OLX improves classifieds system to entice more Filipinos

Two years ago, I have been on the look out for Long Champ Le Pliage bag to alternate with my 3 bags (hobo, messenger and shoulder)  when I googled LongChamp/bags,  Sulit.com appeared  which was later on acquired by  OLX last year of March 2014, and there I was surprised by wide array of choices, colors and styles. I texted the seller and haggled and got the le pliage I want and arranged a meet up afterwards.  The bag that I got is still in mint condition and the best thing is that I paid it half of its department store price.

So, when Im in need of something online, OLX is the one reliable online store that I depend on.  You can find a lot of items at home, school, make ups, skincare, bags, jewelries, shoes, books and gadgets and anything you never knew they sell.

One year after its rebranding, OLX Philippines, the country’s leading buy and sell platform, announced it is now focusing on leveling the online classified ads   landscape to provide users with equal buying and selling opportunities.


Reaching out to more Filipinos

 Shortly after its rebranding, OLX established an office in Cebu to reach out to more users in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Earlier this year, it also merged with another classified ads platform. Through these adjustments, OLX continues to expand its reach and make online buying and selling accessible to more Filipinos.

“With the level of reach that OLX is attaining, we want to continue making it easier for more Filipinos to experience online buying and selling -- from the occasional sellers who are selling stuff for the first time to street-smart buyers who maintain a practical lifestyle,” says RJ David, Managing Director of OLX Philippines.

Enhanced user experience
OLX has implemented several product changes to make the experience more pleasant for their users. For instance, the platform is now highly optimized as the loading time of pages has sped up by as much as 70%. The sell form has also been simplified, allowing users to accomplish more in less time, such as selecting specific location for targeted queries and choosing item categories faster through the auto-suggest feature.

To keep the online buy and sell community vibrant, each ad comes with an improved report button that users can simply click in case they find suspicious ads. This is then directly sent to the OLX Support Team for investigation.

OLX has also removed its feedback system and reduced the number of free ad slots. “Implementing a limit to the number of free ad slots and removing the feedback system give us more quality ads and an equal selling opportunity to all types of sellers. At this point, our focus is to spread the buyer leads to as many sellers as possible,” explains David. Removing the feedback tool has increased the number of sellers getting buyer inquiries by 17% from 51,000 to 60,000 and the implementation of the paid limits has also resulted to a 38% jump from 43,000 to 60,000.

Amidst the changes, OLX remains to be a FREE online classified ads platform where all OLX sellers can still post items at no charge. Paying for additional ad slots is just an option since you can either delete items that have already been sold or remove inactive ads.


Making smarter choices

Steering towards helping their users become active advocates of the classifieds lifestyle, OLX has also introduced their newest content platform, OLX Yaman.  This is where they can get first-hand information and insightful tips about online buying and selling. It will also be featuring user stories and lifestyle articles that cover various topics such as cars, real estate, travel, fashion, and tech. Users can already browse OLX Yaman through www.yaman.olx.ph.

Ultimately, all these changes contribute to the company’s higher purpose of providing an opportunity for users to make smart and practical choices that can lead to an improved life.

Ignite! The Real Life Passions of Generation-Y

                    Philam Life's Gen Y Champions: Timothie Sy and Aileen Palmes

 Financial adviser (or advisor)  according to wikipedia is a professional who renders financial services to clients.

With that said, financial advisers should be considered professionals in financial planning to meet your financial goals. That's why I thought you should be at your wealthiest to have them by your side. So they should be able to understand all the tools and strategies available to you and recommend them accordingly.

I have never heard of  financial advisor or adviser before or what they do to control your finances,   until I met one at a recent Philam Life's " “Ignite! The Real Party Never Stops,” campaign last July 16 at Valkyrie Palace, BGC. The event was hosted by Ms. Joyce Pring and graced by Philamlife's execs headed by Philam Life CEO Axel Bromley with Guest DJ Club Master DJ Euric.

The party presents the 13 Young Financial (advisors) Next Generation Champions who walked down the catwalk and styled by Celebrity Stylist Carla Villanueva.

