The Odyssey Ark gaming monitor from Samsung arrives in the Philippine market

 

 

The Odyssey Ark gaming monitor from Samsung has recently arrived in the Philippine market, bringing an unparalleled level of gaming experience never before possible. 

 

The 55-inch curved monitor dazzles you with its ultra-realistic visuals, powerful sound, and exclusive features like Cockpit Mode and Ark Dial, giving Filipino gamers a razor-sharp competitive edge over their opponents. 

 

The premium gaming monitor uses Quantum Matrix Technology, powered by Quantum Mini-LEDs, to control tightly packed pixels better, and provide superior light control and detail. This leads to excellent HDR gaming capabilities, similar to those found in Samsung's Neo QLED TVs. 

 

The monitor runs at 4k UHD resolution, with up to 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD Freesync Premium Pro making it a top-notch choice for PC and next-gen console gamers like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X owners. Console gamers will be pleased to know that the monitor is VRR compatible due to its HDMI 2.1 port and can reach high frame rates at 4K. The Ark also includes Gaming Hub. You can access popular streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Utomik without any extra hardware, other than a compatible controller. 

 

Total immersion

 

Adding a whole new level of realism to your gaming experience, the monitor’s revolutionary Sound Dome Technologyfeatures four embedded speakers and two central subwoofers that support Dolby Atmos and an AI Sound Booster. Whether playing the latest shooter or your favorite open-world RPG, you’d feel like you’re playing in a virtual dome, basking in an immersive 3D soundscape. 

As if you were sitting in a gaming theatre in your very own home, hearing every footstep, every enemy growl, bullets whizzing past your ears, and explosions reverberating all over the place – without needing to purchase an external dedicated audio system.

 

The experience is akin to having a virtual reality headset around you without wearing one. No longer will you be playing a game, but rather experiencing it. 

 

The Ark is the closest thing you can find to a real-life 3D gaming experience. Experience the action like never before with the 1000R Curvature - you'll be transported into your favorite game with a realistic 3D environment that surrounds you from every angle, putting you right at the heart of the excitement.

“Cockpit Mode”

 

The monitor’s Multi-View and Flex Move Screen features ensure the user can have the most optimized view of their game. Whether you're playing a first-person shooter, or a strategy game, you can customize the screen to fit your style of play. 

 

The Multi-View feature allows you to see multiple screens simultaneously, while the Flex Move Screen enables you to adjust the monitor to fit your play style. You can shrink the useable screen space from 55 inches to 27 inches, and pick between 16:9, 21:9, and 32:9 aspect ratios.  Thus, you'll be able to see every enemy, every item, and every detail with ease. No more craning your neck or squinting your eyes trying to see the action. No more getting stuck in the same spot, fighting for the best view. Instead, you can move the monitor to the perfect angle, giving you the edge you need to get the win. 

One of the Ark's most notable features is the ability to swivel the display 90 degrees to activate Cockpit Mode, which consists of a rotating screen so that it sits vertically on the adjustable stand. To say that it opens a brave new world of experiencing the action is an understatement – you'll be immersed in the action as if you're in the cockpit of your own spaceship, ready to take on the entire universe.

 

The gaming screen also comes with its own exclusive remote control: the Ark Dial. With just a twist or a press, you can adjust and navigate your monitor settings quickly and easily. The Ark Dial Menu also provides access to additional settings like Flex Move Screen, Multi View, and the Game Bar. With the Ark Dial, you can take control of your gaming screen and revolutionize the way you play.

To experience Samsung's Odyssey Ark monitor, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/monitors/odyssey-ark/.

For those looking to make a memorable vacation this 2023, Holiday Suites Port Barton is the place to be

At the start of the year, most Filipino families across the country plan how to spend their annual vacation. However, traditional getaway locations are always hard to book, especially during long weekends. As a result, most families would rather delay their plans and spend them at home. 

 

For those looking to make a memorable vacation this 2023, Holiday Suites Port Barton in Palawan is the place to be.

