Shoot your vlogs, TikTok videos, in crisp-clear quality with vivo's V23 Series

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It equips a 50-MP Autofocus Front Camera, plus an 8-MP Super Wide-Angle Camera, a 64-MP Rear Camera, and a high-sensitivity sensor

 While millennials are known to be the “digital natives”, Gen Zs are known to be the “digital junkies”. This group of young people has grown to be fully exposed to the digital world. So, if they are to make their own smartphone purchases, no doubt that their decision-making factors will be coming from the perspective of a knowledgeable smartphone user.

 

More than that, Gen Zs are always in a search for “the next big thing” — the latest styles, the hottest trends, and the newest device that will keep up with their demands in the day to day. So, as a renowned pioneer and innovator in the tech market, global brand vivo brings a new game-changer to town. It incites hopes for the tech market with the V23 series — a stylish and powerful line of smartphones designed to make the younger market express their hues. 

 

The soon-to-be-released vivo flagship smartphone is rumored to be a vlogging smartphone equipped with a 50-MP Autofocus Front Vlog Camera, an 8-MP Super Wide-Angle Camera, a 64-MP Triple Rear Camera, and a custom JNV sensor that captures light at a higher speed.

 

The 50-MP front camera allows users to capture well-lit selfies and videos. Meanwhile, its 8-MP super wide-angle camera feature makes room for more people to fit into group shots, with the photos at great lighting even in the dark. The 64-MP rear camera, on the other hand, brings in a smarter way to take HD portraits and videos. Its AI reads key details in a subject’s face and automatically highlights their best features. 

 

With all these elements built in the vivo V23 Series, users can expect to showcase their lives in better view. However, tech giant vivo does not only stop at camera features. Aside from allowing people to share and remember their stories in vivid clarity, it also backs it up with strong memory and battery features that are made to perform. The vivo V23 has a 12GB + 256GB RAM, supported with a 4GB ROM. This means that when the smartphone is busy, the technology in it “borrows'' an extra 4GB memory to process the data so users can run multiple apps smoothly.

 

The vivo V23 also has a 44W Fast Charge feature and a 6nm Flagship Chip that allows for lower power consumption. With this, users can have their smartphone up and running the whole day with just a single full charge.

 

The vivo V23 series takes in two models: the V23e and the V23 5G. Their bodies are 7.55mm thin, made with AG Fluorite Glass and coated with a special aluminum that is beautiful to look at and comfortable to hold.

 

Make the newest flagship device, vivo V23 series your next vlogging smartphone. Tune in to the release date and the latest announcements at vivo Philippines’ official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels.

Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Baguio emerged as Filipinos’ top most searched destinations for long-term stays

Remote and hybrid work have untethered many people from the need to be in an office every day, driving the biggest change to travel since the advent of commercial flying. For the first time, millions of people can now live anywhere. 

 

On Airbnb’s platform, we have seen:

• One out of every five gross nights booked in Q3 were for stays of 28 days or longer. 
• Nearly half of nights booked in Q3 were for stays of at least seven days, up from 44 percent in 2019. 
• In the 12 months through September, more than 100,000 guests booked stays of 90 days or longer. 
• More than 300,000 people applied for 12 openings to live anywhere on Airbnb for a year and are providing insights to help inform our product development and upgrades. 

                                                      Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky 

 

Today, Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky announced that he too will live on Airbnb. Starting this week in Atlanta, Chesky will stay in people’s homes in new towns or cities every few weeks, and return to San Francisco in the same way that many remote workers are returning regularly to the cities where they work in order to collaborate with colleagues. Chesky living on Airbnb will help to improve the design of the experience for people who can now live anywhere.

 

This Live Anywhere trend is like a decentralization of living, and it’s changing the identity of travel. Among the trends Airbnb expects to see are:

 

1. People will continue to spread out to thousands of towns and cities, and they will stay for weeks, months, or even longer.

• 100,000 towns and cities around the world have had an Airbnb booking during the pandemic.
• 6,000 places had their first-ever Airbnb booking.
• On New Year’s Eve, nearly 4.5 million guests stayed on Airbnb in more than 53,000 places around the world with over 40 percent of nights booked were more than 1,000 miles away from guests’ origins.
• In Q3 2021, over 85 percent of long-term stay nights booked in the Philippines were for stays in urban destinations. Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Baguio emerged as the top most searched destinations for long-term stays.

 

2. More people will start living abroad, others will travel for the entire summer, and some will even give up their leases and become digital nomads.

