917Ventures’ digital innovations have enabled consumers and businesses to thrive and triumph in today's challenging environment. Companies like GCash, KonsultaMD, HealthNow, RUSH, AdSpark, and PureGo have become the new lifelines for Filipinos during this pandemic.

GCash helps its 40 million users securely send money and pay for goods and services online and empowers many small businesses to survive and thrive through cashless solutions. GCash was also one of the channels used by the government to safely distribute financial assistance to Filipinos through its Social Amelioration Program last year and remains to be a key donation platform in collecting and sending assistance across the country.

Following its momentum in 2020, GCash continues to innovate and reinvent the Filipino way of life through easy access to financial services through the following features: GLife - access to mini-apps to shop, eat and play, and helps businesses save cost from building their own apps; GInvest - participate in high yielding investments for as low as P50 ; GInsure - life and health insurance for as low as P39; GSave - get the best savings rate in the country with no minimum balance required; and GCredit - the first digital credit model and mobile credit line in the Philippines, used as a payment option in Shopee, Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

As health and safety have been the driving force behind the digital shift, 917Ventures offers convenient and reliable healthtech platforms such as KonsultaMD and HealthNow. Consultations made through KonsultaMD skyrocketed by 461 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. The HealthNow app, on the other hand, has been downloaded more than 240,000 times since its launch in August 2020.

HealthNow offers online prescriptions and delivery of medicines through partner pharmacies so that customers receive medical services from their own homes. The service is currently available in Metro Manila, and will soon include key cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

Complementing the door-to-door delivery of medicines is Purego’s platform for quick and easy grocery shopping. The app launched on December 1, 2020, enabling customers easier access to essentials for the home. Armed with thousands of products from reputable and trusted brands, consumers can practically order anything using the app, from pantry essentials to household necessities all sourced directly from Puregold. Multiple payment options including GCash are available, and items are delivered within 24 hours.

For B2B markets, AdSpark and RUSH help accelerate the digital footprint of brands through digital advertising solutions, customer engagement, loyalty and rewards programs, giving added value to businesses and their customers.

AdSpark, through its access to consumer intelligence, enables businesses to grow throughout their digital transformation journey. ThoughtSparkers, AdSpark’s flagship whitepaper powered by AdSpark Intelligence, helps drive communication strategies by studying the Filipino psyche.

RUSH offers digital innovations in the area of customer loyalty and retention, made accessible through easy-to-use programs to help businesses grow in the digital space. The company recently expanded its services to include an eCommerce platform to help digitize merchant stores. It continues to empower digital marketers to own customer relationships through RUSH Loyalty, as well as drive traffic to digital stores by embedding the RUSH eStore in GCash, tapping on millions of customers using GLife.

“We know how tough our battle against this pandemic is, and we are all at risk, especially those who need to be physically present in their jobs. So we continue to reinvent lifestyle and movement through different products and services in the areas of health, e-commerce, financial technology, and advertising technology that deliver indelible value to consumers and businesses,” said Vince Yamat, 917Ventures Managing Director.

917Ventures is a subsidiary of Globe. It has likewise helped startups maximize Globe’s ‘Unfair Advantage’ by leveraging the rich asset base of Globe. Aside from capital and funding firepower, Globe has a customer base of over 80 million, one million distribution points, 150,000 enterprise partners as well as massive networks and affiliates which the startups can tap. Being a venture builder, the company is constantly on the lookout for new ideas to launch and accelerate, to further improve the lives of Filipinos.

917Ventures is also part of Globe’s 5G Hackathon, providing mentorship to participants of the nationwide competition welcoming students and professionals to innovate and pitch their solutions to help various aspects of the Philippine society. The competition will focus on the use of 5G technologies in various sectors of the Philippine economy such as education, health care, livelihood, and disaster risk management. Winners of the 5G Hackathon may join 917Ventures as a venture builder to further jumpstart their idea. The successful venture builder under 917Ventures will receive P 2.5 million in support.

To know more about 917Ventures, visit https://917ventures.com/.

GOMO, the first fully digital telco brand in the Philippines, continues to deliver innovative products and solutions by giving customers more freedom with their data. Since its launch in October 2020, it has allowed customers to stay connected with its game-changing offers and seamless digital experience from buying a SIM, to purchasing promos, and managing data amidst the pandemic.

It is the only SIM in the country that offers data that never expires, and unlike other mobile phone plans, GOMO does not issue bills nor require load. Customers may likewise convert their unused GBs (data) to actual calls and texts with ‘Mo Creds. So far, there have been 2.4 million 'Mo Creds conversions to calls and texts. To make the digital experience even better, each GOMO SIM is already 5G-ready for users to enjoy a leveled-up digital experience, with connectivity that won’t hold them back and allowing them to do more with their data.

In the last few months, GOMO has been named the #1 bestselling prepaid SIM on Shopee. Just recently, GOMO has also been awarded as the Top 3 Best-Selling Brand in Shopee’s 6.6 Mid-Year Sale under the Mobile Accessories category.

