Eat Well. Travel Often

Apr 26, 2025

YouTube Shopping launches in the Philippines, expanding partnership with Shopee in Southeast Asia

YouTube has officially partnered with Shopee to introduce YouTube Shopping in the Philippines, expanding its affiliate program to six countries across Southeast Asia. This initiative is set to revolutionize the video commerce landscape, enhancing the shopping experience for viewers, content creators, and advertisers alike.

A Seamless Shopping Experience

With YouTube Shopping, viewers can now easily discover and purchase products while enjoying content from their favorite creators. The affiliate program simplifies video e-commerce by allowing direct product tagging within videos, eliminating the need for tedious clicks or website switching. It’s as easy as checking out!

Opportunities for Shopee Sellers and Content Creators

This launch presents exciting prospects for both Shopee sellers and local content creators. Shopee sellers can broaden their reach by collaborating with a diverse network of creators, tapping into a highly engaged audience and driving unprecedented sales. This partnership fosters a seamless connection that enhances product discovery, amplifies brand visibility, and boosts conversion rates.

For eligible creators, this collaboration unlocks new revenue streams, enabling them to monetize their influence by promoting products to their established audiences. As consumers in the Philippines increasingly seek engaging and content-rich shopping experiences, this partnership aligns perfectly with their expectations.

The Rise of Video Commerce in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is rapidly emerging as a leading e-commerce market, with video commerce now accounting for 20% of the region's gross merchandise value in 2024—a remarkable fourfold increase since 2022. The creator economy in the Philippines is thriving, boasting over 450 channels with more than a million subscribers and over 6,000 channels with over 100,000 subscribers.

This growth is driven by a shift towards video-first shopping experiences, where consumers turn to trusted creators for information and entertainment. A global study shows that online users are 98% more likely to trust recommendations from YouTube creators compared to other platforms, significantly boosting purchase intent—YouTube drives 3.8 times greater purchase intent than its competitors.

Engaging Gen Z Consumers

According to a Kantar study, eight out of ten Southeast Asian Gen Z respondents prefer entertaining shopping experiences, underscoring the importance of content in their purchasing journeys. Despite exploring various channels for product discovery, 63% of Filipino Gen Z respondents still prefer completing their purchases on e-commerce platforms. This synergy between YouTube and Shopee creates an integrated shopping experience that resonates with this demographic.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Sapna Chadha, Vice President for Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, expressed enthusiasm about the launch: “Southeast Asia is shaping the future of shopping with its deeply engaged video-first audience, a thriving digital economy, and a vibrant creator community. We’re excited to bring YouTube Shopping to the Philippines, making it one of six countries globally to have this feature.”

Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines, added, “Our partnership with YouTube Shopping marks a significant milestone for our brands and sellers. It allows them to connect with creators and leverage their influence to drive sales effectively. This collaboration also offers Filipino content creators new avenues to monetize their creativity while promoting products that resonate with their audiences.”

Monetization Opportunities for Creators

The YouTube Shopping affiliate program allows creators to tag products in both existing and new videos, as well as during live streams. A comprehensive list of tagged products is available in the video description and ‘Product’ section, directing viewers to Shopee’s sales page for a smooth purchasing process.

This program complements existing monetization options, empowering Filipino creators to deepen their audience engagement and build lasting connections. Options include Ads Revenue, YouTube Premium Revenue, Channel Memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat, and Super Stickers.

Success Stories

In just seven months since its launch in Southeast Asia, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program has shown impressive results. For instance, beauty creator Mai Trinh Hồ reported nearly a fivefold increase in revenue after joining the program. Similarly, tech creator Jagat Review from Indonesia noted that the affiliate program contributed to 50% of his channel's total earnings between July and October of last year.

Filipino creators like Camille Co are already embracing this new opportunity. “I’m thrilled about YouTube Shopping! It makes it easier for me to share products I love and earn on the side,” she shared.

Tech enthusiast Mond Salem of Hardware Voyage echoed this excitement: “I can’t wait for YouTube Shopping to help us creators earn more through product sales!”

