(PRESS RELEASE) In early 2020, the onset of the pandemic posted big challenges as businesses struggled to stay afloat due to strict lockdowns and social distancing measures. Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, responded accordingly by helping MSMEs shift online easily and seamlessly. And with vaccination programs ongoing, Shopee continues to aid economic recovery by mounting community initiatives focused on increasing vaccination education and uptake to fight against  COVID-19. These programs include Shopee’s Vaccination Center Support drive, Shopee #FullyVaxxed Package, and the Department of Health’s (DOH) Resbakuna campaign. 

With fewer cases during the first half of 2021, the country saw great potential for a rebound as there were less restrictions allowing mobility and economic activity.   Because of this, the Philippines continues to push for the health and safety of its community through its vaccination efforts, with more than 51 million doses administered.   When the health of the population improves due to the vaccine, it serves as an avenue for educational achievement, growth in work opportunities, improved social functions, and a better chance in economic recovery. 

Shopee, in partnership with different brands and organizations, launched vaccine-centric initiatives to support the country’s journey towards a healthier and safer Philippines. 

Vaccine Education through Resbakuna: Kasangga ng Bida

During the first quarter of 2021, many Filipinos were resistant to the vaccine due to three key reasons: concerns about potential side effects, uncertainty about efficacy, and skepticism. In partnership with DOH, Shopee educated the community about COVID-19 vaccines through a dedicated in-app microsite and social media initiatives. Through Shopee Live, DOH representatives Dr. Dominic “Meng” Maddumba and Beverly C. Ho, MD, MPH, Director IV, at the DOH Health Promotion Bureau, raised vaccine awareness to combat vaccine hesitancy and also discussed the facts about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Shopee recorded almost a total of 50,000 unique views for both live stream sessions.

Providing a more pleasant inoculation experience with Vaccination Center Support 

Shopee partnered with local government units of Makati and Taguig to provide Filipinos with a more comfortable vaccination experience. Residents and frontliners from both cities received food and health kits from partner brands. These included snacks from Del Monte, Perfetti Van Melle, Dutchmill Soy, Monde Nissin, and Rebisco; bottled water from Hope in a Bottle; and health kits from Mighty Clean, Colgate, and Cosmetique Asia; and units of Symphony Air Coolers. With the positive reception of the public for the first two initiatives, Shopee aims to roll out the same project in Quezon City later this year with a total of 4,500 potential beneficiaries for all three cities.   

Incentives for the fully-vaccinated with the  #FullyVaxxed Package 

From July to September 2021, the Shopee #FullyVaxxed Package offered fully vaccinated Filipinos a special bundle they can use for personal needs and encourage others to complete both doses. With more than 15,000 sign-ups, users enjoyed free shipping, discount vouchers from Shopee, and discount vouchers from various brands such as Manuka Health, Photobook, Bo’s Coffee, KonsultaMD, Uni-Care, The Smile Bar, Converse, Planet Sports, Globe, and Marketplace sellers such as Bella’s Online Store, ED.Kids, Flagship Store, and more. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is committed to helping the nation’s efforts towards positive economic recovery as much as we can so that everyone can benefit from a safer and healthier society. We would also like to extend our gratitude to all our partners who have lent their support in many ways. Together our efforts can make a bigger impact.” 

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(PRESS RELEASE) realme, the Philippines’ number one brand for smartphones, watches, and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for Q2 2021, continues to shake up the industry with its first-ever tablet, the realme Pad, set to launch in the Philippines on October 21. 

The realme Pad is the brand’s latest offering in line with its mission of creating a full-circle digital ecosystem consisting of various smart devices including smartphones, laptops, smart audio, smart home, and smartwatch products, to help Filipinos with their modern, digital-driven lifestyles. 

“The realme Pad is the latest breakthrough in our commitment to power up Filipinos’ growing digital lives. With our first-ever tablet, we promise the quality and reliability that the brand has become known and trusted for to help our consumers indulge in entertainment and other online pursuits at a truly accessible price,” said Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing 

realme’s first-ever tablet is designed to entertain 

The realme Pad is designed to entertain Filipinos at home or on the go with a no-frills tablet experience. It is perfect for all your entertainment needs, be it binge-watching your favorite series or even playing your favorite games with its 10.4-inch 2K resolution display, coupled with quad speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res high quality sound certification. 

In terms of battery life, the realme Pad boasts a 7100mAh super large massive battery, which supports a 65 days standby time, and users can play online video continuously for 12 hours. This product supports 18w Quick Charge so one doesn't have to be worried about power consumption. 

The realme Pad also lends well to online schooling and working from home with its 8MP HD camera capable of taking clear videos. It also features a 105° ultra wide-angle letting you capture more of your surroundings when you take a selfie or attend video conferences. At the same time, realme Pad also supports Dual Mic Noise Cancellation so you'll always benefit from crystal clear communication when video conferencing or taking online classes. 

Other features of the realme Pad include a Helio G80 processor, 8MP HD camera, Dual Mic Noise Cancellation, among many others. All these are packed in a slim and lightweight body measuring only 6.9mm thin and weighing only 440g, making it one of the slimmest and lightest tablets in its segment. With this tablet, users can easily indulge in their favorite entertainment platforms whenever and wherever because of the slimness and lightness of the product.    

The realme Pad will be available in two sophisticated colorways: Real Gold and Real Grey, and in three storage variants: 3+32GB, 4+64GB, and 6+128GB so you have more options to choose from depending on your lifestyle and tech needs.   

Going full circle with realme TechLife 

Aside from the launch of the realme Pad, fans can stay tuned as the brand is set to launch more TechLife products soon, allowing them to make full use of the complete AIoT tech ecosystem. 

Earlier this year, realme presented its 1+5+T TechLife strategy to provide a full-circle digital ecosystem that enables customers to stay connected, and accomplish tasks more efficiently and conveniently. The 1 refers to the smartphone, the center of the AIoT ecosystem of realme. The 5 groups are the five AIoT product categories: true wireless stereo, wearables, televisions, smart speakers, and laptops This entire realme ecosystem will be centered around its realme Link app as the control center for all devices to provide us with a complete experience.  

To get a first look at the realme Pad and the brand’s latest TechLife offerings, be sure to watch the special livestream event on October 21, 6 p.m., on the realme Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Because of this, MREIT prepares to declare dividends within the month of October in line with the REIT plan.  Subject to necessary Board and regulatory approvals, the company is looking into declaring dividends of at least P0.24 per share. 

“The is just the initial tranche of dividends that we intend to declare for the current fiscal year 2022. Considering MREIT’s strong performance to date, as well as our improved outlook on office demand and the infusions of additional assets, we are confident of our ability to meet, if not surpass, our dividend projection for the year as indicated in our REIT plan. We thank all our investors for the trust and confidence to MREIT,” says Kevin L. Tan, president and CEO, MREIT, Inc. 

MREIT earlier announced its plan to double its portfolio size by 2024, and to reach 1-million square meters in floor size by 2030. By next year alone, around 100,000 square meters of prime office assets will be injected into MREIT. 

The company also announced its plan to inject more assets from Uptown Bonifacio in BGC aside from the assets coming from Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, and Iloilo Business Park. According to the report released by Leechiu Properties in June, BGC still commands the highest rental rates among major business districts in the country.

Backed by its access to Megaworld’s extensive office portfolio, MREIT aspires to be one of, if not, the largest office REIT in Southeast Asia because of the company’s long runway for growth.