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Sunday, March 29, 2020

HUAWEI P40 Series Marks the Age of Visionary Photography

Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) launches the HUAWEI P40 Pro+, HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40, the new HUAWEI P40 Series flagship smartphones featuring cutting-edge designs with ground-breaking camera innovations that radically expand mobile photography and video capture possibilities. 


The HUAWEI P40 Series continues the series’ heritage of imaging excellence. The large 1/1.28-inch sensor has a binned pixel size measuring 2.44μm to massively boost light intake for enhanced low-light performance, while a new periscope design realises 10x true optical zoom. The HUAWEI P40 Series is powered by Kirin 990 5G and supports high-speed 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Plus. The advanced hardware is embedded in a beautiful and compact enclosure featuring the HUAWEI Quad-curve Overflow Display that delivers outstanding fluidity and responsiveness. 




Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG, “The HUAWEI P Series has always been about innovative aesthetics and making premium imaging hardware accessible, representing the very best of industrial design and technology. With an outstanding sensor, camera systems that we co-engineered with Leica, powerful chipset and HUAWEI XD Fusion Engine, the HUAWEI P40 Series exemplifies our focus and offers an all-day Super Definition experience to help consumers realise their creative vision.”

Unprecedented design
The HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ are equipped with the HUAWEI Quad-curve Overflow Display. Inspired by the art of motion, the display takes on a curved edge on all four sides, creating a shape that is reminiscent of water on the cusp of overflowing from the rim of a filled cup. The super narrow bezels and streamlined round corners ensure an ergonomic hold and a near borderless look, while an enhanced in-screen fingerprint reader offers 30 percent faster biometric authentication. 

Available in three glossy glass finishes – Ice White, Deep Sea Blue and Black – and two innovative refractive matte glass finishes – Blush Gold and Silver Frost, the HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 exude classical elegance from every angle. HUAWEI P40 Pro+ features an exquisite nano-tech ceramic back panel that is kilned and polished to ensure it stands the test of time with incredible durability and timeless style. This unique design comes in two iconic colours: Ceramic White and Ceramic Black. 

All-day Super Definition photography 
Embedded in the HUAWEI P40 Series is the advanced Ultra Vision Leica camera system, available in triple-camera, quad-camera and penta-camera configurations. The HUAWEI P40 delivers outstanding photographic results with ultra wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The HUAWEI P40 Pro features an evolution of the Leica Quad Camera with a more powerful Ultra Wide Cine Camera and ToF Camera alongside 50x SuperSensing Zoom. The HUAWEI P40 Pro+ lets consumers see the unprecedented with the SuperZoom Array, which supports 10x true optical zoom and 100x maximum digital zoom.

The HUAWEI Ultra Vision Sensor included in the full HUAWEI P40 Series is Huawei’s largest CMOS sensor to date. Measuring 1/1.28 inches diagonally, it supports pixel binning to achieve a pixel size of 2.44μm and Full Pixel Octa PD AutoFocus for high-speed focus at any time of day, while the HUAWEI XD Fusion Engine integrates and processes data from multiple cameras to generate a comprehensive improvement in picture quality. 




HUAWEI P40 Pro brings faraway subjects up close with 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and 50x maximum digital zoom. For the first time ever, the 5x Optical Telephoto Camera in the HUAWEI P40 Pro includes a RYYB colour filter array to boost light intake and improve quality of zoomed shots. HUAWEI P40 Pro+ has a 100x SuperZoom Array with a new periscope design that reflects light five times, extending the light path by 178 percent to support 10x true optical zoom. The optically stabilised Ultra Vision Wide Camera and SuperZoom Array work in tandem with AI to realise Triple OIS+AIS for vastly improved photo and video stabilisation. 




Skin tone and texture are faithfully reproduced by a new Multi-spectrum Colour Temperature Sensor and AI AWB algorithm that boost colour accuracy by 45 percent. Deep learning algorithms provide real-time portrait optimisations that enhance lighting and detail. HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ have a 32MP AF Camera and IR Depth Camera that support autofocus and Bokeh reproduction to deliver the same outstanding portrait effects that are signature to Huawei devices, as well as IR Face Unlock for device unlock even in low light conditions. HUAWEI P40 Series also introduces HUAWEI Golden Snap, which includes AI Best Moment, a new smart photography feature that chooses the best frames from a Moving Picture. AI Remove Passerby and AI Remove Reflection can do away with unwanted subjects and glare from the frame, allowing users to easily enhance their images after the fact.

