5th Philippines Property Awards 2017 launched to find the archipelago’s finest real estate

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The quest for the best property developments in the Philippines celebrates a landmark fifth year

 

  • High number of entries expected from key regional destinations such as Cebu and Davao
  • New categories in 2017 include a Special Recognition in Sustainable Development and accolades for Best Mixed Use Development and Best BPO Office Development.
  • Property Report Congress Philippines returns for a second year featuring Asia’s leading experts

 

The countdown has begun for the annual Philippines Property Awards, the biggest real estate awards programme in the country and an acclaimed international event organised by PropertyGuru Group, Asia’s leading online property group.

 

Celebrating its landmark fifth year, the 5th Philippines Property Awards 2017 is the search for the Philippines’ best property developers and developments located in the established and emerging property markets of Mega Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao.

 

In 2016, Megaworld Corporation collected a record-breaking 16 awards and Highly Commended honors,  including the Best Developer (Philippines) gong, while the SM Group and Vista Land Group received multiple accolades, including one for Vista Land chairman Manny Villar for Real Estate Personality of the Year.

 

Entrants for the 2017 edition can expect an expanded awards scheme. New categories have been added, including a Special Recognition in Sustainable Development, which will reward the sustainable initiatives of outstanding developers from Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao.

 

There will also be new awards for Best Mixed Used Development and Best BPO Office reflecting the rapid growth of those sectors.

 

Nominations are now being accepted at AsiaPropertyAwards.com/nomination/philippines/. Submissions can come from developers, consumers and the general public. There is no fee to enter in any category.

 

BDO, one of the world’s largest accounting and auditing firms, returns as the official judging supervisor to ensure that the entire nomination and judging process is fair and transparent.

 

The official shortlist, comprising one Winner and up to four Highly Commended in each category, will be revealed by an independent judging panel in early April 2017. The black-tie gala dinner is set to take place on 4 May 2017, once again at the Fairmont Makati, the official hotel venue of the Awards.

 

A new Real Estate Personality of the Year will also be named by the editors of Asia’s industry leading Property Report magazine before the gala dinner.

 

The fifth edition of the Awards was formally launched on 31 August 2016 to local media at the Narayan Room of Fairmont Makati. It will be followed by an exclusive launch party in Cebu City’s famous Anzani + Bellini Champagne Bar on 1 September 2016.

 

Launching the awards, Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Asia Property Awards, said: “We are grateful for the incredible support from developers, sponsors, media partners and business associations over the years – without it there would be no fifth edition of the Philippines Property Awards.”

 

He added: “The participation from major and up-and-coming developers continues to grow year after year because they understand the impact of the Awards in the industry. In the last five years we’ve seen the awards programme expand to include categories specifically created for regional developments in key markets such as Cebu and Davao. It is a reflection of a strong Philippine real estate sector that is focused on improving quality and sustainability.”

 

With an average attendance of 300 industry-leading figures, C-level executives, architects, designers, suppliers, construction, real estate and media professionals, the Philippines Property Awards annual gala dinner is one of the most anticipated real estate events of the year.

 

Each gala begins with a two-hour international cocktail networking reception, followed by a lavish four-course dinner, and the awards ceremony. Previous VIP guests and keynote speakers include Senator Franklin Drilon and former Tourism Secretary Ramon Reyes Jimenez Jr.

 

The event receives wide national and international acclaim through influential media outfits including Property Report, the official media partner, as well as PropertyGuru’s market-leading property portals in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, which are used by more than 16 million real estate consumers.

 

The Philippines Property Awards promotes the country’s best current developments and latest innovations to a wide international audience across Southeast Asia. As always, the ‘Best of the Best’ winners from the Philippines will compete in the regional grand finals at the South East Asia Property Awards, held annually in Singapore, opening up their businesses to new audiences around the region. Philippine developers who have won at the grand finals include Ayala Land Inc, which was named Best Developer (South East Asia) in 2014.

