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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

 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

Leave a comment

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.

Be Part of Our Community

Samsung teams up with Abenson to be the Filipino home’s perfectpartner in taking care of the family

Leave a comment

Samsung Philippines brings its home appliances closer to Filipinos’ reach with the help of its key partnership with Abenson, one of the most trusted dealers in the country.Together, Samsung and Abenson launched the Filipino household’s perfect partners in taking care of their family. Samsung showcased home appliances that intuitively understand and care for the family’s needsin the “Samsung Digital Appliances: Perfect Partners” launch held at Abenson’s flagship store in Bonifacio Global City last June 23.

The event highlighted easy-to-follow life hacks that homemakers can accomplish using Samsung’s Digital Appliances.Samsung Twin Cooling Refrigerator: Your Partner in Freshness Fresh food and energy savings are important for all families. Samsung Twin Cooling Refrigerators are engineered to keep food fresh up to two times longer, allowing family members to enjoy fresher and better-tasting food. Samsung’s innovative Twin Cooling Technology allows for the refrigerator and freezer to have separate temperature controls, which gives flexibility for five different conversion modes.

This allows users to easily convert the freezer into a fridge to store more groceries, or keep only the freezer or the fridge on if one would go on vacation. Samsung Add-Wash: Your Partner in Convenience Sometimes the wash just started then mom would see socks or a towel on the floor, or realize that she forgot to include school uniform to be used tomorrow. Addressing this common problem, the Samsung Front Load Washing Machine with Add-Wash technology allows more clothes to beadded in the middle of a wash cycle. Its Wi-Fi capability via Smart Control feature allows the washing machine to be controlled remotely, giving family members the freedom to do other things.

These innovative features mean less time and energy washing every piece of laundry and more time for moments that truly matter. Samsung Airconditioners: Your Partner in Comfort The sweltering heat in the Philippines makes airconditioners a must in every home. However,these can jack up electricity costs considerably. Aiming to provide maximum comfort to Filipino families, Samsung Airconditioner with Digital Inverter offers hours of reliable cooling and
unparalleled energy efficiency. It uses an 8-pole inverter that ensures a more efficient operation with less vibration and noise, while its Wi-Fi function via Smart Control enables the user to control the airconditioner using their smartphone or tablet.

Samsung Smart Microwave Oven: Your Partner in Delight The Samsung Smart Microwave Oven gives access to easy and healthier cooking. Beyond its sleek and premium design, this microwave oven is packed with features that reduce cooking time,grill meats, and even ferment dough or yogurt. Samsung’s Smart Microwave Oven is designed with ceramic enamel coating to quickly and conveniently prepare healthy and delicious meals. It also makes the microwave oven easy to clean, making it a partner in delight in the kitchen. “Our latest suite of home appliances go beyond their usual functions to help the modern homemaker do daily chores easily, efficiently, and stylishly.

Through our partnership with Abenson,we can let more customers experience why Samsung home appliances are the perfect partners of modern Filipino homes,” said Stephanie Chua, Head of Product Marketing, Digital Appliances.“As part of our mission in bringing ‘the good life’ to every Filipino, we are making sure that we are offering the best products that fit our customers’ lifestyle. We are proud to partner with a trusted brand like Samsung to give our customers access to the latest innovations in home appliances,”said Jephanie Ma, Abenson Marketing Manager.

A Greater Quality of Life

Leave a comment

Growing up in an impoverished post-war Taiwan, Johnson Health Tech founder, Peter Lo knew that following one’s dreams would require hard work, ambition, and a true entrepreneurial spirit that, 40 years later, has become the core of our business.

It was 1975. With the idea that building his own business would be the key to long-term success, a determined Lo hand wrote about 2,000 letters to American companies to offer support and services for their manufacturing needs. He received only 2 responses. One, an exercise equipment called IVANKO, asked if Lo could manufacture barbells. With his first order of $400 for 200 barbell pieces. Lo created Johnson Metal. While learning the skills and knowledge necessary for barbell manufacturing. Lo began to understand the individual and societal benefits of fitness equipment and wanted to foster his commitment to health and well being around the world.

