Banking public warned against prevalence of text or SMS hijacking scam

 

THE banking public should be wary against the prevalence of text or SMS hijacking, a type of scam wherein fraudsters impersonate legitimate SMS senders to dupe recipients into believing that the messages they receive are authentic.

 

According to reports from law enforcement agencies, illegal cellular sites, also known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity catchers, are using sender IDs of trusted brands like BDO to make scam texts appear legit. 

 

These spoofed messages usually entice clients with claims of prizes won, free gifts, or claims of account problems. In all these cases, the scammer instructs the client to click on a link included in the spoofed message. 

 

Once clicked, the fake link will lead to a fake website, wherein the victim will be instructed to enter his/her account details including username, password and One-Time PIN or OTP. After this information has been shared, the scammer will then use these bank credentials to gain access to the victim's bank account and steal their money.

 

BDO emphasized that it will never send messages containing clickable links to its clients. To help avoid falling victim to SMS hijacking scams, the Bank shared several important tips: never click on links, as BDO will never send links in its messages—if a message contains a link, it’s a scam; never share personal information via SMS; and always be cautious of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true. These precautions are essential in protecting oneself from fraud.

 

The Bank also advised its clients to report and forward any suspicious messages to 22567888.

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BDO, nagbabala laban sa mga ‘vishing’ scam

PATULOY na pinag-iingat ang publiko laban sa tinatawag na "vishing" o voice phishing scam na kadalasang tumatarget ng mga bank depositor o online bank account client para nakawin ang kanilang pinaghirapang pera.

Ang vishing ay isang modus ng scam kung saan ang scammer ay tumatawag upang makumbinsi ang kanilang nabiktima na magbigay ng sensitibong impormasyon tulad ng bank account details. Kapag nakuha na ang nasabing impormasyon, dito na maaaring nakawin ng scammer ang laman ng bank account ng biktima. 

Ayon sa BDO Unibank, narito ang ilan sa kadalasang ginagamit na modus ng mga vishing scammer upang mangbiktima:

 

1.     Tatawag sa biktima at magpapanggap na representante ng isang ahensya ng gobyerno, bangko, o di kaya'y magpapadala ng text o direct message para sila na mismo ang tawagan ng napili nilang biktima.

 

2.     Upang makumbinsi ang biktima na sya ay lehitimo, gagamit ang scammer ng impormasyong tungkol sa credit card o bank account ng biktima bilang dahilan ng kanyang pagtawag. Ang mga impormasyong ito ay maaaring makuha ng mga scammer sa mga dokumentong may sensitibong detalye na hindi naitapon ng maayos, o sa mga posts sa social media ng mismong biktima. May mga pagkakataon din na bumibisita o sumasali mismo ang mga scammer sa mga "credit card o bank account groups" sa social media para doon sila maghanap ng mabibiktima.  

 

3.     Gagamit ng pananakot o mabilis at kapani-paniwalang pananalita ang mga scammer upang tuluyang makumbinsi ang kanilang biktima, tulad ng mga katagang "na-hack ang iyong account", "may na-detect na problema sa account mo", "Congrats! Nanalo ka ng...," "Special Offer! Effective only today!," o inaatasan ang biktima na i-activate ang isang offer sa ATM kapalit ng isang reward.  

 

4.     Habang tumatagal ang usapan, tumataas din ang posibilidad na makumbinsi ng scammer ang biktima. Dahil inaakala ng biktima na lehitimo ito at hindi nya makayang putulin ang tawag o ibaba ang telepono, mas malaki rin ang posibilidad na sundin nya kung anomang instructions ang ibigay ng scammer tulad ng pagbibigay ng Card Verification Value o CVV ng credit card, username at password ng online bank account, One-Time PIN o OTP, o ang pag-click sa isang link na ipapadala ng scammer.

Sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na scenario, ang pinakakaraniwan dito ay ang pagmamadali ng scammer sa biktima nila na umaksyon na agad habang kausap ito sa telepono. Dahil dito, maaaring mataranta ang biktima at sumunod sa mga ibibigay na utos ng scammer.

Upang hindi maging biktima ng vishing scam, nagpapaalala ang BDO sa publiko na laging maging mahinahon kung makakatanggap ng text o tawag lalo sa mga hindi rehistradong numero. Dagdag pa ng bangko na kahit na alam ng scammer ang numero, pangalan at trabaho nila, huwag kaagad maniniwala sa binibitawang mensahe o susunod sa mga instruction nito. Marapat na tapusin na ang tawag lalo na kung may pagmamadali, at tumawag sa official customer service hotline ng sinasabing ahensya o bangko, dagdag pa ng BDO.

Ayon pa sa BDO, matapos ma-verify na peke ang nasabing tawag, i-block na agad ang numerong ginamit ng scammer at i-report ang insidente sa Customer Contact Center nito.

Para alamin ang iba’t-ibang uri ng scam at tips kung paano makakaiwas dito, marapat na bumisita lang sa www.bdo.com.ph. #BDOStopScam

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Filinvest Land Tops Off Building A in Futura Monte Naga

Trusted property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) recently held a topping-off ceremony for Futura Monte’s Building A in Naga City, marking the official completion of its structural framework. Soon, this building will stand as the embodiment of quality living within reach.

With its steady construction progress, Building A is expected to be ready for turnover by the fourth quarter of 2025. By then, residents can enjoy the ideal lifestyle inside a safe and secure community complete with comfortable living spaces, vibrant greenery, and healthy venues for family bonding.

Futura Monte is conveniently located along Roxas Avenue in Brgy. Triangulo at the heart of Naga City. Its prime location allows easy access to daily necessities with schools, churches, hospitals, malls, and various essential establishments nearby. It also provides seamless commute with its proximity to accessible transportation hubs.

Thoughtfully crafted with the residents’ well-being in mind, Futura Monte dedicates 60% of the property to lush open spaces and complete, family-centric amenities. Four mid-rise buildings with a modern minimalist design comprise this 1.9-hectare enclave, creating a harmonious balance between nature and modernity.

One of Futura Monte’s central amenities is the clubhouse with swimming pool. This is where gatherings, occasions, and even simple relaxing moments take place, building stronger connections and creating lasting memories with loved ones. A play area is also available for kids to embrace their childhood joys, while adults can pursue their health goals in the fitness gym.

Building A consists of well-appointed units that cater to the varied needs of the market—from studio units to 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units. These living spaces are built with reinforced concrete to ensure durability and convenient functionality. Embedded columns and beams are also integrated to create optimized and adaptable spaces for families and individuals to embrace their independence.

Futura Monte’s attractive features have caught the attention of aspiring homeowners. Units in Building A are already sold out, officially establishing the success of the project in Naga City. This milestone is another testament to Filinvest’s mission of building Filipino dreams by efficiently meeting the high demand of young professionals and start-up families seeking their ideal home. 

With a proven track record of creating quality and sustainable communities for over 60 years, Filinvest Land ensures that Futura Monte is a worthy investment poised for growth. With its accessible location and attractive offers, units in Building A have great potential for property appreciation over time.

To know more about this modern mid-rise community, interested parties can contact (0917) 545-7788 / (0919) 076-4836 or visit the project website: https://futurabyfilinvest.com/project/futura-monte# for more information. 

For inquiries, please contact: 

GENEDINA MESA 

Senior Manager – Media & Admin. 

genedina.mesa@filinvestland.com 

 

About Filinvest Land  

 

Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI), a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), is one of the country’s leading and multi-awarded full-range property developers. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the trading symbol $FLI. Staying true to its mission, FLI continues to build the Filipino dream across the Philippines.  