A powerful pocket-sized video camera 
The 40MP Ultra Wide Cine Camera in HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ has a focal length that is equivalent to 18mm and a 1/1.54-inch sensor supporting the 3:2 aspect ratio. SedecimPixel Fusion Technology is built into this camera to support 16-in-1 pixel binning, producing super pixels that measure 4.48μm to boost light sensitivity up to ISO51200 and enable 7680fps Ultra Slow-Motion video capture.

HUAWEI P40 Series supports real-time Bokeh effects for videos. Similar to the results of a wide aperture lens, this feature adds progressive Bokeh to help highlight the main subject of the footage. The telephoto camera can capture high quality zoom footage as well as 4K time-lapse videos. Directional Audio Zoom, available on HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+, allows users to zoom in on an audio source and amplify its sound at the same time.




An all-connected 5G powerhouse
The HUAWEI P40 Series is powered by Kirin 990 5G to deliver integrated 5G connectivity with the most comprehensive 5G band support, robust AI performance and power efficiency. Display responsiveness and gaming experience are taken to the next level by the upgraded graphics rendering engine making the most of the 90Hz panel on the HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+. The 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 Plus technology featured in the full line-up offers high-speed connectivity with support for 2,400Mbps peak theoretical transmission speed. The industry-leading 40W Wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge is available on the HUAWEI P40 Pro+ for fast and convenient charging. The chipset is given the thermal headroom to deliver exceptional performance by the advanced cooling systems, including the bespoke 4-in-1 SuperCool system in the HUAWEI P40 Pro+. 

The EMUI 10.1 operating system introduces a host of new features that enable a richer, more seamless AI life. HUAWEI MeeTime[1] supports 1080p Full HD video call on Huawei smartphones, tablets and the HUAWEI Vision TV and delivers clear picture quality even in low light or weak signal conditions. Users can also share their phone screen with the other party during the video call and mark-up notes to quickly share thoughts. 

Huawei Share facilitates high-speed file transfer between the smartphone and other devices such as tablets and PCs. With Huawei Share on the HUAWEI P40 Series, consumers can stream music to a smart speaker, initiate screen projection and connect to Wi-Fi by tapping the device[2] they want to connect to with their phone. New functionality added to the Multi-screen Collaboration allows users to easily answer video or voice calls hands-free directly through the PC, and open files and hyperlinks on the smartphone with native PC applications for enhanced productivity.


Working in close collaboration with global developers, Huawei offers a wide range of global and local apps on AppGallery, Huawei’s official app marketplace. Users can also enjoy a rich library of quality entertainment media on HUAWEI Video, HUAWEI Music and HUAWEI Reader, with new additions from top content providers being added on a continuous basis. 





Alongside the HUAWEI P40 Series, Huawei also launched the HUAWEI WATCH GT2e, HUAWEI Sound X and the latest Spring/Summer 2020 HUAWEI X GENTLE MONSTER Eyewear, further enriching its product portfolio of all-scenario products that are designed to help consumers live a better digital life.




[1] Feature will be available via HOTA update. HUAWEI MeeTime is supported in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia. 
[2] Specific models of device are required for this feature. 

Araneta City's response during the COVID period


Amid the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that is currently in effect in Luzon, Araneta City has implemented several programs that will help our employees, tenants, and our community in these trying times.
     
Araneta City advanced last week its employees’ salary for the end of March and will continue to pay through the end of the ECQ on April 14. Sick or Vacation Leave credits will remain intact regardless of whether they are able to work from home. Employees who need to come on site are provided with assistance such as hazard pay, food, and temporary accommodation. Also, everyone will be given half of their 13th month pay in advance instead of the usual mid-year schedule.  




Meanwhile, to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 to our retail tenant-partners as well as their employees, we are waiving the rent of all retail tenant-partners that are prevented to open for business because of the ECQ. We are hoping that the waiver will enable our tenant partners to attend to their own needs, especially those of their employees. 

Araneta City is also extending help to our immediate community in Quezon City by donating food packs to neighboring families affected by the ECQ. Later on, we will launch the #TogetherWeHeal Donation Drive in coordination with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) to help more indigent families in Metro Manila who are displaced or affected by the health crisis. Also, JAAF has pledged to donate test kits that would provide additional support to the operations of the Quezon City General Hospital to assist our government in the speedy diagnosis of cases.

Araneta City believes in the power of bayanihan. We are doing our part in helping end the threat of this disease. We recognize the resilience of the Filipino people, and we are confident that together, we can get through this challenge. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the country. Please be safe.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Donate to One Voice Pilipinas second concert on March 29


Following the success of ONE VOICE PILIPINAS online benefit concert which raised more than P5 million cash donations, Landers Superstore, together with the Philippine Army, will be holding its second ONE VOICE PILIPINAS online concert on March 28, 7:00pm on its event host, Matteo Guidicelli’s official Facebook page, to enjoin everyone to help families in need during the calamity that was brought about by the COVID-19 virus.

