Conversations About LONG COVID

The pandemic really got the nation crippled. I'm sure you're absolutely glad it's over, but for a percentage of the population.. the nightmare of debilitating conditions continue. Over coffee and tea this morning at One World Deli in Timog Avenue, we got to talk amongst those involved with the case of people living with LONG COVID. 

According to Dr. Camilo Road.Jr "Long Covid happens after the actual Covid itself. It's liberation day compared a few years ago where almost everyone was afraid of it. It's effects at the time of illness can be seen not just in the respiratory system, but also the immune system, therefore damaging other parts of the body. It caused death for a lot of people, and normalizing the body takes a lot of time after the cure. The fight may have subsided, but we do see mortality in 1%. The scare is still there, even in other illnesses that have higher mortality rate, some of which still suffer from it. Whether by scarring, virus fragments, while no longer contagious, still suffer from it. Long COVID happens 10-20 percent of those who had it, much higher in females and those who had it multiple times including the unvaccinated. Manifestation includes Fatigue, Headache, Attention Disorder, Hair Loss, Dyspnea. If you got it after being Covid, then that is Long Covid. Patients are taught to breathe more actively, avoid triggers, identify new limits and follow accordingly."

Roel Balignasay who's had Long COVID for 4 years told us "The chronic pains and silent battles just changed a bit of me being a man of action. In April, I thought I had flu, but was coughing intensely and felt I ran a marathon. I spent a total of 30 days in the hospital and couldn't eat because my throat was in pain, I also had muscle atrophy so I couldn't walk, had widespread body pain, got so confused and had brain fog. I had palpitations, but it was a health crisis. I also had diabetes, kidney stones, 2 blockages in my heart and 42 percent calcified.  I couldn't sing during those times, but this year, I can but have a hard time sustaining it due to fatigue and a scar on my larynx caused by laryngitis and GERD. I understood that's where the difficulty in breathing was coming from. It was a case of Long Covid according to my pulmonologist. I was told to check my heart rate, it was high when I was just sitting. Before I could work 12 hours, but now even talking was hard. I resigned from work, resorted to health supplements and machine, you may want to ask me about that. Work was strenuous, I look healthy but it was that, stigma. In the end, I had to change homes. Recently I joined communities, and tell people about it. It's a public health issue, and research needs to be done for it. I hope people listen with intent, the challenges had happen to me and some of my friends would tell me there's no Covid anymore. I stopped talking to people because of it and had depression."

Author of My Long Covid Journey: The Saga Behind the Smile Ms. Becks Galvez Tan told us a bit about her life as she says "I am a diagnosed Long COVID patient, fighting for my life 4 years ago where lungs were damaged, had hair loss, difficulty swallowing, sensory overload and the symptoms came and went, like a rollercoaster. The COVID-19 damaged not the lungs, but other organs as well. I felt better when I read other patients had 147 symptoms, but now I am tied to a oxygen concentrator because of a paralysis in my right diaphragm. From being able to walk easily before, I can only do it 2 minutes now. Every 3 minutes I had to rest going up the stairs, I had to rest for 40 minutes here before I could talk. It's just hard to believe that now I couldn't lift a finger. The fatigue is real, and the pain is excruciating. Now I recover faster compared before, but it is like dying in so many ways. I don't see my old self, I am in disbelief but I have moved on and focus on what I can do. In between crashes, I wrote all of it in The Saga Behind the Smile. It is available on digital for free, you can read it, I am living testament that you can still live despite suffering in silence. I don't want to spend my life in misery, I now learned to pace myself, I rest and do something on other days. It's just hard for people to understand. It's different everyday so I can't tell if symptoms are going to happen or not."

It's an E-Book, which you can download via bit.ly/MyLongCovidJourney.

Right now they are creating support groups and want to reach other Long COVID patients to they can help in not just advocacy but find government help. Get in touch with them, it's not okay to suffer in silence, you CAN get help today. If you need more information about it, please refer to World Health Organization channels.and the Department of Health.