 

More information about the Philippines Property Awards are available on the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com/philippines-property-awards/

 

Partnerships:

Tanattha Saengmorakot

Media Relations Manager

Tel: +66 982 515 224

Email: tanattha@propertyguruinternational.com

 

Sales & Sponsorships:

Felise Nastasha T. Bairan (Sassy)

Solutions Manager (Philippines)

Tel: +66 925 739 566 / +63 995 319 5045

Email: sassybairan@propertyguruinternational.com

 Press Enquiries:

Richard Allan Aquino

Corporate Communications Manager

Tel: +66 929 544 154

Email: allan@propertyguruinternational.com

 

Tickets:

Kaoru Kawahara

Outreach Manager

Tel: +66 2 204 9599

Email: kaoru@propertyguruinternational.com

 

About Philippines Property Awards:

Returning for a landmark fifth year in 2017, the Philippines Property Awards is part of the regional Asia Property Awards programme organised by PropertyGuru Group. The Philippines Property Awards is the biggest and most credible industry awards in the archipelago, with the top and emerging names in real estate celebrating the best developers, projects and designs in Mega Manila, Cebu, Davao and emerging resort destinations.

 

About Asia Property Awards:

The Asia Property Awards are the largest real estate event in Asia, playing host to annual gala dinners for up to 600 C-level executives and leading industry figures in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, Yangon, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The Awards programme has an unparalleled reputation for being credible, fair and transparent, with an independent panel of judges and trusted awards supervisor.

 

Originally launched by Ensign Media in Thailand in 2005 at the height of Asia’s property boom, the Asia Property Awards in 2016 became part of PropertyGuru, Asia’s leading online property group.

 

About PropertyGuru Group:

Founded in 2006, PropertyGuru Group is Asia’s leading property media group used by more than 16 million property buyers, viewing over 130 million property pages and generating over 500,000 enquiries for real estate developer and agent advertisers every month across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The Group has a full suite of integrated property media capability, from its original core business in online, mobile and events, to television broadcast (in Indonesia, via an investment and partnership with EMTEK), and a recent acquisition of print and events businesses, under the brand n

Acer gives free Door to door Repair Service Nationwide

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Acer is already a reliable and trusted IT company worldwide when it comes to manufacturing quality devices from computers to smartphones and projectors. Today, it also strives to become synonymous to going the extra mile when it comes to providing service.

Acer introduced its free door-to-door customer service program touted as the only one of its kind in the Philippines. According to Dio Vasquez, Operations Director, Acer Philippines, Inc., the program allows customers to simply call the Acer Customer Service Hotline if and when they experience problems with their Acer device. “Once you call, a contact center agent will answer and diagnose initially over the phone any problem you may have with your device.”

“These are all qualified technical support agents, all trained to handle technical problems over the phone. In time, we will increase the number of agents depending on the number of repair requests we receive,” he explained.

Vasquez said that if the problem cannot be solved over the phone, a ticket number will be created and issued by the Tech Support Team to the client, and that’s where the door-to-door service begins.

Once the ticket is created, Acer’s courier partner will be alerted with the ticket number and the device will be scheduled for pickup. “The customer has the option to have the device picked up at home or place of work on the date and time he prefers. After the courier representative determines that all items in his checklist in picking up the device are cleared, the device will then be brought to the Acer Service Center in Paco, Manila.”

When repairs are done, client will be informed that the device is ready for delivery. If client will be unavailable to receive the unit on the date and time advised, an authorization letter must be presented by those who will receive the unit on client’s behalf. “That is why the client is informed in advance that the unit is ready. It is best that an authorization letter should be left to those who will receive the unit in case the client will be suddenly unavailable,” Vasquez added.

Clients themselves will also have the luxury of checking the status of their device for repair through https://mobilesupport.acer.com.ph, whether it is still in transit or already at the service center. As for turnaround time for repairs, Vasquez said it depends on the problem of the device or availability of spare parts but fittingly, the problem should be resolved within five (5) days and client advised whether the device can still be fixed or not.

The service is free, says Vasquez, as long as the device is still under warranty. However, since the program is still new, only notebooks with Intel Core i3 to Core i7 configurations can avail of the service. “We’ll check later if we can also provide it to entry-level laptops since they’re too many. We will prioritize first those who paid premium to avail of this service,” he added.

For those outside of Metro Manila or area that can’t be reached due to certain circumstances, they will be advised to look for the nearest service provider partner of Acer. “As a backup, Acer has its network of service providers who can cater to walk-in clients. They can find out if their area is covered by calling (02) 555-2300 and 1800-1888-7037 (toll-free) for those residing outside Metro Manila”

Vasquez bared that Acer will not stop here. He hinted that the next phase, most likely next year, may already include Acer devices that are out of warranty and diagnosis can be done via a downloadable app. “Customer, through an app, can already identify and report potential problems and send this to the contact center, who will then call them.