New Horizons for Brands and Advertisers

For advertisers, YouTube Shopping presents fresh opportunities to connect with consumers and drive better business outcomes. By linking partnership ads to relevant creator content, brands can streamline the customer journey from discovery to purchase. For example, L’Oréal Thailand combined its campaign with the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, achieving tenfold increases in high-intent views and significantly improving cost-per-visit efficiency.

Since the program’s launch, YouTube and Shopee have seen active engagement across various categories, including Beauty, Mobile & Gadgets, and Home & Living. This demonstrates the diverse product range and the potential for creators to influence consumer purchasing decisions. As YouTube Shopping gains traction in Southeast Asia, it solidifies its role as a transformative force in the video commerce and creator economies.

To learn more about enabling YouTube Shopping on your channel, click here.

Apr 23, 2025

Empowering Communities, One Innovation at a Time: My Takeaways from the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum

Jexx Hinggo 6:41 AM 0 Comments

On April 22, I attended the BDO Fiesta Kapihan Forum at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Davao. I anticipated the usual corporate updates, but I left feeling genuinely impressed. The event provided a clearer view of how BDO is reaching out to more Filipinos—especially those in rural areas—through thoughtful and practical services.

BDO Pay: All About Convenience

Let's start with BDO Pay. This app allows you to pay directly from your BDO account or credit card, eliminating the need to load up or transfer funds. As someone who frequently engages in online transactions, this felt like a win. The app offers a wide range of features: Scan to Pay, Send Money, Pay Bills, Split Bills, Request Funds, QR Withdrawals and Deposits, Buy Load, and access to BDO Rewards & Deals. What really caught my attention was the ability to pay bills to over 1,800 billers with no extra fee and transfer to other banks or e-wallets for just P10. Plus, it's secure and backed by BDO, making digital banking more seamless without complicating things.

Cash Agad: Banking That Reaches Further

Then there's Cash Agad—something that truly stood out for me. It's designed for areas where banks or ATMs aren't easily accessible. With Cash Agad, people in remote areas can withdraw money and perform basic banking through local shops like mini groceries, pharmacies, or water refilling stations, as long as there's signal. Even better, these small businesses become partner agents, earning extra income while offering a vital service to their community.

I love how it's not just about access, but also about uplifting local businesses and keeping the economy moving in small towns and barangays. As someone who believes in supporting locals, this really resonated with me.

I left the event with a fresh perspective. BDO isn't just offering services—they're solving real-world problems. Whether it's through the ease of BDO Pay or the reach of Cash Agad, they're helping people do more without needing to travel far or worry about technology gaps.

If you're looking for more convenient banking or have family in areas where access is limited, give these services a try. They just might make life a bit easier.

You can also join the BDO Fiesta at SM Lanang on April 26, 2025 from 10AM onwards. There will be games, prizes, and surprises for new and current BDO customers. See you there!

Apr 16, 2025

EastWest Dream Run 2025: Stories from Davao Runners

Jexx Hinggo 9:51 PM eastwest , events 0 Comments

The EastWest Dream Run 2025 was held last Sunday, April 6, at Azuela Cove, R. Castillo Street, Davao City. As part of EastWest’s 30th Anniversary celebration, the event brought together runners, dreamers, and fitness communities from all over the country—uniting them in a morning of movement and motivation.

With race categories ranging from a fun 1K dog run to the intense 30K endurance challenge, the Dream Run offered something for everyone. Legendary race organizer Coach Rio de la Cruz helped bring this event to life, promising runners a world-class experience.

Several of my online friends in Davao joined the event and shared their experiences after the run. Here are some of their personal reflections:

Michael Anthony Martho

"I joined the EastWest Dream Run to push myself. I wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have proper training, but I always reminded myself to finish the race safe and strong.”

Rhea Mae Ortiz

“I joined the EastWest Run to challenge myself and see how far my endurance can take me.”

Jona Rollan

“Started my running era last year… going 40s na bya ta puhon. At least makatabang sa mga unhealthy eating habits. Samot nag mag crave-crave naaaaah… bawion sa dagan oi!”