 “Our mission is really to simplify the digital experience for Filipinos, so they can do more with their valuable time. That's why GOMO has no contracts, no bills, no confusing plans, or promos. With GOMO, there are no restrictions to hold you back since the SIM is compatible across all devices, with 5G-ready network availability nationwide. All you need is one mobile app with everything you need and a single data promo that doesn't expire,” said Bianca Villareal, GOMO Head of Brand Acquisition & Digital Marketing.

 To thank its beloved customers, GOMO is having a flash sale on Shopee from June 18-19, 2021! Get a SIM with 30GB No Expiry data for only P249 (that’s P50 off from its SRP of P299!). GOMO also offers free delivery on their SIM.

 Shop GOMO on Shopee here: https://shopee.ph/gomoofficialstore and follow GOMO on Facebook, Twitter @Gomo_PH to know more about flash deals and new promos! Learn more about GOMO and visit www.gomo.ph.

The pandemic has definitely changed the Filipinos’ way of living. As the quarantine situations continue to be a challenge, distance learning through online platforms remains to be the trend for millions of students in the country. This new normal has accelerated a much-needed emphasis on digital literacy and digital tools especially in the education sector. With this sudden shift to e-learning, improving the digital skills of students and educators has never been more essential.

Transitioning to this new way of learning has its fair share of problems. Students and teachers struggle with connectivity, financial resources, and the “digital divide” or the limited access to digital technologies. Significantly increasing demand for fast, reliable, and consistent internet connection since the onset of the pandemic is also evident in the country.

Keeping its commitment to provide greater speed and bandwidth through pure end-to-end fiber internet service, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. partners with Savers Appliances to launch the Converge Xcellence program.

"We recognize the need of students and educators for reliable internet plans while ensuring flexibility in payment terms and affordability of offers to match the requirements for e-learning activities,” said Converge ICT Chief Operating Officer Jesus Romero.  

The Converge Xcellence program enables an easy application to Converge’s internet plans through a no cash out offer. Aside from internet connectivity and easy payment options, this program also addresses the need of students and educators for affordable devices. In partnership with Savers Appliances, a leading appliance retailer, Converge Xcellence program offers cash discounts and installments for select laptops and gadgets at participating Savers Appliances branches.

“Apart from internet connectivity, students and educators also need devices for their e-learning, but affordability remains to be a challenge,” shared Savers Appliances Deputy General Manager Jansen Ivan Uy. “Our partnership with Converge solves this through an easy-on-the-pocket offer exclusive to applicants of the Xcellence Program.” 

The limited-time offering from June 1 to August 31, 2021, is open to students, parents, and educators applying for residential subscriptions within the serviceable areas of Converge. To avail of the promo, the applicant must submit proof of enrolment or registration to be qualified. 

#ExperienceBetter with the fastest-growing fiber internet provider, Converge ICT. Visit http://cnvrge.co/xcellence for more details.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your study set-up with Acer’s Learn from Home Program. Get the biggest deals on Acer laptops, desktops, monitors, and projectors with discounts up to Php8,000 plus a free Acer tablet (on selected models) from June 16 to July 18, 2021. Predator gaming laptops, desktops, and AOPEN monitors will also be up for grabs with discounts up to Php40,000 and a free gaming chair (on selected models).

With the shift of the educational sector to digital, students and most importantly the parents had to adapt to the new norm. Classes are being held online, and with this new method of learning, having the best learning set-up is essential. Acer laptops are equipped with the latest mobile processors and specs needed to further boost any student’s productivity.

“We understand how students have a hard time adjusting to the new normal. A big shift from traditional learning into digital is not something everyone can adapt to easily. That’s why we know how important it is to have a learning set-up which can make the students’ and parents’ life much easier with gadgets that will not only last them for a long time but can improve their studying habits. With Acer’s Learn from Home Program, consumers can get discounts on Acer laptops, gaming notebooks, and more.”, said Acer Philippines General Manager Sue Ong-Lim. 

Every purchase of a participating Acer product comes with discounts and premium items. The country’s leading duo, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will parade the promo and invite shoppers to avail of the Learn from Home Program.

Upgrade your quality of learning by investing in the best products for your educational needs. Shop now at our leading Acer stores, authorized retailers and through Acer online store: https://store.acer.com/en-ph/.

To know more about this promo, you may visit Acer’s Official online platforms: Facebook – @AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, www.acer.com. 

Still looking for something special to give your dad? Check out these amazing gift suggestions from Xiaomi that’s perfect for Father’s Day. From appliances for dad’s man cave to items for a busy man on the go, these techie picks are the perfect way to say thank you to dad!    

• For the multitasking Dad who need to stay connected

For a fast connection that allows for seamless work and play, 5G is the wave of the future - and Xiaomi is delivering one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in the business with the Redmi Note 10 5G (PHP 9,990 for the 4+128 GB variant and PHP 11,490 for the 8+128 GB variant). It comes with MediaTek Dimensity 700 with its 7nm manufacturing node, Dual 5G SIM supported system and an integrated modem that provides flagship-level power-efficiency for all of dad’s multitasking mobile phone needs. And when he wants to relax, the Redmi Note 10 5G also features a captivating and immersive 90Hz 6.5” AdaptiveSync DotDisplay and is even capable of adjusting to content automatically - from streaming video at 30Hz** or 60Hz to scrolling social media feeds or gaming at up to 90Hz – for a smooth experience and optimum battery usage. 

