If you are one of those using the same login details everywhere, 2023 is the year you need to STOP doing that. Because of the spike in online transactions including financial ones accelerated by the pandemic, hacking activity has likewise stepped up. You really do not want someone to illegally obtain your login details and have immediate access to all your digital assets.

Writing them down in a notebook or worse, as a note on your phone, unencrypted, opens you to a lot of risk in case the notebook or your phone is lost.

What should one do? There are just too many passwords to remember. Answer: Use a password manager.

I have been using a password manager for close to 10 years and it has really made my life so much easier. Based on my personal experience, here are some reasons why I think everyone online should be using a password manager, free or paid.

#1: You only need to remember ONE master password

A master password is the one that opens the password manager. It really is the only one that you will need to remember so remember to create a very strong one.

Some ways to create one are by association. You can put together a phrase consisting of numbers and words you can personally remember but they should not be related to each other. Then replace some of the characters with numbers or symbols. For example, instead of an “a”, you can use “@”; an “i” can be a “1”; an “o” can be “0” (zero).

Word of caution: You must not forget your master password since the password manager does not store this on their site. If you forget this, your content may no longer be accessible.

#2: Easily generate very strong and random passwords

Password managers have built-in password generators that create random passwords. This way, each website you log into can have its own unique password.

What makes a strong password are the following attributes:

• Length – the longer, the better.
• Combination of upper- and lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols
• No dictionary words

One password manager, BitWarden, created this Password Strength Test Chart to illustrate the level of difficulty it takes to crack passwords depending on their length.

Personally, I generate passwords that are over 20 characters long. The only time I use shorter ones are if the website concerned places a maximum password length shorter than 20 characters. In those cases, I create a password with the maximum length allowed.

#3: Biometrics add another layer of protection

Many sites now utilize biometrics to authenticate the user. Most of the top password managers now give you the option to use biometrics to open it up. That gives you another layer of protection since only you can open the app on your phone. Be sure though to check your settings so that the app does not stay open too long after opening.

#4: The autofill feature can help log you into websites and apps

Most passwords manager have an Autofill feature that allows the password manager to automatically fill in your login details on the website. This saves you from manually typing in your password (which can be a hassle if you are using a long and strong one). Of course, another option is the Copy-Paste feature which all password managers have.

#5: Your passwords are securely encrypted

Those who are against the use of a password manager are often afraid that once the application is hacked, all their passwords will be readily accessible. Actually, your paper notebook or password file on a Word document is more risky because it is not encrypted. Anyone who gains access to these will immediately get a hold of all your passwords.

Password managers use the strongest encryption methods. Most of them support the latest AES 256-bit military grade encryption, which uses a 256-bit key length to encrypt and decrypt your passwords securely. Even the password manager company cannot see your password. The data you put on your device is encrypted before it is sent to the company’s cloud.

#6: Easily change passwords

In case of a data breach and your password is compromised, a password manager can easily generate a new strong password. Some password managers can even reset your passwords with a click. As a rule, I try to change my passwords annually and usually do it over the Christmas holidays.

#7: Sync feature across multiple devices

Most password managers let you sync your passwords across multiple devices and operating systems, even on a free plan. This makes it easy for you to log on with the password manager, no matter where you are.

#8: Secure password sharing among family members

Under family plans, family members are assigned their own ‘vaults’ where their personal passwords are stored. Each family member has control over his/her own vault so your private passwords are not shared with the others.

There are so many password managers to choose from. Just google search terms such as “best password manager 2023” and you will get several articles listing down the authors’ fave password managers and reviews of each. Personally, in our family, my kids and I use different password managers. We have tried Dashlane, 1Password, and BitWarden.

Maybe at some other time, I will write about my personal experience with the ones I used. Don’t wait too long. Having your digital accounts broken into by nasty hackers is not a joke and will be a lot of hassle for you.

The post Why you should seriously consider using a password manager appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

PayPal has already taken steps as a result of the breach. PayPal reset the passwords of affected PayPal accounts and implemented enhanced security controls that will require these accounts to provide a new password the next time they log in. Warning emails were sent to these accounts to inform them of the breach, PayPal’s response, and actions that the account owners need to take.