In a power-packed launch party event, dubbed as, “Ignite! The Real Party Never Stops,” Philam Life launched its new Next Generation campaign that celebrates the successes of young Financial Advisors, who take pride in having chosen a career that supports and complements their individual passions. They officially unveiled its Next Generation video, its maiden issue of Ignite! Magazine, and an exclusive first look at an up and coming new and exciting online community.

Ms. Anagel “Jay” Ledesma, Philam Life's Chief Agency Officer poses with the first issue of Ignite

Having the right balance between career and lifestyle can be challenging for many people, but for Philam Life Financial Advisors, it is possible to work at their own pace, and enjoy the perks of the career, which allows them to get as much out of the job as they put into it.

Here, Philam Life featured 13 young, passionate Next Generation Champions who have discovered how it is to take charge of a successful career while doing the things they love. Among them was Aileen Palmes, who felt fulfilled in ruling her world. Her love for ballet taught her what it truly means to love what she does and she applies it now with her passion for her career. Another featured Champion was Timothie Sy, who developed a winning mindset, attitude and discipline from his training as a Financial Advisor. He takes this with him wherever he may be in the world and in whatever situation he may find himself in.

Speaking at the party event was Philam Life CEO Axel Bromley who recognized the amazing power of the Next Generation and reaffirmed that being a Philam Life Financial Advisor fits the lifestyle of this young and driven generation. “I admire how millennials are finding their place in Philam Life as Financial Advisors. Philam Life provides them an opportunity to ‘work to live’ rather than ‘live to work,’ while enabling them to pursue their real life passions,” he enthused.

Bromley explained that being a Philam Life Financial Advisor means more than just a career. “It’s a way of life that allows members of the Next Generation to ignite their passion and achieve their dreams while changing lives and making real life plans happen.”

“Ignite!” was held at Valkyrie, one of the most popular clubs in the metro, where the crowd danced to the music of Club Master DJ Euric, and enjoyed unforgettable moments captured by hotshot photographer Inez Moro.

To discover exciting opportunities in Philam Life, please call (02) 526-9456.

Cartoon Network Launches School Program to Promote Artistic Creativity

 I believe that natural talent exists.  I envy those who has talent for drawing.  But it takes a lot of practice for anyone to be better in this craft. I for one cant draw anything but stickmen and I cant even perfect those. But when I attended the Adventure Time Art Fair last July 14 at the Top Draw Animation Theater I was surprised that I could draw. 

Cartoon Network launches Adventure Time Art Fair,  a unique art-based program by Cartoon Network and Top Draw Animation last July 14 with Top Draw's Francis "Kiko" Lerma as guest artist who patiently teached us how to draw by doodling on shapes first like the  rectangle, square and oblong. 

When Top Draw’s Francis “Kiko” Lerma who has 16 years of experience in the industry and has worked on both Exchange Student Zero and Warner Bros.’Teen Titans, teached us how to draw Jake and Finn in minutes, I was surprised that I could draw,  it was not perfect but I know that given the time of practice, I can draw like a pro. 

Starting this month, the initiative brings together workshop and carnival elements to foster imaginative play in schools.

Inspired by the kaleidoscopic world of Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum and the rest of the beloved cast of characters from the hit series Adventure Time, the program will visit 10 schools in Metro Manila before the end of September.

Workshops will be conducted by world-class animators and creative directors from Top Draw Animation, a local animation studio which has worked on major international projects including Cartoon Network’s Monster Beach and Exchange Student Zero, a new series premiering this September. Among the instructors tapped for the workshops is Top Draw’s Francis “Kiko” Lerma who has 16 years of experience in the industry and has worked on both Exchange Student Zero and Warner Bros.’Teen Titans.

“We are really looking forward to meeting the students and teaching them about art. And with Cartoon Network’s huge fanbase in Manila, we’re sure to have a fun time drawing the zany characters at the Adventure Time Art Fair,” Kiko said.

Aside from the workshops, kids will learn about various arts and crafts at different art booths where they can create their own Adventure Time character from the series’ magical Land of Ooo.

Participants of the workshop will get to take home a mini-manual containing the step-by-step process of drawing Finn and Jake, and exclusive items from Cartoon Network and Adventure Time.

