Why testing matters in the time of Omicron

Find out why testing is important in taking care of and protecting yourself and your family from the effects of COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labeled a new strain of the COVID-19 virus as a variant of concern, due to the sudden rise in cases all around the world. This variant is called the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa on November 24, 2021.

It spread rapidly, and on December 15, 2021, the Philippines reported its very first Omicron case. One month later, the Department of Health (DOH) would announce that Omicron has replaced Delta as the country’s predominant variant. By January 19, 2022, the DOH would confirm the first two documented deaths due to Omicron, and 492 new cases would bring the total of Omicron cases in the Philippines to 535.

It is clear that the effects of the Omicron variant need to be monitored closely. But what exactly is Omicron, and why should we be concerned about it?

Home is where the heart is. It is no place for germs.

Pine Sol keeps your family and home safe, fragrant, and welcoming 

When we think of the home, we think of a place that is filled with laughter, joy, love, and hope. We think of a place where we find rest and peace among people we hold near and dear. Indeed, for many, home is a place that is welcoming. And nothing feels more welcoming than a home that is fragrant, clean and germ-free. 

Since the start of the health crisis, people saw their daily routines changed. And for many, changed permanently. The fear of contagion and the ensuing paranoia forced many to hunker down and stay home every day. Overnight, the home became a place of work, recreation, entertainment, and leisure. 

Your Guide to a COVID-free Home

Here’s how you can ensure your family’s safety from the Omicron variant 

Once again, the Department of Health (DOH) categorized the Philippines as a “high risk” country for the COVID-19 virus*. As the number of cases spikes and the positivity rate increases by the day, there’s no doubt that the highly contagious Omicron variant plays a part. 

In response to the current situation, the government has raised the alert level status in some parts of the country and continues its vaccination efforts. And while we can further increase our body’s protection by getting a booster shot against the coronavirus, it’s vital to remain vigilant for the sake of everyone in your household.  

Celebrity-approved appliances you need to invest in for your kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of every Filipino household, and we can’t pretty much argue that a Filipino home isn’t complete without one. Whether you’re in a rural home or city-dwelling apartment, the kitchen has always been one of the most important parts of a household. In order to have a decent and efficient kitchen space, investing in the right appliances to ease your kitchen dilemmas remains a must. 

Procter & Gamble Philippines donates Purifier of Water packets as part of Typhoon Odette relief

With the Visayas and Mindanao region still reeling from the damage caused by Typhoon Odette, Procter & Gamble Philippines remains a force for good and the country’s nation-building partner by donating packets of P&G Purifier of Water for communities to have access to clean and safe drinking water.

In partnership with non-governmental organization (NGO) World Vision Philippines, who is accredited and trained in the administration of Purifier of Water, P&G Philippines was able to help over 1,000 families in the CARAGA Region, particularly in the municipality of Sison in Surigao del Norte.

“The damage brought upon by Typhoon Odette to our countrymen in Visayas and Mindanao greatly affected access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and hygiene. We immediately activated pre-positioned P&G Purifier of Water packets to provide access to clean, safe drinking water to communities in Sison, Surigao del Norte”, said Anna Legarda Locsin, P&G Philippines Communications Director.

Pfizer Philippines Certified As A Great Place To Work

Pfizer Philippines gets official Great Place To Work certification

Pfizer Philippines has officially been certified as a positive workplace by Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture.

In assessing the company for its certification, Great Place To Work surveyed a number of Pfizer employees, who have lauded the company for having an amazing workplace culture that allows them to grow and succeed.

Pfizer successfully earned this achievement by reflecting their stated core values—Courage, Excellence, Equity, and Joy—in their work environment. Through this framework, Pfizer employees enjoy a career with purpose, an inclusive community, equitable opportunities to grow, and a quality work experience.

Meralco Recognized For Outstanding Service Amid The Pandemic

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) emerged as one of the top  companies in the Philippines on service excellence, leveraging both digital and traditional customer channels despite the challenges brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In the recently concluded 2021 ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Awards presented by Asia IoT Business Platform (AIBP), Meralco was recognized for its entry, “Transformation Powered by Technology and Tradition”, which showcased the power distributor’s programs aimed at enhancing customer experiences through process improvements and digital transformation.

Among Meralco’s key customer-centricity initiatives are its Facebook Live Chat, which serves 8,000 transactions per hour; Virtual Customer Assistant, which allows customers to speak with Meralco representatives via video conferencing; and Online Customer Appointment, which enables customers to schedule appointments before visiting Business Centers. All these are geared towards ensuring the safety and convenience of Meralco customers.

Grab Philippines reaffirms its commitment to safety amidst rising COVID cases in the Philippines

• Grab enhances its COVID Assistance Fund by 4X to support vaccinated driver- and delivery-partners who may have contracted COVID and would need to self-isolate;
• Grab Philippines to mandate COVID testing to unvaccinated drivers- and delivery-partners starting 17 January 2022, and encourages partners who are vaccinated for at least 3 months to get their booster shots from LGUs;
• Grab Philippines to offer discounted rides for Filipinos going to and from vaccination sites through GrabCar Bayanihan

Amid the surge of COVID cases in the Philippines, Grab -  Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, announces key initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to providing Filipinos with a safe and reliable platform for their everyday needs while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of driver- and delivery-partners on the platform.

As of January 2022, the Philippines is witnessing a resurgence of COVID cases - breaching the 30,000 mark for new cases per day. The DOH has also declared that there have been reported cases of the more infectious Omicron variant in the country. In light of these events, Grab Philippines is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring utmost safety and hygiene throughout its platform through the following measures: 

Achieve your 2022 interior design ideas with these XTREME Appliances

As Filipinos welcomed 2022, most of us are starting — or even began their annual home improvements — to adapt to the interior design trends of the year.  With the past two years of a global pandemic which had been difficult for most of us, it is essential to create a space that is comfortable and effective. Luckily, these 2022 interior design trends resonate with this sentiment in creating a home that is more modern yet sustainable while enabling our personal style to lead the way.

In decorating our homes, one of the common struggles is selecting the right home appliances that reflect our style vision, yet are useful and practical. XTREME Appliances, the country’s leading one-stop shop appliance brand, is here to help you elevate your home’s overall interior design and functionality.

Meralco asks gencos to join CSP for 170-MW summer supply

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is urging generation companies to join the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for the supply of 170 megawatts (MW) of peaking power needed for the summer months.

Through the Third Party Bids and Awards Committee (TPBAC), Meralco said interested parties have until Wednesday, January 5, to submit Expressions of Interest for the contract covering the period February 26, 2022 to July 25, 2022.

A Pre-bid Conference is scheduled on January 12, 2022, and the Bid Submission Deadline will be on February 2, 2022.

Is your home clean and safe this holiday season?

Create a Pine-tastic, worry-free Christmas at home with Pine-Sol Original

Last year, the pandemic stole our Christmas as if the COVID-19 virus was the Grinch. But this year, due to people’s continued compliance with safety protocols, as well as the ongoing rollout of the nationwide vaccination program, quarantine restrictions have now been less stringent, especially since health authorities record a lower number of COVID-19 cases every day. 

While everything is, in a way, now slowly going back to normal, with the holiday season just around the corner, welcoming Christmas guests is inevitable. And yes, it does not mean that we need to let our guards down since the sickness-causing virus still lurks around.