DigiP|us Strengthens Existing Responsible Framework

Social media has been abuzz about the effects of g@ming even the terms used with it. It has been a huge concern, as individuals and families get affected, and really, we understand their worries. Back in 2024, the folks from DigiP|us Interactive Corp have ready started campaigning for responsible g@ming. They have already made a framework and this year, continued to strengthen it even inside their brand applications and developed tools for self exclusion, safeguards and communities which they've done for folks across the country. They've been doing this for balanced and responsible pl@y across several of their platforms. They also have done KYC initiatives for security, to limit these for adults, and cross check it with their database for those restricted to do it.

They also have extremely popular ambassadors speaking about these issues like Vice Ganda, Kiefer Ravena and their families. They have reiterated that this form of entertainment should not be the sole activity to earn, they even did several campaigns in short films to make sure the message comes across different demographics. They also train their employees as they walk the talk, as this is their social responsibility. That's quite good to know no?

DigiP|us Leading The Way in Responsible Gam|ng

Looks like the folks from DigiP|us are not only multiplying the fun but doing it responsibly through one of their apps tools made to impose responsible gam!ng, an industry first across their subsidiaries B!ngoP|us, ArenaP|us, Sp!nP|us, and fun Gam3Z0ne.

If you check these channels, they now contain a Responsible Gam!ng tab that limits and schedules usage so folks that are using it could pause at certain levels done before p|aying. Self regulation certainly is a good way to protect themselves, something they've talked about lengthily during their previous event Pu$ta de Pe|igro which they launched a couple months back. 

They did this together with PAGC0R to make sure they remain responsible while engaging in entertainment activities like these. They will continue to do this as part of their efforts, together with their pursuit of education and their causes. This certainly is a good way to promote responsible and accountable digital entertainment, which is why they continue to lead until now.

Campaign Calls for Responsible G@ming

With the unending thirst for all things exciting, the folks from DigiP|us Interactive and Bing0P|us Foundation just recently launched "Pust@ de Peligro". It's a responsible gaming campaign aimed to promote mindful choices when it comes to this community and entertainment platform. 

The campaign starts with three short films which was previewed to the public today, January 23rd at Gateway Mall Cinemas.

This is coined from the term "Petsa de Peligro" when budget seems low right before salary comes in. This time, it is when there are risks involved and you would want to only do it safe, and not put everything out because it's supposed to be just for fun. 

Eusebio Tanco said "We mark a defining moment for the community, to safeguard joy that g@ming brings. The short films we will see today would shed light where our choices matter most. We partner with mental health and financial experts, to make mindful game decisions. It's just a subset of the financial literacy program that we should have, it's a small piece, you need to safeguard your earnings for your daily needs. The decision to save and spend it. A lot of people use it for consumption, for investment, and how it equates to the savings you make. Without investment, there would be no growth. There should always be returns, everyone should know about it. We owe Pagcor for sharing this vision, a community driven approach of responsible gaming to ensure it remains fun and safe. We hope you put the Pust@ de Peligro message far and wide!"

Putting an entertainment fund is essential, should always bring joy not stress. It should always be through prevention, education, intervention so they could be aware, and do it responsibly. Do pause. Set limits and get the right support from friends and family. This will be included in the app, from controls of daily time limits, and things that could help with it.

Teresita Cambe Castillo, Armand Bengco went on stage and talked about it. This is part of the programs they do nationwide. It's a continuous effort for their financial literacy advocacy.

Ms. Teresita said we are a bit late in executing this because of the huge growth, this is somehow a public health issue too. The campaign should have available self care options, to remind people about something reliable. Problems stem when bills don't get paid, if they isolate, dysfunctional behavior, it is stressful. They are doing a great job in doing this."

Sir Armand says "Public and private efforts would cover a broader market. All stakeholders including the company should be in sync because we want to protect players in elements that go with it. This is a reality, and we hope instead of just playing, present a big picture on what would happen. It is entertainment, not a way to manage your finances, one of the things you do that is regulated. This is not an investment, whether you win or not, it should only be for qualified adults."

Ms. Celeste Jovenir and Ms. Angela Winickie added how they are doing this for the first time and how excited they are about how this will now be out in the public. Hope this will resonate not just for their users, but also for the environment they have, to hopefully be less toxic and exist for the long haul. They also said responsible gaming is everyone's responsibility. They want to educate and protect, to multiply the good. This will be shown in YouTube and their social platforms, including mass advertising. Even before they have invested inside the platform, the next step is to empower them while they are doing it on the KYC and a dedicated tab.

