and performance seeker, the BarraCuda 510 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD features next-level speed for accelerating applications, with an ultra-small form factor for ultra-thin laptops, mini-PCs, and desktops. It is everything you love about the BarraCuda brand, now in an M.2 form factor. FireCuda 510 and BarraCuda 510 feature Seagate’s SeaTools SSD GUI dashboard for easy data management and a 5-year limited warranty.

Prices:

FireCuda 510 M.2 NVMe SSD
1TB - P13,289
2TB - P21,899

BarraCuda 510 M.2 NVMe SSD
256GB - P4,199
512GB - P6,638

The World’s First Purpose-Built SSD for NAS

Seagate’s IronWolf 110 SATA SSD is the world’s first purpose-built NAS SSD. It is designed with enterprise-class endurance and reliability, has a 24/7 always-on work ethic, and offers capacities of up to 3.84TB. Seagate’s exclusive Durawrite® technology helps accelerate reads and writes, extend the life of the flash and provide up to 7000 TBW on the 3.84TB capacity drive. With the ability to access, share and backup files from nearly anywhere, Network Attached Storage appliances (NAS) have become a necessity for many business owners, professionals, creative pros and prosumers. Choosing tough, ready and scalable IronWolf drives ensures top performance and the best possible user experience with the confidence of a 5-year limited warranty and 2-year data recovery support. 

Prices:

IronWolf 110 SATA SSD
240GB - P5,619
480GB - P8,649
960GB - P15,549
1920TB - P27,319
3840TB - P53,399

You can also find more information on the new products by visiting the following pages:

LaCie Mobile Drive
https://www.lacie.com/products/mobile-drive/

Backup Plus Ultra Touch, Backup Plus Slim, and Backup Plus Portable
https://www.seagate.com/consumer/backup/backup-plus/

FireCuda 510
https://www.seagate.com/internal-hard-drives/ssd/firecuda-ssd/

BarraCuda 510
https://www.seagate.com/internal-hard-drives/ssd/barracuda-ssd/

IronWolf 110
https://www.seagate.com/internal-hard-drives/ssd/ironwolf-nas-ssd/ – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Thick, full hair is a sign of health. We’re all about preserving or improving the beauty of our crowning glory, and that’s why we use pomades, dyes, and hair oils. 

Hair loss, however, is a harder problem to solve.

It’s not usually an issue we think about until we reach a certain age, but if you’re seeing more hair strands than usual around your drain each morning, pay attention – this may be an early sign of hair loss. 

A lot of people only realize they’re afflicted with hair loss once they actually start balding. But there are early signs you need to watch out for. 

– Rappler.com

[Editor's note: Learn about the basics of CRM and analytics straight from the experts. Below is a press release from IMMAP.]

MANILA, Philippines – The second installment of IMMAP x CDM's Web Wednesdays will be all about the introduction to CRM and analytics.

The speakers include:

• Pauline Pangan of AF Digital
• Manny Gonzales of Ogilvy Manila
• Bea Lim of Team Asia, moderator

The key topics that will be discussed are:

1. Introduction to Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
2. Creating a CRM Strategy
3. CRM Tools

• Different Tools Available
• Pros & Cons

Join the discussion to know more about the best practices and opportunities you may be missing out on.

The webinar session will start at 6:00 PM tomorrow, September 25, and will include a Q&A portion.

Make sure to look out for the GoToWebinar email for the link to the webinar once you have registered. – Rappler.com

CDM partners with IMMAP to elevate your digital learning with a FREE WEBINAR SERIES: Web Wednesdays. Through the latest insights, market trends, and new tips from peers and industry experts, we enable continuous digital learning and transformation.

MANILA, Philippines – Whatever industry you’re in, whatever your calling in life, one thing’s for sure – we’re all in pursuit of success and fulfillment. 

So we hustle each day, but sometimes in our desire to achieve our goals, we forget one thing: we don’t always have to do it alone. 

Behind each and every successful person is a life partner – family, friends, significant other, or mentor. While it’s important to learn how to stand on your own feet, it’s perfectly fine if you need a hand to help you stand back up when you fall.

A life partner gives you advice, provides a different perspective, or maybe even just stays beside you and cheers you on as you achieve your goals.

On Monday, September 30, Rappler, in partnership with Sun Life Philippines, is hosting a live roundtable discussion on how enduring partnerships enrich our lives. Our guests will share their insights on how they make their partnerships work, and what they’ve learned in the process. 

Our roundtable guests are:

• Arriane Serafico, teacher and lifestyle blogger

• Agnes Cuaso, financial advisor

• Vern Enciso, blogger, co-founder of perfume brand VV&Co

• Verniece Enciso, blogger, co-founder of perfume brand VV&Co

The roundtable will be moderated by events host Ceej Tantengco. 