Gregory Ho, Vice President of Corporate Communication and Marketing at Turner International Asia Pacific, Cartoon Network’s parent company, said: “We want to encourage kids to tap into their huge well of creativity and the Adventure Time Art Fair is the perfect place for them to express their artistic talent. We’d like to thank all the schools that have agreed to participate in the event, and for allowing us to help supplement the curriculum with a big dose of fun.”

The unstoppable duo of Finn and Jake will also be on hand to join in the fun. Guests should look out for surprise games and contests in order to get the chance to win exclusive prizes from Cartoon Network.

The event is in partnership with Seven Seas, McDonald’s, Kinetic Sand and Zest-O; in partnership with Tender Juicy and Milkita; made possible by Jack n’ Jill Knots and Chubby. Media partners are K-Zone and Total Girl.

BRAVEN launches new Outdoor and Design Portable Audio Series in the Philippines

BRAVEN has announced the availability of new speakers in the Philippines. With its expanded product line-up, BRAVEN offers different speakers that can fit different customers’ lifestyles.



The new BRAVEN speakers are available at Ambassador, Astroplus, Astrovision, Automatic Center, Base Kamp, BCG Computers, Beyond the Box, BZB Gadget Hive, Digital Arena, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, District 32, Golden Sound, iBook, iCenter, iCon, iGig, Islands and More, iStore, iStudio, Lazada, Listen Up, Listening Room, Microstation, Mobile 1, Odyssey, Quicksound, ROX, Rustans, Sencolink, SM Music & Video, Stoked Inc. Sweet Tree Inc, Switch, Technoholics, Technopop, Techshop, The A Shop, and The Inbox Store.

The ultra-rugged BRV-PRO (Php 6,750): For your outdoor adventures.

BRV-PRO is the world’s first modular ultra-rugged Bluetooth speaker designed for the most audacious outdoor enthusiasts.

A tank-like portable speaker, the BRV-PRO has the durability to withstand all of the most extreme adventures, the power to blast HD music in any environment, and the accessories to adapt to your surroundings and activities. It is available in silver, cyan, and gray.

The BRV-PRO delivers robust HD sound in an IPX7 waterproof design fortified with aircraft grade aluminum.  Capable of blasting music for up to 15 hours, the BRV-PRO integrates a built-in 2,200mAh rechargeable battery that doubles as a power bank to charge smartphones and other USB devices. The BRV-PRO can also be outfitted with a solar charging panel for virtually endless music and power.

The BRV-PRO ecosystem of rugged accessories includes:

BRV Battery Pack – Double your music and charging power with 3800mAh of added power to keep you rocking from sun up to sun down.

BRV Solar Panel – Harness the energy and power of the sun to endlessly charge your devices and blast your favorite music

BRV Stacking Plate – Multiple the power and sound of your BRV-PRO by simply placing one above the other.

BRV Glow Deck – Enhance the ambiance of your tent or campsite with an LED panel to illuminate the night.

BRV Action Mount – GoPro® compatible action mount makes listening to music easy when surfing, riding, driving, and more

The stylish BRAVEN LUX (Php 9,950): For your glam parties.

The limited edition LUX is an elegant speaker that makes a fashion statement. The latest addition to the BRAVEN Design Series, the LUX redefines the look of a Bluetooth speaker with an intricately detailed grill. Designed for the fashionable user on the go, the BRAVEN LUX showcases a unique pattern in three metallic colors, pearl, gold and iridescent purple.  Compact, lightweight and striking, the LUX bridges the gap between fashion accessories and electronics, as the ideal speaker for travel or at-home listening.

The LUX easily connects with any Bluetooth-enabled device, pairs with another LUX or BRAVEN 7-Series speaker to deliver left and right audio, and features a built-in noise-canceling speakerphone and mic to take calls anytime.  The LUX is also water resistant, making it “party-proof.”

The colorful BRAVEN 805 (Php 9,950): For livening up your home .

The BRAVEN 805 Bluetooth speaker is designed to add a touch of color and a dash of rhythm to any lifestyle.  The ideal home companion, BRAVEN 805 packs the power to rock any room.