The online event can be streamed on his official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/matteog, will feature live performances from Martin Nieverra, Christian Bautista, Seth Fedelin, Ylona Garcia, Jaya, Donnalyn Bartolome and Manny Pacquiao.



The first ONE VOICE PILIPINAS concert, which went live on Landers official Facebook page, was hosted by Matteo Guidicelli with guest appearance of his wife Sarah Geronimo Guidicelli and performances from his celebrity friends including Kean Cipriano, Joey Generoso, Janine Tenoso, Jason Dy, Jed Madela, Kylie Versoza and Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo.

Send in your donation via One Voice Pilipinas’ website: www.onevoicepilipinas.landers.ph. Proceeds will be used to prepare food and will be distributed to areas with COVID-19 cases.


#OneVoicePH
#COVID19
#fightCOVID19
#FlattenTheCurve
#LandersSuperstore
#PhilippineArmy
#landersph
#LandersBalintawak
#LandersOtis
#LandersCebu
#LandersAlabangWest
#LandersArcoViaCity

Friday, March 27, 2020

AXA extends payment deadline and coverage for COVID-19



AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is extending deadlines for payments due within the enhanced community quarantine and expanding insurance coverage related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“This is our way of helping our customers cope with the current situation. While on quarantine, we want them to stay in their homes, be healthy, and stay safe as much as possible,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer.

AXA is extending its payment grace period from 31 days to 60 days for policies due from February 15 to April 30, 2020 for all health and life insurance policies (individual and group).

In addition, AXA Global Health Access policies will cover treatments and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 until June 30, 2020 (subject to the customer’s plan coverage). Compulsory quarantine-related medical expenses will also be covered if the insured is eventually confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.



Moreover, benefits of select AXA insurance products will be paid out whether related to COVID-19 or not. These include Health Max, Health Exentials, and Health Start; Shield Rider, Critical Conditions Rider and Group Critical Illness policies and the Care Rider, Daily Hospital Income benefit under Health Exentials and Group Daily Hospital Income (DHI)  policies.

For Smart Traveller, all travel insurance policies bought before March 11, 2020 will be covered for trip cancellation or postponement due to COVID-19. For all AXA policies with life insurance coverage (individual and group policies), death benefits resulting from COVID-19 will be covered.

AXA is also continuing the services which are done in partnership with its health partners.  These services are made available to all of AXA’s life and health insurance policyholders for a limited time. With the risks that going to a hospital during the COVID-19 quarantine may entail, AXA customers may avail of medical consultations in the comfort of their own homes through accessing our health partner’s MyPocketDoctor app. With the app, policyholders have access to free 24/7 teleconsultation with a doctor for a limited period.

Through its other health partner, AIDE, customers may also have medical treatment at home and Php200 off on select healthcare servicesonce they download the AIDE app.

For customers who wish to still pay their premiums on time, payment can be made through various convenient AXA payment channels: credit card and bills payment through online banking or mobile apps (Bancnet, PSBank, Metrobank, BPI, BDO, PNB, Landbank, Union Bank, GCash, and Cliqq for individual life insurance policies and PSBank, Metrobank and Paymaya for general insurance policies).

For those who need to file for claims, customers may do so online. For life insurance policies, submit scanned copies of your documents for life claims and policy benefits to life.claims@axa.com.ph. To download forms and to check requirements, please visit www.axa.com.ph/self-service

To keep updated on customer advisories, visit www.axa.com.ph or talk to an agent at (02) 8581 5292 from Monday to Friday at 8am to 5pm. Customers may also e-mail customer.service@axa.com.ph.



Work from Home: How to attract talents with home-based jobs


Filipinos’ work environment is no longer limited by their office location or 8-hour work window. With the changes brought by technological advancement, job seekers have more options to earn and started considering work from home opportunities. It keeps them away from congested roads during rush hours and allows them to work productively at home even in the midst of untoward situations.
Education is the most in-demand home-based job specialization with overall average salary of Php37,000 per month followed by Customer Service at Php42,000 average monthly salary and IT/Computer – Software at Php73,000 average monthly salary based on online job portal JobStreet.com database of top home-based job from 2019 to 2020.