By the 1980’s, Lo’s barbell business has expanded to the cardio fitness space. Johnson Health Tech became the original equipment manufacturer for numerous industry leaders including Trek, Schwinn, Omron, True and Universal among others. In 1996, Johnson Health Tech’s first brand efforts was spun off by the Trek Fitness management team – Vision Fitness- with the idea that the specialty fitness channel, still a small market at that time, would see immense growth in the future. While higher-end cardio products were too expensive and mass products were too low-quality for most fitness enthusiasts at the time, Johnson Health Tech was to find the “sweet spot” by offering exceptional quality at a more affordable price.

With a knack for spotting major trends in the fitness and manufacturing world to meet today’s consumer needs, Johnson Health Tech’s business more than doubled within just three years. In 1998, Johnson Health Tech introduced Horizon Fitness to bring higher quality and durability to the typically lower-end sporting goods/mas-market channel. Three years later, Johnson Health Tech launched Matrix Fitness line of products to the commercial fitness channel.

Throughout its gradual but massive growth, Johnson Health Tech has also established itself as a true pioneer of product innovation, from the Matrix hybrid bike to the first folding elliptical, to perfecting the eddy current magnetic brake system. Many of the technologies invented for the Johnson Health Tech machines have now become industry standards. From the beginning, an investment in key technologies to increase quality and add value has been a key priority of Johnson Health Tech.

Currently Johnson Health Tech is the largest fitness manufacturer in Asia and the third-largest manufacturer in the world. With a product portfolio covering all fitness channels and markets, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon. Johnson’s global network consists of manufacturing facilities in Shanghai and Taiwan, with Research & Development centers in North America, Shanghai and Taiwan. We are among the industry’s fastest-growing manufacturers, and with 24 wholly-owned subsidiaries, a service network of 60 countries, and 315 retail stores, allowing us better reach and to efficiently serve the needs of our customers around the globe.

This 2016, Johnson Health Tech (JHT), is proud to announce the establishment of their twenty-third wholly owned subsidiary in the heart of the Makati Business District, the leading financial and central business district of the Philippines.

“Johnson Health Tech is extremely excited to have an established home in one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. As a direct subsidiary, we can bring a number of significant benefits to our customers across both commercial and home use fitness segments. With JHT’s industry-leading product portfolio and strength in global R&D and manufacturing, paired with our local team of highly trained professionals, we can provide turn-key solutions for all fitness and wellness related needs. Here in Manila, we want to be known as JOHNSON HEALTH TECH PHILIPPINES, INC.”, said Mr. Katsuya Ito, the Japanese-Australian nationale spearheading JHT Philippines’ – Team Manila. Prior to this appointment, President Ito served as a Regional Sales Manager for JHT’s Taiwan corporate headquarters, and head of Overseas Sales Development for Fujiiryoki (Fuji Medical Instruments), a leading Japanese massage chair manufacturer.

The subsidiary will serve both the commercial market, including fitness clubs, condominiums, corporate gyms, colleges, and government projects; as well as the home use market, where the subsidiary’s primary focus will be to aggressively develop a corporate-owned retail store network across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

VXI – Launching of their new logo and brand positioning

Leave a comment

Contact center solutions provider VXI Global Solutions recently opened its flagship facility in Pasay—its seventh in the Philippines—and is looking at opening one or two more by end of this year.

Speaking to the local media during the facility’s grand opening at the Five E-Com Center located at the Mall of Asia Complex in this city, Jared Morrison, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for the Philippines of VXI Global Holdings B.V. Philippines, Inc., said they are already in the market scouting for two more additional locations.