KORINA Interviews Starts Season with Dra. Vicky Belo

It's been a while since we've seen the multi awarded broadcast journalist Ms. Korina Sanchez-Roxas sit down for an interview with the talk of the town and derm authority Dra. Vicky Belo. 

Ms. Korina says "This is what I've always wanted to do in a show. The format will be mostly talking to them for an hour or so and it will air starting tomorrow on NET25. It will be concentrated on the personality, for us to get a glimpse of who she is, tell us what we don't know about being the trusted doctor to the stars."

The show also teased about certain topics that are very personal. This will entail her giving details about her being an adoptee, her insecurities, her stint being a dancer for Vilma Santos back in the day, her marriage with Hayden Kho and her lovely daughter Scarlet Snow Belo. It will be a very friendly chat, very light, and you'll get to know why she is who she is today 

Ms. Korina will be on Rated Korina still on channels TV5 and A2Z and this new show will be on Sundays at 5PM only on NET25!

Make sure you're tuned in!

Celebrating International Women's Month with TaskUs

Just got off the International Women's Month event of TaskUs. I could have entitled this artilcle "of TaskUs", but I felt I was part of the celebrations hence the change. I felt I was talking among peers rather than guests.

Their thrust this month is "Breaking the Bias", Ms. Victoria Alchachupas the Division VP of Integrated Marketing at TaskUs says "We need to admit that there is bias, I'm proud to be part of an organization that is part of the solution. We focus on talent and skills, the more diverse, the better. 49 percent of leaders at TaskUs are women, and our commitment to provide the best employee experience makes us ridiculously different. It's a conscious balance in internal promotion and hiring to do that, we look at the capabilities and background regardless of gender."

Vina Paglicawan the Director for Wellness at TaskUs says "Working Filipinas are burnt out with intensified challenges brought by the pandemic. We saw the same happen with mothers, balancing work and home responsibilities. TaskUs has been relentless in providing tools and support to create healhty workplace for its employees so as to improve any feelings of stress, anxiety or burnout. Currently, the company has Employee Assistance Programs, 100+ Mental Health Professionals, Outreach Activities, did flexible parenting workshops, and put up a Solo Parents Group. Our employees always have a high satisfaction rating, 94% and they appreciate, acknowledge that they are being taken cared of."

Regina Aguila says "Women think they have fewer career advancement opportunities than men, organizations need to proactively support their employees growth. TaskUs has been pro women, pro family and inclusive for all. We have scholarship programs, expanded maternity leaves, 24 leaves policy including a birthday leave, HMO, on site day care and lactation rooms. TaskUS advocates recognizing top talents, have internal job promotion opportunities, tuition fee and professional development programs, employee resource groups, bias detection and allyship leadership training, everyone is allowed to speak up."  

Hearing that from the people at TaskUs felt sincere, it felt good hearing that they've not been discriminated by their gender, role or ethnicity. They also have seen opportunities of advocating for others, women, coach them, make them aware about not taking biases. Their goal is equality, and it is evident that they are doing good. Hope this gets replicated elsewhere. It is their culture to be inclusive, encourage everyone to participate and I think that's a good thing.

A Talk on Philippine Textile Weaving

Looks like the fabric gods in the Philippines will be pleased as a talk on native textile will happen today at 4PM (Manila time) on Zoom. This is hosted by Humboldt University Berlin and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda will be their guest speaker along with Dr. Analyn Salvador-Amores from the University of the Philippines in Baguio. It is entitled "Habi: Weaving Philippine Textiles Future" and will cover mostly what we're internationally known for, the various natural fabrics manufactured here in the country.

If you wish to join the interesting talk, you may register here. You only have a few minutes to do that because it starts at 4PM today.

The Philippines is also the biggest source of Pineapple fabric which is produced in Kalibo, Aklan but we do have other regions who weave and do the same for other natural fibers. This would be an interesting topic especially for the fashion industry who's probably ailing right now because of the pandemic. Go register and see you at the event!