 

What Awaits You at Holiday Suites Port Barton

Aside from amenities such as fully air-conditioned rooms and a poolside bar to refreshingly cool you off, Holiday Suites Port Barton is also a prime location for enjoying outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. 

 

-        Beach and Swimming Pool

One of the things that people look forward to (especially the kiddos!) when it comes to an island getaway is putting on their swimwear and taking a splash in the water. Upon arrival at Holiday Suites Port Barton, guests will be greeted by the clear breathtaking view of the ocean and the cool, inviting beauty of the hotel’s swimming pool. Once everyone is settled in their hotel rooms, guests can freely swim and take in the zen-like atmosphere on the front shore of Holiday Suites Port Barton.

 

-        Beach Bar

Of course, what’s a getaway without having a few drinks by the shore right? For groups looking to taste the nightlife of Palawan or families who just want a relaxing light-hearted night, Holiday Suites Port Barton is equipped with a beach bar filled with a wide array of cocktails and liquors to accommodate and satisfy your thirst for an island experience.

 

-        Island Hopping and Inland Tour of San Vicente

For nature-loving guests seeking beauty and relaxation beyond Holiday Suites Port Barton, the hotel also offers island hopping and inland package tours where everyone can take in the beauty San Vicente has to offer. The package includes a tour of the Municipality of San Vicente, Bigaho Waterfalls, Pamuayan Falls, Bato ni Ningning, 100 Steps, and Little Baguio.

 

How Ana Lustre-Malijan is Taking The Hospitality Industry to New Heights

Being no stranger to the business world, it didn’t come as a shock to anyone that Ana Lustre-Malijan was able to venture into the hospitality industry and redefine it to fit the Filipino taste. Growing up, Ana has always been surrounded by her family in and out of their household. Now that she’s a mother herself, she was able to bring all the experiences she gained in the professional world and combine them with her sense of motherhood to provide every Filipino with the best care possible and the ideal island getaway.

 

For more information about Holiday Suites: Port Barton, visit the official Holiday Suites: Port Barton website. For bookings, contact the following: Phone Number: 0917-570-2292 | Email: holidaysuitesportbarton@gmail.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolidaySuitesPortBarton

 

Holiday Suites is also available for online bookings at Agoda and Booking.com.   

Christmas arrives early at Glorietta with opening of Tenya, RACKS branches

Tenya and RACKS, two of the country's household names serving authentic Japanese food and flame-grilled ribs, have boosted their footprint with new branches in Makati City, leading the restaurant industry's strong recovery in the new normal.

 

The restaurant brands formally launched their new branches at Glorietta on December 2, bringing holiday cheer tomore Filipino families wanting to try Tenya's quality Japanese meals and RACKS' flavorful grilled meats and American comfort food.

 

To further fire up the holiday magic and fun, Tenya and RACKS prepared a Christmas Carnival- themed event for the grand launch, filling Glorietta's atmosphere with a festive mood. A feast for the eyes, customers were treated to a full performance of a marching band and moulin rouge dancers. Patrons also got to experience Japan's blend of music with a performance by taiko artists.

 

The children of World Vision are this year’s beneficiaries of Christmas baskets, a humanitarian organization's efforts of giving back to the community, a commitment close to the heart of Tenya and RACKS.

 

There were also fun-filled activities for the entire family throughout the event, including face painting, spin a wheel, and balloon-twisting souvenirs. Selling booths and displays, such as stilt walkers and Japanese cartoon characters, were also set out for the public.

 

Among those who graced the opening were top executives of Cavallino, Inc., namely Managing Director Leopoldo "Chukri" M. Prieto III, General Manager Edmundo "Iggy" M. Ramos, Director of Operations Adele Susana “Denise” M. Ramos, and IT Director Andres Marquez.

 

Tenya Japan is represented by their Senior Director of Overseas Franchise, Mr. Shuji Noboritama of Royal Holdings Corporation, which operates Tenya in Japan.

 

"Tenya and RACKS continue to stay on top of restaurant opening—this time ringing in the holiday season in MakatiCity. With more Filipinos now back to meeting their families and friends, we are here to elevate their dining scenewith our high-quality food and service," Mr. Chukri Prieto said.

