Be all kinds of awesome with the latest Samsung Galaxy A Series smartphones

Being “awesome” has different meanings to different people and can be interpreted in many ways. For some, this could mean being able to seize opportunities, maximize one’s time and balance multiple responsibilities. Being awesome may also mean engaging in one’s passions, from baking, to playing mobile games, or even making art. For others, being awesome can be about the seemingly small wins that matter, like ticking off all the items in one’s to-do list, or staying within budget.

There truly is no singular definition of being awesome; it’s how one chooses to live their life the best way they can. And this is why Samsung recently unveiled their latest Galaxy A Series smartphones: Galaxy A13 5G, Galaxy A23 5G, and Galaxy A04s, to enable today’s youth to achieve their awesome, whatever that may be.

(L-R) Redg Carlos, Product Marketing Manager; Jun Guevara, Product Marketing Head, Mobile Experience; Dom Nacorda, Marketing Communications Manager; content creator Micle Asistio, ; Ria Castillo, Innovative Category Head;, and MJ Marfori, Product Marketing Manager.

On September 22, Samsung held a special event to celebrate the launch of its latest Galaxy A Series smartphones, proving once again that awesome is indeed for everyone. Event attendees got to experience and discover how the Galaxy A13 5G, A23 5G, and A04s can help the youth to stay connected and achieve goals seamlessly with their lag-free processors, awesome performance and fast connectivity features. All three smartphones are designed to help users achieve whatever goals they may have to help them pursue their passions.

Mr. Jun Guevara, Samsung Philippines’ Product Marketing Head, Mobile Experience

“At its core, the Galaxy A Series aims to bring awesome innovation made accessible for all. With hyper-fast 5G connectivity, long-lasting battery life, and awesome camera, we hope to bring out the Awesome in everyone. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or entrepreneur, we want to make sure you have the best smartphone to help you achieve your Awesome goals, capture Awesome memories, and be at your A-game every step of the way,” shares Jun Guevara, Category Head for Mobile Experience.

Achieve your goals with awesome 5G within reach

The Galaxy A23 5G in Awesome Blue and Awesome Orange

The Galaxy A13 5G and A23 5G offer all-around reliability with hyperfast 5G connectivity, an incredible internal storage of 128 GB expandable up to 1TB,  and an all-day battery life. Both devices also have the Optical Image Stabilization Feature that allows for clear and stable content. These smartphones are ideal for go-getters who need a smartphone that can help them accomplish their tasks and achieve their goals efficiently. 

Capture awesome moments at an awesome value

Another Galaxy A Series smartphone unveiled during the event is the Galaxy A04s which is designed to provide awesome value for awesome moments. This bang-for-the-buck smartphone comes with 128 GB of built-in storage that can be expanded up to 1TB, a 50 MP Triple Camera, and a 5,000mH battery, enabling users to create awesome memories with their loved ones.

Aside from discussing all the awesome features of these smartphones, the event showcased how the new Galaxy A Series devices can be beneficial for the fast-paced lifestyles of Gen Z. Student, content creator, and entrepreneur Micle Asistio shared how she is able to wear multiple hats and be on top of all her responsibilities with the help of her A Series smartphone.   

Gen Z student, content creator, and entrepreneur Micle Asistio shares how she’s able to keep up with her fast-paced lifestyle with the new Samsung Galaxy A Series 

Get the latest A Series smartphones at an awesome value

Beyond delivering fast connectivity, awesome camera, battery, storage, and overall performance, these smartphones also come at an awesome value that won’t break the bank. The Galaxy A13 5G starts at ₱13,990 for the 4GB/128GB variant, and P14,990 for the 6GB/128GB variant.  On the other hand, the Galaxy A23 5G starts at ₱16,990.00 for the 6GB/128GB variant and ₱17,990 for the 8GB/128GB variants. These phones are available in three fun colors: Awesome Orange, Awesome Black, and Awesome Blue.

From September 12 to October 22, 2022, the Galaxy A23 5G will also come with a FREE 10,000mAh 25W Battery Pack and a 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage with every purchase.