The short films were really fun to watch! You should definitely watch it on their channels.

Foundations Address Hunger, Sanitation Needs in Eruption Stricken Areas

There is still prevalent hunger in the country and we have to address it. Aside from that, there is a deep concern about sanitation especially when the uneventful things happen. Recently, BingoPlus Foundation took initiative in bringing in over a thousand groceries, food packs and sanitation kits for evacuees in Negros Occidental because of the eruption of Mount Kanlaon. This was done with local government officials of La Castellana and the Nikki Cares Foundation. 

This was in support of the First lady's "Lab for All" medical program where BingoPlus Foundation organized volunteers and logistics in a medical mission for a little over 8000 indigents in the region. They also did this for those in General Santos City, giving 500 folks needed flu vaccines specifically in Purok Mapailubon, plus necessary sanitation facilities to be utilized by different barangays in the area.

They also launched and funded a Dressmaking Training Center for residents of San Isidro, together with their government partners TESDA and DOLE. This is through their KabuhayanPLUS livelihood program which has several projects across the country. This is part of their Barangay Bigayan initiatives which addresses community issues whether it is for service, health and infrastructure needs. They are also moving to put in something for emergency preparedness rather than just doing post disaster responses. This is why DigiPlus President Andy Tsui wants to do in every emergency they have to go to. This is their vision for BingoPlus Foundation which he heads.

Pascual Laboratories Inc. Wins First QUILL

Remember the Pascual Lab 75th Anniversary that I wrote about months ago? Well, that campaign won an Excellence Award from the IABC Quill body who's on their 19th year. The organization identifies exceptional campaigns of companies and PR firms and for Pascaul Laboratories Inc., it's a milestone to be chosen among 849 entries.

I wasn't surprised because they did it with stakeholders like us (the common us that is), management, messaging and innovations was clear right from the start. Everybody felt that #PascaulLove they tried to send consumers highlighting their products and services and dedicated it to all Filipinos even at the height of the pandemic. We've seen them do a concert with their endorsers Bea Alonzo, Heart Evangelista, Alice Dixson, Solenn Heussaff, Ben & Ben and other performers in an online event. They also made known new products like Poten Cee +Zinc Advance, ProBio7 Kids, WellGreens Organics (that I personally use now) and other innovations til today. They also shared their CSR efforts through SEED: SOwing to Empower, Educate and Develop, wherein they partnered with World Vision and benefited children from communities and sponsor their education. Aside from that, they also worked with Doc Willie Ong on MEDTalks to shed light on COVID-19 concerns and how to get help during that time.

I'd like to congratulate Pascual Laboratories Inc. for their first Quill and hope this isn't the last. They're very good people.

Cheers!

A Meaningful Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day

It was festive and fun over at Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day celebrations at BGC last week. It's been a while since they've done a physical event and it's been ages since bloggers and media guests have seen each other. Announcements of what's going to happen for the weeks going to Shopee 9.9 were in session, and from my seat, I'm quite happy with what I heard especially about the community part which I'll explain in a bit.

BARANGAY SHOPEE

During the sale day, of course you'll get the usual fare. This time however, Shopee is launching Barangay Shopee which is a part of their CSR initiative where users would be able to win a community project for their respective towns. From renovations of basketball courts, multi purpose halls, school supplies, all for the love of their own barangays. All you need to do is post public videos on Facebook with posting guidelines included, send the link on the Barangay Shopee page and you get the chance to win. Details for this are also listed on the Barangay Shopee page in app so make sure you join.

INTENSE "MAS MURA SA SHOPEE" DEALS THIS MONTH  

Starting today til the 11th of September, there will be huge offers on essentials, free shipping sitewide, and even Php 1 deals for items the whole duration. I've seen brands like INSPI, Garnier at the event and some of their other partners who are willing to make sure you get the best price at the app during these dates. 

Chance to Win Php 1 MILLION 

If you shop from September 1st to the 9th, you get the chance to win Php 1 Million if you claim codes for the draw. There will be a guessing game during the draws so you can also win thousands of pesos just by being a viewer and participating in the game. This will all be done during the Shopee Super Shopping Day TV Special which will be streamed live on the app and on GMA with the lovely Marian Rivera and other GMA stars taking part in it.

Here are some snippets of queen Marian Rivera at the Shopee event.