 

Ms. Denise Ramos also expressed excitement for Filipino families to experience the flavor of Japan and the best baby ribs in town.

"Strategically placing Tenya and RACKS side by side, we are thrilled to satisfy our patrons' yearning for either authentic Japanese food or mouth-watering baby ribs," Ms. Denise Ramos said.

 

Tenya landed in the Philippine market seven years ago through Cavallino, Inc., which is also behind RACKS restaurant.

 

With years-long experience serving special tendons and tempura, Tenya has now mastered the production of premium Japanese food. It has also invested in infrared heating technology to ensure tempuras are evenly fried to perfection.

 

Tenya offers fan-favorite Japanese meals, such as donburi bowls, bentos, ramen, salad, burger, maki, and best-selling Tenya tendon favorites—Classic, All-star, and Asakusa Special.

 

Meanwhile, Filipinos are also in for a treat with RACKS' juicy and tender meat that falls off the bone, paired with choices of its rich pasta and addictive southern fried chicken—a feast that's sure to be loved by diners.

 

"It has been our commitment to bring delight to Filipino families, and we're excited to showcase how Tenya andRACKS have become beloved restaurant brands in the country,” Mr. Iggy Ramos said.

 

As Japanese food's popularity surges among Filipinos, Tenya has been keeping its robust expansion, touching key areas in Metro Manila, to meet the growing demand. Aside from its newly opened branch at Glorietta, it has full-store branches at SM Megamall, SM Southmall, ASEANA City, Festival Mall, Paseo de Magallanes,Tiendesitas, SM Mall of Asia and their newly- opened Tenya Express branches at SM Megamall Foodcourt, Market! Market! and soon in Mitsukoshi BGC.

RACKS has also cemented its name in the game with 20 branches, reaching as far as Cebu City. Website: www.racks.ph and www.tenya.com.ph

FB: @racksphl / IG: @racks.ph

FB/IG: @tenyaph

Go all-in on the next-generation entertainment experience with a bona fide gaming TV, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K

Cutting-edge consoles like the Sony PS5 may be redefining what we know about entertainment, but unlocking its full, game-changing potential requires an equally advanced television to match. This 2023, go all-in on the next-generation entertainment experience with a bona fide gaming TV, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K. 

 

See, play, and immerse in the world of next-gen gaming with real-life color, contrast, and other innovative features of the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K, all set to bring your favorite games to life.

            As part of Sony’s proud line of BRAVIA XR TVs, the X90K is powered by the Cognitive Processor XR. The technology is designed to cross-analyze hundreds of thousands of content elements at once, including the focal point, which can detect where humans tend to focus the most. Through this process, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K generates depth information and adjusts each part to elevate the picture quality for a truly unparalleled viewing experience, as what you watch, or play can almost be felt.

 

            The Sony BRAVIA XR X90K features Full Array LED as well, controlling the backlight in zones to reproduce realistic contrast in bright and dark areas simultaneously. This ensures real-life depth and contrast, perfect if you’re a fan of horror games. Feel your heart race as you explore dim-lit locations, where in the shadows lurk monsters and who-knows-what in lifelike quality.

 

            If fast-moving games like first-person shooters or sports titles are more your speed, enjoy smoother image movement with Sony BRAVIA XR X90K’s XR Motion Clarity. All the action appears clearly with blur-free scenes as players run down the court or racecars set circuits ablaze. You’re also set to enjoy reduced input lag of 8.5 ms, up to 4K quality/120 Hz refresh rate, and dedicated Game Mode feature that makes movements more responsive.

 

Meanwhile, every multiplayer gamer knows the pain of lag-induced deaths. Never fall behind your gaming sessions again and enjoy a more fluid play with the Auto Low Latency mode. 

 

There’s also an Auto Genre Picture Mode that eliminates having to manually change settings, allowing you to jump straight into the action at optimal TV performance. 