The Galaxy A13 5G and Galaxy A23 5G are also available with flexible 0% interest installment plans via major credit cards for as low as ₱1,165.80 per month for 12 months, and via Home Credit for as low as ₱561 per month for 18 months with 30% down payment. Customers can also opt to get these smartphones via Samsung’s trade-in program to get instant savings up to 40% off

The Galaxy A13 5G in Awesome Orange

 

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A04s, available in stylish Black and Green, retails for ₱9,490.00 for the 4GB/128GB variant, making sure that awesome is truly for all. This device is also available via Home Credit for as low as ₱738 per month for 9 months with 30% down payment. 

To know more about the new Samsung Galaxy A Series, visit samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.

American Standard celebrates 60th year, promises to remain committed in offering innovative and trustworthy products to Filipino home

A healthier life made better with the love of family and friends and reflected in a safe and beautiful home. This was the core message of American Standard as it celebrated its 60^th year in the Philippines. 

For over six decades, families have been trusting American Standard to make all these possible in their homes, thanks to the leading sanitary ware brand’s innovative technologies and award-winning designs for bathroom and kitchen products that are easy to use and are built to last.

To celebrate the beautiful relationship between Filipino families and American Standard, a series of online videos were shown, beginning with a message from Antoine Besseyre De Horts, LIXIL Global Design Leader: “We are excited for the Filipinos to see how the brand will further evolve in the coming year and discover soon more new products that will elevate their bathroom experiences at home and in public spaces,” he shared. 

The videos also highlighted the brand’s lasting presence in Filipino homes, through the years, through various milestones, challenges, and triumphs. Affirming American Standard’s renewed commitment was Hermie Limbo, Lixil Philippines Inc. Leader, who said: “Today, we commemorate what we call “Life, Love, and Home” that reflects American Standard’s commitment to make a difference in our lives. Thank you for trusting us and helping us reach 60 wonderful years. This occasion will serve as another milestone to highlight a new chapter in our history in the Philippines.

To commemorate the momentous occasion, American Standard unveiled new and innovative products designed to make life healthier and the home safe and more beautiful.

The featured products included the Acacia Supasleek, a collection of toilets and wash basins that boasts of ultra-sleek edge for that sleeker, modern style with zero compromises on comfort and technology.

Acacia Supasleek water closets showcase the unparalleled HygieneClean technologies to deliver 24/7 total hygiene protection. Meanwhile, the CrystaSleek toilet seat and cover, also a key innovation, uses a dual injection molding process. The result is a slimmer yet resilient design that perfectly matches any bathroom style. Acacia Supasleek water basins feature the ThinEdge ceramic technology where basins have ultra-sleek edges of only 5mm while maintaining the strength and resilience of regular basins.

The innovative HygieneClean technologies and features are found in the water closets of American Standard. There is the award-winning Aqua Ceramic technology that prevents dirt and dark ring stains from sticking to its ceramic surface, and ComfortClean technology to effectively get rid of any viruses and bacteria in the bathroom. To ensure better hygiene and ease of cleaning, American Standard water closet collection is also powered with Power Rim technology with Double Vortex Flushing System for unparalleled flushing capabilities. 

To make the bathroom experience truly safe for Filipino families, American Standard introduces the Touchless Sensor Toilets, a wireless flush technology that uses a remote control to activate flushing by waving of the hand. The sensor, which can be placed anywhere in the user’s bathroom range up to five meters, aims to minimize the contact of surfaces to reduce contamination of germs and bacteria. 

American Standard also highlighted bathroom fixtures such as the EasySET™ Exposed, an auto temperature mixer that maintains the correct balance of hot and cold water based on the user’s preset temperature. Meanwhile, the EasyFLO™ collection levels up the user’s bathroom experience from the manual knobs and levers to the sleek, minimalist push-button technology of EasyFLO™. This collection is purposefully designed with an easy push on/off button and styled to complement today’s modern homes and lifestyle.

There’s also the DuoStiX™ Hygiene Spray, a dual cleanse spray that is gentle on the skin but can also be used to remove tough bathroom stains. Its reversible spray cap is helpful for women and children as it helps to thoroughly cleanse from the front to the back. The spray cap is also removable for a cleaning-optimized spray.

Meanwhile, the DuoStiX™ Hand Shower allows users to enjoy an invigorating cleanse with its efficient water-saving duo sprays that’s robust yet gentle on the skin. The handheld spray can be transformed into a stick for a focused jet spray for bathroom and surface cleaning.

