Discovery Shores Boracay is in the Roblox Metaverse

Regardless of their industry or competitive landscape, businesses must always ensure that they continue to provide outstanding customer service and be on the lookout for new revenue channels while discovering different ways to innovate and evolve. These advancements were mostly anchored on digital transformation in recent years, with the digital shift undoubtedly hastened by the global pandemic.

 

As a recognized leader in the Hospitality and Property Management Industry, Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC) was recently invited as the sole Philippine representative to the prestigious APAC Digital Travel Summit, held in Singapore, to share the company's insights about optimizing commerce market channels and tech innovations. 

Maximizing Tech

 

According to Discovery Hospitality’s Vice President & Head of Digital Marketing and Branding, Blessy Townes, the function of social media is no longer limited to the exchange of communication but has recently diverged into the area of Social Commerce.  

 

"Social commerce is the ‘new normal’ of social media marketing. The pandemic has changed the way we use the Internet, and has transformed social media from a social networking site to a social selling platform," Townes noted. " Social media marketing is now merely a skill required to manage social commerce,” she added.

 

Focusing on social commerce allowed Discovery to create a more connected customer experience with patrons, and potential guests, of their hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other attractions. "Like our name suggests, it's really a matter of discovering new ways to engage through existing digital channels," Townes pointed out. “We recognize the disruption of Social Commerce in the hospitality space. It has created its own ecosystem and touchpoints for us to engage with the customers: from Interest, to Research and, ultimately, Conversion,” she expounded.

 

Innovating Customer Experience

 

One of Discovery Hospitality’s ways to achieve this is to step into the metaverse through one of its resorts, Discovery Shores Boracay. They recently launched “Bogart and Friends” in the popular Roblox Metaverse, making them the first Philippine Resort to utilize the app in its engagement efforts. “Doing so enabled us to provide our guests with an enhanced experience through challenges that were rewarded with real-life prizes," she further explained. In Discovery Hospitality’s presentation, the gamification initiative inspired APAC hoteliers how the lucrative yet often daunting Metaverse can enhance the customer experience and brand affinity in the Hospitality industry.

 

Launched in May 2022 to promote brand love, “Bogart & Friends”, starring Discovery Shores Boracay’s mascot, Bogart the Bear, is a miniature loyalty program for kids that allows them to virtually experience the resort. Players of the metaverse game can earn coins and badges, and trade them for real-world perks when they visit the property. 

 

Through the effective adoption of such emerging platforms and technologies, Discovery Hospitality continues to innovate the customer booking journey and beyond so that for every step of the booking decision their properties are top of mind. This also allows the group to tap into a wider array of market segments, further attracting the attention of different age groups such as millennials and Gen Zs to engage with their properties.

 

Since 1999, Digital Travel APAC has been regarded as Asia's leading summit for digital travel leaders. Their top-level conferences allow attendees to learn from, network, and collaborate with leading heads of eCommerce, Customer Experience, and Digital Marketing throughout the world. Discovery Hospitality Corporation, a trailblazer in Filipino hospitality, has been a repeat presenter on topics such as Website Traffic Acquisition and Conversion Optimization since pre-pandemic. 

 

For inquiries on allied businesses and hotel management services, contact Discovery Hospitality Corporation’s Senior Vice President and Head of Sales & Operations, Cathy Nepomuceno, at cathy.nepomuceno@discoveryhospitality.com. For more information, visit www.discoveryhotelshospitality.com.

 

Home Buddies’ 2nd anniversary celebration kicked off on September 10

Facebook home improvement group “Home Buddies,” born on September 18, 2020, at the height of the pandemic, just celebrated its 2nd anniversary with milestone on-ground and online events.

 

Mayora Frances Cabatuando, the community’s friendly “budolera,” said she and her “tanods” want to send back the love to their 3.1 million members who helped make Home Buddies the phenomenon that it is today. 

“Home Buddies is a community whose goal is to empower, inspire, and support our fellow Filipinos not just in home-improvement but even beyond. Happy 2nd KapitBirthday, Home Buddies!” Mayora Frances said.

 

Home Buddies’ 2nd anniversary celebration kicked off on September 10 with a makeover of a SPED classroom at the Pasay City North High School under the Brigada Eskwela program.