  

For over 60 years, FLI has built a diverse project portfolio spanning the archipelago, from its core best-value homes to residential townships, mid- and high-rise condominiums, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial parks, co-living properties, and leisure developments.   

  

These include the large-scale townships: Havila (306 hectares), Timberland Heights (677 hectares), and Manna East (60 hectares) in Rizal; Ciudad de Calamba (350 hectares) in Laguna; Palm Estates (51 hectares) in Talisay City, Negros Occidental; and City di Mare, the Lifestyle Capital of Cebu (50 hectares).  

  

FLI owns 20% of Filinvest Alabang, Inc., developer of Filinvest City (244 hectares), South Metro Manila’s premier garden central business district and home to Festival Mall, the flagship Filinvest Mall in Alabang. FLI is also developing two townships in the Clark Freeport Special Economic Zone: the industrial Filinvest Innovation Park-New Clark City (288 hectares) and Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City (201 hectares), the former in partnership with BCDA, and the latter in partnership with FDC. 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc., Naga City Government, team up to boost PET bottle collection and recycling efforts

In line with its mission to support local communities’ sustainable waste management efforts, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize its partnership with the City of Naga and its community partners. As part of this collaboration, CCBPI provided a baling machine to support the city’s PET bottle collection and recycling initiatives. 

Representatives present (L-R) during the signing: Alfredo M. Gatongay of the Independent Component City Agriculture and Fishery Council of Naga, Annielen L. Panerio, General Manager of the CamSur Multipurpose Cooperative, Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) VP for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Chairperson of RAFC Region 5 Bernadette delos Santos, and Chief of PMED and RAFC Bicol Regional Executive Officer Aloha Gigi Bañaria.

"CCBPI is proud to support the City of Naga in promoting its waste management initiatives and empowering its community members to actively participate in the city’s collection and recycling efforts. We thank all our partners—Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, the CamSur Multipurpose Cooperative, and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council of Region 5—for working with us towards our goal of fostering cleaner and greener communities,” says Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, CCBPI VP for Corporate & Regulatory Affairs.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of Coca-Cola, the local government, and partner communities to fostering a collective effort toward creating a circular economy for recyclable plastic packaging in Naga. Central to the effort is the CamSur Multipurpose Cooperative, which leverages its network of over 7,000 members to execute the collection initiatives for post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles within the city. The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council Region 5 will help oversee the project implementation to ensure that the collection efforts are seamlessly integrated into the community’s needs.

The goal is to ensure that all collected clear PET plastic bottles, regardless of brand, are diverted to PETValue Philippines, the country's first facility dedicated to bottle-to-bottle recycling. PETValue employs advanced technologies to transform fully recyclable post-consumer plastic packaging into new food-grade recycled PET (rPET) bottles. This facility is a joint venture between CCBPI and Indorama Ventures, a global sustainable chemical company.

Through strong multi-sectoral partnership, the initiative aims to promote a circular economy that is geared towards protecting the environment, supporting local livelihoods, and creating a better future for the residents of Naga City. 

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Education beyond the classroom: Teachers learn FinLit lessons in session organized by BDO Foundation

 OCTOBER 2024 – A teacher’s influence extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. Recognizing the role of teachers in guiding the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Foundation organized a financial literacy session for the benefit of 20 teachers from Naga, 20 teachers from Iriga, and 60 teachers and nonteaching personnel from Camarines Sur in commemoration of this year’s National Teachers’ Month. This was hosted by Schools Division Office - Camarines Sur. 

DepEd Camarines Sur Schools Division Superintendent Norma B. Samantela, CESO V and BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito witnessed the financial literacy session. (Photo courtesy of Empower and Transform)

Designed to empower teachers in the early stages of their career, the session focused on essential financial management lessons like budgeting, saving, financial planning, debt management, and fraud and scam prevention.

“As teachers, we are responsible for setting a positive example to our students – we are their second parents after all,” said Norma Samantela, Camarines Sur schools division superintendent. “This training initiative enables us to be better role models as we make sound financial decisions and secure our futures and those of our families.”

