GCash and GRAB Partner Up for Seamless Transactions

GCash and Grab earlier just made things easier as they forge a partnership in all their services.

Renren Reyes of Gcash says "This is another milestone, it's our responsibility to partner with like minded brands to continue to reach more customers nationwide. GCash is now going to be a key cashless partner payment with GRAB. We are excited to make available in transport and food deliveries by linking the GCash wallet with your Grab accounts. This will make your everyday lives better as it is seamless and convenient."

Martha Elaine Borja the President of Grab Philippines says "Good morning, we are really excited to partner together through cashless payments, GCash can now have the payment method as a payment partner on our app. With GCash, we would be able to make it easier for more Filipinos do cashless and secure payments to thrive in a digital first economy. This is a first in the transport and digital payment sector in the country. The grab and gcash collaboration will further improve financial inclusion in the country "

This will be a direct payment option, to link your GCash just select account, payment method, enter your details and link. You can then pay directly with GCash your transport, food and delivery services. It is seamless and convenient. Things will start on February and only going to be implemented in the Philippines.

SPARKLE's Outstanding 1st Year!

You've seen them all shine and sparkle this 2022 and this year, it's even gonna get bigger as fresh faces and more talented artists join SPARKLE, GMA's talent management division.

According to GMA's Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes "I hope to continue leading SPARKLE and be able to meet the demands of the post, to ultimately be of service to our stars and the network!"

Behind her is a powerful team that includes Ms. Joy Marcelo the AVP for Talent Management, Sparkle's Senior Managers Tracy Garcia, Vic del Rosario, Daryl Zamora and countless managers, handlers, producers and specialists who have been making it possible managing the careers of over 300 Sparkle artists. They have been under the one and only star builder Mr. Johnny Manahan who has always been very hands on since Artist Center's rebranding.

In 2022, Sparkle's artists Sanya Lopez headlined "First Lady", Ruru Madrid on the other hand did swashbuckling hero "Lolong", Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose and David Licauco did "Maria Clara at Ibarra", Kylie Padilla did great work on "Bolera" and the one and only Alden Richards did the "Start-up PH" show among countless hit series on the network. These men and women + artists have worked hard to make these programs successful and currently, plans to have an even better performing 2023 is brewing!

Aside from the hit shows, Sparkle artists such as Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Camille Prats have had the trust of different brands, both local and international surprising even their own management.

Several events showcased Sparkle's talented stars including the Thanksgiving Gala and Charity Event held mid year. They also launched some of the freshest artists and love teams through Sparkada through their music video during summer. In the latter part of the year, they also did "The Sparkle Spell" where their favorite GMA artists came clad in different costumes impressing people of different demographics, events that all garnered millions of views and reactions. During Christmas season, they gathered at the SM North Edsa SkyDome for the year ender "Sparkle Fans Day: Isang Pasasalamat" where they got to personally thank their supporters in person. Over 70 Sparkle artists entertained 1400 people during that day which included me in the audience. This kept a lot of fans and onlookers glued to TV sets across the country. 

They continued to grow their roster of talents by acquiring new talents and renewing contracts through their Signed for Stardom events. We got to take to a new generation of actors, actresses, hosts, up and coming stars and your favorites. I remember interviewing THEA TOLENTINO, LIANNE VALENTIN, LIEZEL LOPEZ, KIM PEREZ, THEA ASTLEY, DUSTIN YU, PRINCESS ALIYAH, JADE TECSON, SKYE CHUA, HALEY DIZON and MARCO MASA among others. 

Some of the artists got also immortalized at the new Sparkle Wall of Fame which will grow even more as Sparkle artists join in the coming years. Sparkle's social media accounts have also exponentially grown in recent years which includes their YouTube channel and TikTok account that have lead views and follows among entertainment accounts in the country. This is just the tip of the iceberg as they've got plans to work with different digital streaming platforms and international brands with their new world class shows bringing multi awarded actors and actresses from their roster and give them a plethora of opportunities outside the country too. While they continue to hone the talents of their artists via workshops they host, and the different shows they make on the channel, Sparkle is going to continue their successful run to make sure you get a dose of these top of the line shows, titles and concerts to audiences not just in the Philippines but elsewhere in the world!

For more information about these artists and shows, visit their website GMANetwork.com and their social channels today!

New People, New Programs at Radyo5

Looks like programming will become a little different this 2023 for Radyo5 92.3FM as they launch new shows and put some of the top broadcasters in the industry on their frequency. True to their tagline of "Ito na ang totoong tunog ng Serbisyo Publiko!" much of the changes they'll be having is the addition of public service centric shows that would cater to different folks which would make sense once you hear their names.