Bookmark this page to watch the live stream of this discussion on Monday, 4 pm onwards. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Engineers are essential to improving people’s lives. They help design projects that not only help solve developmental problems but also provide livelihood to many Filipino families. 

On September 30, 10 am, Rappler, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, is hosting a live roundtable discussion to talk about the ways Filipino engineers are making a difference in the lives of underprivileged communities and marginalized sectors.

We will answer questions such as: What kind of support do Filipino engineers require to innovate and come up with solutions to help solve problems in water, sanitation, sustainability and the environment? How can they keep abreast with the latest developments in tech and trends in this rapidly changing world? And what is the importance of recognizing their talents and efforts?

Our speakers include:  

• Mr. Reginald M. Andal, Executive Director, Manila Water Foundation 

• Engr. Federico A. Monsada, President, Philippine Technological Council 

• Dr. Ricardo F. Orge, Senior Science Research Specialist, Philippine Rice Research Institute; 2017 MWF Prize for Engineering Excellence awardee

The roundtable discussion will be moderated by actress and events host, Issa Litton. 

Bookmark this page to watch the live stream of this discussion on Monday, 10 am.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Have you ever tagged your friends in a seat sale promo?  Created a group chat to plan a beach trip? 

We’re all familiar with these scenarios. We get excited over the idea of a temporary break from work or school only to see it become just another planned vacation that never got to see the light of day. 

Taking a vacation with friends is often easier said than done. You have to deal with booking plane tickets, exchanging currencies, budgeting, and the hardest of all – conflicting schedules. If you and your friends want to go on a vacation without having to go through such hassles then why not try going for a staycation?

Batangas boasts an impressive selection of vacation homes in Tali, a private seaside community located in Nasugbu. From lighthouse to mid-century modern, they offer different house styles that will appeal to different tastes. 

If you and your friends like to enjoy the seaside and sunset views in a simple Spanish colonial revival house, then Tali Vacation Home is the perfect place for you.

Tali Vacation Home is fit for large groups. They have 3 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms which means you and your friends can comfortably relax and make yourselves feel at home. 

They also have a big parking space right outside the main door which will save you from worrying about your car’s safety. You don’t have to be troubled with the idea of trespassers because the subdivision has a 24-hour security and a guarded post that will keep outsiders from entering the neighborhood. 

Have friends who are on a special diet? Their kitchen is well-equipped so they can still eat food that fits their dietary needs even when they’re on vacation.

Throw the best pool party and make this staycation worthy of #TBT photos by singing karaoke while enjoying fresh inihaw meat and seafood using their outdoor grill. You can get help from Jay,  their caretaker, to set things up. 

It’s time to reassess our priorities and stop putting off spending time with our friends. Australia-based relationship expert and author, Dr. Nikki Goldstein said that they’re important to achieve good mental health. 

With so many great amenities Tali Vacation Home has to offer, you won’t have a hard time turning a mundane weekend with friends into a memorable one.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your next staycation in Tali Vacation Home now. For more details, visit their Facebook page.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Personal finance is a tricky subject. People’s circumstances often change – from income to civil status, to larger things that may affect him or her such as the country’s economy. 

For many, when it comes to money matters, they continually refine their personal financial plan to meet the ever-changing financial goals. Others, on the other hand, would rather live in the now and not confront their financial situation.

To take control of your finances, the drive must come from within. As Stephanie Chung, eCompareMo co-founder and CEO, says, “once you start with yourself, and get that self-awareness, that’s already empowerment in itself.”

Take our short quiz to find out where you’re at financially! You can only go up from here, right? – Rappler.com

[Editor's note: To help the DOT and Siargao to promote better tourism, Globe strengthened the network coverage of the community by firing up three new cell sites. Globe also introduced an 'Ecobooth' to serve as a hub for environmental awareness conversation. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Globe have entered into a strategic partnership for the promotion and digital transformation of the Philippine tourism industry. This partnership entails jointly advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices among all stakeholders concerned.

As the official telecommunications partner of DOT, Globe has also created a new official tourism video to be used for domestic and international promotions. The video encourages more travelers to visit the country and experience the warmth of the Filipinos. It celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the Filipino people – manifested through culture and values – as reasons why “It’s Always More Fun in the Philippines.”

“It is the Department of Tourism’s thrust to promote and build the Philippine tourism industry and make it competitive globally and we warmly welcome Globe’s support for this undertaking. Through Globe’s expertise in digital technology and its commitment to sustainability, we are confident that we can work towards our common goal of promoting sustainable tourism and jumpstarting the digital transformation of the industry,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“We are excited to be working closely with DOT in promoting and transforming the tourism sector.  Through this partnership, we hope to realize our vision of becoming an integral part of the best travel experience in the country.  We want to be at the forefront of connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability through enhanced communications infrastructure, affordable digital tools and solutions for businesses, and environmental protection and conservation efforts,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

Siargao Sustainability Week

To kick off the partnership, Globe held the Siargao Sustainability Week which showcased the beautiful island of Siargao – also known as the surfing mecca of the Philippines. This coincided with the celebration of Philippine Tourism Week and World Tourism Day.  All activities focused on the four pillars of support that Globe committed to DOT – inclusivity, excellence, digital innovation, and sustainability.