Rounding out the leveled-up entertainment experience of the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K is a more realistic and immersive soundscape thanks to the 3D Surround Upscaling feature. Delivering a virtual audio experience with extra dimensions, sounds come out crisp in horizontal and vertical directions, providing a real multi-dimensional experience without the need for in-ceiling or up-firing speakers. These features bring you on location with jets zooming past above you or with the enemy shooting from the sides.

 

Without a doubt, the Sony BRAVIA XR X90K should be in every gamer’s list this 2023 as the ultimate gaming TV.

 

Learn more about this next-generation television by visiting https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/televisions/x90k-x93k-x94k-series. For more information and the latest updates about #SonyPH, check out https://www.sony.com.ph and follow https://www.facebook.com/SonyPhilippines.

 

 

Igloo recently launched Travel Master with COVID-19

In the forum titled ‘The Philippines and Revenge Tourism – Are We Ready?’ Tourism Secretary, Bernadette Romulo Puyat shared that ‘Revenge Travel’ or leisure travel that follows a period of being unable to travel is driving the tourism boom in the country. Since easing restrictions in February 2022, the country has seen a gradual rise in travel - particularly to local destinations - among Filipinos. In fact, 85% of tourism contribution to the gross domestic product can be attributed to domestic travel, which is expected to grow further with the opening of more local destinations. Travel Master with COVID-19 will help Filipinos be prepared for health and travel risks for their trips.

Regional insurtech firm Igloo, in partnership with GCash and leading local underwriter Malayan Insurance, recently launched Travel Master with COVID-19, a comprehensive travel insurance product to be offered and purchased on the e-wallet. The brand-new product offers coverage for personal accident, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and COVID-19 protection. With tourism on the upswing due to the easing of restrictions, Travel Master with COVID-19 will enable Filipinos to undertake trips with assured protection in the event of a medical emergency due to the pandemic. 

“As more Filipinos become more comfortable with traveling, our new travel insurance product in collaboration with our long-term partner GCash, will work as a key enabler to facilitate safe travel for Filipinos. Being an affordable, yet comprehensive product, that addresses common travel risks including contracting COVID-19 it will offer travelers the coverage they need so they can enjoy their trip and have peace of mind,” shared Mario Berta, Country Manager for the Philippines at Igloo. “GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 once again highlights Igloo’s commitment to co-creation of insurance products that are relevant and accessible to all Filipinos.”

 

Underwritten by Malayan Insurance, the benefits of Travel Insurance include Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19 for up to Php 2,500,000, Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19 of up to Php 4,000, and Travel Inconvenience of up to Php 50,000. It also has value-added features such as Car Rental Protection of up to Php 500,000 and Sports Activities Extension of up to Php 100,000. The insurance product is also supported by 24-hour worldwide travel assistance in partnership with Assist America for the medical needs of the insured. 

 

 

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 powered by Igloo
Topline benefits
Personal Accident with Emergency Medical Treatment for COVID-19	Up to Php 2,500,000
Hospital Cash Allowance due to COVID-19	Up to o Php 4,000
Travel Inconvenience	Up to Php 50,000
Value-added benefits
Car Rental Protection	Up to Php 500,000
Sports Activities Extension	Up to Php 100,000

 

 

Available through GCash’s GInsure marketplace, premiums start at Php 950 for local or inbound, Php 970 for Asia, and Php 1,190 for worldwide travel with up to a 90-day maximum coverage period. 

 

GCash Travel Master with COVID-19 is the fourth product launched under Igloo and GCash’s partnership. In September 2021, the partners launched the first Online Shopping insurance in the market, followed by Mobile Insurance products and Pet Insurance in 2022.

Starbucks Philippines strengthens partnership with Gawad Kalinga for its Kusina ng Kalinga Program

Starbucks Philippines strengthened its partnership with Gawad Kalinga for its Kusina ng Kalinga Program as part of the company’s continuous global advocacy for hunger relief. Starbucks Philippines and Gawad Kalinga have a shared goal to help fight hunger and support communities in the Philippines.