Bryan Sarte

“As always, I went here with the only intention of enjoying and celebrating my ability to run with the growing running community. EastWest Run tested my limits—30km is not easy—but I thank God, who made it possible, for His strength and guidance. Proving to myself that discipline beats excuses.”

Their stories are a great reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels events like this one. Congratulations to everyone who ran at EastWest Dream Run Davao!

(Photos forwarded by the runners. Credit to the owner.)

Win P1M Cash, a Brand-New Car, and Free Broadband for Life with PLDT Home OMG Promo

Jexx Hinggo 2:30 AM lifestyle , pldt 0 Comments

Get ready for the most exciting promo of the year - PLDT Home’s OMG (One Mega Giveaway) is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

This year, PLDT Home is making your digital moments even more rewarding with an incredible prize pool that includes a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner, P1 million in cash, free fiber broadband for life, and much more.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the ‘One Mega Giveaway’ for its second year. This time, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Patrick Tang, PLDT First Vice President and Head of Home Acquisition Marketing. “It’s our way of showing gratitude to our subscribers by giving them life-changing rewards that make everyday living even better with PLDT Home.”

Fuel Your Life Upgrade
From April 10 to July 31, 2025, new PLDT Home subscribers of Fiber plan 1399 and up are automatically eligible for raffle entries.

Check out the OMG-worthy prizes that are up for grabs:

Grand Prize: One lucky winner will drive home a brand-new 2025 Toyota Fortuner — a tough, stylish SUV that’s perfect for families and adventures.

Cash Winners: One subscriber will win P1 million in cash, and ten others will take home P100,000 each.

Free Fiber Broadband for Life: One winner will enjoy a Home Fiber subscription – Free for Life, and ten others will receive a year of free broadband.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your ride, enjoy free internet, or stream endlessly - the OMG Promo is your ticket to a major lifestyle upgrade. PLDT Home designed this year’s One Mega Giveaway to help families live their best digital experiences.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win these mega prizes! Visit www.pldthome.com/internet for full promo mechanics and details.

Apr 12, 2025

Cebu Pacific Air Power Bank Usage and Guidelines

Jexx Hinggo 6:47 PM cebu pacific , travel 0 Comments

These days, a power bank is just as essential as your boarding pass. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite series, editing travel content, or simply staying in touch with loved ones while in transit, a portable charger is a must-have. But before you pack one for your next flight, here’s a quick reminder from Cebu Pacific (CEB) on how to carry and use power banks safely—based on the guidelines from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

What kind of power banks are allowed on Cebu Pacific flights?

Passengers are welcome to bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh—no need for extra clearance. This is the standard for most compact and travel-friendly chargers.

If yours is between 100Wh and 160Wh, it’s still allowed on board, but you’ll need to declare it at the check-in counter for approval. Anything above 160Wh won’t be allowed, so it’s best to check the label before heading to the airport.

Can I use or charge my power bank during the flight?

Short answer: no. For safety reasons, using or charging power banks while on the plane is not allowed. Even if your phone’s battery is running low, you’ll need to wait until you land. This is to prevent any possible overheating or electrical issues mid-flight.

Where should I pack my power bank?

Power banks should always be hand-carried, never checked in. You can store them in your pocket or in the seat pocket in front of you, but avoid placing them in the overhead bin or under your seat. These areas are harder to access quickly in case of an emergency.

Also, if you’re carrying spare lithium batteries, the same rule applies—they should be with you at all times and not in checked baggage.

Pack it properly

Make sure your power bank is packed securely to avoid any accidental activation or damage:

If possible, tape the terminals.
Use the original packaging, or place them in plastic pouches or small cases.
Keep them away from coins, keys, or anything metallic.

Cebu Pacific puts passenger safety above all. These rules aren’t just formalities—they’re here to protect everyone on board. So next time you’re packing for a flight, give your gadgets a quick check and follow these guidelines.

Need more details? Visit this link for the full FAQ: bit.ly/CEB-PowerbankFAQs