Globe started by firing up three cell sites in Pilar, General Luna, and Dapa to further enhance mobile coverage in Siargao and address the connectivity requirements of tourists and businesses.  GoWiFi, Globe’s fast and secure public wifi service, also equipped Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao with free high-quality internet connection which travelers can easily access. GoWiFi continues its expansion plans nationwide and is accessible in over 2,500 sites as of the first half of the year. 

Globe, likewise, provides free Traveler SIM cards at the Sayak Airport to foreign visitors which they can bundle with load and GoSurf promos to enhance their Siargao experience and has also committed to support the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup on October 4 - 9.

On the other hand, Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) arm of Globe, empowers local businesses – especially those in the tourism sector such as accommodations, food, transportation, travel agencies, entertainment/recreation, and retail – with digital solutions to help them grow and become more competitive.

This is complemented by learning sessions from Globe myBusiness Academy both on-ground and online to provide opportunities to MSMEs. Here they can learn relevant and update-to-date business processes and digital tools, which they can use to reach more customers and provide a hassle-free customer experience.

Meanwhile, GCash is now available in select establishments in Siargao such as Siargao Corner Cafe, Habhab Cafeteria, Louise Cakes and Pastries, Lunares Cafe, MA+D, Isla Mercato, Mercato Coffee, Isla Cabana, Isla Cusina, Beach Bar, Langyaw Souvenirs 1 & 2, Greenhouse, Kudosurf, Harana Surf (hotel, shop, restaurant, school), Mama’s Grill, Chef Justice, Lokal, Bayatakan Farm, Bulan, Butang Concept, Sizzy Diner, Raffys Grill, Karagatan Restaurant, and Siargao Bleu.

Through GCash QR payments, GCash is able to help MSMEs transition into the digital arena while allowing customers a fast, easy, and secure way to pay for goods and services.

The Globe Siargao Sustainability Week highlights the turn over to the Siargao Tourism Operators Association (STOA) of several e-Waste bins where customers can place broken cellphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic wastes. This is part of Globe’s Project E-R3 (Reduce, Recover, Recycle).

Globe Ecobooth

At the same time, Globe set up an Ecobooth to serve as a hub for environmental awareness conversation and sharing of best practices on how to protect and preserve the environment, particularly marine biodiversity. Anyone can visit the Ecobooth to exchange their plastic bags and plastic bottles for an eco-bag. They can also get exciting freebies like water tumbler and metal straw if they avail of GoSakto promos.  Those who will sign up as volunteers for the Oct 5 Siargao Beach Clean-Up will also get a Globe Eco-Kit.

Globe also provided Nature Kids of Siargao, a non-profit association that involves more than 1,700 kids and their families, with used tarpaulin for upcycling. By turning plastic waste into treasure, the organization is able to provide employment and skill-building opportunities to the residents while contributing to proper and responsible waste management. Globe is also exerting efforts to fully transition to an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for tarpaulins.

Furthermore, Globe is working on a partnership with Lokal Siargao, Bathala Land Tours, and Bayatakan Farm Experience. These three businesses value sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism at the core of their business model. 

Lokal is a platform that provides accessibility for farmers, fishermen, and artisans to reach customers from the hospitality and tourism industries, and allows them to generate more funds to ensure sustainability within their respective communities. Bathala Land Tours holds guided tours in the northern part of the island and shares the importance of preserving the Filipino heritage, while Bayatakan Farm Experience is an eco-tourism initiative in Siargao, that provides hands-on farming, culinary experience, and cultural immersion to tourists who are interested in sustainable living.

Earlier, the Globe Citizenship team, together with Globe myBusiness, also conducted workshops for various stakeholders in Siargao, specifically, businesses and local government units, on marine biodiversity conservation and best practices on sustainability.

Aside from Siargao, Globe is committed to be present in all major tourist sites in the country. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – “We are shifting rapidly. We are moving away from a product-led economy to an experience-led economy.” Jeremy Smart, Channel Leader for Asia Pacific & Japan of Acoustic, emphasized this landscape shift as he described how important artificial intelligence (AI) will be for advertisers and marketers in the coming years.

“You are not just missing an opportunity,” Smart addressed those who are reluctant in the crowd. “You are just managing your inevitable extinction.”

On September 12, various industry leaders –  from media and advertising to pharmaceuticals, finance, and FMCG – gathered at the Makati Diamond Residences for a conference entitled “AI for ROI: Driving Double-Digit ROI with AI-driven Marketing Technologies.”