As more people are getting mobile and life is really fast paced, people will have no more time to go to a service center to have their device repaired. This is why Acer will continue to enhance the capabilities of its contact center to provide excellent service consistently. “Acer invested heavily on this proprietary contact center support system because excellent service is what customers want and truly deserve, nothing less,” concludes Vasquez.

For more about Acer Philippines’ door-to-door service, go towww.acer.com.ph, follow Acer via Twitter (twitter.com/acerphils) orwww.Facebook.com/AcerPH.

Samsung reinforces its leadership in technology and innovation through “The Power of Samsung” expo

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Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO) showcased its full range of innovative products and technologies across different business units in a company-wide expo titled “The Power of Samsung,” held at Shangri-La at The Fort last August 17.

 

Samsung continues to lead in terms of technology and innovation through its cutting-edge products for mobile technology, home entertainment, digital appliances, and enterprise business technology. All of which were presented to Samsung’s partners, dealers, and stakeholders in “The Power of Samsung” expo.

 

“Our innovative spirit continues to push the boundaries of technology to create new possibilities for consumers,” said Kevin Lee, SEPCO President and CEO. “This one-of-a-kind event celebrates Samsung’s commitment in developing the latest in technology and offering top quality products that consumers and businesses can trust.”

 

The latest in Samsung’s wide range of products were highlighted in the exhibit, including the recently launched Samsung Note 7, Curved SUHD TV, ATMOS Soundbar, Twin Cooling Refrigerator, AddWash, 8-Pole Inverter, and Curved Monitor.

 

Through these products, Samsung realizes the potential of the fast- and ever-growing market for new technologies that are aimed at improving the quality of life of consumers.

 

“As a global leader in technology and innovation, Samsung is proud and humbled to have the power to set the future in motion. The power of Samsung lies in making innovation accessible for all through a variety of products that are known for reliable quality, distinctive design, and using the latest technology,” said Chad Sotelo, SEPCO Marketing Director.

The All-New ASUS ZenFone 3 Family together with the premium ZenBook 3 and The Versatile Transformer 3 Series finally arrives in the country

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After weeks of excitement and anticipation, ASUS unveils today the complete line-up of the Zenfone 3 family, ZenBook 3 and Transformer 3 Series – which are considered the newest premium product innovations from ASUS. During the official Philippine launch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, which is one of the biggest tech events in the country this year. Led by ASUS Global CEO Jerry Shen, ASUS unveils the all-new ZenFone 3 Deluxe, Zenfone 3 Ultra, and Zenfone 3.

Shen led the unveiling of the ZenFone 3 Max and ZenFone 3 Laser in the Philippines while ASUS Philippines Systems Group Country Manager, George Su unveiled the all-new ASUS ZenBook 3 notebook and as well as the ASUS Transformer 3 and ASUS Transformer 3 Pro 2-in-1 PCs.

“The highly anticipated ZenFone 3 series has become a global sensation after its debut at Computex this year,” said ASUS CEO Jerry Shen. “We deeply appreciate the loyalty and continued support from all our dealers, media partners and consumers in the Philippines.” added by Jerry Shen.

The top-of-the-range ZenFone 3 Deluxe is the ultimate expression of the ASUS smartphone technology, with an invisible antenna design that combines premium aesthetics with exceptional performance; the ZenFone 3 Ultra is a smartphone for multimedia lovers featuring TV-grade image processing to deliver an incredible viewing experience; the ZenFone 3 is beautifully-designed all-round smartphone with scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass with 2.5D contoured edges; the ZenFone 3 Laser features a 13MP camera with a Sony IMX214 sensor and color correction with an ultra-fast 0.03-second laser auto-focus, and is ideal for photography enthusiasts; the ZenFone 3 Max features a large capacity 4100mAh battery that gives users up to 30 days of standby time, and can also be used as a power bank to charge other devices; the ZenBook 3 is a premium, prestigious laptop with unprecedented performance, featuring an ultra-thin 11.9mm profile and an Intel® Core™ i7 processor; the Transformer 3 Pro is the world’s most versatile PC that delivers extreme performance, whereas Transformer 3 redefines 2-in-1 PC computing with ultimate mobility. Both feature unrivaled expandability, with a range of accessories that includes the ASUS Universal Dock, ASUS Audio Pod, the VR/4K UHD-ready ROG XG Station 2 and ASUS Pen.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe — World’s First Full-Metal Smartphone with Invisible Antenna Design

ASUS ZenFone 3 Deluxe is the flagship model of the ZenFone 3 series and the ultimate expression of ASUS smartphone design. It is constructed with a strong and light aluminum alloy unibody with an ultra-thin 4.2mm edge, and has a rear surface free of unsightly antenna lines.

