Manila, Philippines – GCash Stories returns with a powerful new release featuring Turing Quinto, as the face of GCash’s “Werk With Pride” advocacy for Pride Month. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, the film celebrates pride by putting a spotlight on GCash's commitment to inclusivity and financial empowerment while telling the story of strength and persistence of Filipino drag performer, Turing.

Turing gained fame as a contestant on the debut season of Drag Race Philippines. The short film delves into Turing's aspirations and determination to succeed in life while showing the challenges faced by breadwinners striving to make ends meet.

Just like anyone else chasing a brighter future, Turing works with pride, thanks to GCash. She reassures her mother, “Ako nang bahala sa pag tambling, Ma," despite the struggles their family faces.

Overcoming tears, she performs in her living room, cheered on by her family and supported by GCash, enabling her to receive tips from fans all around the country.

“Sobrang proud ako sa film na ‘to, kasi it really showed how GCash was there during some of my most challenging times,” shares Turing. “Especially nung lockdown kasi virtual shows lang ang nagagawa naming drag performers kasi sarado lahat ng bars and clubs, ang laking tulong ng GCash para makatanggap kami ng tips in real time, and I got to continue doing what I love the most.”

The premiere of Turing's GStories film took place at the GTalks: Werk With Pride event on June 22. GCash created GTalks as a space for meaningful discussions on topics that impact the everyday lives of Filipinos, such as providing access to financial services, diversity and inclusion, and climate action.

Sharing their own success stories with GCash, the Werk With Pride event also featured a panel discussion with LGBTQIA+ business owners and entrepreneurs Gabby Cantero, Butterboy founders Hilder Demeterio and Jayson So, and Chippy Day Abando & Nariese Giangan of Food for the Gays.

GCash: Enabling Dreams and Aspirations for All

Regardless of who you are or what you aspire to, GCash supports your dreams by providing accessible financial services – even beyond Pride Month. GCash remains an essential tool for Filipinos as they work to achieve financial independence.

GCash offers GLoan, instant cash loans for kickstarting your goals, and GInsure, a range of insurance products safeguarding the future of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones. Business owners can also enjoy seamless payment experiences with Scan-To-Pay, enabling easy QR code payments online and offline.

“We understand the needs of our customers and will continuously innovate to provide accessible financial services for Filipinos, regardless of gender, background, or preference,” says Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer of GCash. “Like Turing, there are many stories of hope that inspire us to continue to help uplift the lives of Filipinos.”

With GCash, you, too, can #WerkWithPride, just like Turing does with every performance, knowing she’s supported by a platform that leads Filipinos to a better tomorrow.

Watch Turing's inspiring story in the full "Turing" short film on YouTube. Share your own story of hope and progress using the hashtags #GCashStories and #MyGCashStory, and tag @gcashofficial.

This June 15, 2023 marks a huge milestone for homegrown Cebuano brand Robins Home Depot as they celebrate the grand opening of their newest and largest showroom. The new Robins Design Gallery showcases a wide range of state-of-the-art products that are exclusively designed for the brand and only available at the showroom.

The event gathers architects, interior designers, suppliers, family, friends, and special guests to experience the new space and check out the innovative products that the showroom has to offer. Guests can also look forward to winning premium prizes worth up to P650K in the raffle with the grand prize being a Neorest AH Dual Flush Toilet by industry-leading Toto, worth P405K.

Robins Design Gallery, previously Robins Home Depot, is a family-owned business that has been a name in the industry for over 33 years. “We are very excited to relaunch our brand into something new and more innovative, to usher in new technologies and introduce new products to the market. This massive new space will be a hub for excellent quality products that fit the needs of our customers' modern lifestyle, whether it be for the home, workplace or business establishment,” says Roxanne Robins-Go, President of Robins Design Gallery.

The company directly imports all the high-end quality products featured in the showroom. The ceramic and porcelain tiles are from Europe while all plumbing fixtures, accessories and the new product Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) are sourced from around Asia. Brand representatives attend numerous expos, fairs, and leading trade events abroad such as Cevisama (Spain) and Cersaie (Italy) to ensure that the brand will provide customers with the most updated designs and technologies in home finishings, specifically flooring solutions, bathroom fixtures and accessories that the industry has to offer.

Some of the new innovations for flooring solutions that will be introduced to the market include: new tile safe finishes with anti-slip features, slimmer tile slabs for lighter load weight and faster installation plus different tile finishes to choose from: polished, matte/satin & grip finish. For Toto brands, customers can get more affordable options for Tornado flush toilets, new Washlet and Neorest models.

