by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 14, 2022 | Fashion
GUESS Originals is proud to welcome back global music superstar and fashion icon, J Balvin, for the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor Collection. Inspired by Balvin’s documentary “The Boy from Medellin”, the collection ties into the GUESS DNA of iconic graphics and elevated fabrics while incorporating a deeper emphasis on who Balvin is beyond the fame, and his journey with mental health. The collection will be available on Friday, July 15, 2022, on guess.com.ph and in GUESS Glorietta, Trinoma, Robinsons Ermita, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia.
Balvin notes, “We’ve been collaborating for a couple of years now. The chemistry is great. We have more than a business partnership, it’s a friendship – it’s like my family working with Nicolai and GUESS. This newest collab is all about peace and love – that’s what we need right now.”
Imprinting the universal message of “amor y paz” or “peace and love”, the GUESS Originals x J Balvin Amor collection is a revival of happiness and positivity. Nicolai Marciano, Director of Brand Partnerships for GUESS Originals highlights, “Our partnership with Jose continues to give fans a deeper connection to what he cares about while honoring GUESS’ heritage of provoking a sense of celebration. The collection features a universal design language rooted in bright colors, peace, and love – especially self-love.”
Colin Tilley, director of the campaign video, shares that “Collaborating with GUESS was a Dream, collaborating with Jose is always something special and combining them both for this epic campaign is one for the books! We wanted to celebrate togetherness.”
The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
The women’s collection offers an array of easy-to-wear crop tops. Summer-y pieces such as the dresses and bright-colored accessories round out the line and lend to the laid-back, vibrant lifestyle of both GUESS Originals and J Balvin.
This collection pushes the importance of mental health for all. The 15-piece collection ranges from P1,698 – P4,898. Look for the campaign and other GUESS x J Balvin content at www.GUESS.com.ph, on GUESS’ Facebook page, and in GUESS retail stores.
About GUESS?, Inc.
Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes, and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear, and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company directly operated 1,068 retail stores in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The Company’s partners and distributors operated 563 additional retail stores worldwide.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about the Company, please visit www.guess.com.
About J Balvin
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
2017 chart-topping, “Mi Gente” with Willy William, and subsequently a remix with Beyonce, reached global success serving as a nod to cultural pride. His 2020 surprise performance as part of the Super Bowl halftime show with JLO and Shakira was history-making with an all-Latinx lineup.
His latest album, JOSE, arrived on the heels of an eventful summer, following the release of chart-dominating singles “Qué Más Pues?” featuring Argentinian singer María Becerra, “Que Locura,” and “In Da Getto” featuring Skrillex. His collaboration with Ed Sheeran in March 2022 on “Sigue” and “Forever My Love” landed him his 34th and 35th #1 on Latin Airplay, more than any other artist in history, cementing him as Latinx music’s biggest success story of the decade.
In addition to his many successes in music, J Balvin has been one of the first Latinx to forge partnerships with notable brands across lucrative categories. In 2019, he became the first male Latinx lead with a GUESS campaign, followed by the 2020 announcement of his highly-anticipated and successful J Balvin x Air Jordan 1, which marked him as the first Latinx artist to have an official collaboration with the iconic Jordan Brand.
The second of his collaborations with Jordan Brand was announced in late 2021 with details on the launch to come. An avid gamer, Balvin also created skins with Fortnite as part of their “Icon Series.” His knack for personal style and pioneer trends also finds him frequenting front rows of fashion shows across New York and Paris with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior. He also made his coveted Met Gala debut in 2021 with Moschino. J Balvin’s latest passion is raising awareness of the importance of mental health and mental health resources. He has been outspoken on his own grapple with depression and anxiety and hopes to destigmatize the topic and misinformation.
Looking to mentors who went from artists turned moguls like Jay-Z and Pharrell, J Balvin’s goal is to inspire other Latinos to dream big and work hard to uplift themselves and their communities.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2022 | Business
The Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) has finally unveiled this year’s theme for the biggest and most anticipated Digital conference in the country.