The ZenFone 3 Deluxe features a 5.7-inch Full HD (1920 by 1080), high-contrast Super AMOLED display with a wide color gamut of over 100% NTSC for rich, vibrant colors, even in harsh, outdoor lighting. An ultra-thin bezel gives ZenFone 3 Deluxe a 79% screen-to-body ratio for a maximized display in a compact package. Inside, ZenFone 3 Deluxe is the world’s first smartphone to use the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 821 processor, Adreno™ 530 GPU, integrated X12 LTE modem, as well as up to 6GB RAM and 256GB ROM to deliver the best performance and capacity for demanding apps, games, and media.

The ZenFone 3 Deluxe raises the bar for mobile photography with its incredible 23MP camera featuring the latest Sony IMX318 image sensor, a large f/2.0-aperture lens, and four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) for high-resolution, blur-free, and low-noise photos in almost any lighting condition. It also features three-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) for steady 4K UHD videos. Coupled with the ASUS TriTech autofocus system that automatically selects second-generation laser, phase-detection or continuous autofocus to provide accurate and near-instant 0.03-second focusing and subject-tracking, as well as exclusive PixelMaster 3.0 technology, the ZenFone 3 Deluxe captures truly stunning photos and videos.

The ZenFone 3 Deluxe has a built-in fingerprint sensor that is perfectly positioned on the rear of the phone to sit underneath the user’s finger, and which unlocks the phone in just a fraction of a second. Quick Charge 3.0 technology reduces battery recharge times, and a reversible, next-generation USB-C port.

The ZenFone 3 Deluxe also excels at audio with its powerful five-magnet speaker and NXP smart amplifier that provides loud, clear, defined sound and also protects the speakers from damage. When listening over certified headphones, users can enjoy Hi-Res Audio (HRA) that provides up four-times-better sound quality than CDs. The finely-tuned ZenEar S earphones are also bundled with ZenFone 3 Deluxe which has a value of PHP 2,995.

ASUS ZenFone 3: Agility. Beauty. Clarity.

Winner of the Computex 2016 d&i Award, the ASUS ZenFone 3 is a feature-packed smartphone that brings premium design and empowering performance to everyone. Built around a gorgeous 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 by 1080) Super IPS+ display with up to 500cd/m2 brightness, the ZenFone 3 delivers an incredible visual experience that makes apps, videos, and games look their best. With a narrow bezel, ZenFone 3 provides a 77.3% screen-to-body ratio for a maximized viewing area in a slim and compact body. The front and rear of the phone are encased with scratch-resistant, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with 2.5D contoured edges that gently curve to make the sides of the phone completely smooth.

The ZenFone 3 is equipped with a 16MP camera with ASUS TriTech autofocus that automatically selects between second-generation laser, phase-detection and continuous auto focus to achieve precise focus in just 0.03 seconds, resulting in sharp images in any condition. The ZenFone 3 is the first smartphone worldwide to be powered by the new Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 625  octa-core processor — the first Snapdragon 600 Series processor with 14nm FinFET process technology, which has 35% better power consumption — and an integrated X9 LTE modem. Dual SIM 3G+4G Standby and 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has PC-grade graphics and up to 4GB RAM that together deliver outstanding mobile performance with improved efficiency and battery life. The ZenFone 3 has a built-in fingerprint sensor that’s perfectly positioned on the rear of the phone to sit underneath the user’s finger, and which unlocks the phone in just a fraction of a second.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra: Unleashed. Unlimited. Unrivaled.

Winner of a Computex 2016 Best Choice Golden Award, ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra is a smartphone designed for multimedia lovers, featuring a 6.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a 95% NTSC color gamut for rich, vibrant images even outdoors in harsh lighting. It is the world’s first smartphone to have ASUS-exclusive Tru2Life+ video-enhancement technology, which harnesses a high-end 4K UHD TV-grade image processor to optimize every pixel in each frame before it is displayed, resulting in superior contrast and clarity. ZenFone 3 Ultra also excels at audio with its two new powerful five-magnet stereo speakers and a NXP smart amplifier that provides clear, defined sound and protects the speakers from damage. When listening over certified headphones, users can enjoy Hi-Res Audio (HRA) that provides up to four-times-better sound quality than CDs and the world’s first smartphone with virtual 7.1-channel surround-sound with DTS Headphone:X™. Like the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, the Zenfone 3 Ultra will also have a finely-tuned ZenEar S earphones are also bundled with the unit.

