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TECHNOLOGY

PetPal launches PH’s first all-in-one pet care super app

January 17, 2024 12:07 p.m.

In yet another industry-first, 917Ventures’ PetPal, a front-runner in pet care in Southeast Asia, has unveiled their all-in-one pet care super app. The platform serves as a mobile version of their comprehensive pet care solution.

The startup aims to address the needs of the underserved pet population of roughly 17 million dogs and 8 million cats nationwide by connecting users to a vast network of over 1,500 licensed veterinarians and 500 partner clinics. Additionally, PetPal provides pet owners with real-time access to pet healthcare services–streamlining pet record management and appointment scheduling.

“With the launch of the PetPal super app, we are not just introducing a product but pioneering a revolution in pet care. Our goal is to make high-quality pet care accessible to every pet owner in the Philippines, and this app is a significant step towards achieving that,” said Carlo Flordeliza, Senior Venture Builder at 917Ventures.

Among the features the super app offers to simplify pet care are:

●       Vet Teleconsultation: Instant video consultations with licensed vets are available starting at PHP385.

●       Home Vet Visits: Services such as vaccinations, deworming, and check-ups are available from PHP550. Owners can choose their vet and schedule.

●       Live Chat with Vets: Immediate advice on pet health for PHP149.

●       Advance Clinic Booking: Book appointments ahead for PHP385 to reduce waiting times.

●       Digital Pet Pawrtal: A digital tool for keeping track of a pet’s medical history and records.

Home Grooming Services will also be available soon, starting at PHP750, catering to busy pet parents in Metro Manila. Additionally, PetPal will offer memberships to the PetPal Club; For justPHP2,499, members can enjoy the following:

●       Unlimited vet teleconsultations for two pets for a full year

●       1 free home vet visit

●       Exclusive discounts on vaccines, and;

●       Up to PHP30K in discounts from popular pet brands like Kott’s, Pet Warehouse, Paleo Pet, Fresh Chow, and many more!

A Social Weather Stations survey in Q1 2023 showed that a staggering 64% of Filipino households own pets. However, according to Petpal data, there are only about 12,900 veterinarians and 329 clinics across the country – with the vet-pet ratio at 1:310, underlining a huge gap in pet care in the country.

PetPal recognized the stark contrast between supply and demand, and set out with a mission—to completely digitize the pet care experience. Emphasizing digital innovation, the app aims to democratize pet healthcare, breaking down barriers related to location, transportation, and vet availability.

Moving forward, PetPal plans to roll out additional online features such as a pet marketplace, pharmacy, insurance portal, and pet hotels. Already making an impact with more than 10,000 pets and 9,000 pet owners served, PetPal is committed to continuous innovation in the pet care sector.

Pet owners can now download the PetPal super app from the App Store or Google Play, register their pets, and embark on a seamless healthcare journey.

Learn more about PetPal by visiting https://petpal.asia/.

TECHNOLOGY

DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence

10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.

The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.

The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.

“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”

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TECHNOLOGY

Rest easy with the Index Sleep Monitor smart sleep band  from Garmin

11:09 a.m. August 29, 2025

GARMIN has announced the Index™ Sleep Monitor, an ultra-comfortable and lightweight smart sleep band that tracks sleep for a more comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery.

Featuring up to 7 nights of battery life with continuous Pulse Ox tracking, the Index Sleep Monitor is worn on the upper arm and tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV) status, breathing variations, skin temperature and more to calculate a sleep score for users and provide valuable insights about their health. 

After a night of sleep, the data seamlessly syncs to the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app and can be combined with metrics from a compatible Garmin smartwatch to fill in gaps in data for users who don’t wear their watch at night or are looking to better understand how well they recovered. 

“We are thrilled to add the Index Sleep Monitor to our suite of innovative health and wellness products. Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Rest and recover 

Throughout the night, the Index Sleep Monitor tracks the following sleep and recovery metrics, which can then be viewed on the Garmin Connect app:

 ● Sleep score: Every morning, receive a personalized score (0-100) for last night’s sleep based on sleep duration, stress, sleep stages and more. 

● Sleep stages: View light, deep and REM sleep stages and when they occur during the night.

● HRV status: See the previous night’s average HRV and status (balanced, unbalanced, low or poor). After several nights of wear, the smart sleep band will establish a personal baseline to help provide a better understanding of recovery and overall wellness.

● Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation during sleep1.

● Breathing variations: Used in conjunction with Pulse Ox, view and better understand shifts in breathing patterns while sleeping.1

● Respiration: View respiration rates throughout the night.

● Skin temperature: Track skin temperature changes, which can be related to recent activity, sleep environment, potential illness and more.

● Women’s health tracking: Using skin temperature, women can get more insights into their menstrual cycle, including improved period predictions and past ovulation estimates2. Women can also track their menstrual cycle or pregnancy and get exercise and nutrition education in the Garmin Connect app.

● Body BatteryTM energy monitoring: View energy levels to see if the body is charged or needs more rest. Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night.

● Stress tracking: See if last night’s sleep was calm, balanced or stressful.

When it’s time to wake up, the smart wake alarm feature looks at lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration so they feel more refreshed.

Available in two sizes (S-M and L-XL), the Index Sleep Monitor is easy to clean; just remove the module and toss the band into the washing machine on the gentle cycle. 

It is for P10,290.00 and available via official Garmin Stores online in Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada and in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores. 

For more information, visit https://ph.garmin.com/. 

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TECHNOLOGY

Time to make your moment: OPPO Reno14 Series 5G now available for pre-order

9:11 p.m. August 10, 2025

OPPO’s latest smartphone series is now available for pre-order in the Philippines—and it’s built for those who want to turn everyday moments into stories worth sharing.

The OPPO Reno14 Series 5G brings together AI-powered photography, vivid 4K video, sleek design, and powerful performance, all in one beautifully crafted device. Whether you’re creating content, diving into your favorite game, or simply making your moment, the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G makes it effortless to discover and explore—without compromise.

Your Studio, In Your Pocket

Capture yourself at your best with AI Portrait capabilities that naturally refine lighting, angles, and facial details—no filters or editing apps needed. Want to adjust after the shot? Features like AI Recompose and AI Perfect Shot help you fix framing, expressions, and more—all within the native camera.

Even in low light, the Ultra-Clear Low-Light Camera System and AI Flash Photography keep your shots vivid and full of life—perfect for nights out, concerts, and candle-lit dinners.

Powered by next-gen chipsets, MediaTek Dimensity 8450 for OPPO Reno14 Pro 5G, Dimensity 8350 for  OPPO Reno14 5G, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 for  OPPO Reno14 F 5G, you can count on a fluid experience whether you’re gaming, streaming, or multitasking.

Smart features like AI HyperBoost 2.0 and AI LinkBoost 3.0 optimize gameplay, prevent lag, and keep your connection smooth wherever you are.

Designed to be seen

The Iridescent Mermaid Design of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G is more than a color, it’s a statement. Inspired by the shimmer of light underwater, the finish is paired with Velvet Glass and aerospace-grade aluminum for a look and feel that’s luxurious, durable, and uniquely OPPO.

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