 Make sure you download the app and shop on the dates mentioned so you too have a meaningful Super Shopping Day like me! :)

 

 

Jackie Rice Spends Meaningful Birthday At Philippine Orthopedic Center

Hi guys! It's been a while since our last event with GMA and this time we're covering a very special one because it's the birthday of Ms. Jackie Rice, one of GMA's most gorgeous women. I dare to say that because I've seen her in the flesh that afternoon and aside from the fact that she is physically gorgeous -  she's got a heart of an angel too. As seen above we had the funny Tess Bomb hosting this gig because the last thing that they probably want to hear is something sad during that occasion. We are in the Children's Ward of the Philippine Orthopedic Center. Honestly, it wasn't the nicest place in the world if you see the condition of the kids, but the thing we're doing here means a lot to Jackie as she had been in an accident a few years ago. Aside from that, she personally feels that she had to help these people because I've seen how they've been in this public hospital.

She went in and said hi to everyone. She has been going to other parts of the hospital and personally talking to some of the patients. Most of the admitted ones in the hospital are charity cases and don't pay a single cent because of their current economic conditions. They check the patients background to see if they are -  and most of them are also in serious state. I've never seen so many slings and screws inserted in people's bodies in my entire life. It was my first time there so forgive me, I was a little shocked to see that. I wasn't giving them any clues though because I know this is a good cause.

 The hospital's chaplain explained how the patients need people to care for them, some of them even have cases like bone cancer of which they need to travel from the far flung provinces just to get care in this public hospital. I've seen the room and it was a little cramped. Some of the beds even had two patients in them which I was so worried about. It was quite disheartening to see them but it was a good thing Jackie Rice and everyone else was there to at least let them feel that people do care.

Tess Bomb was cracking jokes and that was the thing we needed that afternoon. I appreciated what she did for the kids and the relatives there because she kept them on their feet laughing crazily at her antics. I think more than the fun, they both brought them hope that they can get over this place and go back to their homes and be as productive as normal people too. 

Jackie Rice was quite contented about her career. She's got regular shows and even a soap in the afternoon. She's part of Bubble Gang and also Inamorata. She's got dreams but was quite confident that she'll achieve success soon. She's not in a hurry nor is she not contented. She's thankful for the blessings that GMA has given her in the past years. As for getting married, she doesn't see that in the near future. I think I've seen her boyfriend on the sidelines when this event was happening. They look good but I'm sure that guy isn't in show business. Thanks to Petrol, Sweet Escape Cupcakes, Fernando's Bakeshop, Nail Files, Footworks and LeonPhilippe Dairy Fresh Milk who gave them what they need for strong bones. Perfect fit no? :)

You know what, this trip was all worth it. This is the reason why I love going with GMA Kapuso stars during charity events. When you see them approach the needy, their face lights up seeing stars like Jackie Rice lend a helping hand. I can't see why other stars shouldn't do this, after all they did help them reach where they are. Jackie Rice was humbled to have been able to help in her own little way and said if there was an opportunity to do this again, she'll say yes in a heartbeat. She's got a gorgeous face and body, but more than that... she's got a good heart. The hospital chaplain even said that she's been visiting this place a few times already and wanted to talk to each and every patient she can in her limited time. You've spent your birthday celebration with these patients Jackie, that alone is insurmountable and selfless of you. Happy birthday and hope you make more people happy!

Oh before I forget, she's still in the works of a new project. I hope they get to pair her with Dion Ignacio. He's a good guy I know. You would really look good together on screen and I hope GMA Artist Center makes this happen! :)

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Benjamin Alves Celebrates Birthday at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan

We went to Tahanan Walang Hagdanan a few days ago to celebrate the birthday of Kapuso hunk Benjamin Alves. He arrived a bit teary eyed that afternoon. He was a little emotional as one of his dreams was coming true. 

He personally chose this particular task that afternoon to celebrate with one of the most charming people we've ever met, those of who are all from Tahanang Walang Hagdanan. All along I thought this place was a refuge for persons with disabilities, but they are not even a charitable institution anymore. They took the pro active role of being a training center to stay as a catalyst in changing countless lives of PWD's countrywide! Once that a PWD goes through training with them, they become independent and better, productive citizens of this country.

The reason why he's crying earlier?

These guys. When Benjamin saw them going inside the gym earlier, it brought him to tears because he thought they were going to be a sad bunch. He was mistaken, as he found each and every one of them so happy despite of their condition. Persons with disabilities in this place have become empowered and they have worked hard to provide for their family or fend for themselves.

Benjamin Alves also gave them a treat by singing their favorite tunes to give thanks for supporting him all these years.