• People want to explore new countries: Before the pandemic, international arrivals exploded from 25 million in 1950 to more than 1.4 billion in 2019, according to UNWTO.
• On Airbnb, family long-term stay nights grew 75% from summer 2019 to summer 2021.
• The share of Airbnb long-term stay bookers who used their stays to lead a nomadic lifestyle grew from 2020 to 2021—from 9% to 12%.^[1]
• In the Philippines, 45% of Filipinos polled want to rent out their homes and travel. 

 

3. Cities and countries will compete to attract these remote workers, and it will lead to a redistribution of where people travel and live.

• More countries are changing their visa and tax rules, and more than three dozen countries currently offer some sort of digital nomad visa scheme.
• Airbnb is already helping a range of urban and rural destinations in the United States let remote workers try living there, from Chicago to West Virginia and Northern Maine.

Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay allows customers to place orders ahead of their visit and pick them up at their chosen Starbucks store

With many of us experiencing shifts in our lifestyles, we need solutions that meet both convenience and safety. Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay offers these and more. It allows customers to place orders ahead of their visit and pick them up at their chosen Starbucks store. The ordering experience is seamlessly integrated into the Starbucks Philippines app and Starbucks Rewards program. 

To get started, download the Starbucks app, register to Starbucks Rewards and tap 'Order.' Once registered, member can order and pay within the app and choose to pick up using these options in stores where the feature is available: 

●      In-store pickup – head straight to the pickup counter for your order

●      Curbside pickup – park in a designated parking slot, check in, and a barista will bring your order to you*

●      Drive-thru pickup – arrive at the drive-thru window and pick up your order*

●      Outdoor pickup – arrive at your chosen outdoor pickup point, check in, and a barista will bring your order to you*

*Available in select stores

 

Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay Video - YouTube

 

Just as in-stores, beverages are customizable, including the option to modify size, number of espresso shots, dairy selections and more. You can also choose to have your pasty warmed. 

 

“Starbucks Philippines will continue to provide customers with the unparalleled Starbucks Experience and create new moments of connection through enhanced digital offerings. As we welcome customers back to our stores, we'd like to offer more convenient options to enjoy their coffee.” says Jamie Silva, senior manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience and Loyalty of Starbucks Philippines.

 

Starbucks Rewards members who use Mobile Order & Pay will collect Stars on their purchases. During the holiday season, members also have the option to collect e-Stickers for mobile orders under the Starbucks Traditions promotion. Wherever you are, your favorites are just a few taps away!

 

Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay is available in all Starbucks stores across the Philippines. Availability is subject to store schedule and setup. To know more, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/orderandpay . Download the Starbucks app now at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

INAX combines comfort and hygiene with Satis G Integrated Spalet

INAX, the Japanese brand known worldwide for innovating hygiene technologies, and pioneering masterfully designed bathroom pieces, toilets, and accessories, unveils another masterpiece with Satis G Integrated Spalet.

With this new innovation, INAX, which started sanitaryware production in 1945 and introduced Japan’s first advanced toilet and self-powered automatic faucet, once again gives customers a great reason to upgrade their hygiene experience. 

A good quality toilet, combined with clean water and proper hygiene forms a strong defense against viruses. With Satis G Integrated Spalet, users can lessen their worries as the unit is built with cutting-edge technology like Aqua Ceramic to ensure that no dirt gets left behind. Aqua Ceramic technology gives the toilet bowl a smooth, stain-repellant surface, preventing unsightly hard water build-up and spots, so the bowl stays fresh and gleams like new, with a shiny surface that lasts for many years.

Aside from Aqua Ceramic technology, Satis G also comes with more innovations that truly enhance the comfort of bathrooms. Satis G introduces foam cushion technology, its innovative feature, which reduces urine splash by automatically creating a 5-15-millimeter-thick fine foam in the toilet bowl. It also has a powerful air shield deodorizer that shields the odor from getting out of the toilet bowl. In addition, Plasmacluster® is periodically released inside the bowl, thoroughly sanitizing and removing odors from the toilet bowl and its attachments. 

The sleek and luxurious look of the Satis G toilet, with its matte black finish, is complemented by an advanced cleansing system. It has integrated front and rear wash nozzles, leading to its description as a "shower toilet." Its seat lid opens and closes automatically, while other functions include auto flushing, night light, heated seat and adjustable seat temperature for its users’ comfort. Aside from matte black, Satis G is also available in white variation. 

Satis G is another masterpiece that embodies the brand’s design principle, combining comfort and hygiene to bring the needs of its users. 

For more updates on INAX, visit www.inax.com.ph and follow @INAXPhilippines on Facebook and @inax.philippines on Instagram.