 

"We really admire how the institution (Pasay City North High School) is promoting inclusive education through its special education program so we decided to help them with a classroom makeover. As part of the outreach, we tapped special education experts to help design the room as aligned with the special needs of the students. We wanted the school to be comfortable for every child just like a home – a place where they are supported, nurtured, and empowered as learners and as the future of our country." Cabatuando said.

 

Capping off the KapitBirthday 2nd anniversary was the online event last September 18 on the Home Buddies Facebook Community page. Hosted by Frances with her fellow PIE Channel jock Erykah Lucas, community members were entertained by the presence of star-studded guests and raffle games and prizes for every “buddy.” These include the popular game with an added Home Buddies twist “Pera O Budol” featuring real budol items from the event’s sponsors.  

The “Pera O Budol'' portion was a real nail biter!

 

One of the highlights of the KapitBirthday was the surprise guest appearance of celebrity host Luis Manzano.

            

           

 

Singer Ronnie Liang also dropped by the live event to sing for the kapitbahays. 

 

  

All in all, it was yet another successful anniversary double event for Mayora Frances and Home Buddies! Congratulations, mga kapitbahay!

 

Mayora Frances Lim Cabatuando is one of the exclusive talents under NYMA, a talent agency focused on nurturing trailblazers to break through all media spaces. She currently posts regular vlogs on her channels: 

YouTube: youtube.com/c/NobiHome, 

Instagram: instagram.com/nobi.home and instagram.com/itsMayoraFrances

TikTok: tiktok.com/@MayoraFrances  

Facebook: facebook.com/MayoraFrances on Facebook. 

    Home Buddies: facebook.com/groups/homebuddies

    Home Buddies Hangouts: facebook.com/groups/homebuddieshangouts

 

She is also a TV host. Make sure to watch her on Barangay PIEsilog every morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon only on the newest interactive channel, PIE. Follow @iampieofficial on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube or tune in via their website at pie.com.ph.

 

NYMA’s vision is to be the home of the best Filipino talents in the country and the world. The agency is one of eight brands under tradigital entertainment company KROMA.  To know more about NYMA, visitnyma.ph. 

 

Mayora Frances would like to thank the following event sponsors:

 

For Brigada Eskwela:

Una Casita

Arcanum Design Studio

Davies Paints

 

For the live Anniversary event:

PLDT Home

AllHome

Fujidenzo

Technogas Technik

Whirlpool

Dowell

Kroma Entertainment

Maayo Creatives

 

Event by Gabi na Naman Productions

 

Singlife Philippines launched its partnership with Moovr, the country's first bike and e-scooter sharing app

 Singlife Philippines, a mobile-first savings and protection company, launched its partnership with Moovr, the country's first bike and e-scooter sharing app.

Anna Moncupa, CEO of Moovr and Rien Hermans, CEO of Singlife Philippines

With this partnership, Moovr riders in BGC, Makati, and Filinvest Alabang are offered FREE PHP100,000 coverage when using bikes or e-scooters.  They can sign up to claim this free coverage through the Moovr app.

Teaming up to solve customer pain points 

Singlife and Moovr are both start-ups that solve challenges customers experience by using the most innovative technology.  Singlife offers easy access to solutions that support the middle class to protect their financial future by ensuring there is money when needed. The company has made products for income protection, medical cost protection, and solutions that help prepare for education expenses available on mobile devices. They’ve been specially designed to fit customers’ needs and budget.  Moovr is dedicated to making commuting in key business areas easier, and more sustainable. 

Both companies are disruptors in the established industries they belong to, offering alternatives that better fit customers’ needs and preferences. This is the shared belief that initiated this partnership. 

"We are in the business of helping today’s movers and shakers get to where they need to be, faster, safer, and in a more sustainable manner.  We are thrilled to partner with Singlife to offer an added layer of protection to all our riders” said Anna Moncupa, CEO of Moovr.  

"Both Moovr and Singlife Philippines believe that technology is a game-changer for solving customer pain points and providing better services. We are happy that through this partnership, we make commuting and being financially protected--things that were such a hassle in the past --- more accessible and better" Moncupa added. 