While has already cemented its name in the bathroom product space, in its 60^th year and beyond, it promises to remain committed in offering innovative and trustworthy products to turn the Filipino home into a comfortable, caring, and inviting place to live.

The celebration was graced by special guests including Keith Lai, LIXIL Water Technology APAC Category Management Pro & Commercial Leader, and concluded with a brief video message from Satoshi Kanogai, LIXIL Water Technology, APAC Leader, as he shared: “The Philippines is a key market for LIXIL in the Asia Pacific. With solid growth potential – rising home ownership, consumer spending and growing economy. As a company and as a brand, we are committed to bring you the best in innovative technologies and award-winning designs for bathrooms and kitchens designed to your needs and the needs of future generations.”  

To know more about the American Standard, visit https://www.americanstandard.ph/ and follow         @AmericanStandardPH on Facebook and @americanstandard_ph on Instagram.

 

Reckitt partners with Shopee to host a Super Brand Day on their Christmas Kickoff Sale!

As the so-called “ber” months come in, the days get cooler, and the air gets more festive, Filipinos know the holiday season is about to get in full swing–and with it come the numerous Christmas sales for just about everything you can imagine.

 

That means it’s as great a time as any to take advantage of the holiday sales to stock up on household essentials, and personal care products that you and your family need. Reckitt, the global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition is once again partnering up with Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, to host a Super Brand Day on their Christmas Kickoff Sale this coming September 26 and 27.

 

On the Super Brand Day, families can get amazing deals such as up to 50% off, free shipping, buy 1 take 1, and vouchers on Reckitt’s trusted brands Enfagrow A+ Four, Lactum 3+6, Sustagen and Provital Adult Milks, Lysol, Durex, Veet, and Mortein. New and current brand members can earn points from their purchases on Shopee to redeem vouchers or gifts, get extra perks of 1.5x more brand membership points, and collect up to 8% coins cashback during the campaign. 

Get exclusive perks when you sign up for brand membership

Being a Reckitt exclusive brand member is a great extra bonus for families looking to get the most for their money. Once you become a member, you’ll get points with every purchase, a virtual membership card, exclusive vouchers and gifts, regular updates, and the ability to redeem free products using the points you earned.

 

An exclusive Brand Membership is free and easy to get–you just have to follow these three steps:

1.     On the Shopee mobile app, visit the Reckitt brand store (Enfagrow Official Store, Lactum Official Store, Provital & Sustagen Adult Milk Store, Veet Official Store, Reckitt Wellness PH Store, Lysol Official Store) and locate the "Membership" tab on the menu bar.

2.     Select the "Join Membership Now" button, verify your details, and accept the T&Cs. 

3.     You’ll get 100 free bonus points, which you can use to shop and save now.

 

On top of the perks of being an Enfagrow Official Store brand member, moms can add on to the bonuses they get by also being a Club Mama member. On Club Mama, you can get points for your Enfagrow A+ Four Nurapro and Enfamama A+ purchases, as well as exclusive member discounts, access, events, and more! To join, all you have to do is read and accept the Terms and Conditions pop-up, and complete the sign up on both Shopee and Club Mama to get 500 bonus points¹. 

 

Exciting discounts, deals on personal and home care products 

Get silky, smooth skin that lasts up to 4 weeks with Veet! Get up to 50% off, an extra 10% off voucher with a minimum spend of P250 (capped at P40), and 100% free shipping! With a minimum spend of P500 on Veet, get a free mini selfie clip-on right light plus, get an extra 15% off when you buy any three Veet products.

 

Aside from looking good, part of staying healthy is practicing wise and safe sex with your spouse or partner. Durex condoms are electronically tested for holes, dermatologically tested for comfort, and they perform better than standard in global quality tests, so everyone everywhere is free to enjoy sex that feels good with anyone, anywhere. Grab up to 50% off and an extra 10% off voucher with a minimum spend of P300 on the Reckitt Wellness Official Store. To add, you can get a free Bussy Cup (Vibrating) or Midoko Angel Underwear Sexy Lace Thong Panties with a minimum spend of P600 and an extra 15% off when you purchase any three Durex products.