Like ZenFone 3 Deluxe, ZenFone 3 Ultra has an incredibly slim and elegant full-metal unibody chassis — the world’s first to have no antenna lines. An ultra-slim bezel gives ZenFone 3 Ultra a 79% screen-to-body ratio, maximizing the viewing area while minimizing its overall size and weight. ZenFone 3 Ultra is equipped with the same high-resolution 23MP camera with the same ASUS TriTech autofocus system as ZenFone 3 Deluxe. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 octa-core processor, Adreno 510 graphics, and up to 4GB of RAM, ZenFone 3 Ultra delivers outstanding mobile performance. A built-in fingerprint sensor is perfectly positioned on the front of the phone beneath the display for the user’s finger to unlock it in just a fraction of a second.

The ZenFone 3 Ultra also has a high-capacity 4600mAh battery for long-lasting performance and Quick Charge 3.0 technology for rapid recharge times, 2 minutes of Quick Charging can provide 1 hour of 3G talking time. ZenFone 3 Ultra even works as a power bank with 1.5A output for quickly charging other mobile devices.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser: The smartphone for photography enthusiasts

The ASUS ZenFone 3 Laser has an ultra-fast 0.03-second laser auto focus and advanced backlight (HDR) modes to give users stunning photos. It has a 13MP camera with a Sony IMX214 sensor and color correction for superb natural-looking images even in low-light or indoor environments. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) detects movement across three axes (yaw, pitch, and roll) and compensates for movement accordingly to provide smooth video recording.

The ZenFone 3 Laser has a stunning metallic design that’s just 7.9mm thin. A hyperfine sandblasting technique provides a gorgeous finish available in Glacier Silver and Sand Gold. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass-covered display with 2.5D contoured edges that fuse perfectly with its matching curved rear panel to give users a natural grip. It has a 5.5-inch Full HD display with wide viewing angles and a high 77% screen-to-body ratio. Super-quick fingerprint security with ZenMotion integration means ZenFone 3 Laser unlocks in just 0.2 seconds, and gives users access to various functions or apps with just a swipe or a tap of a finger.

ASUS ZenFone 3 Max: A premium smartphone with maximum battery life

The ASUS ZenFone 3 Max is designed to help users get through the day, and features a 4100mAh battery with an incredible standby time of up to 30 days. It also allows users to do more, giving them up to 20 hours of 3G talk time, 18 hours of web browsing with Wi-Fi turned on, 87 hours of music playback, and up to 15 hours of video playback. The ZenFone 3 Max can also double up as a power bank to charge other mobile devices.

The 5.2-inch ZenFone 3 Max has an IPS display, and a glass cover with 2.5D contoured edges that fuse perfectly into its premium metal body to give a comfortable grip. It even features a rear fingerprint scanner and 360-degree recognition for up to five sets of fingerprints. It unlocks in just 0.2 seconds to give users quick access to its various functions.

ASUS ZenBook 3: The World’s Most Prestigious Laptop with Unprecedented Performance

The ASUS ZenBook 3 is the next-generation ZenBook. It has been completely redesigned with a gorgeous, ultra-sleek 11.9mm chassis that weighs a mere 910g. To achieve its amazing lightness without compromising strength, ZenBook 3 is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, a premium material that is 50% stronger than the standard alloy used in laptops. As well as being strong and light, this material is also supremely elegant and features the signature ZenBook spun-metal finish. The ZenBook 3 is available in three exclusive colors — Royal Blue, Rose Gold and Quartz Grey — and a special two-phase anodizing process is used to create stunning golden highlights on its diamond-cut edges.