“Given that our products are of the utmost quality, our customer service is also at par with the same high standards. We have always taken pride in timely delivery ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from delivery to completion. Our dedicated services will cater to all our customers’ needs, may it be product or service-related concerns,” adds Robins-Go.

Visit the all-new Robins Home Gallery at 855 AS Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City. For inquiries on products and services, contact +63 917 623 7257. Follow Robins Home Gallery on Facebook and Instagram - @robinsdesigngallery.

A red oceans of choices and features offering are available for new smartphones in the market today, especially the midrange spectrum. Everyone is considering the popular formula in choosing what is the fitting model for them, that is, the balance between Features and Affordability. In this product review, we will have an early look impression on the talk of the town, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, plus lots of unboxing angles as bonus for our readers who are on the quest of meeting their dared smartphone model.

The box contains the Redmi Note 12 with non-removable 5000mAh battery, 33W Fast-charging power brick and USB Type C cable, Clear protective case, SIM ejector tool and documentations such as the Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card and Safety Information.

Display 

When choosing a smartphone to use for a year or two, one of the attributes that I check is the Display. When using your phones, the display plays a factor to be efficient. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 amazes me with what they bring in the table of the midrange population. Sporting a stunningly bright and colorful AMOLED screen with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. It is even protected with Corning Gorilla Glass build. As a multimedia generation, undoubtedly Redmi Note 12 is one of the leader displays with the 6.67" FHD+ display with DCI-P3. It will serve justice to your imaging, binge watching and even gaming by emulating fluid and responsive experience. We are delighted by the display’s smooth color transitions and gameplay. The high brightness mode allows you to take photos and phone usage on a broad daylight.

Platform 

Another attribute to consider is the hardware and its computing dynamics. At its class Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is equipped with a Snapdragon 685 Mobile chipset that provides a seamless and efficient multitasking experience. With up to 8GB of RAM, switching between primary apps such as Camera, image processing apps, games and video streaming apps shows no hiccups. The 6nm process allows power-efficiency of the 2.8GHz CPU which keeps the battery operate at its rated capacity. The built in fast storage of up to 128GB gives you freedom on your creatives to capture perfect photos and videos or install creative apps without worrying about running out of space.

Aesthetics

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is preaching the design of the Redmi Note 12 Series, an immersive DotDisplay with stylish flat frames, giving off premium look and feel. This is important that while being durable and comfortable enough to hold for long periods of time without straining your fingers and arms.

Redmi Note 12 is available in Onyx Gray, Mint Green and Ice Blue.

Battery

With rich content over internet and demanding data speed processing, I need a device that has battery power juices that can get me through the day and also recharges almost as quickly as possible. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the smartphones in the market today whose having a winning combination of generous battery capacity and high wattage power brick. Redmi Note 12 has a 5,000mAh battery and provisioned with 33W fast charging power brick. This long-lasting battery keeps going longer without needing recharging. When power up is needed, the 33W fast charging with MMT technology ensures a stable and efficient process. As I've learned, Middle Middle Tab (MMT) Technology lets you charge your battery smarter and not harder. With MMT technique, the energy is split making it bidirectional charging the same amount of energy and in a half duration.

Camera

The race of the best camera has actually been very interesting at the midrange class. Brands improve and get their midrange protégé out stands from the rest of the pack. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is designed with an impressive 50MP triple camera in style, enabling capturing moments and landscape for keeps. It is capable of taking great photos provide you choose the appropriate shooting mode or let the artificial intelligence (AI) decide for you.

Redmi Note 12 also comes with an ultra-wide camera and a macro camera that you can use at demanding situations and purpose.

Sample Pictures

I went on a photo walk within downtown and mid town Cebu City to test the 50M triple camera that Redmi Note 12 can offer. Most of my pictures are AI assisted. They are combinations of the Main camera, 2x Zoom and 0.6 ultra wide camera. The sample pictures are straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) pictures and no editing with an imaging tool is used.  Sample Pictures taken by Redmi Note 12

Summary

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the best choice from the competing models of it class. It suits the vibrant lives of the young PH market. For the price tag of 9,999 pesos (6GB + 128GB) you'll get the 120Hz AMOLED display which is a topnotch at this class, above avergage performing Camera trio and Elegant aesthetically finished Redmi Note 12 branding.  There maybe response that would fall off the expectation but we say it's the those things that we can just live with. At this spectrum of smartphones, you wouldn't compare Redmi Note 12's performance to a above 20,000 smartphones, and it should not be.