Redmi Note 10 5G also sports a solid camera system with 48MP main camera, 2MP macro camera and 2MP depth sensor which let dad snap good photos with ease. Moreover, its 5,000mAh (typ) battery with 18W fast charging support makes it the perfect companion for the daily grind of busy dads. 

• For Dad’s optimum Screen Time

For the dad who loves to watch movies and TV shows, give him a more immersive experience with the Mi TV UHD 55” (PHP 24,990). The display is also not only UHD (Ultra High Definition) but also supports HDR or High Dynamic range for brighter, more vivid images with greater contrast and a wider array of colors, much closer to what we see in real life. It also comes with Dolby Audio plus DTS Decoding for that surround sound experience. 

This Android TV supports Youtube, Google Play Store, Chromecast and even comes with Google Assistant built in. It also has a USB port and HDMI ports to connect to laptops and gaming consoles. Couple this with faster and more stable internet as it supports Wifi 2.4G and 5G along with 100Mbps Ethernet and a remote control that offers one-click voice control and dad gets a smart TV that offers the ultimate in connectivity and convenience. 

• For the cool dad who needs to go places

For a quick, eco-friendly and more convenient way to get around, give dad a Mi Electric Scooter Essential (PHP 14,990). The puncture resistance and durability of this scooter’s explosion-proof tires have been improved for a smooth riding experience not only on flat roads but even on non-paved roads like gravel, dirt roads or even grass and comes with a lithium-ion battery that can power the scooter for 20 km. 

The Mi Electric Scooter Essential is also super compact – it’s made of low density yet high strength aerospace grade aluminum alloy that makes it lightweight and has a foldable design to make it easy to carry around. When it comes to safety features, its equipped with an E-ABS anti-lock brake system for the front wheel and a large disc brake for the rear wheel which activates at the same time to make riding safer. It also comes with a 2W headlight that gives light at up to 10 meters, and front side and rear reflectors for better visibility at night. 

• For the dad who loves to cook

For the dad who knows his way around the kitchen, why not give him an air fryer for a healthier way to cook? Xiaomi’s Upany Air Fryer (PHP 2,670) has a 360° high speed circulation technology that heats food evenly and extracts its natural oil, providing the family with a healthier meal. It also makes cooking easy – simply set the temperature control (anywhere bet. 80 to 200 degree Celsius) and the timer (up to 30 mins.) It even has an auto-stop feature so there are no worries about leaving it on too long. This air fryer has a 2.6 liter capacity, big enough for meals for a small family, and has a non-stick, rust proof inner lining that makes it easy to clean and care for. 

• For the health-conscious dad

For the athletic dad, help him keep tabs on his health with a Mi Watch (PHP 4,990). It comes with a slew of fitness features like 24-hour real-time heart rate monitoring that can continuously record up to 30 days of your resting heart rate (and gives you alerts when your heart rate is too high during high intensity workouts), supports 17 professional workout modes, including triathlons, swimming and HIIT, as well as 100 extended workout modes with an algorithm to accurately monitor and analyze over 30 key data points, like heart rate, speed and calories burned, making your workouts more efficient. It even comes with all-new blood oxygen testing and has features for sleep tracking, vital signs monitoring, stress monitoring and breathing training to help improve dad’s overall wellness. All with a 16-day ultralong battery life.

The Mi Watch is also as stylish as it is sporty - choose between six colors for the strap, three for the watch case and a whopping 100 different themed watch faces, and slim and lightweight enough to make workouts more enjoyable.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic picks for Father’s Day – visit the Mi store at https://mistoreph.com/, the Xiaomi official store in Shopee and Lazada or authorized retail outlets. Follow Xiaomi’s official Facebook or Instagram pages for other updates.

Cop your dream cameras, lenses, and accessories from Sony Philippines as they give us a FULL WEEK of huge discounts with its first and biggest camera deals exclusive on Lazada!

Follow Sony’s Flagship Store at LazMall and mark your calendars on June 20 to 29 for Camera Week.

Join the LazLive kick-off on June 19, 11PM with tech vlogger Mary Bautista and score additional promo vouchers!

For professionals, content creators, and vloggers eager to upgrade their cameras, you can never go wrong with Sony’s A6400 that will save you P8,000 from its original price packaged with a FREE ECM-LV1 stereo lavalier microphone and GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth grip. 

Meanwhile, Sony’s chic and compact digital camera ZV-1 will be on P3,000 off PLUS a windscreen freebie! Perfect for everyone’s casual videos, the ZV-1 is a very lightweight and easy-to-compact camera that you can bring, anytime, anywhere.

These and more in Sony’s Camera Week Deals happening on June 20-29, 2021. 

Checkout Sony’s Flagship store on Lazada here and don’t miss out on any updates regarding the Camera Week, follow Sony Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.