Shifting from zero-COVID to living with COVID

Four experts from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Singapore were brought together for an in-depth discussion into the topic of making the dream of living with COVID-19 a reality last January 19 through Zoom. 

 

The panel, which was entitled  “Recalibrating Inclusive Health and Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia: From Zero-COVID-19 to Living with COVID-19,” was composed of Dr. Manuel Dayrit, former secretary of the Department of Health and Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health; Dr. Eko Prasojo, Professor, Faculty of Administrative Services of Universitas Indonesia; Dr. Kai Hong Phua, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; and, Dr. Chien-jen Chen, former Vice President of Taiwan and Academician, Academia Sinica. 

The online roundtable discussion was organized by the Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, in partnership with the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA) with the aim of discussing some of the most common questions and concerns regarding the shift towards living with the virus. 

 

The panelists discussed some problems that caused distrust among the public during the start of the pandemic. Dr. Dayrit pointed to allegations of corruption and issues like the Dengvaxia controversy as stumbling blocks that sowed distrust in the minds of many Filipinos. In the case of Indonesia, Dr. Eko said that a significant portion of their population would much rather listen to informal leaders such as religious leaders or village leaders regarding the pandemic. As such, he said there’s immense value in tapping these leaders to educate the public. 

 

To address this, Dr. Phua underscored the value of having expertise. He explained that having a group of experts that have come to a consensus regarding the data that they are dealing with would help national leaders have a better grasp of the information that they would then share to the public. He said this would minimize confusion and foster greater trust in government communication moving forward. 

 

“It is very important to provide accurate information immediately through mass media, especially through electronic channels,” Dr. Chen underscored.

 

Dr. Chen also stressed that eradicating vaccine nationalism is integral in protecting more people around the world against the virus, because doing so will allow us to live with the virus without fear of it causing massive disruption in our economies and societies. 

 

“No one is safe, unless everyone is safe and no country is safe, unless every country is safe,” Dr. Chen said. “We have to help each other. This is the only way. We need global solidarity for global health.”

 

Meanwhile, with the sudden spike of cases triggered by the omicron variant, Dr. Phua said that a common sense approach to managing cases would be by investing in a primary healthcare system that will be able to deal with patients in a more efficient manner. 

 

“If you take the approach of a cost-effective and sustainable system, I think the emphasis should be on the primary healthcare system, that’s able to monitor and detect symptoms early enough then refer them for better management at the more acute stages,” Dr. Phua added. 

 

Another important thing that Dr. Dayrit pointed out is that the Philippines needs to invest in building its capacity to produce vaccines as it will be key in addressing the needs of our people. “We need to have some form of vaccine production capacity. Even if we can’t do the research, we need to have the capacity to be able to copy and produce. If we can do that, we will have some security when it comes to vaccine supplies.”

 

On the question of how do we strike a balance between our economic recovery and mitigating this health crisis, Dr. Prasojo said that it’s important to continue the vaccine programs to ensure that we manage the spread of the disease, but with that governments should really zero in on propping up micro, small, and medium enterprises as they are crucial in strengthening the economy. 

 

“The more prepared we are to prevent transmission and to prevent deaths, the better the balance will be so that we don’t lockdown, because in our case that’s the default response. And if you lockdown, you stop the economy. The only way that we’ll be able to do that, preventive-wise, is vaccination and anti-virals, put in the technology to make it more efficient. But if we’re able to do that, you prevent transmission through vaccination and anti-virals, you prevent deaths because your doctors are better prepared and your hospitals are buttressed, your economy can open. The balance is enabled by your pandemic preparedness,” Dr. Dayrit concluded. 

 

To watch the entire online roundtable discussion, please visit https://fb.watch/aDB1LT9Dic/. 

 

For more information about Ateneo, please visit www.ateneo.edu. Ateneo is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/ateneodemanila/.

AirAsia is welcoming February with huge discounts on flights, hotels and ancillary products through its CNY Deals Never Stop Promo

AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, is welcoming February with huge discounts on flights, hotels and ancillary products through its CNY Deals Never Stop Promo and 2.2 Save Now, Fly Later Sale. 

 

AirAsia joins the rest of the tourism sector of the Philippines in championing safe domestic travels this year in a bid to jumpstart the recovery of travel businesses – from small to large enterprises. To achieve this, the travel and lifestyle company is rolling out multiple bang-for-buck deals for flights and other travel essentials like hotel bookings and in-flight add-on purchases. AirAsia Philippines maintains its optimism for growth in the traveling populace this year, a forecast backed by a survey that has shown more Filipinos are confident to travel in the next nine months. 