Hiring home-based employees is a practical resource if a company is seeking cost-cutting methods. It can also help growing companies, especially startups, with no set revenue yet or those that need manpower but have yet to acquire a physical workplace. Its flexibility is also an advantage, allowing employees to have work-life balance while helping their companies achieve its business goals.  
Attracting full-time home-based workers 
JobStreet Philippines commissioned the world’s leading research agency KANTAR to conduct the survey “Laws of Attraction” which had more than 18,000 Filipino respondents from top 25 industries across the country. This survey revealed that salary or compensation, career development, and work-life balance are the top three drivers of attraction among Filipinos who prefer work from home opportunities. 
Majority of home-based opportunities are full-time with 77.3% share according to JobStreet.com’s database of homebased jobs in 2019 to 2020. 
Attracting full-time home-based job seekers is similar to pulling office-based full-time workers. They prefer work from home jobs that provide mandatory government benefits (95.5%), double pay during holidays (93.9%), and high base salary (85.8%). 
Aside from promotion opportunities (78.2%) and clear growth plans (70%), hirers can entice home-based candidates by offering skills development or coaching (57.3%) and mentoring programs (51.5%).
Although they are employees working at the comfort of their home, they still expect companies to compensate them for overtime work (82.6%), switch off from work on public holidays (71.4%) especially if they cater only to the local market, and provide cash equivalent to unused annual leaves (67.4%). 
Pulling the part-timers 
Home-based part-timers are also considering salary or compensation, career development, and work-life balance when applying for a job.  
More than getting offers with high base salary, LOA showed that part-time home-based job candidates look for employers that give mandatory government benefits (91.2%), health insurance for their family (88.9%), and double pay during holidays (87.1%).  
Promotion (72.9%) and clear growth plans (63.4%) are common demands for all types of employees, but it’s noticeable that even work from home workers want skill development, coaching (57.6%) and other self-development programs (56.5%). 
They also demand for overtime pay (81.7%), compulsory no work during holidays (69.2%), and flexible working hours (46.5%).
Just like any other employees, home-based workers should also be given the equal importance. And for employers to be able to pull out the best candidates, they should also bring their a-game to the table and strategize their recruitment processes according to the demands of their target job seekers. 
To discover more on Filipino workforce, visit JobStreet’s LOA portal on  https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/cms/employer/laws-of-attraction/.


Thursday, March 26, 2020

IS IT SAFE TO DRINK FROM THE TAP?

If you are a millennial, belong to Gen Z, or born in the mid ‘90s, I’m quite certain that you’d answer with a quick and emphatic-- NO!
But for those who belong to my generation, we actually lived at a time when bottled water and mineral water stations were non-existent and we could just drink out of any water faucet anytime—without any hesitation.



To tell you honestly, though, even I couldn’t remember the last time I drank from the tap. Ever since mineral and bottled water were sold, drinking straight from the tap has become pretty unthinkable to most residents of Metro Manila. There was this general impression that the water isn’t safe for drinking that’s why a lot of people got rich selling water purifiers, filters and bottled water. For us, the water that comes out of the faucet is only good for taking a bath, washing clothes, doing the dishes and rinsing veggies and fruits.



That was until our recent Maynilad tour which led us to Angat Dam, Ipo Dam and Maynilad’s La Mesa Water Treatment Plant 2.



The first stop was the Angat Dam which has “Class A” water meaning it is the best and easiest type of water to treat because it has the least impurities.



Our 2nd stop was the Ipo Dam, which diverts water from Angat Dam to the Novaliches Portal. Maynilad’s share of the raw water thereafter flows to its La Mesa Water Treatment Plants in Quezon City.



3rd stop was at Maynilad’s La Mesa Treatment Plant 2, right where the raw water undergoes treatment and laboratory testing.
We learned that for the past several years, Maynilad has been spending billions of pesos to transform and improve the Manila water network and that the water they produce conforms to the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water set by the Department of Health (DOH) and compliant with the World Health Organization.



Samples are gathered daily and tested in a laboratory to ensure that water supply adheres to those standards, and the DOH and MWSS also conduct independent sampling activities to verify Maynilad’s findings.
This means that the water provided by Maynilad is actually guaranteed potable—well, at least until the water reaches your meter. This is the tricky part, because then the quality of the water would change depending on the material and quality of your house’s internal pipes. Leaky pipes for example might get contaminated by soil or other foreign substances. For your water to be considered safe to drink, there shouldn't be any leaks or damage to your pipes since these can become entry points for contamination.