In addition, the affected users are being given a two-year complimentary membership to Equifax, an identity monitoring service.

Was PayPal hacked?

NO, PayPal was NOT hacked. The data breach happened because the affected users did not take enough steps to secure their accounts.

How did the breach happen then?

The breach was done by credential stuffing, a type of attack where hackers use automation to inject stolen username and password pairs, that are already on the dark web from previous data breaches on other sites, into login forms.

Those who use credential stuffing take advantage of users with weak online security protocols such as those who use the same username and password to log into multiple sites, do not regularly change their passwords, and often, do not employ two- or multiple-factor authentication.

What personal information was exposed?

PayPal disclosed in their incident report that personal information exposed could include name, postal address, Social Security number, individual tax identification number, and/or date of birth.

It is also possible that invoicing data and credit/debit card details were likewise exposed. While it is not yet clear what could happen as a result of this exposure, I can make a guess that, with that information, identity theft or phishing are possibilities.

What to do if you received a warning email from PayPal?

If you are one of those who received a warning email from PayPal regarding this data breach, you must immediately take steps to strengthen your PayPal account.

• Immediately change your password and use a strong one that uses upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The maximum password limit of PayPal is 20 characters. I use the full 20-character limit with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – Using a desktop browser, Click the Settings icon (the gear) and go to the Security tab. From there you can active 2FA.

PayPal is one of those sites I am really paranoid about because it involves money. That, my e-wallet sites, and banking apps all have 2FA activated. Plus, I use really looooooong passwords (more than 20 characters if available). I also do not reuse passwords and I do not use the same password on different sites.

The Christmas season is especially attractive to these bad elements. Last November, I received two requests to pay unknown people and they were asking for hundreds of dollars each. I have no business that requires me to pay anyone, except for my blogging host provider.

I promptly reported these fraudulent invoices to PayPal and just ignored the requests. Well, what do you know? Just this month, both those fraudulent invoices were cancelled. I do not know if those people did it or PayPal did. But I am relieved that I no longer have them as pending requests for payment on my feed.

Stay digitally safe!

The post Got PayPal? A recent data breach may have compromised your personal information appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

As the latest in the HONOR X Series, the X9a 5G will bring to the market several premium features. Not only is it highly durable but it will come with an OLED curved screen, and a long-lasting battery.

Tough OLED Curved Screen

Nothing looks more classy and sexy than a phone where the screen overflows and curves into the sides. While most smartphones have screens that stop short of the edges, the HONOR X9a 5G screen curves 45 degrees into the sides, giving an illusion of continuity from any angle.

At home, we have been enjoying watching TV on an OLED TV. What a difference the sharpness and color vibrancy is compared to ordinary LED TVs. That OLED technology is coming to the HONOR X9a 5G as well with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Clumsy fingers? No worries with this phone. Several drop tests from different heights and hard floor surfaces have proved that this phone’s screen is indestructible!

64MP Super Triple Rear Cameras

The same iconic circular camera layout as HONOR’s flagship Magic Series line-up featuring a symmetrical Matrix Star Ring camera design at the back will be found also in the HONOR X9a 5G phone. The 64 MP wide main camera will be complemented by two others: a 5MP ultrawide camera and a 2MP macro camera.

Besides the 3 rear cameras, the phone will also have a 16MP wide front camera for clearer and wider-ranged selfies.

Long-lasting battery life

The HONOR X9a 5G is the thinnest and lightest smartphone with a battery life that can last up to 2-days of use.  With just 30 minutes of charging, the it can also deliver up to 12.5 hours of video streaming.

Classy color options

The HONOR X9a 5G will come in two classy colors: Titanium Silver and Emerald Green.

The launch on January 19, 2023 can be seen live on HONOR Philippines’ Facebook Page (https://bit.ly/HONORX9a5GLaunchEvent) at 7PM. Watch and who knows? You just may win your very own HONOR X9a 5G!

The post HONOR X9a 5G will be launching on January 19, 2023 with a premium OLED curved screen appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

For the past few years, the Christmas season has been my season for digital decluttering and security tightening of my digital assets. At first, it was just changing passwords. But as time went on, and with social media exploding, my problems escalated.