Offered in nine striking colors, the BRAVEN 805 can vibrantly accent a kitchen counter and living room table with vivid magenta, orange, and red, or blend into a bookshelf with neutral white, gray and black hues.  Bright or subtle, the 805 has the elegance to satisfy even the most demanding taste, and the bold colors and amazing HD sound to set, enhance or create any mood.

BRAVEN’s 805 features a unique combination of sound quality and added features, including speakerphone capability with an integrated noise-canceling microphone and the ability to charge USB devices, with a powerful 4400 mAh portable battery bank.  The 805 is also equipped with TrueWireless™ Technology to pair with a second BRAVEN 805, 850, 855s, 1100, and BRV-HD speaker for left and right channel stereo sound.

The sporty BRAVEN Balance (Php 5,850): For working out.

The BRAVEN Balance is a Bluetooth speaker with bass optimization technology designed for the modern active lifestyle.  Perfect for fitness studios, on-the-court, in the locker room, or on the deck, the BRAVEN Balance perfectly combines a low profile, ultra-thin design with outstanding sound quality and room filling bass.
Available in six lively colors (black, lime, gray, red/gray, purple/gray, and orange/gray), the BRAVEN Balance features an anti-slip exterior for easy carrying even when wet and is capable of surviving accidental spills or drops with an IPX5 waterproof rating.  BRAVEN’s latest speaker comes with BRAVEN Balance Technology, a proprietary bass optimization system that pumps out deep, rich sound even at lower volumes.


The sophisticated BRAVEN 770 (Php 6,750): For your office calls.

Press play and experience highly sophisticated sound from the BRAVEN 770 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Ideal for the office or loft, this portable, splash-proof speaker easily travels in a briefcase or handbag. Have a conference call? No problem. The BRAVEN 770 is designed with a noise-canceling internal speakerphone to make and take calls conveniently. Hand crafted from aircraft grade aluminum, BRAVEN’S latest design series speaker is an uber modern device with an all black finish that’s equal parts style and stealth. Fully loaded, it’s enhanced with aptX technology for 12 hours of crisp, high definition audio and a built-in powerbank.

NEW ERA CAPS: Gangsta's (fashion) Paradise

Iconic headwear brand arrives in the Philippines; first collection includes the premium 59FIFTY fitted cap

Its the feeling women get when they are inside the make up store of their favorite brand-- the sight of the newly arrived lipsticks with the latest swatches of colors or that limited edition 8-hour stay/ powder foundation that just arrived from your longtime favorite cult brand---I guess that pretty much sums up the feeling of cap enthusiasts as soon as they enter the newly opened New Era store at SM Megamall.

Its like being in "CAP" HEAVEN especially if your significant other is into collecting caps, with the super diverse selection from 59FIFTY and to 9FIFTY snapbacks --each beautifully tucked  in different style, colors and design.

Most of the men I know, (regardless of age) loves to wear caps, they say it gives them the "added pogi" points and keeps them "bagets-looking" (that's an 80's reference for you).

I have never seen men getting excited at the sight of  59FIFTY and 9FIFTY Snapbacks at the launch of New Era caps store at SM Megamall Building B last July 14, with host Joyce Pring and attended by celebrities David Guison, Mikey Bustos, RA Rivera, Quark Henares, Jinri Park, Erika Padilla, Kean Cipriano, Raimund Marasigan and Luke Landrigan, with performances by The Crew Dance and Red Bull BC One Philippines Cypher winner B-Boy Haslah.

The interior design utilizes cement, wood and metal as strong design elements that provide the perfect backdrop for the caps’ various designs and colors.

As soon as i posted photos of the store and the caps, my phone kept on ringing, with friends asking me to check if there was an Andy Warhol snapback or if there is a 9Forty for women and even price inquiries about the Avengers Caps. Honestly, i have never gotten so many messages about a store launch before.

The New Era caps store is definitely the new haven for collectors and caps lovers including women.

The world’s most renowned headwear brand and official provider of on-field caps to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL), New Era, launches its first store in the Philippines. The flagship store carries over 500 cap styles inspired by different sports leagues and iconic characters, including the much celebrated 59FIFTY fitted cap which has been considered as the premium cap of choice.