The ZenBook 3 delivers unprecedented performance with up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of high speed 2133MHz RAM, up to a 1TB PCIe® 3.0 x4 ultra-fast SSD, a next-gen USB Type-C (USB-C) port, and powerful quad-speaker audio system by Harman Kardon. Its high-resolution 12.5-inch display has a wide 72% NTSC color gamut and an edge-to-edge covering of tough, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 4. A slim bezel design provides an 82% screen-to-body ratio for the maximum display size with the minimum footprint. The ZenBook 3 has an innovative cooling system featuring the world’s thinnest fan design at just 3mm. This efficient cooling enables ZenBook 3 to achieve incredible performance in an ultra-thin from factor.

The ZenBook 3 features a full-size backlit keyboard with 19.8mm key pitch — the same as most desktop keyboards — and 0.8mm key travel to deliver a comfortable typing experience. A glass-covered precision touchpad provides smooth and accurate input and incorporates palm-rejection technology, Smart Gestures, and handwriting support for enhanced usability. A built-in fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support grants users an instant one-touch access—allowing them to sign in and unlock the ZenBook 3 quickly and securely without having to type their password or PIN.

The ZenBook 3 provides up to nine hours of battery life for all-day computing. When it’s time to recharge, fast-charge technology brings ZenBook 3’s battery up to 60% capacity in just 49 minutes.
ASUS Transformer 3 Pro: The World’s Most Versatile PC

The ASUS Transformer 3 Pro is a 2-in-1 PC that combines unrivaled performance with incredible portability to create the ultimate mobile device for work and play. Precision-crafted from aluminum, Transformer 3 Pro is only 8.35mm thin, yet has incredible structural strength and rigidity. The Transformer 3 Pro has diamond-cut detailing that accentuates its elegant design, and it is available in gorgeous Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray color options.

The Transformer 3 Pro has an integrated metal kickstand with a stepless hinge that lets users set the device at almost any viewing angle up to 170°. The included ASUS Transformer Cover Keyboard is a backlit keyboard that provides laptop-grade 1.4mm key travel for a comfortable typing experience, and is available in four attractive colors — Stone, Charcoal, Taupe, and Amber — that perfectly complement the device. The Transformer 3 Pro has a beautiful 12.6-inch display with a 3K resolution of 2880 by 1920 and a 275ppi pixel density for pin-sharp, detailed images as well and a color gamut of 121% sRGB for rich, vibrant colors. Powerful front-mounted stereo speakers with audio by Harman Kardon provide spacious, defined sound for an incredible listening experience.

The Transformer 3 Pro is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and has up to a 1TB PCIe x4 ultra-fast SSD and 16GB of high-speed 2133MHz RAM for the ultimate performance. Its versatile, reversible USB-C connector supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices at speeds up to 10Gbps, and also incorporates Thunderbolt™ 3 for unbelievably fast 40Gbps data transfers and support for dual external 4K UHD displays. The Transformer 3 Pro also comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI ports for convenient connectivity. A 13MP rear camera lets users capture high-resolution photos and videos, and a front-facing camera with Windows Hello facial recognition enables users to log in conveniently with just a quick glance.

The Transformer 3 Pro is the world’s most versatile PC, with superlative expansion capabilities provided by a range of accessories that extend its functionality and performance to give users a new level of flexibility and convenience from a mobile device.

  • ASUS Pen is a beautifully crafted writing and drawing stylus that detects 1024 levels of pressure for completely natural note-taking and sketching experiences with a high degree of control. Users can also capture photos with Transformer 3 Pro’s high-resolution camera and annotate them directly with ASUS Pen.
  • ASUS Universal Dock is a hub that provides a full range connectivity ports, including USB-C 3.1, USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, RJ45 LAN, and a 3-in-1 SD Card reader. It adds desktop-grade functionality to Transformer 3 Pro.
  • ASUS Audio Pod is an entertainment accessory, with four powerful speakers that deliver amazing 360° virtual 5.1-channel surround-sound with rich, defined bass.
  • ROG XG Station 2 is an external graphics card dock that gives Transformer 3 Pro desktop-grade graphics performance, turning it into a VR-ready gaming powerhouse or workstation.

ASUS Transformer 3: The Mobile PC, Redefined

The ASUS Transformer 3 is a stylish, ultra-slim and compact 2-in-1 PC that provides users with the ultimate mobility, total convenience, and amazing expandability. Precision-crafted from aluminum, Transformer 3 weighs just 695g, is only 6.9mm thin, and has smaller dimensions than a sheet of A4 paper. Its compact and elegant design is accentuated by diamond-cut edges and an exquisite spun-metal finish. Equipped with the detachable ASUS Transformer Sleeve Keyboard that has 1.4mm key travel, an integrated two-position display stand, and a glass-covered precision touchpad, the Transformer 3 provides comfortable typing and smooth, accurate input for the best productivity and creativity experiences. The Transformer 3 is available in gorgeous Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray color options. The ASUS Transformer Sleeve Keyboard is available in four attractive colors — Stone, Charcoal, Taupe, and Amber — that perfectly complement Transformer 3.