Dropbox began warning me that my storage is nearing full capacity. My Gmail accounts are facing the same issue. I am also subscribed to so many newsletters that I even don’t have the time to read. Talk about information overload! And no, I do not want to pay for additional storage if I can help it.

Don’t even start me on my phone storage. I just checked my phone and I have over 2,000 photos in my gallery. What has added to my dilemma the last few years is the rise of chat apps. My Viber and Telegram feeds are a nightmare to look at with so many groups that people have added me to or which I subscribed to. Just looking at them stresses me out as I see unread notifications running sometimes into the hundreds.

Recently, I came across a Facebook by a friend, Chit, who also advised people to clean their digital life. I decided to combine her suggestions with what I already do (or plan to do in the coming months) to clean up and secure my digital life.

You should consider doing this too.

TIGHTEN DATA SECURITY

Change passwords

This cannot be emphasized enough. If you have never changed your passwords since you first set it up, this should be your first action this year. Ideally, passwords need to be changed regularly. Annually, at the very least. More often, if you can. There have been many data breaches over the years involving different apps and websites. Just by regularly changing your passwords, you make it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts.

Start with the critical ones that could potentially expose you financially, such as your banking and e-wallet apps. Consider changing also the passwords of your email addresses, chat apps, and websites you regularly log into.

Using a password manager to generate strong passwords and store all your passwords is a great tool. You only need to remember one strong master password. This way, you can have unique passwords for all your digital assets

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication or 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires two forms of identification to access data. Aside from your password, 2FA means that you will need to enter another code that will be sent to you either through email/SMS, a code generated from a third-party authentication app, or your biometrics (fingerprint, face, or retina). Enable it wherever it is available on your apps or websites.

CLEAN UP YOUR DIGITAL ASSETS

Unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters

There were offers for free wellness e-books that I registered for but the downside of this is that they automatically put your email address on their mailing list and start sending you their promotional materials. These have bloated my email inbox unnecessarily so I am slowly unsubscribing from these.

Maybe you get these also from airlines, hotels, and other establishments. Usually, the option to Unsubscribe is found at the bottom of their emails. If there is no Unsubscribe option, as I have found in certain emails, go to my next suggestion.

Create an email filter for spam emails

Yes, there are marketers that DO NOT provide an option to Unsubscribe from their emails. I find them inconsiderate but the solution is simple.

Go to the Settings of your email provider and create a filter. In Gmail, for example, you can create a filter that detects a word, a subject heading, a sender’s address, and so on. Then you can set the filter to immediately send an email to Trash without passing Inbox. Just remember to check Trash every so often and empty it. Items in Trash still count towards your storage capacity.

Leave groups that are no longer relevant

Check Facebook, Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other chat threads that you joined or was added to. The less you need to scroll down to check if you have new messages, the less stressful it will be on you.

Unfollow/Unfriend

How many pages and groups are you a part of? Are they all still relevant to you? Find time to go through them and unfollow those you no longer need.

Do the same with Facebook friends and accounts you follow on different social media platforms.

Trash old emails you no longer need

Old emails just use up your precious storage capacity. Go through your emails and trash those you no longer need. Remember to follow through by going to the Trash or Bin and empty it because, as I already mentioned above, emails still in Trash continue to count towards your storage capacity.

One tip: If you have thousands of emails to wade through, select first those with attachments because file attachments occupy more storage.

Offload photos/videos

You may not realize it but in this age of selfies, groupfies, and social media, we accumulate a lot of photos on our phone. Too many of these can eat up your phone’s capacity easily and could slow down your phone.

You can transfer photos and videos directly to a computer, external drive, or storage app like Dropbox. Those with Gmail accounts can also move these files to their related Google Drive.

Delete unused apps

Apps also use up phone storage and when left running in the background, slow down your phone. Do a quick sweep of your phone and delete any apps you have not used in a long time. You can always re-download these when you need to.

That’s it! I know the Christmas season will not be enough for all these. This will be a year-round effort. Still, we should regularly clean out our digital life or else we will find our digital assets swamped.