Organized by Cobena Business Analytics and Strategy Inc, a Philippine data science consulting firm, the event hosted talks with speakers from Cobena’s business partner, Acoustic. These talks centered on the AI landscape in the Asia Pacific region, the readiness of business for AI, and some success stories using AI marketing technology (MarTech).

Acoustic was formerly known as IBM’s Watson Marketing before it was rebranded as a standalone company in July 2019.

Myths on AI

According to Jeremy Smart, a lot of apprehensions in using AI for business stem from myths and antiquated ideas about artificial intelligence.

One pervasive misconception, he says, is that AI is too expensive. On the contrary, businesses would rather spend large amounts on marketing that casts a wide net over their audiences.

According to Smart, with the help of AI, companies can trim their marketing budget as AI can help pinpoint areas of focus. Not only can a company’s marketing be more efficient, but it can be significantly more effective with MarTech.

“AI is only as difficult as you chose to make it,” said Smart.

Another unfounded fear many companies have is that AI will make their services obsolete. They see AI as a competition not only in the industry-level but also on a personal. 

“AI is universally known as Artificial Intelligence. We prefer to refer to it as Augmented Intelligence. So it’s about changing your job – which it will – for the better.”

According to Smart, AI automates the little, mundane tasks that can detract your energy from more important work. This leaves you to focus on more strategic and creative ways to grow your business. 

Lastly, Smart warned businesses of the false notion that AI is not and will never apply to their industry. “It is relevant to you, it is relevant to all industries. Most experiences will be delivered by AI-led applications by the year 2025. That’s not too far away,” he said.

AI marketing today

In today’s market, AI is already widely used in personalizing marketing for consumers.

According to Alex Liu, Partner Ecosystem Leader for Asia & Japan of Acoustic, 61% of consumers are more inclined to purchase from companies that customize their content for consumers.

He said that the adaptivity AI provides is beneficial to companies in two ways. For one, it helps you know your audience better. Through AI-powered adaptive content, you get to gauge better what audience sentiments are towards your campaigns and marketing materials. 

Secondly, it also gives you a better grasp of your content. It helps you focus on what works and learn from what does not.

It’s context plus content, Liu described. With AI, Liu said, “think less about learning technology, and think more about technology learning about you.”

Concerns with data privacy

However, with all the controversies surrounding data privacy, the Acoustic team emphasizes that the industry is still learning a lot. Their company, for one, follows regulations when it comes to handling data.

“We don’t store or collect your data. It remains in your ownership. You own the data of your customers,” Jeremy Smart answered.

Furthermore, Start said, products, such as those of Acoustic, don’t even need to breach prohibited customer data just to provide smart solutions to companies. “We can do lots with an e-mail, with understanding someone’s gender, their age, residence, their purchase patterns. There’s already a lot you could, and you should learn from those bits of information.”

Acoustic in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Acoustic is already providing its services in Customer Experience Analytics and Marketing Campaign Automation.

Acoustic Customer Experience Analytics helps you understand your customers better by giving you useful information on who your customers are and what they want. Their AI-powered services help you learn more about customer journeys and provides insights that enhance engagement and conversion.

Acoustic Campaign Automation, on the other hand, can help companies design effective marketing campaigns by defragmenting their marketing efforts. AI helps deliver smarter, more targeted campaigns across channels using one platform.

Both these services can be availed through Acoustic’s business partner in the Philippines, Cobena. 

Cobena helps create an impact in the MarTech space as experts of tools such as Acoustic. They also provide support in the implementation and on-boarding of the tool if a company chooses to purchase it for themselves. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Have you spent almost half a month's paycheck on expensive skincare products but haven't even seen half the promised results? 

Many of us have been there. And it could be really frustrating. Most of the time, you think that adding more products to your routine is the answer but that’s not always the case – no matter how expensive or hyped those products are. 

You also need to consider other factors like your diet, lifestyle, and even your stress levels. 

Here are some of the ways those factors affect the way your skin looks – and probably why your 10-step skincare ritual has yet to work its magic. 

Your body could be lacking in some essential vitamins

Do you hate eating spinach and cauliflower? These, along with almonds and oranges, are rich in Vitamin E and C which help promote healthy skin. Studies show that Vitamin E protects the skin from deteriorating while Vitamin C protects the skin from UV damage. You also need to make sure that you’re not B-complex and Iron deficient. Iron deficiency anemia can make the skin look pale or dull.

So, if you eat fast food more than you do fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s time to think of cutting down on burgers and munching more on the types of food – those mentioned above plus avocados, tomatoes, walnuts – that make your skin glow. 