Morrison said among those locations are one at the National Capital Region (NCR) and another provincial site. He mentioned that they’ve already looked at the Next Wave Cities list of the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) and the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) for possible locations.

“We’ve seen the list and we’ve already sat down with our real estate consultants. Right now, we’re developing strategies on where to locate next,” explains Morrison.

He added that VXI will make the announcement on the new expansion location, whether in the NCR or in the province, by the end of this year and the next one by early next year.

Davao City was mentioned as a possible provincial site again since VXI already has an existing facility there. “Of course Davao is also still possible but we don’t want to compete with ourselves. However, if there’s room for one more there, then we’d love to go to Davao,” he said.

The Pasay site, costing around an estimated Php 185 million to build and will house more than 1,000 employees, is already filled to about 80% of its total capacity and Morrison said they expect to be fully loaded by the end of this year as well.

But what’s even more exciting is the fact that the new facility will provide additional jobs for those interested to work in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Last year, Morrison said VXI paid a total of close to Php 3 billion in salaries and this facility will definitely add up to that total.

“VXI has an excellent service track record with our clients and they are demanding more of our services so we have to develop an excellent talent pool, which we compensate with above-industry standard pay, including other exceptional benefits. People work for us and stay long with us because they see opportunities for career advancement and growth, the chance to lead people. That’s the value that VXI offers in terms of jobs for those who want a career in the BPO industry,” Morrison added.

VXI has more than 21,000 people working around the world with office in the US, China and of course the Philippines. More than 40% of its global employee footprint is based in the Philippines. The company started with only 590 employees in 2003 and grew at an average of 30% per annum, and now has more than 10,000 employees as of June this year working in its facilities in Makati, Ortigas and Quezon City . Last year, VXI grew its headcount in the Philippines by 16% from 2014.

VXI provides call center and ITO services in more than 25 languages for leading global Fortune 500 companies. Its partners rely on a complete range of contact center and technology solutions to retain and grow their customer base while maintaining the highest level of quality and operational excellence.

For more about VXI, visit www.vxi.com.

Ian Veneracion endorses Primera Light Brandy

Leave a comment

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) introduced “man of the hour” Ian Veneracion as the newest endorser of its liquor brand Primera Light Brandy.

In a grand press launch and contract signing held recently, the multi-talented actor was welcomed to the GSMI family by its president Bernard Marquez, group brand manager Paul Camello, and brand manager Henry Simon.

Ian, who won the hearts of many after starring in a hit primetime teleserye and movie, relates that being “swabe” is important when dealing with both his work and personal life.

“After a ‘tamang swabe’ day of shooting or taping, I just want to relax and drink something smooth. So when I’m with friends we usually just open a bottle of Primera Light Brandy,” says Ian, who finally found the smoothness that he had been looking for in a brandy. “Primera Light Brandy is smoother than other brands, and I love how it tastes,” he adds.

Primera Light Brandy is a unique brandy liqueur masterpiece made from fine imported ingredients and exquisitely blended with Solera Gran Reserva Brandy concentrate from Spain. The breakthrough Premium Smooth Blend process gives Primera Light Brandy that distinctly flavorful aroma, well-balanced character, and exceptional taste for that “Tamang Swabe, Swabeng Tama”.

Primera Light Brandy was recently recognized for its high quality and taste by the Monde Selection International Quality Institute, the distinguished authority of quality in the food and beverages industry worldwide.

Primera Light Brandy is a quality product of Ginebra San Miguel Inc.
For more on Primera Light Brandy, like the official Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/primeralightbrandy or log on to www.ginebrasanmiguel.com.

WRITE UP: H2O SALAMANDER CROWD SOURCE FUNDING CAMPAIGN

Leave a comment

With the recent global temperature record-breaking El Nino coming to an end, another extreme weather phenomenon is expected to take its place – the La Nina. If the El Nino caused many countries all over the world – including the Philippines – to experience severe drought, the La Nina is expected to do the exact and extreme opposite. As such, we can expect severe flooding in many places not just in Metro Manila but also all over the country.