The post Clean up and secure your digital life NOW! appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

This all-new foldable flagship pushes industry benchmarks in design, display, performance and user experience – making it the perfect companion for business and entertainment.

Describing the HONOR Magic Vs as its “next-generation foldable flagship”, Stephen Cheng, Vice President for Marketing at HONOR says “The HONOR Magic Vs will be our very first foldable flagship to debut in overseas markets and we are confident that it will deliver huge advancements, transforming how people all around the world use their smartphones.”

Check out some of the outstanding features of the HONOR Magic Vs.

• Slim and lightweight – At only 12.9mm thin when folded, the HONOR Magic Vs is currently the industry’s lightest foldable phone in the market.
• Groundbreaking hinge design – The Magic VS sports a super-light gearless hinge carefully crafted with a single-piece casting processing technology, which drastically reduces the number of components of supporting structure used in the hinge while maintaining its durability and sturdiness. HONOR says that this hinge allows the Magic Vs to withstand over 400,000 folds, equivalent to more than ten years of use with 100 folds per day,
• Large dual display – Boasting a 6.45-inch display when folded, with a user-friendly 21:9 aspect ratio and a 90% screen-to-body ratio, the HONOR Magic Vs outperforms existing foldables that often have a long and narrow screen. When unfolded, it delivers a tablet-like experience with an extra-wide 7.9-inch internal display.
• Triple-camera system – The Magic Vs is equipped with 3 cameras: a 54MP IMX800 Main Camera, a 50MP Ultra-Wide & Macro Main Camera, and an 8MP 3X Optical Zoom Camera. These allow users to capture images with stunning detail.
• 66W Wired HONOR SuperCharge – This allows the phone to be fully charged in just 46 minutes.

The HONOR Magic Vs also comes in 3 colors: Orange, Cyan, and Black.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

The post Wait for it! HONOR Magic Vs, HONOR’s foldable flagship phone, is coming soon to the Philippines appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

Discounted modems, free GBs and other rewards for new and existing customers are up for grabs this holiday season. Check these out:

• Until January 15, 2023, you can get a Home Prepaid WiFi for yourself or as a gift at a discounted
  price of PhP 799, PhP 200 less than its original price of PhP 999. It also comes with a free 50GB that you
  can use for watch, learn, and earn apps.
• You can also save PhP 1,100 and get a FREE TP-Link WiFi mesh when you purchase Xtreme Home
  Prepaid WiFi in Globe Stores. Xtreme Home Prepaid WiFi allows you to enjoy an all-in-one
  Internet TV Box that provides video streaming with access to over one million videos, shows,
  and movies. It has videoke-ready and voice command features and offers clear local TV
  channels in areas where digital terrestrial television (DTT) signal is available.
• Every purchase of a Home Prepaid WiFi will get you freebies such as a Christmas Tote bag and
  an insulated tumbler. Available in select stores and cities.
• Enjoy up to PhP 150 worth of vouchers and cashback until January 5, 2023 for Merry GCash offers.
  This promo started last November 28, 2022
• You can also catch the 12 days of Pamasko Promo. Load via the GlobeOne app from December
  12 to 23, 2022 to earn rewards points you can redeem as vouchers with lower points daily, such
  as EdVenture tutorial sessions, 1GB of data for one-day surfing, PhP 20 Razer Gold Wallet PINs, PhP 50
  Grab Express vouchers, and up to PhP 100 Lazada vouchers.

To avail Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi’s exciting offers, download or check out the GlobeOne App https://globeone.onelink.me/ej7I/G1Ref.

The post Enjoy Christmas with Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi promos and discounts appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

We have up to 180 days (or roughly 6 months) from effectivity of the law to register our SIMs although the law allows the registration to be extended for a period not more than 120 days. Each telco operator is responsible for maintaining the database of SIM registration. Registration is FREE.

Different types of SIMs are covered by the law: mobile SIMs, embedded SIMs (eSIMs), data-only or fixed wireless broadband modem SIMs, as well as machine-to-machine (M2M) and/or Internet-of-Things (IoT) SIMs.