 

Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga program is their strategic response to address hunger and malnutrition among Filipino children and pregnant and lactating mothers. It is a food donation program where thousands of nutritious meals are prepared and distributed to those in need. These meals are prepared by volunteers in their community kitchens, then picked up by parents and guardians or directly distributed to children in public schools, on the streets, and even in disaster and conflict areas. 

 

As part of the Global Community Impact Grants, The Starbucks Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga in April 2022 supporting nutrition for 600 youth in two communities in Quezon City and Laguna, as well as providing nutrition education and support for building and maintaining community vegetable gardens. Starbucks Philippines donated an additional $25,000 each to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation and Gawad Kalinga to expand its hunger relief programs in 2023 in Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Taking the first steps towards fighting hunger

Starbucks partners(employees)with the Gawad Kalinga Team. L-R: Marketing & Global Responsibility manager Char Vilchez, Marketing specialist Toshi Yamazaki, Digital & PR asst. manager Arianne Munar, Kusina ng Kalinga National Secretariat Chelsea Paterno, Marketing senior specialist Julie Mendoza, and Kusina ng Kalinga Deputy Program Head Chrissie Saplala

 

In July 2022, the Kusina ng Kalinga program started the implementation of the program in Gawad Kalinga communities in Toyota, Sta. Rosa Laguna and Tribuin, Batasan Hills.

 

On December 13, Starbucks Philippines and Gawad Kalinga held a face-to-face volunteering program together in Gawad Kalinga Batasan, Quezon City. This program was implemented across three GK barangays: GK Pioneer, GK Tribu, and GK Telus II and Starbucks partners (employees) volunteered to help prepare and serve meals to 300 children in need of nutrition. 

Starbucks partners helping in the Kusina ng Kalinga kitchen, packing nutritious meals for 300 kids

  The group distributed nutritious meals and Starbucks goodies to 300 kids and parents who were accompanying them before going to school

 

“Starbucks Philippines is committed to help fight hunger and support thriving communities. As we work towards fighting hunger, we are honored to be serving our beneficiaries alongside our friends at Gawad Kalinga. We are only at the start of this fight against hunger in the country and we aim to be able to help more communities in the coming months,” said Char Vilchez, manager for Marketing & Global Responsibility at Starbucks Philippines.

 

Grab Philippines urgently needs more drivers

Grab Philippines is fully determined to significantly improve its passengers’ booking experience by enticing more prospective drivers to join its platform. 

 

Following the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) recent announcement of the opening of 4,433 TNVS slots this January 9, 2023,  Southeast Asia’s leading superapp is offering up to Php 10,000 worth of driver bonuses and legal assistance for applicants with 6-seater vehicles, and up to Php 6,000 for those with 4-seater vehicles. The bonus scheme applies exclusively to TNVS licenses registered through Grab.

Grab Philippines experienced a shortage of driver-partners in its platform due to mobility standstill. Pandemic-induced challenges led to some driver-partners losing their loaned cars to repossession or driver-partners moving on to other economic opportunities elsewhere.

Grab Philippines is optimistic that this initiative will help address its shortage of driver-partners, and meet the growing demand for GrabCar services as the economy continues to re-open.

Grab Philippines Senior Director for Strategy and Operations Ronald Roda shares:

“We remain firm in our commitment to making transportation safe, reliable, and more accessible for more passengers. We understand the vital role of efficient mobility in the daily lives of the commuting public, and we are fully committed to providing a much better ride-hailing experience to our passengers as we welcome more driver-partners onto the platform. There is indeed much work ahead of us in further improving the state of ride-hailing in the Philippines, and we thank the LTFRB and DOTr for this development. We are optimistic that these new TNVS slots will truly benefit the many Filipinos who are back on the road on the way to their offices, families and even leisure travels.” Roda also states that the leading superapp looks forward to the further augmentation of TNVS slots as the country accelerates the post-pandemic recovery of multiple industries. 

TNVS operators and drivers interested in being a Grab driver-partner may check out details on the Php 10,000-bonus program and other driver-partner benefits through this link. The page also shows the accreditation process with Grab which is a pre-requisite for the LTFRB application. According to the board, a TNVS operator may register up to three vehicles.