 

Lastly, protect your home from over 100-illness causing germs with Lysol! Get up to 50% off with an extra 10% off voucher with a minimum spend of P1,299 (capped at P150) and nationwide free shipping with a minimum spend of P1,000 (capped at P50). You can also get a free Herb Seed Starter Kit with a purchase of participating Lysol bundles!

 

Protect the future of your family from dengue with up to 20% off on Mortein! Get nationwide free shipping with a minimum spend of P1,000 (capped at P50) and an extra 10% off voucher with a minimum spend of P1,299 (capped at P150 ). Plus, get a free foldable umbrella with a purchase of Mortein and Safer Homes bundles. 

 

For both Lysol and Mortein, get free Lysol On-the-Go Antibacterial Hand and Body Wipes for every order.

 

So what are you waiting for? Kick off the holiday season off right and grab your nutrition, health and home must-haves from Enfagrow A+ Four, as well as Lactum 3+6, Sustagen and Provital Adult Milks, Veet, Durex, Lysol, and Mortein products during Shopee’s Christmas Kickoff Sale on September 26 and 27! Head to the stores’ official brand pages on Shopee, sign up for an exclusive Brand Membership, and start shopping!

 

¹Get the full 500 bonus points when you sign up for both Enfagrow Official Store Brand Membership and Club Mama. 200 points will be rewarded upon signing up for Enfagrow Official Store Brand Membership, and an additional 300 points will be given if you continue with the Club Mama form. 

 

²With proper nutrition and stimulation. 

 

³Superior DHA levels in Enfagrow A+ Nurapro Gentlease 3+ 35mg vs. other premium growing-up milk brands. 

 

Disclaimer: All promos (i.e. Club Mama Loyalty Program, Shopee Brand Membership under all Reckitt Stores, discounts, deals) on this article are applicable only to promotable products.

 

GO with vivo Y35 and enjoy special treats

Immediately following its launch, the vivo Y35, the newest premium smartphone in the vivo Y Series line-up has already received nods from users and tech experts for its powerful performance yet affordable price.

To keep the excitement going for one of its newest devices, vivo brings another special offer for customers which will surely make them GO with vivo Y35.

Join the Go with vivo Y35 promo and get exciting freebies

Don’t miss the chance and purchase the vivo Y35, #QuickAsAFlash, to enjoy special treats exclusively from vivo.For every purchase of vivo Y35 at participating branches until September 30, 2022, customers may register to the vivo online form to get one (1) free bluetooth neck earphone or electric neck massager. Promo is available until supplies last and only one freebie will be given per walk-in customer.

Customers may avail of the Go with vivo Y35 promo at the following vivo concept stores and kiosks:

• SM Sangandaan
• SM North Edsa
• Fishermall QC
• Trinoma
• SM Center Pasig
• Glorietta
• Metropoint Pasay
• Ayala Feliz
• SM Muntinlupa
• Ayala Fairview Terraces Exhibit
• SM Valenzuela Exhibit
• Ayala Cloverleaf Kiosk
• Century City Kiosk
• Xentromall Sta. Ana Kiosk
• Cash & Carry Kiosk

Powered by advanced 44W FastCharge and Bigger Internal Storage

The vivo Y35 is specially equipped with vivo’s advanced 44W FastCharge technology to boost its huge 5000 mAh battery for a phone that will last all day long. With the help of this powerful device, users can be #QuickAsAFlash to do more and achieve more in less time.

The vivo Y35 is truly made to be a next-level smartphone with its bigger internal storage. Its 8+8GB Extended RAM is the first ever in the Y Series line-up. This Extended RAM 3.0 ensures smoother phone operation by supporting more active apps in the background, so users can switch swiftly in between multiple apps. To top that, the vivo Y35 also boasts a huge 256GB ROM with up to 1TB to free users from storage anxiety and allows them to download all the files at their will.

The vivo Y35 is now available for only P14,999 on vivo’s official online stores on Lazada, Shopee , TikTok, and website, and all physical stores and kiosks nationwide.

To know more about the vivo Y35, visit vivo’s official website, or follow them on their official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Shopee partners with the Department of Health for the Bakunahang Bayan: PinasLakas Special Vaccination Days campaign

In line with its continuous commitment to help every Filipino increase their protection against COVID-19, Shopee has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) for the Bakunahang Bayan: PinasLakas Special Vaccination Days campaign from September 26-30, to facilitate the rapid mobilization of COVID-19 vaccination among all eligible populations. 