The registration process will vary depending on your situation so here goes.

Postpaid subscribers

The telco provider you got your postpaid SIM from already has your customer information. However, you will need to confirm this information through the website that the telco provider will give.

Current prepaid subscribers

All prepaid subscribers will likewise need to register on the website provided by the telco provider for registration within 180 days from the law’s effectivity.

Once this deadline is reached, unregistered active SIMs will be automatically deactivated. You can reactivate it but only within 5 days from automatic deactivation.

New SIM users

All new SIMs will, by default, be deactivated. New SIM users will need to fill up a registration form via a registration website provided by the telco provider.

For individuals, the following information will be collected:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Present/Official address
• Type of ID presented
• ID number presented

Acceptable IDs for individuals include:

• Passport
• Philippine Identification System ID
• SSS ID
• GSIS ID
• Driver’s license
• NBI clearance
• Police clearance
• Firearms’ License to Own and Possess ID
• Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
• Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID
• Voter’s ID
• Senior citizen’s card
• Universal Multi-purpose Identification Card (UMID)
• Persons with Disabilities (PWD) card
• Other valid government-issued ID with photo

For businesses or other juridical entities, the following information will be collected:

• Business name
• Business address
• Full name of authorized signatory

The business entity will need to present its Certificate of Registration and, in the case of a corporation, a duly adopted resolution designating the authorized representative. In the case of other juridical entities, a special power of attorney will need to be presented.

Minors

SIMs to be used by a minor will be registered under the name of the minor’s parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will have to present any of the IDs listed above as well as a written consent for the SIM’s registration.

Foreigners

Foreigners will need to submit the following information in order to get a local SIM.

• Full name
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport
• Proof of address in the Philippines
• Type of travel or admission document presented
• ID number or number of the document presented

SIMs issued to foreigners with a tourist visa will only be good for 30 days. An extension can be requested if the visa is also extended. The 30-day validity period does not apply to foreigners holding other kinds of visas.

Remote areas

Government agencies, such as but not limited to DICT, NTC, DILG, and DepEd as well as all telco providers, shall help facilitate SIM registration in remote areas with limited telecommunication or internet access.

Specific to Globe/TM/Home Prepaid WiFi subscribers

If you are a Globe, TM, or Home Prepaid WiFi subscriber, go to https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg. By January 2023, registration will also be possible through the GlobeOne app.

Specific to Smart Prepaid/Smart Bro/TNT subscribers

For Smart Prepaid, Smart Bro, and TNT subscribers, register at https://smart.com.ph/simreg. For new users, a liveness check or selfie photo will be required for validation.

Specific to Dito subscribers

Go to https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO to register your SIM.

* * * * *

The SIM Card Registration Act likewise contains provisions that address lost or stolen SIMs, describes the responsibilities of both the users and telco providers, and provides a list of penalties for violations.

Read the Act’s IRR HERE.

The post Register your SIM card starting December 27 or face deactivation appeared first on TITA TECHIE.

With an increase in investments for Philippine firms in the next three years (a much higher rate when compared to the past five years combined), there is set to be a tipping point in the country’s start-up scene.

When asked about the focus on start-ups for this year’s theme (DigiCon Valley being, of course, reminiscent of Silicon Valley), QAIROS CEO and DigiCon co-chair Denise Haak said “We realized there is a perception of start-ups that is very pigeonholed. People seem to think that start-ups are separate things from enterprises or institutionalized organizations. But a start-up is a mindset, it’s a practice.”

The goal was to “Break down the walls of ‘we are not a start-up’ vs. ‘we are an institution,’ and show them that it’s a practice, a methodology, it’s attitude and it’s not merely a place. That’s why we have DigiCon Valley, which is not a place. It is a state of mind,” said Haak.

The idea of start-ups being a state of mind resonated with both actual start-ups and stable companies, said fellow co-chair and General Manager of FutureProof PH Trish Elamparo-Esteban. “From 2020 onwards, we all had to be agile and apply these problem-solving skills that start-ups do. We all had to be a start-up in one way or another.”