Ginebra San Miguel Outs New Video on Filipino Resilience

 

We're still under lock down in Manila and everyone is experiencing hardships til now. It's hard to stay sane when people can't find work to put food on their table and it doesn't just affects them, but their whole family. What Ginebra San Miguel feels on the other hand, is that YOU can get through this like so many things in your life that you have been able to surpass. These are new challenges, these are things that can further make you tough hence their new campaign called "Bagong Hamon, Bagong Tapang". Check out this video, this has been posted just this year.

Bagong Tapang sa One Ginebra Nation

Hindi kawalan ng katapangan ang pagpapakumbaba. Ngayong nagbago ang mundo, bago na rin ang tapang mo! #OneGinebraNation

Posted by Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The pandemic brought out the worst, but also the good things about the Filipino spirit. We draw strength from our family, our friends, and we know that if we fall even so many times, we can still rise above these challenges with a BIGGER outlook on life, making sure we pick up the pieces and rebuild our businesses, our lives, and make sure our family is taken cared of. Ginebra also encourages to take well deserved breaks, so stay humble, and work our way up again. To showcase a different kind of courage and succeed this battle, we always can recharge, because how can we help others with an empty cup? Makes sense huh?

Current Marketing Manager for Ginebra San Miguel Ron Molina says "Pinoys have always been tough people. No matter what challenges we have today, we know we can do it, to work and succeed, to also celebrate small victories. We learn from these things and continue to evolve, and adapt! We all face these challenges with a new found eagerness to fight on as we all get forged to get more tough after this pandemic. Ginebra continues to be one with Filipinos during these uncertain times, and as we rebuild our new lives."

We're here to change the world, in our own little way. Filipinos are weatherproof, resilient, tough people and we're ready to become bigger, better versions of ourselves. Check on yourselves and do what makes you happy!

Myke Celis Does TEDx Hong Kong and TEDxYouth Lucena City

It looks like Life Coach Myke Celis is in a roll. He did a few TEDx stints in Malaysia and just recently he did TEDxCUHK in Hong Kong last April 6, 2019 as part of the roster of speakers of the event.

He says “This really was a dream cone true and I had to even wear a Superman costume to prove a point. I discussed “STUCKcess: When Success Plateaus” and how we were all brought up to be invincible like him. But I digress, we all have a purpose and what’s important is how we all grew in the process, to be our own heroes and how we can become our #bestmeever.”

“There were about 500 people in the audience, it was the biggest I’ve ever done a talk in. It was life changing and I am so grateful even my co speakers messaged me and told me how they enjoyed the topic.”

He also did a talk in Lucena City via TEDxYouthLucena, he wanted to inspire more people and had to start them young.

Right now, he is still busy with his #BestMeEver Self Actualizarion Personal Breakthrough Program slated on May 3. If you want to collaborate or get in touch with Myke Celis, you may contact him via myke@bestmeever.com.

Life Coach Myke Celis Set To Do TedX Talk Series

We all have that dream of imparting what we know to a large audience. This however will happen to Celebrity Life Coach Myke Celis as he embarks to do a series of TedX sessions in different countries this second quarter.

He’s a regular co-host for DZME’s Home Buddy which airs Mondays at 10am - 11:30am. It’s a morning show, set to start to inform listeners of what happens in the metro, a bit of good news. He has also hosted a nightly talkshow in Radyo Inquirer with Tere Gonzales right about last year but he quips “I have also wanted to do a morning show. I’m grateful to be given this opportunity to spread good news on-air once more. I missed this and it feels so great to be back as I found new home in a new radio station, DZME.”

He will be joined in the show by Jaemie Quinto, a veteran radio news anchor. It will be filled with non-scripted banter; a line that would promote discussions from the heart. For those who would want to know, Home Buddy’s Good Vibes with Coach Myke Celis will also include life coaching talks, letter senders will have the chance to send their entries on air and get help from a certified life coach and TedX speaker.

You may also see him on these dates:

1. TEDxUCSIUniversity (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 23, 2019)

2. TEDxUUM (Kedah, Malaysia March 26, 2019)

3. TEDxCUHK (HongKong, April 6, 2019)

4. TEDxYouth Lucena City (Quezon, April 8, 2019)

5. TEDxUPDiliman (Manila, April 27, 2019)

6. TEDxAkitaIntlU (Akita, Japan May 19, 2019)

Make sure you catch the morning show and his talks on those dates. Learn from one of the best life coaches in the country.