While the government is doing its part in building the necessary flood mitigating infrastructures like sufficient drainage systems and other flood control projects, it will take a long time and a lot of money to complete them all. In the meantime, how can the people living in the 26,000 flood-prone barangays – as identified by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council or NDRRMC – in the Philippines cope with massive flooding and the great challenges that come with it? And even after completing such infrastructures, how about the many other areas outside Metro Manila and other major cities in the Philippines that aren’t included in such infrastructure projects?

THE H2O SALAMANDER, an amphibious multi-utility vehicle
In response to this particular challenge posed by today’s severe weather, a cutting-edge Filipino innovation and technology company – H2O Technologies – has developed the H2O Salamander. It is an amphibious multi-utility vehicle that can safely run on both land and water, yes even in flood waters. t’s a potential game changer in terms of responding to typhoon-related disasters and mitigating the effects of severe flooding, especially in highly urbanized areas. The vehicle can be utilize to ensure continuity to provide basic services needed by people in every flood prone barangays. The H2O Salamander can carry up to 6 passengers (driver included) and comes in electricity and gasoline powered versions.

THE PARTNERSHIP
H2O Technologies is partnering with the single biggest non-government organization (NGO) that helps the Philippine government in dealing natural calamities like typhoons and massive flooding – the Philippine Red Cross. The Red Cross provides critical disaster management services to local government units (LGU) severely affected by natural calamities like floods through its disaster relief activities like rescue operations, among others. H2O is partnering with the Philippine Red Cross in helping local government units manage natural calamities better by donating 500 units of the H2O Salamander.

FUNDING THE PARTNERSHIP
For a successful campaign, we need to raise the amount of US$4.3 million . To do this, it will embark on a 60-day crowd source funding campaign via www.startsomegood.com, a crowd-funding platform for social enterprises, nonprofit projects and change makers. The campaign will give social change supporters the opportunity to donate $10, $50, $100, $150 and $2,500 in this crowd funding campaign;

Jollibee releases new Pinoy pride jingle for Independence Day

Leave a comment

This coming June 12, the country’s number one fast food chain is set to release its latest anthem that is sure to make Filipinos #PinoyAndProud. Titled “Sarap at Saya”, this inspirational song is written for the country’s 118th Independence Day, to remind everyone how joyful it is to be Filipino and to highlight the many qualities that make every Pinoy proud of our beautiful country and unique culture.

Jollibee has consistently introduced generation-defining jingles through its TV commercials over the years. Top hits include the iconic “Beeda ang Saya” and “I Love You Sabado,” which captured the hearts of Pinoys of all ages. The brand’s latest anthem—especially composed for Independence Day—is slated to become another classic.

“Sarap at Saya” redefines Pinoy pride by igniting interest in commemorating the one truly Filipino holiday of the year, and in celebrating Independence Day as one resilient, jolly, and hopeful nation.

Emerging international musical titan Rachelle Ann Go, star of the London West End productions of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables, and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 runner-up and teen singing sensation Darren Espanto brought the anthem to life with their heartfelt rendition.

The song will be performed live for the first time by Darren joined by The X Factor Philippines season 1 champ KZ Tandingan at the Jollibee #PinoyAndProud: 2016 Independence Day Celebration and Countdown on June 11, 2016 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig.

The music video version, starring Rachelle Ann and Darren, will premiere on local TV and online through the Jollibee Facebook page and on the official Jollibee YouTube channel on June 12.

Catch the performance of other top Pinoy talents Sarah Geronimo, JK Labajo, Elmo Magalona, Spongecola, and Itchyworms during the program that will run from 7 PM all the way to midnight to welcome Independence Day. They will be joined by Jollibee ambassadors Jodi Sta. Maria and the Legaspi family Zoren, Carmina, Mavy, and Cassy.