"Very few Filipinos own life insurance products, and this is because the traditional ways of getting insured are tedious, complicated, and expensive. We partnered with Moovr to show people that getting the protection you need can be as easy, budget-friendly, and fast, just like riding a bike or e-scooter!” said Rien Hermans, CEO of Singlife Philippines. 

Moovr app users offered FREE PHP100,000 accidents coverage

 

Mooving around the city protected with Singlife 

More than 1,000 people have already been protected since the start of this partnership. Singlife Philippines helps Moovr users protect themselves against the financial impacts of accidents with FREE P100,000 coverage. In less than a minute they can apply for their coverage and start their ride on a Moovr bike or e-scooter. 

"Being financially protected means that unexpected events do not have to lead to big financial setbacks. Be responsible, be financially ready, and protect your family’s financial future" added Hermans. 

BCG has placed Xiaomi on its “50 Most Innovative Companies of 2022” list

 Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has placed Xiaomi on its “50 Most Innovative Companies of 2022” list 

The designation in part recognizes Xiaomi’s commitment to pursuing technological innovation and to strengthening its research and development capabilities. In the second quarter of 2022, its research and development expenses reached RMB3.8 billion, an increase of 22.8 percent year-over-year. At the Xiaomi product launch event in August, Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Xiaomi Group, said that Xiaomi’s R&D investment has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 39.7 percent since 2017 and is expected to reach RMB17 billion in 2022 and RMB100 billion in the next five years. 

BCG’s Most Innovative Companies ranking is based in large part on a survey of more than 1,500 global innovation executives who were polled in December 2021 and January 2022. It assesses a company’s performance in four categories: global mindshare, industry peer view, industry disruption and value creation. 

BCG has published its annual innovation report since 2003. Other companies on the 2022 list include Microsoft, Alphabet, IBM, Pfizer, Coca-Cola, Tencent, etc. 

Xiaomi is building an ever-expanding technology ecosphere spanning smartphones, wearable devices, smart home, smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicles and bionic robots, to better connect people to the world around them and improve their lives.

Unleash your full potential with the WIKO 10

Bringing WIKO’s Largest-Ever Screen and Advanced SuperCharge Technology

Introducing WIKO Buds 10 together with WIKO 10, the perfect combination for modern

entertainment

 

Unleashing your full potential with the WIKO 10,

the smartphone for modern entertainment. WIKO is a French-origin brand that strives to

shape the future of entertainment through the amalgamation of aesthetic design and

technology. WIKO 10 aims to bring a smooth user experience with distinctive features and

elegant designs to customers all over the world, together with the launch of WIKO Buds 10,

providing users with a seamless music journey with its advanced Bluetooth 5.2 technology

and up to 30 hours of playback time with a charging case. 

The WIKO 10 is the inaugural smartphone of WIKO's new digital series. Representing the fusion of aesthetic design and advanced technology, WIKO 10 offers a novel experience

with its impeccable design that speaks French elegance in the language of technology and

serves as the modern-day accessory for the Generation Z digital natives.

 

Customers can enjoy using the WIKO 10 with its top features including a 6.74-inch large

screen and 90.69% screen-to-body ratio for immersive video viewing, a 5000mAh battery

with 22.5W WIKO SuperCharge and reverse charging supporting intensive usage

throughout the day, a 128GB large storage to store everything on the phone, and 50MP

Triple AI camera with versatile camera functions that was catered for recording beautiful

moments in life. It is a highly functional device, meanwhile a masterpiece bewitching to the

eyes.

 

WIKO 10 is specifically created for young users who are stylish, trendy, tech-savvy, and

passionate about expressing their individuality. It offers them a flawless experience with a

fresh and elegant design that reflects the latest trends among Generation Z and

accessorizes their everyday look with style. With the one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the

latest trend among younger generations and their predilection for the individuality of product

appearance, WIKO 10 reinvigorates the design with unique personality.

 

WIKO wants to make smartphones à la mode accessible to all. Our users worldwide tell us

that they love the French aesthetics conveyed by our products, and these phones help to

showcase their favor in simplicity, elegance, freedom and enthusiasm.