DigiCon Valley 2022 will tackle the landscape of digital marketing transformation with brands, advertising professionals, and business leaders to celebrate innovation, problem-solving, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Philippine firms. Happening from October 10-14 from 9 AM to 1 PM PST, official delegates will be able to learn from four all-new tracks that tackle the different stages of innovation: Launchpad, Hypergrowth, Breakthrough, and Enterprise.
This year’s theme is an allude to the Gobi-Core Philippine Fund Ecosystem Report of 2021 which perceived that the growing startup scene in the country is ripe for it to finally become a key player in the technology sphere, in relation to its ASEAN counterparts.
The future for development and expansion is projected with optimism as logistics, e-commerce, and fintech sectors continue to rise locally, especially in a post-pandemic economy. It is expected that Philippine firms will raise more investments in the next three years versus the past five years combined.
Leading 100 speakers across the 65 sessions of the 5-day event, keynote Speakers include world-renowned marketing expert and academic, Mark Ritson; one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the world and founder of the Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington; and the co-founder of Character Ventures and the inventor of the Design Sprint, Jake Knapp. More internationally-acclaimed speakers and guests are set to be announced soon.
After two years of virtual connections, DigiCon Valley 2022 is finally bringing back face-to-face networking through DigiCon After-hours. Held between 6-9 PM on select evenings across the city, major sponsors will host physical gatherings which promise to provide cocktails, entertainment, and speed networking, allowing delegates to reconnect with others in the industry.
Tickets are now available for purchase with the early bird discount of 40% off in limited supply. For more information and updates on DigiCon Valley 2022, visit www.digicon.com.ph and follow their social pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
IMMAP DigiCon Valley 2022 is co-presented by Angkas, and would like to thank Platinum sponsor Manulife Philippines and Tiktok; Gold Sponsor Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government; and Silver Sponsor, Hepmil Philippines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 2, 2022 | Advocacy
Doing beauty differently is what Avon has been advocating for 135 years. This year, the #1 direct-selling beauty brand strengthens this movement during this year’s Pride Month, which annually celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, alongside their stories and experiences.
Avon Philippines, in partnership with comic artist Hulyen (@hulyen), produced a three-part comic series that illustrates Beauty for All, Avon’s advocacy that puts the spotlight on democratic beauty not just for women, but for everyone – regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression.
“I think everyone deserves to celebrate their own version of beauty especially if it makes them feel good about themselves,” shares Hulyen. “It’s really great that a major beauty brand like Avon is rallying behind this advocacy because it encourages you to be yourself and celebrate what makes you you.”
Each strip depicts issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The comics were distributed to hundreds of thousands of Avon representatives in more than 190 branches across the Philippines, encouraging them to learn more and understand better the LGBTQIA+ community.
SOGIE 101
In this scene, an individual struggles to remember the various labels in the queer spectrum. A friend reassures her that it’s important to be open about learning new things.
It also provides context that Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (or SOGIE, for short) go beyond just the girl, boy, bakla, and tomboy that most Filipinos are more familiar with.
Marla
Another comic depicts a queer person who “magically” transforms into her true self when she’s with her friends. This has become a common experience with LGBTQIA+ individuals all over the world. According to Stonewall, only 46 to 47% of queer-identifying individuals feel open and confident to share their sexual orientation or gender identity with their families. Likewise, allies of the community should help create safe spaces where queer individuals can open up and express their true selves.
Beauty for All
The last comic visualizes Avon’s commitment when it comes to promoting Beauty for All. It depicts an Avon representative who managed to provide quality beauty and self-care products for her customers, allowing them to truly enjoy their version of beauty no matter what their SOGIE.