Ciao!

Live Blog: Startalk's 19th Anniversary

It's Startalks 19th Anniversary and we're blogging live on the set. They're talking about the passing of Elaine Cuneta who's been battling with abdominal complications these past few weeks. A former beauty queen, singer and actress, daughter Sharon and grand daughter KC are distraught over her passing. The show and community prays that the family recovers from this soon. 

Iya Villania is up next, they talked about the upcoming wedding with Drew Arellano and her recent transfer to the Kapuso network. Iya is extremely happy because she's found some of her friends from the network still here and Drew says he will be doing whatever it takes to make her happy. Initially, Drew wasn't his dream guy but with how he is secure with himself and that unique characteristic of being very well planned, that made her realize that she wanted to marry him. It was only a bonus that he was good looking. 

She's guesting in shows like Sunday All Stars and some cooking shows in GMA for the meantime because new shows would come out next year. She's under Arnold Vegafria and they have huge plans this 2015. ABSCBN shows and MYX might miss her but surely, GMA will utilize Iya very well.

Talked to Startalk's hosts Joey De Leon and Lolit Solis who's been with the show quite a long time. Ms. Lolit was here since the show started and has seen quite a few people in and out of the show. For her, it's bitter sweet and she's fond of the bonds that she's formed with them too. She spills that you may not know that the most chismis in the show doesn't come from them, but from Joey De Leon. The man is a very good addition to the show as he brings humor and good things on the table. Lolit says they are great because they have a set that doesn't quite feel like work and they look froward to go there every week. Joey inserts "Don't worry Lolit will be the next one to disappear!" then we all laughed!

We also got to talk to Heart a while ago and I asked her about the issues arising with the comparisons of her and Marian's wedding. She said "At first it did affect me, it did hurt but I can only do so much. Later on it didn't matter anymore and I just concentrated on making arrangements for my wedding. With Cheese, I am intellectually full. I am loved beyond my wildest dreams and I could truly say I am matured, complete when I am with him. Cheese is very hands on, he's surprising because he takes time budgeting, talking to suppliers which I event don't have time to do. He even cooks for me, takes me to places where I've never been and introduces me to people we meet along the way. He's that sweet and I've seen so much in him that I have never seen in my past relationships. He gives me freedom and he never stops me from giving my opinion, that alone is big for me. I have met my man."

Startalk will continue to celebrate their 19th year next week. Please watch the show right after "Wish Ko Lang".

I'll update this post with more photos soon! :) 

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Filipino Slang Reaches WeChat Sticker Gallery!

Like whoa! I can't believe my eyes! It looks like we're in for a treat today as WeChat just started speaking our language! Oh yes! The fun in the Philippines never stops as Filipino slang finally reaches this social messaging app that we absolutely love! Now, you'll find the normal things people utter on the streets - spoken by ordinary Filipinos which you won't usually see on school, literature or find in books. The Filipino language is definitely evolving and it's turning out to be quite and adventure. 

Just imagine our 7,107 islands. It's got about 175 recognized dialects that can be called in unison as "Filipino". Even as tourists, you'll have something in your sleeve as the Philippines also ingrained in its popular culture a distinctive form of communication known as "Filipino slang". You won’t find this category in books but you’ll hear the series of catchphrases on the streets, from local television shows to just about anywhere where the influences of media exist. It is very dynamic and changes from day to day. A combination of English and Tagalog,  to gay lingo, to street dweller terminologies, you would see something that you could use in everyday life. 

As our language change and evolve, WeChat provides a very social mobile application that follows the color and hues of the Filipino vernacular. 16 fully new funny stickers that would imply the inventiveness of our writings and the immeasurable joyfulness of our innate humor. You won't find it anywhere but here. Get ready to put in your messages statements as “Bahala na si Batman!”,  “Boom!”, “Push mo yan!” and “Gorabels!”. One could never run out of fun quirky ways telling your friends, office mates and relatives something new every time you chat on one great social messaging application like WeChat. This set is currently available at WeChat’s Sticker Gallery which you can easily access by clicking on Me then go to the Sticker Gallery.