Distinctive Finishes with Iconic Colors

WIKO 10 has three options of stunning finishes: Klein Blue, Silver and Black. The iconic

Klein Blue creates a stark visual contrast with the environment, showcasing the personal

style and individuality of its owner. The alluring Silver resembles ashen hues of classic

European architecture like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, where Black is a ray of bright

light which disrupts the tranquil yet mystique pitch-black night, colliding decorative art with

architectural structures. WIKO 10 is all you need to garner the attention of the crowd.

 

Impressive Visual Display with Refined Designs

WIKO 10 is a fabulous smartphone designed for immersive entertainment experiences and

incredible visual enjoyment brought by its 6.74-inch 20:9 large full-screen LCD. The

incredible 90.69% screen-to-body ratio is exceptionally competitive compared to other

smartphones at the same price level. It also supports 16.7 million colors and a resolution of

720*1600, while the pixel density can reach 260PPI.

 

Aside from its mesmerizing colors, WIKO 10 features a 6-layer optical texture design. By

virtue of the emergency of the fuselage materials, not only does it enlarge the reflective

surface of a crystal and heighten its brilliance, but it also ensures a fingerprint-proof and dirt-

proof surface with its strong hydrophobic capability. As for the thickness, WIKO attempts to

visually lessen the width of the phone with a light and matte integrated surface of the middle

frame. It also combines the fingerprint sensor and power switch, which is an optimum choice

of design, both functionally and aesthetically.

The embedded rear cameras are typically destructive of the aesthetics of a traditional

smartphone design, yet it asserts character and individuality at the same time. WIKO 10

innovates on its original design, resulting in a complex yet sleek aesthetic that represents a

more vivid individuality expression.

Versatile camera to capture the best moments

With WIKO 10’s 50 MP Triple AI Camera, users can capture portraits which equate with

high-quality studio pictures with a mere tap of their finger. To begin with, the 50MP Triple AI

camera can bring you fine details with its 50 MP resolution, f/1.8 aperture, 1/2.76-inch JN1

sensor that has a unit pixel area of 0.64μm. Photos of high color fidelity and resolution are

guaranteed. The Smart HDR feature with its fusion of double exposures brings you a well-

balanced photo in detail even in backlighting environments. Moreover, users can take bokeh

portraits based on the 5-layer imaging optimization algorithm. For fashionistas and selfie

addicts, WIKO 10 has an 8MP high-definition f/2.0 front camera, its natural beauty algorithm

allows them to confidently take beautiful selfies.

 

Top-tier Battery and Storage Performance

One of the most attractive features of WIKO 10 is the 22.5W WIKO SuperCharge. After

charging for 10 minutes, users are able to watch videos for two hours. Besides its fast-

charging ability and large battery capacity, WIKO 10 also supports wireless reverse-charging

for other devices. A quick 10-min reverse-charging can cover 40% of a headset or 25% of a

sports bracelet’s full power, which only takes up 1-2% power cost of WIKO 10.

 

Moreover, WIKO 10 provides users with the most carefree experience ever, a multi-stage

overheating current control mechanism is incorporated, so gamers will no longer fret about

overheating pauses after a whole day of usage. Together with a large and sustainable

5000mAh battery as well as a storage space of 128GB and 4GB RAM, it guarantees a long-

lasting phone running from morning till night and more virtual memory, faster loading speeds

and minimum lagging.

 

Updated OS, For an Updated Experience

Android 12 delivers an even more personal, effortless, and safer experience for your device.

Featuring a comprehensively reimagined UI that can be personalized to your liking, as well

as new privacy features designed to grant you total safety without taking control away from

your hands

 

WIKO Buds 10 – endless music journey

Alongside the launch of WIKO 10 smartphone, WIKO is also presenting WIKO Buds 10, a

set of earbuds with advanced Bluetooth 5.2 technology powered by BES to ensure instant

and stable connectivity, capable of producing stereo and deep bass loud sound. Offering a

maximum operating time of 6 hours from a single charge and up to 30 hours with the

charging case, WIKO Buds 10 allows users to enjoy an endless music journey. Users can

now surround themselves with flowing melodies and dive into the world of music without

noises. Embracing positive vibes brought by your favourite songs in daily life with WIKO

Buds 10.