 

As part of the campaign, a dedicated page will be accessible in-app to educate users on the benefits and importance of vaccination from September 26 to 30, 2022. Local government units (LGUs) across the country are likewise encouraged to include vaccination sites such as schools, malls, plazas, and places of worship where Filipinos can conveniently walk-in to get their COVID-19 booster shot on special vaccination days.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared, “It is a great privilege for us to partner with the DOH once again. Through this partnership, we aim to leverage our platform to provide Filipinos with access to accurate and important information about booster shots and COVID-19 vaccination. Through proper education and collaboration, we can work together to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines.”

 

This campaign is one of the multiple initiatives that Shopee has launched to support Filipinos in their pre to post vaccination journey. In 2021, Shopee launched the Resbakuna Vaccine Education Campaign, also in partnership with the DOH; the Fully Vaxxed package which incentivized users to complete their vaccination doses; and Vaccination Center Support, which provided food, health essentials, and air coolers to chosen vaccination centers in Makati, Taguig, and Quezon City.

 

Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho, OIC-Undersecretary of the Department of Health shared “Every Filipino plays a vital role in achieving the wall of immunity and protecting every single member of our community, especially the most vulnerable. We are grateful to be partnering with Shopee once more to maximize their platform in effectively reaching, engaging, and educating even more Filipinos on the importance of getting their COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses.”

 

With the  aim of boosting 50 percent of the general population and fully vaccinating 90 percent of the target senior citizens, the Bakunahang Bayan: PinasLakas Special Vaccination Days campaign is expected to educate Filipinos of the benefits the COVID-19 vaccines provide. Through these initiatives, the DOH hopes to encourage even more of our kababayans to receive their booster shots, most especially our senior citizens and the vulnerable population. 

 

From September 26-30, users can learn more about Bakunahang Bayan: PinasLakas Special Vaccination Days through the dedicated in-app page on the Shopee app.

 

OPPO announces Spotify collaboration

Global technology company OPPO recently announced its partnership with popular audio streaming platform Spotify. Through this collaboration, they created an all-new simple and customizable listening experience on OPPO smartphones with its latest ColorOS 13 Operating System.

 

With the app fully integrated with many new smart features in ColorOS 13, Spotify users can now enjoy music, podcasts and audiobooks with easier access and convenient controls on the home screen of their OPPO device. 

 

Smart Always-On-Display (AOD)：The AOD gives Spotify listeners a whole new way to keep their music, podcasts and audiobooks at their fingertips. Spotify users can now know what Spotify content is currently playing, without having to unlock their device. By simply glancing at the AOD and double-tapping the music control panel, users can access and control what they’re listening to on their OPPO gadget. 

 

Smart Always-On-Display supports Spotify controls and information display

 

Shelf: The new Shelf feature in ColorOS 13 includes an in-built Spotify Card, where users can access not only their favorite tracks, but also content recommendations from the app with just a slide away.

In-built Spotify Card in Shelf in ColorOS 13

 

Home Screen Widgets: The Spotify widget can also be added to the ColorOS 13 home screen to provide quick and easy access to the Spotify app.

Spotify widget on ColorOS 13 home screen

 

Clock^[1]: Users can now wake up every morning to their favorite Spotify tracks, playlists and podcasts, thanks to an alarm integration in the ColorOS 13 Clock app.

 

Spotify alarm integration in the ColorOS 13 Clock app

 

“Our partnership with Spotify represents a new exploration into the possibilities of smartphone operating systems,” said Gary Chen, Head of OPPO Software Product. “Through smart, convenient, and human-centric features developed with our partners, we are bringing a more intelligent and efficient operating system to users, enabling them to spend more time enjoying music and the other most-loved features on the OPPO smartphones.”

 

Ian Geller, Global Head of Consumer Business Development at Spotify said, “At Spotify, we’re always working to offer our users the best listening experience out there. Through our partnership with OPPO, we aim to elevate the Spotify experience through OPPO ColorOS 13’s smart and human-centric features, delivering value for existing and new consumers of both brands”.