I've been listening to Dr. Love aka Brother Jun Banaag in his previous radio station. Let's just say he starts his program in the evening up to the wee hours of the morning so you have someone to accompany you do your work. He gets the 10 to 12am slot every Friday and talks more about family life, relationships and deep faith hence his moniker Dr. Love. Aside from that, his voice is of legends and very deep which I think is really cool to hear.

Aside from him, the new show Bangon Bayan will be ON on weekdays 4 to 6am hosted by Mon Gualvez. If you miss Cheryl Cosim, she's in the late afternoon show Sagot Kita! which will be from 4 to 5pm to tackle current events and public service. Your favorite FM DJ Laila Chikador on the other hand will be hosting Good Vibes together with financial guru Stanley Chi. This will be on prime time at 6:30 to 8pm. For a bit more help for the Filipino people, there's Pinoy Konek hosted by LGBTQIA stalwart Danton Remoto which will be doing legal, OFW affairs and public service talk from 9 to 10pm.

This has been a welcome addition to the RADYO5 hit shows of Ted Failon and DJ ChaCha, the entertainment show Cristy Ferminute hosted by Cristy Fermin  and also Wanted sa Radyo with your idol Sen. Raffy Tulfo. This is just the start of the year and there's a lot to look forward to on RADYO5, make sure you follow them on their social channels as they update you with even more changes in the coming days.

Congratulations Radyo5!

XIAOMI Price Slash on AIOT Devices Starts Today

Looks like the Year of the Rabbit rings a lot of good deals from your friends at Xiaomi. Much of the offerings are going to be 43 percent off on its original prize. Their phones, AIOT and home devices have already impressed me when I got them last year so I'm raring to have more of this this 2023. Discovering why convenience is important for much of these ain't science, it's common sense.

From January 20 to June 20, 2023
they are offering several of their products with discounts to make sure your life becomes simpler and more efficient. Check out these products if one fits your lifestyle:

Xiaomi Band 7

The Xiaomi Mi Band 7 is one of the most attractive health bands in this generation. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It can measure your heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress tracking and supports 120 types of exercise. The huge 1.62-inch display is lovely, can be always-on, and can be charged fast. It's also very compact and sleek, none of those annoying distracting colors. It used to be PHP 2,499 but now is sold at PHP 2,099.

Xiaomi Watch S1

If you prefer smartwatches, the Xiaomi Watch S1 is a better one. It's got a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, a long battery life, over 117 fitness modes, a dual-band GPS to track your runs and bike tracks, and a good health monitor which you can view on an app. They are also available in black stainless-steel case with same colored straps. There's also one in silver + brown straps and usually costs PHP 10,999. Since it's on sale, it costs PHP 7,999.

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

If you prefer a different look, there's always the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. Best for those who are seriously into sports, extreme ones and those who love outdoor activities. It's got a 1.43 inch AMOLED display, a 470mAh battery which can last for days, and is packed with a heart rate monitor and a blood oxygen sensor often needed in the pandemic. It's also got an accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, atmospheric sensor, and ambient light sensor for those who need it. It used to be priced at PHP 8,999 but they reduced it to PHP 5,999 because of the sale. It's the right time to buy it.

Xiaomi Buds 3

For those who are looking for wireless earphoens, the Xiaomi Buds 3 is your best bet. It's got good noise cancellation and sound quality. If you haven't experienced HiFi sound, this would let you experience it. It also can do over 7 hours of playback on a full charge. If you bring the case, it can extend it to over 32 hours. Price is at PHP 4,999 but because of the promo, you can get it for only PHP 2,999. Ain't that a deal?

Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro

For the more audio sensitive people, the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro earbuds is best for you. It's got well-balanced audio, capable noise cancellation and comfy fit. This would be good for those who are into watching videos or gaming as it has a more immersive feel. This costs PHP 6,999 but since it's on sale, you can get this for only PHP 3,999 because they can.


Xiaomi Truclean W10 Pro WE

For those who want a clean home, they've got the Truclean W10 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum on sale too. It's got a roller brush that can vacuum, mop and clean floors in one run. It also can do corners and edges without having problems in the back as it is cordless. You can get it today for only PHP 17,999 (used to be 27K).


Go to Xiaomi's FB page for more updates and their official stores on Shopee and Lazada!