 

DepEd and BDO Foundation work closely to help improve the financial literacy levels of beneficiaries in the education sector. Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the partners currently implement a financial education program for public schools across the country.

Teachers actively participated in visioning exercises designed to identify financial goals. (Photo courtesy of Empower and Transform)

Veteran business journalist and staunch fin ed advocate Salve Duplito facilitated the learning session held at Lotus Blu Hotel. Raised by a mother who was also an educator, she related to the common struggles of teachers, especially those with family responsibilities.

 

“Sharing the gift of knowledge that hones the minds of the youth is what teachers do best. We want to give back to them in the same way – through financial education,” she shared.

 

Financial inclusion is one of the program pillars of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. The initiative in Naga is one of the many efforts of the organization to spearhead actions that aim to help improve the economic well-being of Filipinos in different sectors of society.

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A story of service and resiliency: BDO remains online amidst the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine

IN the face of great damage brought by Tropical Storm Kristine to the Bicol Region, BDO Unibank remained online within the Rinconada District to serve the community’s cash requirements at a dire time when people needed access to their funds.

The only one. BDO branch in Iriga City was the only bank in whole Rinconada District in Camarines Sur to remain online during Tropical Storm Kristine’s surge.

The Rinconada District encompasses the municipalities of Baao, Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, Nabua, and Iriga City.

 

According to Romeo R. De Vera III, Senior Assistant Vice President and Area Head of Region 6-Southern Luzon, the BDO branch in Iriga City remained open to clients in need of cash on October 24, when the rest were not available

De Vera explained that to ensure uninterrupted service to their clients even during calamities, they strategically deployed personnel and resources where they were needed the most, as some branches had to close due to floods and other challenges. He also stressed that BDO prioritized the welfare of its personnel, especially during these challenging situations. "That's always been our practice during calamities—after securing our respective homes and families, our personnel then headed to the branches to help get these up and running, ready to serve our clients.”

 

All in a day's work

 

For De Vera, it's business as usual even in the face of typhoons.

 

"For us, as long as the roads are passable, we went and help out where we were needed. But we only asked employees who were able to report for work and not adversely affected by the flood,” he pointed out.

 

He also proudly shared that resilience is one of the many positive traits of Bicolanos like him.

 

"When it comes to calamities, Bicolanos are resilient. It's just a typhoon. But this (Tropical Storm Kristine) was the strongest we've had in 30 years. We were surprised by the magnitude of the ensuing floods," he admitted. "But here in BDO, it's nothing new. Like we always say here, ‘we find ways.’ That's why our clients are so happy with us, as even clients from other banks were able to withdraw using our ATMs."

 

He also noted the bank’s “We find ways” philosophy extend not only to the level of service they provide to their clients, but also to the support they offer to fellow employees especially amid trying times.

 

This, De Vera explained, came to fore when personnel from other branches were unable to go home because of the floods.

 

"A branch manager opened her home to one of the staff who got stranded and was unable to go home because of the flood. The same was true for personnel in our Camarines Sur-Nabua Branch, who were stranded there. We also would like to thank our Security Division for facilitating the delivery of relief goods," he said.

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DITO Telecommunity Celebrates 100 Years of Devotion at Peñafrancia Festival 2024

 DITO Telecommunity Celebrates 100 Years of Devotion at Peñafrancia Festival 2024

A showcase of culture and local talent through seamless connectivity

 

Naga City experienced all-out fun and connectivity at this year’s Peñafrancia Festival with DITO Telecommunity. Celebrating a century of deep faith and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, DITO ensured to make this grand religious event even more joyous with vibrant experiential booths, performances, and engaging activities to showcase Bicolano culture through its collaboration with the City Government of Naga.