GSM highlights the ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’ quality of gin

White is the color of fun this year as Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of the world’s no. 1 selling gin, is celebrating World Gin Day (WGD) in a “cool, clear, and versatile” way. Starting with a media launch on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, a series of events will be held to highlight June as World Gin month.

WGD, a global celebration observed every second Saturday of June, is spearheaded in the Philippines by GSMI, as it was also the one who brought the first WGD festivities to the Asia Pacific region back in 2014. That year, GSMI marked the 180th year of its flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel. Today, gin enthusiasts look forward to GSMI’s month-long activities, which not only celebrate gin’s enduring influence on our drinking culture but also its role in celebrations, fiestas, gatherings, and even our everyday triumphs.

“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’

This June 8, GSMI once again reinforces that “Gin Is In,” highlighting gin’s “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” qualities that elevate it from the rest. 

Gin has been around since the 17th century, and remains popular to this day, especially in Europe, and of course, the Philippines. It is loved by many, and its popularity can be attributed to its taste—the flavor of Juniper and a variety of botanicals—allowing gin to exude that classic yet “Cool” vibe.

The gin’s “Clear,” pure quality is derived from a rigorous distillation process that brings out its best flavor. Since it is unpretentious – with nothing to hide – it is a drink known for its “Versatility,” as it can be enjoyed straight or mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail.

In a new campaign supporting the appreciation for Gin, GSMI features three exciting and authentic personalities who perfectly embody these unique characteristics of gin.

Gin Is Cool

The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo likes the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe.  His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.

Gin Is Clear

Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”

Gin is Versatile

Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (In life, one should be versatile). If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything! Stay true while learning many things.”

The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.

“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added.

GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back

One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship. 

With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.

During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin. 

The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK.

‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide

Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.

To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.

To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage.

GSMI's World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.

Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi.

GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.

June 4, 2023, Cebu City – Concentrix Cebu hosted the province’s largest Family Day event, drawing a staggering crowd of over 30,000 attendees comprised of staff who brought their loved ones to the company’s exclusive festivities held in the SM Seaside Complex.

The whole-day event called FUNATIX: Concentrix #OneFAMtasticDay witnessed a spectacle of love, laughter, and cherished moments from the time the mall doors opened as people streamed into the venue. It was an unforgettable experience that started with various activities catering to all ages, food and games, raffle and entertainment that kept the whole family engaged. In the evening, a show in the mall’s outdoor field saw the Festival Queen finals, “Talentrix” performances, and a dazzling concert by acclaimed Pinoy band, December Avenue.

“As a company that designs, builds and runs the future of CX and is fanatical about our staff, FUNATIX is a culmination of Concentrix Cebu’s month-long activities which included a Sportfest and various other engagements that rewarded our staff with approx. Php 700,000 in prizes. Closing with #OneFAMtasticDay where staff brought their loved ones is a perfect way to cap it, as Family Day is a Concentrix annual tradition in all our 50 sites in the Philippines. It’s ‘fam-tastic’ indeed to have a 30,000-strong participation here in Cebu. I feel honored to witness a spectacular celebration of togetherness and appreciation for the people we care for the most: our staff and their loved ones,” says Amit Jagga, SVP and Country Leader of Concentrix Philippines, who was in town for the festivities alongside other local leaders of the company.

Concentrix Philippines is the country’s largest private employer is a recipient of the Asia CEO Award in 2022 as Wellness Company of the Year. It gained “Highly Commended” recognition for Excellence in Employee Experience in the global Gartner Communication Awards 2022 and is among the Philippines’ and Asia’s Best Employer Brands, and PEZA Hall of Fame as Outstanding Employer.

About Concentrix

We’re Concentrix (Nasdaq: CNXC), a leading global provider of customer experience (CX) solutions and technology. We Reimagine everything CX to improve business performance for some of the world’s best brands, and the ones that are changing the world as we know it. Every day, we Design, Build, and Run CX for over 130 Fortune Global 500 and 125 new economy clients. Whether it’s a specific solution or the whole end-to-end journey, we’ve got it covered. We’re the strategic thinkers who design brand-defining experiences. The tech geeks who build smarter solutions. And the operational experts who run it all and make it work seamlessly. Across 40 countries and 6 continents, we provide services across key industry verticals: technology & consumer electronics; retail, travel & ecommerce; banking, financial services & insurance; healthcare; communications & media; automotive; and energy & public sector. Location: Virtually Everywhere. Visit www.concentrix.com or www.facebook.com/ConcentrixPH to learn more.