“I have learned so much about Pride and how times are changing. It’s something new to me, but we have family and friends who are LGBTQIA+. Understanding them is a great way to show how much we respect them, and through these, I understand them even more,” Avon Representative Jennifer Limyu shares after reading the comics about the LGBTQIA+ community.
Max Closa, Avon Philippines’ Business Development Manager, welcomes Avon’s efforts to rally behind its employees in causes that involve them. “I’m so proud and thankful to be a part of a company that supports the LGBTQIA+ community. The changes might be gradual but it’s already a huge step for us,” Closa shares.
Miss Trans World 2020 Mela Habijan
In line with the advocacy, Avon Philippines also recently held a SOGIE Sensitivity Seminar for Associates at their main office. Miss Trans World 2020 Mela Habijan spoke at the event where she discussed SOGIE, the different issues the community is facing, and how one can be a better ally. The trans beauty queen, host, and actress also made a SOGIE explainer video.
To further extend its efforts in inclusivity, Avon Philippines also supported members of Manila’s Drag community with various products like the Limitless collection (the first gender-free intimate apparel in the country). The company also reached out to the Home for the Golden Gays, which provides support and care facilities for elderly LGBTQIA+ people.
“Avon continues with its commitment to creating a better world for everyone. With Avon, everyone can be brave, brazen, and beautiful all at the same time because Beauty is for All — and that is how it should be in the years to come,” Avon PR and Communications Lead Marion Limlengco says.
Visit www.avon.ph or like and check out Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
About Avon
Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter, and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation, we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura & Co Group. Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
Follow Avon Philippines by clicking on the icons below:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 28, 2022 | Banking and Finance
In an effort to accelerate the digital transformation of the fishery sector, GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet, joined forces with Rare Philippines to empower the financial capabilities of the fisherfolk community in Sipaway Island in Negros Occidental.
Rare Philippines is an international conservation organization that helps communities adopt sustainable behaviors toward their natural environment and resources.
“It is vital that we empower our local fishery sector by providing them access to digital financial services that can help them thrive and grow their livelihood in the new normal. Our partnership with Rare Philippines can help educate and provide access to local fisherfolk on relevant products and services that can make their everyday lives better,” said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon.
GCash and Rare Philippines will introduce GCash products and services to fisherfolk and vendors on the island. These GCash products include Send Money, Pay Bills, GSave for a savings account, and GLoans for loans of up to P25,000. Aside from providing them with a safe and convenient way of sending and receiving money, these products can also help them manage their budget for monthly bills and even empower them to start saving up for their future.
“Digital technology is indeed a very important factor in accelerating the transformation of the Philippine fishery sector. We are proud to work with GCash as we aim to further contribute to the government’s capacity-building efforts and make a difference in the lives of fishers and their families,” said Rare Philippines Senior Manager for Financial and Market Inclusion Flora Belinario.
With its clear vision of “finance for all,” GCash has also been advocating equal financial opportunities for other Filipinos, such as community organizations and micro, small, and medium enterprises so they can continue to grow their businesses and serve their customers amid the pandemic.
GCash previously launched its GCash QR payment feature with the Antipolo Market Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (AMTODA), Antipolo Sumulong College Lores Plaza Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (ASCLP TODA), and vendors at the Pasig City Mega Market and Farmers Market in Araneta City.
“In line with GCash’s vision of financial inclusion for all Filipinos, we also hold ourselves up to the highest standards, including the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach. From helping other leading companies to local communities of fisherfolk, we continuously strive to make each day better for all,” said Winsley Bangit, GCash Chief Customer Officer.
With over 60 million registered users to date, GCash continues to offer innovative, accessible, and relevant financial products and services for Filipinos to make their lives easier, better, and safer.
Not yet on GCash? Simply download the GCash app for free on Google Play or the App Store. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,400k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at 232k partner agent network; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).
GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 60 million Filipinos in the country today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 25, 2022 | Lifestyle Tips
Starting one’s first job is one of the most challenging periods for young professionals. There’s constant stress over their fear of rejection, too much pressure, and high expectations towards their tasks. Joining the workforce may be intimidating but with a few tips, they can face those fears and be awesome at work.