 

ColorOS 13 is the latest Android-Based Operating System from OPPO. Designed for simplicity and comfort with its Aquamorphic Design, ColorOS 13 features a series of smart and intelligent features that include Multi-Screen Connect, Meeting Assistant, Smart AOD, and Home Screen Management. Based on the Android Operating System, ColorOS provides exclusive, intelligent and user-friendly experiences to over 500 million global monthly active users. It is available in 67 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Hindi.

 

---

^[1] Spotify alarm integration in the ColorOS 13 Clock app will be available with further OTA updates after September 15th.

HMD Global launches in the Philippines the Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, launches in the Philippines the Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio – a new feature phone that celebrates the XpressMusic heritage and comes with detachable wireless earbuds that are stored and charged within the phone itself. The innovative design is paired with loudspeakers, audio control buttons and a big battery to bring Filipinos seamless audio for any situation.

 

Sancho Chak, general manager for Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand, HMD Global:

“What Filipinos loved about the classic Nokia 5310 is made even better with the Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio which delivers audio freedom through a game changing design.  By incorporating wireless earbuds, boosting the battery, having dedicated audio control keys, and powering up to 4G, all much needed features of music lovers and millions of people who rely on feature phones for daily communication are met with extreme convenience completely on-the-go.” 

 

Great sound and game-changing earbuds stored in the phone

Whether using the phone speaker, loudspeaker or wireless Nokia XpressAudio earbuds, the Nokia 5710 Xpress Audio meets any audio need throughout the day. Dedicated music buttons make playback easy, the in-built MP3 player stores thousands of songs, and the wireless FM radio keeps users in the loop at home or on the move.

 

As well as delivering great sound, the detachable wireless earbuds deliver on convenience. When not in use, the earbuds are housed beneath a sleek and robust slider on the back of the phone- saving user’s space in their pocket, and stopping them from wondering where their earbuds are, and letting them charge on the go. 

 

The wireless earbuds will also be compatible with Nokia smartphones should fans wish to switch between devices.

 

Robust and reliable

In addition to superior build quality, fans can trust the Nokia 5710 XpressAudio with a great experience every time they pick up the phone or play their favourite songs. The big 1450 mAh battery delivers hours of talk and playback time and lasts for weeks on standby. Call quality is achieved with environmental noise cancellation and VoLTE support, so one’s voice is clear even in busy surroundings.

 

Long-lasting performance

The feature phone’s stylish design has a rounded shape specifically to improve grip. The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio has gone through rigorous testing to ensure it meets the exacting durability standards so it can keep performing and continue to look great for a long time.

 

Pricing and availability

The Nokia 5710 XpressAudio in black/red colour variant can be purchased for only Php 4,190 in  all Nokia mobile authorized resellers online and physical stores nationwide starting September 30. Fans can get this new feature phone for pre-order with Php 200 off exclusively at the Nokia mobile store in Shopee only from September 23 until September 30 only.

 

HABI announces the return of the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center

The Philippine Textile Council (HABI) has announced the return of the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center from October 14 to 16, 2022.

 

Now in its 12th year, the Likhang HABI Market Fair will have more than 60 vendors offering handmade pieces, like woven fabrics, ready-to-wear clothes, home accessories, and even locally made furniture and pottery.

Event stylist Kitty Bunag has been tasked to transform the Glorietta Activity Center into a heritage hub showcasing the best creations from some of the most celebrated artisans around the Philippines. “The overall look and feel for the Habi Market Fair will be inspired by outdoor souks and markets here and in other parts of the world.  Vendor booths will be made of wood and canvas where each retailer can best showcase their products. Textiles hanging from dried ornamental trees serve as the main focal of the venue. We’re creating a space that will be familiar for both local and foreign patrons,“ says Bunag.