You may not be sweating enough

Sure, the grueling daily commute does make you sweaty but it’s nothing compared to sweating buckets from an intense workout or at least a legit exercise. Sweating (from exercise) detoxifies your body, boosts your endorphins, and might aid in unclogging your pores. 

A study shows that being active helps keep your skin young and might even reverse its aging process. There’s really nothing to lose. You don’t even have to go to the gym. Go to the nearest park, go for a jog, and start sweating!  

You could be under a lot of stress 

The last thing you would probably blame for your flaky skin is stress. Maybe not until you’re already growing clumps of acne (you wouldn’t want to wait for that to happen!). 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has conducted research on the link between the nervous system and acne and other skin conditions and found some alarming results for anyone who’s often stressed.

The study found that “stress can result in the skin’s nerve endings releasing an increased level of chemicals. The release of these chemicals can lead to inflammation of the skin.” Skin inflammation comes in the form of rashes, redness, and itchiness.

According to AAD, stress can also make the skin more permeable, more sensitive and more reactive, making it more prone to dullness, dryness, and other effects of nutrient loss like paleness of skin.

So, if you've been stressed the whole time you were religiously doing your skincare routine every day and night, you might want to eliminate your stressors. You can start by only working during the designated office hours and taking regular breaks. 

Taking multivitamins that contain iron, vitamin C, E, like Multivitamins + Iron (Stresstabs) may be a good addition to the mix. Multivitamins + Iron (Stresstabs) helps fight the effects of stress that could make your skin look old, tired, and dull. Its combined vitamins and minerals restore the nutrients that your skin loses to stress. 

So, starting today, add a healthy diet, regular exercise, and an attempt at a work-life balance to your skincare routine. And this might just help you achieve the skin you've always dreamed of. – Rappler.com 

Multivitamins + Iron (Stresstabs) is now available online. Visit watsons.com.ph to get one now! ASC Reference Code: P080P092419S

MANILA, Philippines – “I can do anything! Pero kaya ko nga ba?”

Does this sound familiar to you? Is this something you often ask yourself? You’re not alone. 9 out of 10 women hold themselves back in some situations based on a recent study. Their reason? It’s because they’re afraid of being judged – be it at work or in their relationships. 

To encourage women to help fellow women to face their hesitations and #SeeWhatHappens, Pond’s launched a community created by women for women of purpose last September 4 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theatre in Taguig. It provided women a platform to share inspiring stories on how they overcame their hesitations to become the best version of themselves. 

“In the Philippines alone, 96% of Filipinas say they’ve experienced some form of self-doubt which has disabled them from achieving their goals. Women tend to question themselves even if they have the talent, potential, and even success,” said Kristine Domingo, Pond’s Senior Brand Manager.

“It’s precisely because of this that we, at Pond’s, believe that it’s time to encourage women, yes, even we, the most confident ones, to put a stop to these inner hesitations and self-doubt.”

Pond’s girls Kathryn Bernardo, Heart Evangelista, Nadine Lustre, Gabbi Garcia, and Ylona Garcia, known to be some of the most successful and confident women in the industry, all opened up to share their own hesitations.

Asked about the challenges she faced while doing her most recent film with Alden Richards, “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” Kathryn shares: “It was really hard for me because just like any other actor, I was scared. It was my first team up with another partner, first project without DJ (Daniel Padilla).”

But for Kathryn, the change might have been scary but it was necessary. 

“I’m just really proud of myself with everything that’s happening right now,” said Kathryn. Maybe if I had said no to this opportunity, this would have been the biggest regret of my life.”

Meanwhile, Heart, who inspires a lot of women to love themselves one Instagram post at a time has this to say about bouncing back from a difficult past: “I’ve lost, at a point, almost everything but when you get to that point, that’s the only time you’ll realize that it was needed. That you needed to lose everything to one by one put things together, start again, reset, and just build your life one by one.”

After revealing their hesitations, the Pond’s ambassadors also shared how they were able to choose courage over fear.

Nadine started by looking back on how scared she was to show her true self, to break free from the mold that people had put her in. “I was really scared that maybe at some point I was going to lose my career or even lose my fans,” she said. “[But] I just had this realization: you know whatever, I really don’t care what people would say about me, I’m just gonna go on and live and enjoy my life.”

Gabbi is also no stranger to fear of treading new paths. For her, it was when she began pursuing a singing career. 

“A lot of us have experienced rejections, judgment, bashing online, but that didn’t stop me from reaching my goal. we shouldn’t let anyone dictate who we are, and how we should feel, and what to do also. It’s our life, our rules.”

And to make sure every woman present went home with a nugget of wisdom, the Pond’s girls had pieces of advice for everyone including the youngest and newest ambassador, Ylona.

“Always look at the big picture. There’s always another day. Even if you’re having a bad day, do what makes you feel fulfilled.”

This campaign didn’t start and end here. Pond’s urges everyone to share their own #SeeWhatHappens stories on social media, to create a movement to lift up and empower Filipinas.