Always be prepared
There are always a lot of things to be juggled at work but they can be handled easily with some preparation. Lists are easy to make and follow, and they come in different formats. Some have straightforward lists that outline what they need to do in a day, arranged by level of importance. A common tip is to start with the hardest task first so it is out of the way. Another good tip is to outline weekly and plot deadlines and assign when they will be worked on. It is also advisable to finish tasks little by little to make progress.
Join workshops and training
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done. There are workshops and seminars that teach fresh graduates the skills they need to succeed. Many companies offer free training, while there are those that cover the cost of signing up. It will also be helpful to watch videos on YouTube or read articles to up-skill and impress colleagues and bosses.
Have a reliable smartphone
Smartphones have now become extensions of work since they have a lot of productivity apps such as Notes and Google Workspace. It can serve as a second screen or a work device when on the go. Some considerations for a smartphone are a large screen that can display important files, a long battery life, and large storage.
Samsung’s Galaxy A23 and A13 are the ideal smartphones to help young professionals become more prepared and efficient at work.
Both the Galaxy A23 and A13 have a 6.6” TFT V-Cut Display, large enough to display reports or spreadsheets, and even online meetings.
The devices are also useful outside of the workplace. They sport a Quad Camera that captures various types of content with its 50MP main camera, which captures photos and videos in clear and vibrant detail. Both the devices can store all the important photo and video memories and even important files with 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by up to 1TB. Lastly, a 5,000mAh of battery so there’s enough power to last the whole day.
Both smartphones are available in Awesome Black, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach, while the Galaxy A23 has an additional Awesome White variant. The smartphones are available in all authorized Samsung Stores and online for:
- Galaxy A23 (6+128GB) – PHP 13,990 SRP
- Galaxy A13 (4+128GB) – PHP 10,490 SRP
- Galaxy A13 (6+128GB) – PHP 11,490 SRP
Awesome deals for everyone
Purchase the new Galaxy A13 with flexible payment terms through participating credit cards for as low as PHP 1,784.33/mo at 0% interest for 6 months. Home Credit payment is also available and pays for as low as PHP 841/mo at 0% interest for 9 months. Both of these offers are available until June 30.
For more information about the Samsung Galaxy A23 and A13, visit samsung.com/ph.
Safe Samsung Shopping
Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.
Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.
To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.
The collection offers a mix of vibrant and pastel colors in a variety of uplifting hues. Expressive graphics such as swirl stripes, hearts, and clovers are seen throughout the collection, adding to the playful vibe of the capsule. While staying true to the brand’s DNA, the men’s collection features a new take on the GUESS Originals cargo pant with a relaxed profile and elevated twill fabric, as well as an eco rayon camp.
Global superstar, entrepreneur, and committed mental health advocate, J Balvin, is a highly-decorated music icon with wins across Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Latin GRAMMYs, and many others. As a Latinx artist, he has steadfastly broken cultural barriers and become one of the Top 10 most streamed artists globally developing legions of fans worldwide. Hailed by Billboard as “the biggest breakout act Latin music has seen in many years” and Pitchfork as “the face of modern Reggaeton,” Balvin is leading the second generation of Musica Urbana stars that have propelled Latin music to an unprecedented global embrace that transcends genres.
Leading 100 speakers across the 65 sessions of the 5-day event, keynote Speakers include world-renowned marketing expert and academic, Mark Ritson; one of the most influential female entrepreneurs in the world and founder of the Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington; and the co-founder of Character Ventures and the inventor of the Design Sprint, Jake Knapp. More internationally-acclaimed speakers and guests are set to be announced soon.
In this scene, an individual struggles to remember the various labels in the queer spectrum. A friend reassures her that it’s important to be open about learning new things.
You must be logged in to post a comment.