As always, after a conference like DigiCon, filled with quotable quotes and insights, I needed time to gather my thoughts and create a list of my key takeaways. There was just a lot of notes that I had to wade through to pick out the best among the best so here goes.

Takeaway 1: Focus on the key moment

The opening keynote for DigiCon Valley went to Jake Knapp, New York Times Bestselling Author and inventor of Design Sprint, a process that uses design when bringing new products to market in five days. Credits to his name include Google Meets, Gmail, and Microsoft.

Knapp discussed Design Sprint, which is centered on the belief that solution planning can be condensed into one week, rather than a drawn-out timetable. “Focus on the key moment,” he said.

Takeaway 2: Have the determination to fight using disruptive innovation

Angkas CEO George Royeca related the experience of his company during the pandemic.

He said Angkas had to quickly innovate as they faced one problem after another such as their office shutdown, their office being raided, and the impounding of their bikes. Royeca said that as he heard the testimonials of people during government hearings who were helped by Angkas, it made him more determined to fight. “Think of how to identify a real problem and the steps needed to solve it,” he said.

Takeaway 3: Make the complex simple

Another keynote speaker, Mark Ritson, a world-leading expert in marketing, talked about doing the 180-degree change in mindset.

Ritson said that oftentimes, businesses get it wrong by going after the wrong customers. There are too many strategists but little clarity in terms of where the company wants to go. He gave some points to consider:

1. Be choiceful – Ritson quoted Michael Porter who said “The essence of strategy is choosing what NOT to do”.
2. Simplify the complex – Businesses should look at its processes. Complexity does not necessarily mean a business is better or superior. Making the business less complex for its customers often draws more of them in.
3. Focus more on brand building rather than performance marketing

Takeaway 4: Build brands your conscience can live with

The keynote talk of Rupen Desai, CMO of Dole Sunshine Co., struck a warm chord in me as he spoke of many brands that still have an extractive mindset (profit at the cost of people and planet). Instead, he called for a radical mindset (regenerative growth) that does less harm and where people, planet, and prosperity work and thrive together.

Desai told the story of Dole and how it partnered with Ananas Anam, a startup behind the vegan pineapple-based leather alternative, Piñatex. Dole collects its leftover pineapple leaves and turns them over to Ananas Anam who turns it into a non-woven mesh that serves as the base of Piñatex. According to this UK article, “Piñatex is an increasingly popular vegan replacement for leather used in a range of goods, predominantly in fashion but also in upholstery and automotives. Aside from Nike, other brands now using Piñatex to create new cruelty-free products include H&M, Paul Smith, and Hugo Boss.”

Takeaway 5: Work-life integration, not work-life balance

I was in awe listening to Arianna Huffington, Founder/CEO of Thrive Global, author of multiple books, and co-founder of the The Huffington Post (now shortened to HuffPost). I have read her articles since her Huffington Post days, still follow her on LinkedIn, and have read two of her books (Thrive and The Sleep Revolution).

Arianna had a very rude awakening to burnout. She collapsed one day, hit her head on a desk, and broke her cheekbone. ““It helped me realize that burnout was not just my problem but a global epidemic.” she said. Although HuffPost was already doing very well, Arianna decided to leave and instead, set up Thrive Global, a “behavior change technology company.” The aim was to help people adopt healthier practices and to make them believe it was possible to go from awareness to action.

She said that what we need to strive for is not work-life balance since there will be days when balance is NOT practical (such as when you have a sick child). Instead, we need to strive for work-life integration. She advocates compassionate directness (being honest when things don’t work out for us). She also emphasized a direct connection between business metrics and employees’ mental health.

Asked her opinion about quiet quitting (a trend where employees put no more effort into their jobs than absolutely necessary), Arianna reacted by saying it was the wrong response to a problem. For her, quiet quitting is giving up on a job you love and is not the response to burnout. Post-pandemic, she  believes we will have the opportunity to define how we work and live and employers need to be able to help people take care of themselves and work better as well.