The Transformer 3 has a beautiful 12.6-inch display with a 3K resolution of 2880 by 1920 and a 275ppi pixel density for pin-sharp, detailed images, as well as 450cd/m2 brightness and a color gamut of 121% sRGB for rich, vibrant colors. An ultra-thin bezel provides an 80% screen-to-body ratio, maximizing the display area while keeping the device compact and highly portable. Transformer 3 delivers superb video performance with ASUS Tru2Life video-enhancement technology, which optimizes every pixel in each frame before it is displayed, resulting in superior contrast and clarity for the best, most realistic video quality.

The Transformer 3 has an incredible quad-speaker audio system developed in co-operation with audio experts Harmon Kardon, an amazing feature for such a thin device. Each speaker is powered by a smart amplifier to deliver rich, detailed, and immersive sound, even at loud volumes. The Transformer 3 automatically adjusts the routing of low and high audio frequencies to the correct speakers depending on the orientation of the device, ensuring users will always enjoy optimum audio quality.

The Transformer 3 is powered by 7th-generation Intel Core processors, with up to a 512GB SSD and up to 8GB RAM to deliver fast performance for work and play. Its versatile, reversible USB-C connector supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices at speeds up to 10Gbps, and Thunderbolt 3 provides unbelievably fast 40Gbps data transfers and support for dual external 4K UHD displays. A built-in fingerprint reader and Windows Hello support lets users sign in and unlock Transformer 3 quickly and securely without having to type their password or PIN. The Transformer 3 also includes a 13MP camera for capturing high-resolution photos and videos.

Like the Transformer 3 Pro, the Transformer 3 is also expandable with a range of accessories — including  ASUS Pen, ASUS Universal Dock, ASUS Audio Pod, and ROG XG Station 2 — that extend its functionality and performance, giving users a new level of flexibility and convenience from a mobile device.

Cebuana Lhuillier Insures One Million Filipinos for National Pilipino Protektado Day

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 One million Filipinos officially joined the country’s rally to be a fully-insured nation as Cebuana Lhuillier—the Philippines’ leading microfinancial company—provides free microinsurance through its National Pilipino Protektado Day campaign.

Helping Filipinos be more disaster-resilient and prepared against various calamities, Cebuana Lhuillier has declared July 21 as the National Pilipino Protektado Day as part of the company’s advocacy to build disaster-resilient communities and help the Insurance Commission achieve its vision of protecting 80% of the Filipinos with microinsurance by 2020.

“For the past years, we’ve been constantly just introducing new and innovative products and services to the public to be able to help them be financially included. This time, with our National Pilipino Protektado Day campaign, we decided to take a bolder step and took the initiative to really touch ground with those who are most vulnerable to calamities and directly offer them free microinsurance as a new way for them to be secured,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said.

In partnership with Pioneer Insurance and with the help of various public and private organizations, free microinsurance were given out across the Philippines, prioritizing the most vulnerable communities, families and individuals from the marginalized sector.

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions General Manager Jonathan Batangan reiterates that National Pilipino Protektado Day is only one of the company’s many endeavors in its push for disaster resilience. “National Pilipino Protektado Day is a great milestone in our disaster preparedness campaign. But after insuring one million Filipinos, we are on to more initiatives that will help us promote microinsurance and foster disaster resiliency. We are introducing an app, a microinsurance organization, and later on, a website–all designed to ultimately promote the welfare of Filipinos,” he said.

Cebuana Alerto App Reinforcing its disaster resilience advocacy further, Cebuana Lhuillier has also officially launched Cebuana Alerto during the culminating event. An android app that harnesses the digital mobile platform, Cebuana Alerto is designed to provide real-time vital information about disasters within the Philippines.

Equipped with an interactive technology that allows users to share updates in areas affected by any disaster, the Cebuana Alerto app features an alert system that sends notifications to the user in the event of disasters such as typhoon, earthquake, fire, and flood. It has live newsfeeds that show the latest updates from third-party government agencies including the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDDRMC) for weather updates, the Department of Education (DEPED) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for school suspension announcements, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for information on traffic and road conditions. It also informs the users about Cebuana Lhuillier’s various insurance products and services which they can also purchase immediately online through the app.