 

The same survey has also shown that AirAsia guests stay loyal to the travel company because of the value for money it offers (80%) and promos and package deals (69%). This is reflective of AirAsia’s own DNA of attainable travel enabling everyone to fly. 

 

AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan shares: “As we continue to learn how to better live safely in a pandemic, we see the rise in the confidence for travel among Filipinos. We at AirAsia would like to help more Filipino families and friends to reconnect this year to celebrate milestones and seasons they have missed in recent years. This is why the coverage of flight bookings for our CNY and 2.2 deals goes as far as Q3. We are truly excited and ready to welcome more of our kababayans aboard AirAsia this 2022. Xin Nian Kuai Le!”

 

Guests traveling from January 17 to September 30, 2022 can book their flights and avail of the CNY Deals Never Stop Promo until January 30 to base fares available at as low as Php 188. 10 percent may also be slashed off of staycations and hotel stays with the use of the 2.2 Sale promo code ‘AAHOTEL10’. 

 

The Php 188 base fare deal is perfect for those seeking luck on the road in 2022 as it is believed in numerology that numbers bearing multiple instances of eight are extra lucky! And lucky are the passengers grabbing this promo – may it be for seasonals like Valentine’s, Summer or simple family getaways – as it covers flights booked for until end-September. 

 

But those with a top-tier waiting game may snag a Php 22 base fare flight during the actual 2.2 Save Now, Fly Later sale from February 2 to 4. The travel period for this is from June 01 to September 30, 2022. 

 

AirAsia Philippines also reminds its passengers to stay up-to-date on the travel restrictions and requirements implemented by the local government units of their destinations. Guests may visit the https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/travel-safe-with-airasia.html page for updates on their flights and LGU travel protocols. The airline is also reassuring guests that multiple safety measures are undertaken from boarding to landing, which include the presence of HEPA filters in all AirAsia aircraft, contactless solutions via the AirAsia Super App, strict implementation of mask-wearing and social distancing, and the assistance of a fully vaccinated crew. 

 

Let diners experience savory and deliciously healthy food with Kenny Rogers Chipotle Spicy Roast and Ribs

It’s hot and fiery at Kenny Rogers Roasters as it lets diners experience savory and deliciously healthy food with the Chipotle Spicy Roast and Ribs, all set to make a comeback this January 2022!

 

The go-to meal for all the adventurous food lovers who particularly enjoy a little kick to their food, each plate of the Chipotle Spicy Roast and Ribs brings in all the fiesta elements and vibrancy to the palate. The chicken and ribs are roasted and grilled to a perfect orange-golden brown with spices on the surfaces. To elevate the juicy roasted chicken and ribs, the meat is cooked with smoked hot chili taste and aroma balanced with herbs and spices. Complementing it are two new sauce options: the Salsa Caliente to bring the spice to the next level, and the Salsa Verde to balance and clean the palate with its citrus flavors.

 

Guests have the option to enjoy the Chipotle Spicy Roast (P320) Solo B Plate which includes a quarter chicken or the Chipotle Spicy Ribs (P525) Solo B Plate which comes with half slab rib. Both come with two side dishes, java rice, muffin, and two new sauces—the Salsa Caliente and Salsa Verde. Now, that’s truly a dish like no other – filled with vibrant colors and delicious flavors.

 

Of course, these offerings are more fun when shared with the whole family or friends. Kenny Rogers Roasters will also be offering the Chipotle Spicy Roast Group Meal (P1,130) which includes a whole roast chicken, and the Chipotle Spicy Ribs Group Meal (P1,915) comes with a whole slab rib. Both options come with the Salsa Verde and Salsa Caliente, Java Rice, 4 side dishes and muffins, and 1.5 liters of Coke. Even better, customers can add the new Creamed Corn, a delicious side dish made of corn kernels in creamy white sauce, perfectly baked to flatter your tastebuds.

 

To complete the whole Mexican fiesta experience, customers can also avail the Grilled Tortilla as an add-on for only P20.

 

Experience party on a plate and try the Chipotle Spicy Roast and Ribs on Facebook (https://fb.watch/aJOdUKUHld/) and Youtube (https://youtu.be/6U3Lt9cAppw). It’s available at Kenny Rogers Roasters nationwide for dine-in, takeout or delivery thru Kenny Rogers Roasters website: www.kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph, hotline: 8-555-9000 or via Grab Food and Food Panda. 

 

For more updates, follow Kenny Rogers Roasters official social media pages: @KennyRogersPH on Facebook and @kennyrogersph on Instagram.