Takeaway 6: Move from people-centered design to humanity-centered design

In a breakout session, I got to listen to Wendy Johansson, Co-founder and Chief Product Experience Officer of Mi Salud Health, a healthtech company with a mission to close the health equity gap for Hispanics in the United States. ‍

Johansson described Mi Salud’s rude awakening when they realized that many of those they planned to serve did not know how to download their app, was prevented from downloading due to parental locks, or were using 3rd generation phones that could not download apps.

She emphasized the importance of moving away from what she considers people- or human-centered design to humanity-centered design. In other words, user interface designers should focus on people’s needs, not as individuals, but as societies with complex problems.

People-centered design focuses on people while humanity-centered design focuses on an entire ecosystem. People-centered design takes a systems view into consideration; humanity-centered design takes on a much longer view with the realization that most of the damaging effects on a society show up only after many years, even decades. Design should always consider the community at large.

Lastly, Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, also a keynote speaker, focused her talk on the damaging effects of disinformation. She talked about how social media’s power in influencing credibility is a double-edged sword that has repercussions in both personal and public life. She said there is now a global phenomenon where there are new gatekeepers and upside down rules.

Ressa called on laws to protect, among others, free speech, online content moderation, user safety, and data privacy. She also believes that data privacy must be protected from those trying to profit from it.

She emphasized three important pillars for rebuilding trust: Technology, Journalism, and Community and went on to talk about how these pillars resulted in the coming together of different stakeholders to form the FactsFirstPH community. Learn, speak up, draw the line, trust and grow our shared reality, and believe in the goodness of human nature.

Ressa ended by saying, “Ask yourself: what will you sacrifice for the truth?”

I thoroughly enjoyed past DigiCon conferences and DigiCon Valley 2022 is no exception. The 5-day forum was absolutely packed with insights and trends that digital marketers attending could take back with them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thanks to everyone who made DigiCon Valley 2022 a huge success! Below are the brands and institutions that helped make the conference possible.

Co-Presenter: Angkas

Platinum Sponsors: Manulife Philippines, Share Treats, and TikTok
Gold Sponsors: GrabAds, Investing in Women (an initiative of the Australian Government), Kroma Entertainment, Maya Philippines, McDonald’s, Meta, MetaverseGo!, and Smart
Silver Sponsors: Digital Turbine, Hepmil Philippines, and Metrobank

Platinum Media Partners: GMA New Media, Inc., Manila Broadcasting Company, and Rappler
Gold Media Partners: ABS-CBN, CNN Philippines, Manila Bulletin, One Mega Group Inc., Podcast Network Asia, The Asian Parent, and The New Channel
Silver Media Partners: adobo magazine, BusinessWorld, Inquirer.net, Kroma Entertainment, Manila Times, and Philippine Star

Event Partners: CICP, Endeavor, Eventscape Manila, and Kickstart Ventures

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I grew up watching Disney movies and cartoons and so did our children. I think we accumulated quite a collection of Disney films on VHS over the years as the kids were growing up. Dozens, at least, including classics. I still have these tapes as I do not have the heart to dispose of them. It is quite exhilarating to know that soon, we will be able to watch these movies (and more) on demand from the comfort of our homes and anywhere we are with our mobile devices.

A Disney+ subscription brings subscribers more than just Disney films. We will be treated to iconic movies from Walt Disney Animation Studios, heartwarming and powerful storytelling from Disney and Pixar, blockbuster films from the thrilling worlds of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Star Wars films and latest series, compelling documentaries and specials from National Geographic, and the incredible collection of general entertainment series, movies, documentaries and other content under Star. Under the Star brand, one can watch Korean content featuring BTS and other top Asian stars. The K-pop/K-drama spirit in me is happy!

Just in time for the Christmas season, Disney+ features over 1,800 films and 32,000 episodes, including an extensive and  ever-growing collection of Disney+ Originals and beloved library titles. Holiday binge-watching na ito!

How to subscribe

Globe customers can get Disney+ on an a la carte basis at PhP 159 per month or PhP 1,150 per year for a Mobile Plan. A Premium Plan, meanwhile, costs PhP 369 per month or PhP 2,950 per year. Customers may also use their Globe Rewards points to subscribe.