In an innovative upgrade, WIKO Buds 10 has adapted the 12 mm dynamic driver, allowing

for the delivery of high-quality audio with a clear separation between vocal and instrument,

while still upholding a design geared towards users’ comfort. A combination of dual mics for

voice capturing and ENC noise cancelling algorithm support also effectively filters out noises

from the surrounding, granting a crystal-clear voice chat and calling experience. Beyond all,

being designed for exercising and entertainment, WIKO Buds 10 possesses both high

durability and IPX4 water resistance protects from splashing water, and still only weighs

4.2g.

 

Price and Availability

WIKO 10 will be available from September 25, 2022 for P8,990 at Shopee, Lazada, and

authorized WIKO stores and kiosks.

WIKO Buds 10 will be available from September 25, 2022 for P1,499 at Shopee, Lazada,

and authorized WIKO stores and kiosks.

See full pricing and availability below:

For more information, please visit：https://world.wikomobile.com/

Singapore Diagnostics (SGD) has been re-accredited by the prestigious College of American Pathologists

Singapore Diagnostics (SGD), one of the largest laboratories in the Philippines, has been re-accredited  by the prestigious College of American Pathologists (CAP). Less than 500 international laboratories have received this accreditation.

 

“We are honored to receive the College of American Pathologists accreditation as a testament to the high quality of Singapore Diagnostics’ services and the work of our well-trained clinicians. This recognition will definitely inspire us to continue to offer world-class healthcare services that Filipinos can afford,” said Ritche Evidente, Singapore Diagnostics President and CEO.

 

Since its establishment in late 2013 in the Philippines, SGD has been processing laboratory requirements for over 500 hospitals, clinic, labs and healthcare institutions in the country. Serving up to 50,000 patients every month and running up to 2.5 million laboratory examinations a year.  The company is a subsidiary of Pathology Asia (PAH), which is among Southeast Asia’s large medical diagnostic groups with pathology, genomic and digital health operations in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Singapore Diagnostics implements the highest quality control in their laboratory work, benchmarking all test results, not just versus local quality standards, but against those of the best hospitals in the world.  SGD offers a host of services, including serving as a referral or back-up for other labs and hospitals or providing full laboratory outsourcing, including improving personnel skills.

In its 9 years in the business, the company has served as the training ground for Filipino medical technologists and clinicians who are now working in top hospitals and  health institutions all over the world. 

Singapore Diagnostics will be building additional facilities nationwide for a total of 50 laboratories in the Philippines and now has 450 employees all over the country.  In the end, Filipinos will have access to high quality healthcare in every major city in the country. 

For more information, visit www.sgdlabs.ph or dial 8-SGDLABS (02 8743 5227). 

 

PLDT Home shows love to its loyal customers with the return of the Grand Giveaway promo!

PLDT Home shows love to its loyal customers with the return of the Grand Giveaway promo! From September 1 to December 31, 2022, over 200 new and existing PLDT Home customers can take home grander, more thrilling rewards and prizes during the monthly draws, and a chance to win Maya credits and P5 million cash (tax-free) in the grand draw. Winners for the grand draw will be announced on January 30, 2023.

 

Christmas sure came early because PLDT Home will be giving away P100,000 Philippine Airlines e-gift cards to five lucky winners, plus a host of exciting prizes including Apple iPads, Nintendo Switch OLED consoles, Samsung Galaxy A32 5G phones, TP Link Wifi 5 Mesh devices, and e-vouchers from Shopee and GrabFood.

 

Joining the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway is simple! Follow these easy steps. 

 

1. Enroll your PLDT Home account in the PLDT Home Rewards Program by clicking this link or by visiting pldthome.info/grander2022. 
2. Earn Crystals. For every five Crystals earned, you get one raffle entry. 
   

 

3. You can also use these crystals to redeem discounts from the following brand partners
   

PLDT Home Rewards goes #Grander with new video

 

To kick off the Grand Giveaway promo, PLDT Home Rewards is also launching a new video featuring Filipino actress, singer, model, and Home ambassador, Gigi De Lana.

 

In the new video, Gigi shows how subscribers can do it better and get a shot at a grander life by simply being a member of the PLDT Home Rewards program. 