Showcased during the 3-day fair are homegrown brands Abek Home & Culture,  Abre Linea, Accelerate Sulu, Adante Leyesa, Aishe Fashion, Angie’s Yakan Handloom Weaving, Anihan sa Ibaan, Aruga Handwovens, Balud Craft, Bicol Sweetgrass Handicrafts, Camisa Amana, Cariñosa, Casa Garcia, Coco & Tress, Crafted (Ancestral Crafts), Creative Definitions, Ditta Sandico, En Barong Filipino, Gifts and Graces, Habi, Helena Alegre Sculptural Jewelry, Idyllic Summers, Ifugao Nation, Iraya Mangyan Art, Jor-El Espina, Kalinga Weaving, Kaya Mana PH, Knitting Expedition, La Bonne Vie, La Herminia, Lakat Sustainables,  Local Home + Art + Fashion, Mabaysay,  MCV Designs, Milvidas, Monica Madrigal, Narda’s Nina Abel, Pidayit, Piesa,  Pina Seda Primera, PNay, Provenciana, Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products, Ruby Roa, Rurungan Collective, Siegrid Bangyay Pottery, Silahis Arts and Artifacts, Style Isle, Tadeco Home, The Manila Collectible Co, Tinampuso, Tuwas Yakan Weavers, WeaveManila Inc., Woven, WVN Living, and WYC Wear Your Culture.

As a member of the ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium, part of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council’s mission is to promote the art of hand-weaving and provide opportunities for talented Filipino artisans to showcase their products to an eager market. 

 

Being the first of its kind in the country, the fair will also feature two uniquely Filipino competitions: the annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and, starting this year, the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Competition. Contestants are going to be judged by a panel of experts on Philippine textiles, processes, and materials. 

 

“This is our fifth year of holding the piña competition and since we’ve had it, we’ve noticed that artisans working on piña have been leveling up,” says HABI president Adelaida Lim.

 

Council member Mike Claparols shared that HABI’s greatest contributions include encouraging weaving communities to use cotton and educating the public about the painstaking art form that is hand weaving. 

 

He explains, “A lot of consumers think that hand-woven fabrics are too expensive. Many try to bargain with weavers by asking for big discounts. What they don’t know is that weaving is a learned skill that requires time and dedication to master.” 

 

“We’re the first in this line of promoting indigenous fabrics as fashion,” says Maribel Ongpin, Founder of HABI. “Second, while most of the other bazaars have reached a sophisticated level, we continue to go grassroots.” 

 

Ultimately, the three-day fair is HABI’s biggest and most talked about fundraising activity. Aside from direct donations from individuals and companies, the fair is one of the main sources of funding for the council’s projects, which includes preservation of the art of weaving, educating consumers, and pushing locally made products and artists to the national — and global — market.

 

“As a country, we carry important fibers like piña and abaca that are uniquely ours. [These] are world-renowned. Since museums in the world feature [these pieces, it’s] considered a legacy of Filipino craftsmanship, identity, and the nation,” Ongpin concludes. 

 

Likhang HABI Market Fair 2022 is made possible by the generous contribution of council sponsors: Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Union Bank of the Philippines, The Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), AY Foundation, Emerging Power Inc., Marubeni Philippines Corporation, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Far Eastern University (FEU), and Pancake House with radio partners  DZRH Manila, RPN DYKB Bacolod City, and DYRF Cebu City. 

 

For more information about HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, please call +63 921 849-6974 or email support@habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com.

 

BDO Securities provides investors with relevant content and market expertise

When is the right time to invest in stocks and where? If youre looking for ease and convenience in investment opportunities, you may consider checking out BDO Securities. That is exactly what BDO Securities brings to the table. 

 

BDO Securities’ most distinctive competitive advantage lies in the company’s ability to provide fast, easy, and accessible investment solutions to its valued clients.

l  Quick: On top of the speedy 5-minute onboarding process, investors can also perform real-time funding and withdrawals.

l  Easy: Customers can easily access the local stock market by utilizing BDO Securities’ online platform. 

l  Accessible: BDO Securities provides investors with relevant content and market expertise including commentaries to enable them to make the right trading decisions. 

 

In addition to the in-depth reports given to customers as guide in their trading journey, BDO Securities offers clients access to local equities which can be easily accessed online. From beginners to investment-savvy customers, many investors have turned to BDO Securities due to the ease and convenience of real-time funding that a BDO online account offers.

“At BDO Securities, we offer real-time convenience of doing transactions wherever they are so as not to miss any opportunity. We keep them informed by providing them with solid and relevant insightful research and market updates to ensure that they are equipped to find the right trades,” said Bernhard Aloysius G. Tsai, COO of BDO Securities.

 

BDO Securities was recently named as the Best Retail Broker in the Philippines in the Annual Alpha Southeast Asia Best Financial Institution Awards.

 

Start your stock trading journey now. Visit the BDO Securities website and sign up for an account within 5 minutes.