 

 

Manulife’s “Firsts,” encourages Filipinos to face the year with renewed hope and opportunities

 

Manulife Philippines recently launched its newest digital short film, “Firsts,” which encourages Filipinos to remain hopeful despite uncertainties, and to look forward to a future filled with “new firsts.”

 

“The path forward may seem rough and uneven, as we are still dealing with or recovering from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Despite this, we at Manulife believe that we need to continue to look forward – reaching for our goals and dreams for a better future. We want to share that sense of hope with Filipinos,” said Melissa Henson, Manulife Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer. 

“Our new digital film aims to inspire Filipinos to find strength, courage and gratitude from past experiences, no matter how difficult, and believe that they can rebuild, thrive and bounce forward. By taking challenges as opportunities to be braver and stronger, we can all take the first step towards whatever comes next, and make every day better. Life may not be how it used to be, and challenges will be certain, but Manulife reminds everyone that life will always be worth seeing through,” Henson added.

 

“Firsts” can be streamed on Manulife’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. 

 

For those who want to take that first bold step towards financially securing their future, Manulife Philippines offers a wide range of award-winning products and services specially designed to respond to Filipinos’ evolving needs. For more information, visit www.manulife.com.ph.  

Promoting financial independence empowers Filipino women

“You can’t empower women without helping them become financially independent.”

 

That is how award-winning Filipina entrepreneur Rissa Mananquil Trillo put it squarely on the issue of gender equality in the 21^st century.

 

She added there is need for a change in mindset involved in this advocacy. 

 

During a virtual tribe meet-up for She Talks Asia called Ladyboss Money Guide: Mastering your finances through a healthy money mindset, Trillo said there is a need to amend the gender roles at home when it comes to women empowerment.

 

"One of the biggest mindsets that we should change about financial independence among women is this is not about money but more about women and their roles," Trillo said. 

 

She added: "If you think about it, it really starts as kids. We see the dynamics in the household—who pays the bills? Who makes the decisions in the family when there's an expensive item to buy or a big decision to be made? Even seeing your own mom asking permission from your dad to buy something or pocket money to shop unconsciously shapes our gender roles at home. That's why so many women today are uncomfortable about money, and are hesitant to talk or learn about money. We're really influenced by the kind of culture or household we grew up in. We should change that mindset and remember that women should be comfortable to be financially independent and handle their own money—that women can be both bread makers and breadwinners of the home.”

 

This is why Trillo is so certain that when it comes to empowering women, it should always involve helping them save and earn their own money.  

 

“It is hard to empower women if they are not financially independent. Financial independence helps create the life that you want. In singlehood or in marriage, being economically independent empowers women to stand on their own two feet and take charge of their future,” the mom of three and women empowerment advocate emphasized. 

 

Certified financial consultant Nicole Suarez, who was also in the tribe meet-up, agreed with Trillo, adding that it is also about finding what your goals are.

 

Suarez thinks a solid financial foundation includes getting rid of irresponsible spending habits. 

 

“Find out what your goals are and make sure these goals are your goals and not the goals of the people you see on social media. Make sure you dig deep and find out what you really want,” Suarez said. 

 

The 'I deserve this mindset’ is like -- I had a rough day, I'm going out and drink and party and splurge. I worked so hard all week, I deserve to buy a bag or I deserve to buy new shoes.

 

“I am not saying that you're not supposed to do this. Of course, you are allowed to pamper yourself. But what happened was, I was doing it at the expense of my budget. I was living beyond my means,” she further said. 

 

This is why Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) senior product manager Maple Solano emphasized the importance of taking charge of finances – through savings and investment – as soon as possible.

 

“A very unhealthy habit is procrastinating. We have a tendency to set aside things for later. We have to start now. If you don’t have a savings bank account, open it now. If you don’t have investments, do it now. The mindset is now,” Solano said.  

 

Solano then injected that it is important for women to have the perfect banking partner for their savings and investment. 

 

Investment opportunities, according to her, include tapping time deposits, foreign exchange, and unit investment trust funds (UITFs), can all easily be undertaken with RCBC mobile banking app. 

 

As a start, Solano said those who still don’t have a banking account can easily open an online banking account with RCBC. That way, they don’t have to go to a physical store and apply for one. 

 

The “Ladyboss Money Guide: Mastering your finances through a healthy money mindset” tribe meet-up was organized by She Talks Asia in partnership with RCBC. 

 

She Talks Asia, on the other hand, is a movement that celebrates the modern woman, providing a space for inspiration, and support among women across multiple platforms.