I can't wait to use these stickers on you guys! :)

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WeChat Brings You Closer This Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is fast approaching and if you've got relatives outside the country, it's but normal to feel distraught. With the advancement of mobile technology and the easiness of using apps, it's now going to feel a lot closer for most of us and that's a good thing. It's something to be thankful for!

WeChat, the fastest growing mobile social messaging app in the country is now giving back to the most special woman in our lives - our Moms. They've got an exciting promo that sets importance on connecting with your loved ones. You can now use WeChat Video Calls to three different people on different days this week. Aside from that, you get awesome prepaid credits to help you get connected to people that you dearly love. Moms can get those precious moments rolling once again with friends and relatives. Isn't that amazing?! Well that's not all. When you use WeChat and try the video call feature with three different people, a mere screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips along with your best wishes for your mom on the Moments section of the WeChat App might get you a special prize that you and your mom can both enjoy. All you need to do is to share it with WeChat by posting your screenshots on Facebook while tagging their official page at WeChat Philippines. Letting them know how special your Mom is and getting some perks in the process just makes this the perfect thing to do this Mother's day.

I am so happy that my Mom is at home, but since my brother is in Ireland we might as well use the obvious service that can connect my other relatives too. I even tried the video call earlier with my friends and it's clear as a bright sunny day. The audio was great too - nothing lame and choppy. Now imagine that great service and a chance to win something from the fastest growing chat app in the country! If you haven't tried WeChat yet, then this might be the best time to do it!

  

Why? It's because you can win prepaid credits or more from WeChat. Just follow these steps:

1.) Make three (3) video calls to three (3) different people on WeChat. Do this on three different days. This will entitle you to win a PHP 100 worth of prepaid card. 
2.) After doing the Video Call task, send the keyword “HMD” to WeChat Fans Official Account (add the ID: wechatfansph) so you can put in your information for prize delivery.
3.) Win another special prize by doing the additional task of sharing WeChat tips to Moments along with your best wishes for your mom. To avail of this opportunity, you must take a screenshot of you sharing WeChat tips on Moments and posting it on a public status on Facebook while tagging WeChat Philippines Official Facebook Account. That's it!

WeChat’s Video Call feature is a new and exciting platform bringing people closer together. It’s an easy way to show your loved ones how much you care. This Mother’s Day, celebrate the warmth of a mother’s love in a unique and modern way by giving them a kiss and a heartfelt greeting through a Video Call on WeChat. They deserve all the love they can get! I already said I love her, you should too!

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The Digital Filipino Psyche on Online Entertainment

There's so many things to tell you about the Filipino way of thinking and how we at most - try to paint a picture about how we inculcate in our lives - online entertainment. 

 We are a different breed. Due to the rousing obvious influences of Spanish, Japanese and American rule in our country, we are much of a melting pot of cultures. Today, we have somehow made the same advancements and made it a part of our young smartphone and tablet habits. Some are well involved colloquys and some are just plain opinions. Although we see something that strike us a little off delving into topics like these, young Filipinos from 16-24 choose to have apps like WeChat to entertain us as individuals. It's not just all serious talk now. Things can go relaxed and become our best friend when the need comes through. Like me and WeChat which I use to socialize virtually. What's yours?

If you don't know yet, you might fall into these categories:

1. The Political Brainwave

If you care too much about your hard earned taxes, the current Bangsamoro Agreement in Mindanao and the people who are suppose to be jailed but are still in hospitals receiving pampering; then you are part of this group. For the longest time, you've been talking about current government and political events and don't mind being the one voicing out your opinion about the next presidential elections on Facebook for everyone to see, then you are part of the populace that discuss this topic which comprises 55% of internet users and 57% of WeChat users in the Philippines. Imagine that!