Traslacion of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

(Official Page of Naga City Government and Photo by: Gab Relayo)

Miss Bicolandia 2024: A Showcase of Grace and Empowerment

DITO aims to enhance the experience of Filipinos by proudly sponsoring key festival activities. A highlight was the Miss Bicolandia 2024 pageant, celebrating the grace, intelligence, and talents of young women from the Bicol region. The anticipated Coronation Night held on September 11, 2024, concluded with Miss DITO Telecommunity Bicolandia’s, Mikki Angela Barcela being crowned as the Miss Bicolandia 2024.

Mikki Angela Barcela crowned as Miss Bicolandia 2024 and Miss DITO Telecommunity 2024 

(Official Page of Naga City Government and Photo by: Abay Pixels | Aldren Abay)

“DITO is committed to enhancing connectivity and supporting lively communities, and we were thrilled to have been part of this year’s Peñafrancia Festival, bringing exciting activities and our cutting-edge technology to celebrate with the Bicolano community,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business.

DITO Telecommunity Experiential Hub at the Tagboan Arts Festival

TODO NA DITO Roadshow: Celebrating Bicolano Talent 

The TODO NA DITO Roadshow was filled with exciting competitions of TODO Gaming, TODO Sayawan, and TODO Kantahan which showcased the vibrant talent and spirit of the Bicolano community. The enthusiasm and energy of the participants not only entertained the audience but also created a sense of camaraderie. The champions included Zone of Lunatics for TODO Gaming, RINCONADANZ for TODO Sayawan, and Eden Mae Broqueza for TODO Kantahan, with each category also having deserving runners-up who contributed to the lively atmosphere.

TODO Gaming, TODO Sayawan, and TODO Kantahan Champions with (L-R) Shiela Briones, DITO Area Sales Manager for South Luzon Region, Hon Nelson S. Legacion, Naga City Mayor, Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business, and Jocelyn David, Regional Consumer Sales Director for South Luzon Region 

Community Spirit Shines on DITO Day

DITO Day took the spotlight at the Tagboan Arts Festival on September 21, 2024. The day was filled with fun activities and events, including the TODO NA DITO Roadshow, where local talents showed their skills in various competitions and the TODO NA DITO Concert. DITO Day not only marked the conclusion of the festival but also brought the community together for a memorable celebration of culture, talent, and entertainment.

 

TODO NA DITO Roadshow: Celebrating Bicolano Talent 

The TODO NA DITO Roadshow was filled with exciting competitions of TODO Gaming, TODO Sayawan, and TODO Kantahan which showcased the vibrant talent and spirit of the Bicolano community. The enthusiasm and energy of the participants not only entertained the audience but also created a sense of camaraderie. The champions included Zone of Lunatics for TODO Gaming, RINCONADANZ for TODO Sayawan, and Eden Mae Broqueza for TODO Kantahan, with each category also having deserving runners-up who contributed to the lively atmosphere.

MAKI performing at the TODO NA DITO Concert

Unforgettable Night of Music at the TODO NA DITO Concert

The festival came to a grand finale with the highly anticipated TODO NA DITO Concert, which featured electrifying performances from local talents like Ched Valencia and Calle IV. The night reached its peak with a spectacular final performance by MAKI, who captivated the audience with his hit songs, including "Saan?" and "Dilaw." His powerful performance ended the celebration on a high note, giving everyone a truly unforgettable experience. Check this video out to get a glimpse of the TODO NA DITO celebration!

DITO Telecommunity remains committed to supporting Filipino culture and tradition, while offering innovative technology and solutions to keep local communities connected. For more details about DITO, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.  

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Pre-order iPhone 16 at Power Mac Center, get it first at midnight

 Planning to upgrade your iPhone or finally make the switch? Get the most bang for your buck when you pre-order the latest iPhone 16 series at Power Mac Center (PMC), and be among the first to get your hands on it as select stores will open upon launch.