 

You can watch the video here:

 

https://youtu.be/9M5ko3llrP4

 

It’s really rewarding to be a PLDT Home subscriber with all these grander prizes and rewards! Be a member by signing up, earn Crystals and get a chance to win P5 million cash (tax-free) and more! 

World famous DJ Alesso to play at SMDC Festival Grounds

Ovation Productions, promoter in the Philippines of the ROAD TO ULTRA the premier electronic music festival presents world famous DJ Alesso on December 17, 2022 at the SMDC Festival Grounds.

 

Hailing from Stockholm, Alesso won over his country from the very start of his career. His second single as the lead artist, 2012’s “Calling (Losing My Mind)” with the legendary Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso and Grammy award-winning OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, was certified 2x Platinum in Sweden while also reaching no. 1 on Billboard’s US Hot Dance Club Songs. 

 

Alesso’s Remix to “Pressure” by Nadia Ali, Starkillers, and Alex Kenji was named the “tune of 2011” by Kaskade enroute to a nomination for Best Progressive Track at the International Dance Music Awards. In 2013, he released “If I Lose Myself” with OneRepublic which was certified 4x Platinum in Sweden and “Under Control” with Calvin Harris featuring Hurts which was certified Gold in the United States. 

Alesso’s ascension was sped up with the success of 2014’s “Heroes (We Could Be)” featuring Tove Lo. With his production genius and honest songwriting on full display, the track became a worldwide hit. Again, he reached no. 1 on Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs and no. 11 on the Top 40. It was certified Platinum in the US. 

 

With his music and visuals, Alesso creates experiences that have made him one of the genre’s most celebrated performers. In 2012, he joined Madonna as the opener during her MDNA tour. He’s also moved fans at the biggest festivals that music has to offer like Coachella, EDC, Ultra, and Tomorrowland.

 

In recent years, he has produced several crossover pop records including a collaboration Hailee Steinfeld released “Let Me Go” with Florida Georgia Line and Watt; reaching no. 9 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and cracked the US Billboard Hot 100. His collaboration with Anitta, “Is That For Me,” cracked the Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs’ top 25. Thesong earned a Radio Disney Music Award nomination. 

 

In 2018 he joined Good Morning America on August 31st for a special performance that wrapped up the iconic show’s Summer Concert Series, performing “REMEDY” live for the first time. “REMEDY” became another hit for Alesso, reaching no. 1 on the US Dance Airplay chart. 

 

Alesso was featured on Vai Anitta, a Netflix original docu-series. His work on the “Is That For Me” record and video shoot was highlighted. He alsoreleased “Tilted Towers” an ambitious crossover, blending the Dance music world with the gaming community. He debuted his song on a Twitch livestream with Ninja, the gaming world’s biggest star, premiering it for nearly 50k fans at once. 

 

In February 2019, Alesso performed at Venezuela Aid Live in Cúcuta, Colombia for over 250,000 attendees that we’re there in support for Humanitarian Aid for Venezuela. 

 

Shortly after Alesso returned to his roots in March 2019 with the release of a three-track progressive house Mixtape titled “PROGRESSO VOLUME 1.” Followed by a progressive remix of yet another pop collaboration with TINI titled “Sad Song”.

 

Continuing a big year of critically-praised releases, the Swedish progressive powerhouse collaborated with the fast-risingmystery producer SUMR CAMP to deliver a high energy deep house Dance track “In The Middle” Ready for clubs round the world. Garnering 27 NMF worldwide and instant radio adds, the track is already becoming a fan favorite.

 

In 2020 Alesso started the year with live performances surrounding events such as X Games Aspen, NY Fashion Week, and Super Bowl LIV. Starting the year with a progressive house anothem “One Last Time” he and collaborators Dubvision garnered top spins at dance radio on various channels. 

 

In April, Alesso and Liam Payne formerly of One Direction, connected to release “Midnight” an uplifting ballad speaking to the times. The pair received worldwide attention with guest performances/appearances on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Good Morning Britain.

 

Alesso at SMDC Festival Grounds is presented by Ovation Productions in partnership with Spade Empire Events and TAPGO TV. Tickets out soon via OVATIONTICKETS.COM and SMTICKETS.COM.