2. The Superstar Reflex

We might as well admit it - that we love to gossip and talk about celebrities in different mediums. You might not be the one holding megaphones and announcing it all on the streets but of course you maybe the person inside your homes watching every KathNiel or The Legal Wife scene on TV and putting your reactions online. News, gossip or whatever you call it, you are part of a whole 54% of average internet users and 55% of WeChat users go online who discuss this with fervor! Something you can say you can't live without daily! You also go out of your way to post photos, videos and other media just to show your passion... now that's amazing!

3. The Nerves of Speed

If you are fans of car shows, auto exhibits and love all that has 4 wheels and a great body, then you are part of a number of people who talk about the third most interesting topic across social networking services. Measured in general and in WeChat chatter, that's a great feat in itself. Seeing an agricultural country as ours crave for something like automobiles means there's relentless progress right there. Purchasing power? Perhaps... there's just a lot of people interested in these things. It's a welcome change and something that you know could measure economic activity if they begin splurging and get interested in cars. Just ask the tons of Philippine jeepneys and foreign race cars I've seen in local shows and you know we're almost drowning in them. Good thing really.

4. The Adventure Hormones

Labor Day became Laboracay and those remote islands just became populated. We can never have much of vacations and holidays just so we can get a feel of how it is to have adventure, sports and wildlife in the mix. If we're working too hard or getting stressed all the time in the four walls of your cube in the office, the only way to NOT be stressed is by going out and exploring the other 7,107 islands we haven't been too in the Philippines. Studies reveal that around 51% of average internet users or 55% of WeChat users talk about these adrenaline inducing activities we might be missing out on. Those jump and solo shots on your Instagram are a dead giveaway.

5. The Beauty Bone

You might think this is just because of your friends who are addicted looking at themselves in the mirror, but it's not just that. Take account the various make up tutorials and lovely fashion advices plus the star of the show... your pets! It's similar to humans but if you get into the gritty details of it, almost 57% are talking about pet grooming and care in WeChat. Now that can't be ignored, hence the volume of people loving or wishing to be perfect.

We are nice people and understanding us a bit and how we go about our lives in the Philippines may well reflect our culture. It's a good thing we have things that motivate us to be better than what we were yesterday. Technology complements our race and it connects us to friends, loved ones in more ways than one. Same with Video, Hold to Talk and Chat that not only makes it easy for us to stay in touch. We might hold the title of the heaviest video chat usage already and we're not going to be surprised. Our culture holds a ton of importance with family. Same as some our other neighboring Asian countries perhaps, but ours maybe a bit warmer and a tad better!

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Updates on WeChat Philippines

 We had a chance to meet a couple of people from WeChat a few days ago. They were drawing their milestones and telling us a picture on how the application has been performing in the Philippines. Oliver Ye, Country Manager of WeChat Philippines says that since March of 2012 (Tencent Inc.), they have steadfastly been growing and got initially 100 Million registrations around the world, a feat faster performed than well known social networks. 

They have also introduced the first hold to talk, shake and drift messaging feature that are was initially not found on other apps. Over 355 Million registered active users are now taking advantage of it and since April last year, they have been marketing this app in the Philippines starting with endorsements by Iya and Drew Arellano. Do you still remember their commercial? I know I do. 

They are also bigger now in the country and have been able to garner and audience that's quite young. According to their data, they have people mostly from 15-24 age using it now. 81% of which are all under 34 years of age. In the Philippines, they have also seen something very big because we have the highest percentage of video usage among other countries. They have attributed this on our culture as we mostly use this medium to communicate with our loved ones. Being a country that has amassed millions of OFW's in the past few years, they were not surprised because they see this as an important way to connect with relatives or friends outside the Philippines.

They also taught us a few features of WeChat and got us to do it that afternoon. I already am a pro at this so when they did a small contest I won haha.

Finding me on WeChat is easy just add kumagcow on your contacts and I'll be there. If you have friends that you want to add and they are nearby, just click the + sign on the Chats section and choose Add Contacts. There is a feature called Friend Radar on that window and you'll see them all pop up. Just click on each friend and they'll be added to your contacts. Easy than manually typing right? :)

If you are lonely this Labor Day, don't worry. There's a People Nearby feature where you can see people around you and even show how far they are from where you are. It's easier to make friends, chat and even send photos/videos when you need it. You see the potential? There's a lot more where that came from. Download the WeChat app now on the App Store or Google Play Store. This is available for Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Symbian and OS X devices. You can't be anti social in this day and age. Try it out! It won't hurt! :)

We love. We share. WeChat!