The premier Apple partner is once again offering irresistible deals that make the iPhone affordable, accessible, and possible for all. For starters, customers have various convenient options to pre-order: in-store at any of the over 120 PMC or The Loop branches, online via the Web Store <powermaccenter.com> or The Loop Shopee Mall, and the SM Malls Online app. Pre-orders will end on October 16, 2024 at 11:59 PM for online platforms, and on October 17, 2024 once mall closes (for in-store pre-orders).

“This year’s new iPhone launch is even more extra because our strong presence in the provinces has allowed us to bring the excitement of the midnight launch to our loyal customers outside the metro. Now, they can pre-order to secure their preferred iPhone 16 device and get them the moment they hit stores. Our midnight launch will happen simultaneously in four PMC locations,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.

Perks of pre-ordering an iPhone 16 series device

Customers of the Web Store can get up to P10,000 off on any iPhone 16 series device when paid using non-installment modes of payment. In-store customers can choose to pay via non-installment modes or credit card installments of three months only in order to get up to P10,000 off SRP.

Enjoy the free Before Anything Else Dual Port 30W Wall Charger at all Power Mac Center and The Loop stores including Web Store, Lazada, Shopee, and SM Malls Online. You can also take a 30% discount on participating Apple and non-Apple accessories. Terms and conditions apply.

Above offers are valid for all iPhone 16 series pre-orders made from October 10-17, 2024 and launch weekend purchases from October 18-20, 2024 for walk-in clients.

Device trade-in is also available, with exclusive offers from October 10-31, 2024. Get up to P54,700 trade-in value when you trade in a previous iPhone 15 device or up to P1,000 extra trade-in value when you trade in your previous iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, or iPhone 11 device and purchase any iPhone 16 model.

PMC’s official service arm, Mobile Care, is giving customers extra one (1) year of unlimited diagnosis when they purchase the new iPhone 16. Official training arm Basecamp, meanwhile, will provide complimentary training by its Apple Certified Trainers for iPhone 16 customers.

As many use their phones for both work and play and prefer to invest in premium quality with unmatched performance, Power Mac Center continues to make the iPhone easy to own. It is tapping the country’s top banks and credit providers again to extend customers various options that turn payments lighter. Stay tuned for offers from partners including Unionbank, Metrobank, Security Bank, GGives (GCash), and Home Credit.

On top of the available payment methods and offers, customers who are members of PMC’s loyalty program “1 Infinite” can use their points to pay for purchases (1 point = P1). For the full pre-order mechanics and list of 16 Treats from Power Mac Center for iPhone 16, visit <powermaccenter.com/pages/iphone-pre-order-mechanics>.

Get it first at midnight

The new iPhone 16 series will be launched at midnight of October 18 in four key PMC locations, namely, Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier in Davao. Expect performances from the country’s top musical artists, interactive games to win special prizes, and the heart-thumping countdown to the store reopening as midnight strikes. Score amazing giveaways when you join the festivities starting at 9 PM on October 17.

Power Mac Center customers can be among the first to experience the latest iPhone as 30 stores nationwide will open at 12:01 AM on October 18. Check online for details.

As a special treat to loyal customers for the past three decades, PMC is holding its “Miles and Milestones: The 30th Anniversary Raffle” promo. All pre-orders and purchases of the iPhone 16 are qualified to earn entries for a chance to win a brand-new BYD ATTO 3 Dynamic Electric Vehicle and other exciting prizes! Simply sign up for membership to 1 Infinite, in-store or via this link. Once confirmed, make a minimum single-receipt purchase of at least P30,000 until December 31, 2024.

iPhone 16 pre-order and launch brand partners include ADAM elements, Anker, Before Anything Else, Belkin, Cygnett, and PanzerGlass. Participating major sponsors are LAUT and QDOS, and minor sponsors include AMAZINGTHING, Energea, Mophie, OtterBox, STM, Woosh!, and Zagg..

Stay tuned for further announcements in the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram.

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