Furthermore, the app also includes a “Safe Button” special feature that will automatically notify and send an “I AM SAFE” SMS message to the intended recipient about the user’s current state during a disaster.

MIAAPI

Simultaneously, Cebuana Lhuillier also led the formation of the Microinsurance Agents Association of the Philippines, Incorporated (MIAAPI)—an organization founded to promote the interests and welfare of microinsurance agents nationwide.

MIAAPI interim Board Members include ASEAN Insurance Council Head Michael Rellosa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) RFPA Asia Senior Adviser Dante Portula, Pioneer Insurance VP Geric Laude, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines Past President Enrique Abellana, Philippine Insurers Club Treasurer Edgardo David, RBAP Coordinator Gay Mapano, Eternal Plans SAVP Jumer Lecetivo, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Executive Trustee Atty. Cesar Vidal, and CLIS General Manager Jonathan Batangan.

Moreover, Cebuana Lhuillier is also set to launch an online platform for insurance donations called OurHelp later this year. Connecting donees in the Philippines and donors from all over the world through a dedicated website, this crowdfunding website further aims to provide quality insurance protection awarded to the most vulnerable sectors in the form of premium donation from socially aware enterprises.

Prior to the culmination of the National Pilipino Protektado Day, Cebuana Lhuillier kicked off its disaster resilience advocacy by mounting and leading the highly-commended “2016 READY: The Role of Microinsurance in Building Disaster Resilient Communities” forum last January. A series of roadshows in key cities such as Baguio, Cebu, and Davao immediately followed to cascade the Forum’s learnings. Simultaneously, Cebuana Lhuillier launched during the road shows the Alagang Cebuana Plus Gold or ACP Gold—an improved version of the company’s premiere microinsurance product that already includes a microlife component underwritten by PhilamLife. ACP to date has covered more than six million Filipinos.

PRA elevates SM Megamall to Shopping Center of the Year Hall of Fame

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Constant innovation will remain the Philippine retail industry’s significant growth driver in the coming years, according to Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) during its 19th Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers of the Year Awards held recently at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

The retail industry has contributed about 18% of GDP in 2015 alone. PRA Vice Chairman Roberto Claudio cited OFW remittances, BPO earnings, increased consumer spending power, and tourism as key contributors to this development. Tourism, in particular, is projected to attract 12.5M tourists by 2022. This means demand for shopping, leisure and entertainment will increase tremendously.

Claudio said that although the retail industry has been experiencing growth over the last three years, it still has to address the challenge to keep the consumers coming to the stores because of the growing popularity of e-commerce. “We need to go beyond the idea of selling. We have to provide excellent customer experience for them to keep coming back to our stores,” he said.

Claudio gave SM as an example on how to meet the demand because of the company’s continuous investments in shopping, hotel and conventions, events and entertainment. “SM never stopped innovating. It keeps reinventing itself. In retail, you can’t afford to be complacent once you meet your sales targets. Just look at how many times SM innovates, how they keep reinventing their product categories, how they continue training their people,” Claudio said.

PRA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim believes that SM’s success is driven by SM founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s ability to see beyond selling and marketing. According to Lim, Henry Sy was instrumental in bringing the Asian Retailers Conference and Exhibit to the Philippines in 1993 at the then newly built SM Megamall. There, he remembers seeing Henry Sy, exchanging ideas with, and learning from, the delegates who were some of Asia’s best retailers.

“Henry Sy is a true visionary. He doesn’t see things for what they are, but for what they can become,” Lim said. “That’s how SM became a leader. The company’s tradition of learning from the best retailers around the world continues until today. That’s the spirit of entrepreneurship.”

Today, the tradition is carried on by Hans Sy as president of SM Prime Holdings. “This win is a tribute to the entire team whose hard work has helped build the SM brand in the way it is recognized today,” said Hans Sy about the various awards SM brought home from the PRA. “It is a win that will help keep us on track toward maintaining innovative products and services.”

SM Megamall went home with another Shopping Center of the Year award, which automatically elevates it to PRA’s Hall of Fame. It was also given a special award for Best Retail Architecture awarded by the Southeast Asia Property Awards.

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