“Rise above your inner voices and turn moments of hesitation into moments of inspiration,” said Kristine Domingo.

How about you? What’s your #SeeWhatHappens story? – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hair loss is a touchy subject. In a world where society shapes young boys into thinking that men are measured based on their vitality, men would rather cover up than discuss their insecurities. Hair loss signals old age. So men tend to overcompensate by acting extra macho, wearing caps more often, and even flat out denying their obviously receding hairlines and thinning crowns.

How bad is hair loss?

However, this bottling up can make the effects of hair loss even more devastating. In a study conducted at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin - Berlin (one of Europe’s most prestigious teaching hospitals), researchers found that hair loss caused “enormous emotional burden” on men’s self-esteem. In worst cases, they caused psychological disorders such as body dysmorphia and trichotillomania. 

According to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, 50% of Filipino men will experience some form of hair loss by the time they reach the age of 40 due to male pattern baldness. The reason is often genetic. But some can be caused by nutritional deficiencies and lack of care. 

So what’s real and what’s false about hair loss? Here are the truths behind the myths.

Myth: Wearing caps can make you bald

It’s more of the other way around, bald men resort to wearing caps to hide their bare scalps. Caps themselves do not cause baldness.

The only way caps can contribute to hair loss is if there is physical damage involved. Like say if your hat gets tangled into your hair, and you end up pulling it. Or if you wear your cap extremely tight that it cuts off the blood circulation in your scalp. (But you know, that has to be, literally, boa constrictor tight. Who wears caps like that?) 

Aside from that, it’s perfectly fine to keep your cap on!

Myth: Direct exposure to sunlight causes hair loss

Nope, unless you have wings and fly too close to the sun, your hair won’t fall out.

While hair can get damaged by the sun’s UV radiation, the effects are mostly confined to your hair strands and your hair shaft. This will cause discoloration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness. 

Sun damage, however, does not affect the follicles—which are responsible for hair growth.

Myth: Hot showers also wash away your hair

There is a difference between hot and boiling. If you throw a pail of boiling water over your head, then yes, your hair will fall out...along with your skin. However, if the water is just sauna-relaxation levels, in moderation, then you're fine.

The worst a hot shower can do is cause skin redness and dry scalps. This may lead to hair that is brittle and prone to breakage.

Myth: Excessive hair products = excessive hair loss

Nowadays, hair care products are often designed to be sensitive on your hair and scalp. Some may damage your hair strands but not the follicle. 

However, one must be aware of using the right products for their hair. It is not advisable for men, for example, to continually use female shampoo. Though they may not cause baldness, they are not designed for men’s hair and scalp—which are often more sensitive than women’s. This can potentially lead to hair fall.

What can men do about it?

Male pattern baldness is in your genes. And though there are medical treatments available, for true male pattern baldness, the results of these FDA-approved therapies may vary. Though recently, breakthroughs in medicine make actual “cures” for baldness a possibility, these are still years away.

If you think you are suffering from male pattern baldness, it is best to consult with a doctor. However, if your hair loss is due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal imbalances, these kinds of hair loss are preventable and reversible.

Maintaining the right kind of diet can promote beautiful hair. Eggs, sweet potatoes, and salmon all have vitamins and nutrients that can strengthen hair. Quitting cigarettes can also help better the circulation of blood in your scalp. The same goes with keeping hydrated.

As mentioned earlier, the right kind of shampoo can also do wonders in preventing hair loss. Compared to women, men are more at risk of hair loss and balding because they have lesser blood vessels in the scalp, and thus have lower blood circulation.

Men can consider shampoos formulated and designed especially for them, such as Dove Men+Care. Dove Men+Care is made with tricchazole actives and caffeine to promote stronger, and more resilient hair.

Hair loss can be hard, especially if it's genetic. However, that doesn’t mean you should stop caring for your hair. Hair loss doesn’t always equate to male pattern baldness, and there are many ways to keep your locks in tiptop shape.  Prevention is your best solution. Remember, it is through great care that you will get to prolong the life of your hair. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – “I don’t have any savings” – it’s one of those things that you just can’t admit. It’s much harder if you’re someone with a stable job, earning a regular salary every month. For some, it’s something that’s too embarrassing or a sign of immaturity even. 

But over the past few days, Filipinos were all over social media to share their own financial struggles in response to GCash’s #PlsSaveMe movement. It was one of the top trending topics in the Philippines over the weekend and even made it to the no. 1 spot. And based on the live count of PlsSaveMe.com, the movement has reached over 14 million people.

“Suko na ako sa gastos pero mas suko na ako sa promise ko every year na mag-ipon, oh my gosh. #PlsSaveMe,” said Twitter user @hoybiya.