So how does Maynilad filter the water from the dams?
Raw water from Angat Dam goes through a multi-stage treatment process that includes:
Screening - Raw water passes through screens that prevent the entry of foreign objects such as grass, leaves and tree limbs and other large floatables. 
Rapid Mixing- Chemicals are added to the raw water so undesirable, tiny suspended solids form into clusters. Chlorine may also be added for pre-chlorination.
Flocculation - Raw water is gently stirred so the small clusters of suspended solids will collide and form into large particles called "flocs".
Sedimentation- Floc particles get heavier and settle to the bottom of the basin
Filtration- Water from sedimentation basins is filtered through dual-media filters.  These filters trap the flocs as water flows down through them.
Post treatment- Before leaving the treatment plants, lime and chlorine may be added to the treated water. Chlorine is added to disinfect water and ensure that it is safe for consumers. Lime is added to correct the PH or acidity levels of the water, thereby preventing corrosion of the pipes in the distribution system.




La Mesa Treatment Plant 1 was commissioned in 1982 while La Mesa Treatment Plant 2 began its operations in 1995. The former was designed by an American company while the latter was designed by a French Company.
This is the step-by-step process on how they treat raw water, turning it into safe drinking water. Whenever there are service interruptions, you might notice that the water may appear cloudy or muddy at first once service resumes. If you see this, Maynilad suggests to just let the water flow out briefly until it becomes clear.


Five Easy Steps to Treat your Child's Fever


Parents today have access to more health information than ever through the availability of online sources and e-consultation apps. But when your child comes down with a fever, you can’t help but panic and forget everything you know or have read. It may even be tempting to rush your child to the hospital for mild fevers.

In most cases, a fever is a healthy sign that your child’s immune system is at work1. What’s important to know is how to manage it at its onset regardless of the cause.

According to Dr. Carmina A. delos Reyes, Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Specialist, fever has various causes. “It can be due to an infection, inflammation, allergies, or prolonged heat exposure. Its treatment depends on the underlying problem. While it is important to pursue diagnostic tests, fever management is still highly recommended to provide comfort to the sick child.”

To have a better grasp on how to manage your child’s fever effectively, here are five (5) easy steps:

Step 1: Recognize and identify fever and discomfort2

There are many ways to know if your child is feeling feverish. While older kids verbalize their symptoms or discomfort, younger ones such as toddlers and babies express themselves through behavior. Be keen on changes in action and attitude such as loss of interest in toys or playing, loss of appetite, and increased crying.

The best way to confirm a child’s fever is by measuring their temperature using a thermometer. The normal temperature range for children is 36.5°C- 37.5°C. When the number rises above 37.5°C, the child has a fever1,3 and in need of treatment

Step 2: Give the right dose of paracetamol

Now that you’ve confirmed that your child has a fever, give him or her paracetamol as the first-line treatment. This action step is prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO)4.

Be sure to purchase the right paracetamol formulation for your child’s age group. Dose your child correctly by taking your child’s weight, and following the recommended dosage instructions for your child’s weight band. The information is usually found on product labels.

Age can also be used as an alternative to guide dosing based on package instructions.5

Step 3: Don’t forget to use the measuring device provided

Measuring medicine may sound like an easy task, but many parents are guilty of under-dosing their child.6 WHO recommends parents to use the measuring device provided with the product4 to avoid errors.

How about tablespoons and teaspoons? Although they seem harmless, using kitchenware can double the risk of dosing errors for children.7 It is best to stick to the dosing device provided.

If you’re confused by the markings and measurement abbreviations on the dosing devices, check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Step 4: Monitor your child’s progress and help them feel better

Want to do more for your child, but don’t know how? Here are some other ways you can do to help your child recover quickly.

DOs:
      Monitor the temperature and check regularly for rashes or fatigue
      Check on the child’s fever at night
      Ensure that the child drinks plenty of fluids
      Have the child stay at home until the fever has gone down

DON’Ts
      Do not give sponge or cool baths
      Do not under-dress or over-dress a feverish child 

Step 5: If fever persists, give your child paracetamol again

If the fever does not subside immediately, give your child another dose of paracetamol (at 15 mg/kg) every 4-6 hours. Just be sure to not administer paracetamol more than four times in a 24-hour period.8,9,10 Be tough against fever and gentle to your child with Calpol for Kids. It is clinically proven to relieve 6 types of pain and fever, and to start working on the fever in just 15 minutes.

Many parents may feel confused about how to handle their children’s fever alone. With these 5 easy steps, you can learn to build your confidence in fever management at home and aid your child’s speedy recovery.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.



Make Halloween Unforgettable in the Philippines with REESE'S Exciting New Treats

Get ready for a spooky yet sweet Halloween as the REESE'S  brand  unveils its fun and delicious treats for the season.   The festive lin...