“Bringing the New Era store to the Philippines has been a much-anticipated event. There are a lot of cap enthusiasts and New Era cap fans in Manila alone. Bringing the brand here and giving it its own store is sure to amplify the resurging interest in caps and headwear in general. We are ready to fuel a cap revolution,” said Melvin Lloyd Lim, Authentic Caps Retail Inc. Chairman & CEO.

The first New Era store in the Philippines brings the best interior designs from the flagship stores around the globe. Another highlight of the store is a cap blocking machine which helps shape recently-bought caps and freshen up worn ones. Aside from the caps, New Era also carries apparel, bags, cap care products and other cap accessories.

When it comes to designs, New Era has access to a comprehensive archive of designs, with licenses that are among the most extensive in the headwear industry. New Era works with Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Looney Tunes, DC Comics, Peanuts, Wu Tang Clan, Flintstones, and Muhammad Ali, while its sports licenses include Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL).

“The brand’s heritage is so rich that it is known in many parts of the world. We are bringing Filipinos closer to this heritage while providing options for high quality headwear,” Jonathan Lau, Authentic Caps President & COO, said.

New Era caps was founded in 1920 by Ehrhardt Koch with a US$ 5,000 capital from his aunt. The small shop became known for men’s casual and uniform caps, including what is known today as “newspaper” or “flapper” caps. They eventually forayed into creating professional baseball caps, catering to pro teams such as Pittsburgh Pirates, the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers, among others. In 95 years, the small shop in Buffalo, New York spawned a multi-national business.

“New Era is an American lifestyle brand rooted in sports that translates very well with the Philippines market. We are delighted to work with an experienced partner like Authentic Caps to assist in growing the brand and delivering New Era products to the Philippine consumer,” said Daniel Broderick, New Era Cap Managing Director for Asia-Pacific.

For more information about New Era Philippines, visit https://www.facebook.com/neweracapph. Also check more New Era news on Instagram @NewEraCapPH.

Dunlopillo meets the best of interior design, Ital Design

Dunlopillo at the Ital Design Showroom

After a hard day's work, a nice comforting bed and a cuddly pillow is all we need to lull ourselves to sleep. Did you know that a good mattress contributes to our sleeping habit? If you sleep on a poor quality mattress, you will have to toss and turn for a long time before getting a good sleeping position. When buying a mattress, it should deliver quality for a long period of time, and you should prefer comfort thus test drive the mattress in store for 10 to 15 minutes. Look for and shop at a mattress specialty store.

Dunlopillo, a certified name in quality sleep , partners with Ital Design, an authority in home décor, to create a one-of-a-kind showroom and launch mattresses and furniture pieces last July 16 at MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City.

When it comes to matters of the home, even the smallest details count for a great deal. Dunlopillo, a certified name in quality sleep, has partnered with Ital Design. 

An expert on luxury in the home, Dunlopillo is the perfect partner for Ital Design, whose elegant yet uniquely designed bedroom vignettes provide an inspiring display of mattresses and furniture pieces for a variety of customers. Since 2003, Ital Design has been carrying exclusive European and Asian designed furniture and fixtures, ranging from mid-range to high-end offerings in designs that settle for no less than first-class quality and apparent individuality.

Known for its thoughtfully engineered mattresses, Dunlopillo has created for itself a legacy of comfort through the years. The latex boasts of being the best in the world, providing unparalleled support and high elasticity. Its mattresses allow for exceptional air ventilation and breathability for ideal temperature control. To prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, the mattresses incorporate the use of silver, which is proven to possess antibacterial properties.

 For minimal partner disturbance, its springs are designed to ensure uninterrupted slumber. Carefully crafted to ensure a restful night, Dunlopillo puts a premium on comfort and sleep.

Ital Design’s Managing Director, Jam Chan, is enthusiastic about their newly renovated showroom at MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City. “Instead of doing a cluttered display of mattresses, we decided to play with the store and make it more visually appealing to our clients.” Ten decorated vignettes of different themes are on display to encourage customers to imagine the possibilities the mattresses and furniture hold. Bedroom displays tastefully decorated in neutral colors and rustic accents provide a classic and homey appeal. Nothing spells bold femininity more than bright crimson, an eye-catching arrangement with an elegant feel.  The twin set designed to symmetrically split the room between a teenage boy and a teenage girl is a practical option for those who share a space without compromising individuality.