The Mobile Plan allows you to view Disney+ on a phone or tablet only while the Premium Plan includes viewing on a laptop and TV aside from the devices allowed on the Mobile Plan. The Mobile Plan only allows concurrent streaming for 1 screen while on a Premium Plan, it allows 4 screens simultaneously streaming. Video quality is up to full HD (720p) on a Mobile Plan while it is up to 4K Ultra HD (2160p) on the Premium Plan.

Prepaid customers may also enjoy special offers by subscribing to Disney+ packages via their load credits. Postpaid customers may charge the subscription to their monthly bill and Globe Platinum customers will be able to include their chosen Disney+ subscription in their consumable allowance.

Existing subscribers of GFiber 2499 internet plans and above will be able to enjoy an annual Disney+ premium plan on Globe. Download the GlobeOne app to learn more.

But wait! Check out the GCash/Alipay promo!

As part of an early bird deal till November 16, GCash users in the Philippines with Alipay+ Rewards can sign up for the special package that includes Disney+ annual subscriptions, when they pay with their GCash e-wallet via Alipay+ Rewards on the GCash app.

The annual Mobile Plan that normally goes for PhP 1,150 will only be PhP 829 while the annual Premium Plan that is normally PhP 2,950 will only be PhP 2,299.

After the debut of Disney+ on November 17, consumers in the Philippines can continue to use their GCash e-wallets via Alipay+ to subscribe at the regular rates.

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Recently, GoTyme Bank, Philippine interbank ATM and online banking network BancNet, and Visa, one of the world’s leaders in digital payments, formed a strategic partnership to address the need for convenient and accessible banking and digital payment solutions in the Philippines.

The synergy works. Visa is known for its worldwide reach and expertise in digital payments. BancNet has its extensive nationwide and offshore coverage. GoTyme Bank carries the Gokongwei brand’s reputation, technology and understanding of the Philippines market. Together, these partners plan to offer consumers high quality banking to every Filipino as well as an exciting and rewarding digital payment and money movement experience.

This partnership launch coincided with the introduction of the GoTyme Visa ATM Debit Card that will be given out for free to all GoTyme Bank Account holders.

The virtual and physical cards will have the same number personalized with the cardholder’s name. This card will allow everyone to enjoy the benefits of Visa for transactions worldwide, including withdrawals from any ATM when traveling outside of the country. Powered by BancNet, which is the Philippines’ single ATM switch operator, the multi-bank, multi-channel electronic payments network will enable GoTyme cardholders to transact not only at ATMs but also at point-of-sale (POS) terminals, via the internet, and using mobile phones. Users can access a wide range of services through the different channels, including real-time fund transfers and payment of purchases by direct debit to account through InstaPay. GoTyme customers will also be able to transact at over 24,000 ATMs and more than 480,000 POS terminals nationwide.

Those who download the GoTyme app will be able to generate a Visa-powered virtual card for free that can be used to make digital payments and other related transactions with more features in the pipeline. This easy onboarding process will offer safer, better and varied options for their banking and payments needs, including instant access to banking and payments platforms through the Visa debit card. The personalized cards will be issued in real time through GoTyme Bank. These can be used for e-commerce; the physical card can also be used for transactions here and abroad.

About GoTyme Bank

GoTyme Bank, is a joint venture of Tyme, a multi-country digital banking group, with members of the Gokongwei Group of companies, namely Robinsons Bank, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. GoTyme Bank aims to unlock its customers’ financial potential with the convenience and security of digital banking. With a high tech-high touch approach, GoTyme Bank combines the ease of immediate account opening with a personalized debit card released through kiosks located in shopping malls throughout the Philippines, plus the power of self-serve financial solutions accessible through an intuitive “all in one” banking app. These, along with other industry-leading offerings, set GoTyme Bank on-track to revolutionize banking in the Philippines.

About the Gokongwei Group 

The Gokongwei Group is one of the largest and more diversified Filipino conglomerates. It is composed of JG Summit Holdings Inc. which has business interests in food manufacturing (Universal Robina Corporation), air transportation (Cebu Pacific), real estate and property development (Robinsons Land), banking (Robinsons Bank), and petrochemicals (JG Summit Olefins Corp.); and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI); and the Summit Media Group.

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