Some also shared the reasons – spending on travels and favorite Korean superstars – why it’s hard for them to save. And these are things that most of us can relate to.

Wala akong savings for the past 5 years na nagwwork ako dahil all-out ako kapag nagttravel. As in yolo x1000 #PlsSaveMehttps://t.co/pgFe4R1TOI

— jovie reyes (@joviemarr) October 5, 2019

I don’t spend much for myself. I’m one of the most thrifty persons I know but when my favorite Korean artists come to town. I spend too much!!! #PlsSaveMehttps://t.co/EDqDp6Cjm3

— Aly Bosch (@AlyJunieBosch) October 5, 2019

Everyone knows I won Php 500,000.00 from a reality show back then. But not everyone knows I spent it all of that... in just one week. #PlsSaveMe

— Robi Domingo (@robertmarion) October 4, 2019

Sana yung savings ko sa bangko maging kasinglaki bigla ng tiyan ko.....#PlsSaveMe hirap mag-ipon Lord pic.twitter.com/u4kLXsvhlE

— DJ Chacha (@mor1019chacha) October 4, 2019

Fighting Maroon ako pero yung savings ko suko sa pang gastos ko #PlsSaveMe

— Ricci Rivero (@_ricciiirivero) October 4, 2019

They’re just some of the 66% of Filipinos who do not have savings according to The Global Findex Database, World Bank Group 2017. 

GCash’s #PlsSaveMe movement aims to help these Filipinos by first urging them to acknowledge that they have some bad spending habits they need to work on. GCash also encourages everyone to help find solutions to this pressing problem together by joining the movement. 

And the movement is not just online, it’s also on major LED billboards all over the Philippines. 

Are you finding it challenging to save, too? Share your story on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #PlsSaveMe. – Rappler.com

[IMMAP wants to help future-proof Gen Z as early as now. Below is the press release from IMMAP.]

MANILA, Philippines – This October, the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) will gather over 200 students at the PICC for the Digital Youth Congress 2019.

While IMMAP holds an annual 3-day Digital Congress for professionals, the organization also goes beyond the workplace straight to the academe to reach the breeding ground of thinking and learning. The Digital Youth Congress (YouthCon) is a series of projects under the Education Committee that connects to the sectors most in need of digital marketing know-how.

Rudy Villar, education committee chair, says, “The youth are the future decision makers and it is important that they learn the basics of digital marketing. And since they are digital natives, it would be an easy task for us practitioners to teach them strategy and creatives. That combination of digital literacy, strategy, and creativity is a very powerful tool.”

It’s said that ‘numbers don’t lie’. According to the ASEAN Human Capital Index, 65% of children entering primary school today will end up working in jobs not on our radar yet. 

 “We’ve learned our collective lesson the hard way. It’s hard to teach older dogs new tricks. Future-proofing careers can’t start after college. Change has to happen in our schools too. We hope that we can give educators and students some food for thought with this year’s YouthCon,” shares Wacky Torres, Youth Congress chair.  

There’s science, and numbers, and there’s technology – all touted as the jumping board towards digital transformation. IMMAP as an organization drives the relevance and the necessity of digital transformation. It breathes the same air as its creative counterparts in advertising and marketing. 

“Creativity thrives on change. As our industry continues its digital transformation, creativity will be the difference-maker between leader and follower," Torres adds.

As they join professionals in plenaries and select their own lineup of speakers for the whole day on October 16, delegates will get a feel of the digital industry, perfect for novices and aspirants. Who knows if one of them could eventually win a gold at Cannes Young Lion?

Student registration fee for the Digital Youth Congress at the Philippine International Convention Center is at P500. Open to all senior high and university students. The event is on 16 October 2019,7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Register here now. – Rappler.com

[Editor's note: Going cashless has its perks with PayMaya this 10.10 weekend. You can get as much as P3,000 in cashback. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – Ready your mobile wallets; shopping season is once again on full-throttle mode. And, it's not only by shopping online and in-store that you can get the best discounts. You can get so much more when you shop with your PayMaya card or use PayMaya QR. 

Online and in-store

Take advantage of the sweet 10.10 sales and zero-in on the online and in-store deals you have been wishing for when you use your PayMaya card or pay using QR. You can get as much as P3,000 in cashback for all your purchases.

Snag the latest fashion finds, gadget trends, and home items online because you can get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for all your transactions. And when you rack up a total of P5,000 spent, you also get a P500 cashback on top of everything else!

If you feel like getting your shopping fix in the mall this 10.10 weekend, PayMaya's also got your back because you can also get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for each spend and a P500 reward for an accumulated P5,000. Just 'scan to pay' with your phone using PayMaya QR.

To know the nearest merchant that accepts PayMaya QR near you, you can visit this link.

Forget COD 

Forget Cash-On-Delivery (COD) and use your PayMaya account when you shop this weekend to enjoy the full convenience, security, and rewards that it has to offer. These exclusive perks are even better than those of your credit card! 