Each vignette has its own style, function, and personality. Chan emphasizes, “We want our customers to feel that their bedroom is a truly personalized space.” The showroom is designed to equip customers to build the bedrooms of their dreams.

Truly a creative space where every customer can find inspiration for the home, the new Ital Design showroom is a great space where the best sleeping solutions meet the best of interior design.
Dunlopillo is also available at the Libis Showroom, the Edsa-Cubao Showroom, MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City, MC Home Depot in Pasig, Ayala Center Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao.
Follow Ital Design on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ITAL-DESIGN-Furniture-Depot and on Instagram through @italdesignph

Ital Design Offers Dunlopillo Mattresses at Special Prices in Celebration of Its New Showroom
In line with the launch of the newly renovated showroom at MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City, Ital Design will be providing special prices for its premium Dunlopillo mattresses from July 16-19, 2015.

This generous gesture celebrates their one of a kind luxurious showroom, innovated to enable customers to imagine the possibilities that the mattresses and furniture hold. Ten uniquely decorated vignettes in styles appealing to every type of customer feature the Dunlopillo mattresses, which are highlighted in every display. Whether you’re a bachelor, a student, or a mother of five, Ital Design and Dunlopillo have furniture pieces and sleeping solutions for your personal haven in store.

What can customers expect from visiting the new showroom? An introductory discount for Dunlopillo’s new model mattress Elena, which will be sold at the special price of 50% off. All-time favorite mattresses Romero Premium and Firmest Luxe will also be included at reduced prices.  With premium goods at reasonable prices, those who are looking to decorate and furnish their homes certainly have every reason to visit the new Ital Design showroom.

OPPO solidifies global presence with FC Barcelona partnership

The ascent of global smartphone brand OPPO has mostly remained industry buzz for much of the company’s 10-year history. However, all is set to change for the emerging mobile phone powerhouse thanks to a new three-year partnership with FC Barcelona, which is sure to increase public awareness and interest and cement OPPO’s status as a truly global player.

The partnership, announced on May 31st, will see OPPO serve as Barcelona’s official partner for the mobile phone category starting from the upcoming season until 2018. The agreement covers a wide range of activities including soccer events, fan activities, TV advertisements and accessories. OPPO’s logo will also be prominently displayed at the Spanish football club’s home stadium, the Camp Nou.

With Barcelona’s position as one of the world’s most recognized sports brands, this groundbreaking partnership is set to bring OPPO closer to the legions of fans that follow every move of the football club and its star players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar. Barcelona is the first sports team to amass more than 50 million fans on Facebook, with many of them in countries as diverse as Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil, and Mexico.

FC Barcelona Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Mestre expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "We are thrilled to team up with OPPO and hope that the partnership will excite fans around the world. As a global leading smartphone brand that values artistry in design and innovation in technology, OPPO is more than at home in Barcelona.” 

Driving expansion forward with cross-brand partnerships and campaigns

This deal with Barcelona comes as the smartphone maker charges forward with a new global expansion strategy that was put in place in 2014, as an integral part of OPPO’s mid- to long-term growth strategy. As of April 2015, the brand has been registered in 116 countries.

“OPPO is focusing heavily on overseas expansion in recent years,” says OPPO CEO Tony Chen. “From the very beginning, we have positioned ourselves as a global company and our dynamic expansion strategy fully demonstrates this commitment.”

Founded in 2004, OPPO started its business journey as a global electronics and technology service provider by manufacturing high-quality MP3 and MP4 devices before adding Blu-ray DVD players to its line-up of products, the latter of which continues to do well in the US market. It started its foray into the mobile phone market in 2008 and made its first step overseas the following year, outpacing many of its rivals in terms of global outlook.

In 2009, OPPO entered its first overseas market, Thailand, with lively campaigns and creative marketing strategies. Today, it is a top smartphone brand in the country. OPPO smartphones are currently available in over 20 markets globally and via 3rd party online store OPPOstyle.com, is being sold online in more than 50 additional countries.