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The Chance To Be The Next WeChat Star!

It's been three long and fun years getting 355 million registered accounts since its inception. WeChat has definitely made my social life so good with its great features and exclusive promos. Remember in 2013 when Iya Villania and Drew Arellano appeared on TV for a WeChat commercial? Well, it's going to be another momentous event to see more of WeChat this 2014 as they launch a brand new TVC this May. Isn't that amazing?!

Best of all, they are getting one of the country's top fashion influencer. Who else is going to be with him/her? IT COULD BE YOU! No joke. To become a part of this shoot, you just have to do a few things. Just take four (4) SELFIES beginning today until early May whilst portraying the expressions happy, angry, sad and surprised. Then share those through the “Moments” section of WeChat. Then take screenshots of it and then send it to the official Facebook page. On that post, just make sure you tag @WeChat Philippines. Wouldn't you like to be part of this awesome shoot? :)

WeChat has always been the perfect mobile chat application that perfectly fits our lifestyle. No matter how you feel, it's the great app that can suit your mood and can easily be communicated with your friends and family. I admire Drew and Iya when they did the first commercial because no matter how busy they were in their respective shows, they still keep it a point to get in touch with technology as wonderful as this. WeChat’s “Video Call” functions had them talking hours or minutes in between tapings. They also use “Hold To Talk” to send sweet messages via chat when one or the other is busy. The sweet “Moments” function also served as their repository for photos so they show what they're doing all throughout the day if they needed to check on each other. Now, this is the perfect chance for you to show how you use WeChat! Make sure to follow the WeChat Fans Official Account ID wechatfansph so you get tips if you want to join.

You'll surely love how WeChat innovates the way how you connect with your loved ones. It's time to share that now. I did!

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WeChat Partners with Internet Shopping Giant ZALORA

My favorite mobile messaging application WeChat just gave us great news that they are holding a partnership with online shopping giant Zalora. Better than ever, they are making you shopping experience a whole lot bigger than before by giving out exclusive content, news and promos unprecedented in Philippine internet shopping industry. With over 15 million users across the country, they are giving this user base special access to the newest offers and the ability to easily pay with a single swipe. It's one of the many perks having WeChat and I'm so glad I'm enjoying it until now.

The Senior Director of Business Development and Operations Justin Sun at Tencent said “As Filipinos lead more mobilized lifestyles, WeChat wants to help boost brands by providing them a mobile platform to further expand their enterprises. Aside from supporting retailers, this kind of practice can also open up a new business model for those in the wholesale industries.” In this case, not only will this partnership help both businesses but the retailers and consumers as well. It makes sense, if you've got a consumer that's got WeChat installed on their phones that means they've got a smartphone right? The people with the same purchasing power are also the ones that would bound to be the customers of Zalora. It's a perfect fit!

 My hunch was right and confirmed by Mr. Paulo Campos the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines. He says “Our partnership with WeChat is a natural fit. With this mobile messaging leader at the helm, ZALORA can stay connected with shoppers and ensure that they remain up-to-date with all of our latest offerings.” Having been able to also shop there, the convenience of choosing a product, paying for it easily and having it sent right to my doorstep was so convenient. It beats the shopping mall in so many levels because you'll never have to drive through traffic, you'll never have to be bothered by the crowd plus you'll get even bigger discounts now that WeChat and Zalora made this partnership happen! :)

Bigger discounts? Yeah! There's an exclusive promo running now for WeChat users that can get you 60% off on purchases at collective.com. All you need to do is download WeChat on your smartphone or tablet and add ZALORA’s Official ID on WeChat: ZALORAph. If you follow them, the subscription messages provide an e-coupon instantly. This will entitle you to that discount we mentioned a while ago. Enjoy this e-coupon whenever you shop in Zalora online. :)

It's hot outside, be in the comforts of your own home and start shopping!

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