If you don’t have a PayMaya account yet, now is the best time to get one so you can take advantage of all the cashback rewards while 10.10 sales are still happening!

Download the PayMaya app now for iOS or Android and sign up today to feel the joy of paying for anything you want in the fastest, most secure, rewarding, and hassle-free way! Remember, don’t pay cash, PayMaya! 

To know how you can maximize your PayMaya account, visit www.paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  - Rappler.com 

PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, is the only financial technology company in the Philippines offering integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. It is the first to give millions of Filipinos an e-wallet that allows them to pay cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. It is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the country backed by PLDT, KKR, Tencent, World Bank’s IFC and the IFC Emerging Asia Fund. 

Terms and conditions apply for all offers. Full Promo Mechanics:

Online Shopping

QR payments

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB 19185, 19179, 18893, 19183 and 19228, Series of 2019.

MANILA, Philippines – What happens when an all-time trending queen and the king of talk shows join together in a commercial?

The internet breaks. 

Known for being able to ask the most talked-about celebrities the toughest questions, Boy Abunda interviews Maine Mendoza in their newest commercial to clarify some issues.

"Gusto lang namin ilabas ang katotohanan (We just want to know the truth)," said Boy. 

In the middle of the relentless questioning, it turns out that the Boy Abunda onstage was an impostor named Germ Abunda, a germ that spreads diseases.

Luckily, Maine is always equipped with a product that not just fights germs, but also leaves the skin moisturized. 

 Maine and Boy’s fight against world germination was uploaded last August 4 on Youtube yet it has already garnered more than 5 million views and has been shared for almost 10,000 times on Facebook. Meanwhile on Twitter, it has been retweeted 1.6K times and liked 2.4K times. 

A lot of fans were also leaving comments on the video saying how much they were eager to watch the whole film.

Some were hoping to turn this into a TV series.

While some thought it was a well-executed TV commercial.

You can also join Maine in fighting against world germination because the battle against germs never stops. They are everywhere. Germs flourish on our cellphones, computers, even in our bags.

To prevent ourselves from contracting and spreading infectious diseases, we have to pull out all the stops to eradicate germs or prevent it from settling in. 

The Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook reports that the Philippines ranked 161 out of 224 in terms of average life expectancy. Most of the fatal diseases in the Philippines can be prevented from spreading by simply washing our hands. 

Washing our hands with soap under warm running water remains one of the best ways to prevent illnesses and the spread of germs. 

Hygienix kills 99.99% of germs and common disease-causing bacteria with every use. Unlike other germicidal soaps, it has a refreshing scent while keeping your skin smooth with its non-drying formula. – Rappler.com

[Want to see Silicon Valley legends in the flesh? Below is the press release from IMMAP.]

Netflix legend Patty McCord is leading the roster of speakers in this year’s DigiCon, scheduled this October 16-18, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

McCord is best known for co-authoring the Netflix Culture Deck, dubbed as “the most important document to ever come out of Silicon Valley.” The breakthrough presentation has been reproduced more than 19 million times, and continues to inspire policy in many companies around the world. It is especially relevant in DigiCon 2019, as the organizer, the Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), pushes for a culture of digital excellence in the country.

“Success in the digital age requires companies to embrace digital in everything they do. Not just in customer-facing touchpoints, but also in internal operations,” says IMMAP President Dennis Perez. “Digital is no longer just a department—it’s a way of life.”

Aside from Patty McCord, DigiCon 2019 also features Matt Biespiel of MB Consulting; Wendy Clark, Global CEO of DDB; Tom Goodwin, EVP Head of Innovation at Zenith; a CEO panel featuring Benjie Yap of Unilever, Carlo Katigbak of ABS-CBN, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng of Summit Media, and more; Jacqueline Thng, partner at Prophet; Rohit Gulati, partner at Boston Consulting Group; Nic Burrows of Google; Ken Hoskin of Facebook, and many more.

Talks will cover learning across four tracks: the LEAD track, which will focus on upgrading leadership skills and thinking at every career stage; the EXPLORE track, which will unveil state-of-the-art technology for brands and marketers; APPLY, where participants can roll up their sleeves and dive right into interactive workshops; and PRACTICE, which will focus on tech trends for specific categories and industries such as fintech, health, entertainment, and sustainability and social good.

A trade exhibit will also bring together key technology players, including up and coming businesses who will be able to showcase solutions alongside more established players. The event will culminate with this year’s Boomerang Awards, a showcase of the country’s best works in the digital space.

DigiCon 2019 is open to brands, marketers, publishers, and all followers of tech. For more
information, visit https://digicon.immap.com.ph/about, follow @immap.digicon on Facebook, or email digicon@futureproof.ph. – Rappler.com