HONOR opens another store in SM City Grand Central!

The leading smart devices provider, HONOR Philippines, has opened its fifth Experience Store in SM City Grand Central in Caloocan.

HONOR Philippines Country Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Manager Joepy Libo-on, and PR Manager Pao Oga with Cellboy Chief Operating Officer Johnson Lim, Chief Finance Officer Harold Lim, and Assistant General Manager for Sales and Operations Paul Mykhel Oilvar

This milestone was officially launched by HONOR Philippines Country Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, Brand Manager Joepy Libo-on, PR Manager Pao Oga, GTM Manager Steven Yan, Cellboy Chief Operating Officer Johnson Lim, Chief Finance Officer Harold Lim, and Assistant General Manager for Sales and Operations Paul Mykhel Oilvar. Flocks of HONOR fans attended the program to celebrate yet another milestone with the brand.

“We’re onto our third Experience Store in Metro Manila – fifth overall in the country, and it still feels bizarre to see the brand grow this much in just under seven months. With the continuous support of our loyal customers and HONOR fans, you can count on us to also continue giving quality products and services to more Filipinos,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

HONOR launches the National Leg of Magic Moments Awards 2023

HONOR fans were visibly excited not only with the engagement games the store had prepared for the afternoon, but also with the announcement of the HONOR Magic Moments Awards 2023. Members of the HONOR Philippines Official Facebook Community may win HONOR smart devices by participating in four different themes: The Moments, We, On The Way, and Video Moment. The contest will run from May 24 until June 4, 2023, so join the community now (bit.ly/HONORPHCommunity) and submit your entries!

It’s HONOR Payday Sale!

HONOR is also offering discounts and perks through its Payday Sale from May 29-30! Get free shipping and up to Php 750 worth of discounts when you purchase HONOR devices through your favorite online stores – Shopee (https://bit.ly/3oh9VGt), Lazada (https://bit.ly/3L0VuyT), and TikTok Shop (https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8WXk7ow/).

The newly-opened HONOR Experience Store in Caloocan is located at Level 4 Cyberzone Area of SM City Grand Central. More HONOR Experience stores will open in June: SM City Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, SM City Southmall, and SM City Sucat.

For more announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Watsons brought their impactful initiative, "Alagang Pangkalusugan," to Naga City, Camarines Sur

After its successful medical mission in Laoag, Ilocos Norte last April 13, Watsons remains firmly dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of communities. Recently, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer brought their impactful initiative, "Alagang Pangkalusugan," to Naga City, Camarines Sur, marking their second medical mission for 2023.

 

Over the course of two days, Watsons collaborated with the Camarines Sur provincial government, with the invaluable support of Naga City Mayor and Chairman of the Metro Naga Development Council, Hon. Nelson Legacion, and Hubert Brocales, the Executive Director of the council. With 20 dedicated Watsons volunteer employees, supplier partners, and a notable number of medical volunteers from the local government unit, the Naga medical mission was poised to make a significant impact.

The mission offered a range of essential and free medical services to the residents of Naga. Doctors' consultations, blood tests, bone screening, hearing checks, skin and hair analyses, ECGs, and X-rays were among the comprehensive services provided. Additionally, Watsons distributed essential medicines, vitamins, and supplements to patients, ensuring their immediate healthcare needs were met.

 

One grateful medical beneficiary, Maria Garcia, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the medical mission, emphasizing how this initiative has truly made a positive impact in their lives, particularly for those who lack the financial means to seek regular medical consultations. She shared,  “Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa Watsons dahil sa pagkakataong ito, Dahil po sa libreng konsultasyon, nacheck po na mataas ang blood pressure ko at nagpayo po yung doctor sa mga dapat kong gawin at iwasan para maiwasan ang pagiging high blood at mas maging malusog. Bukod pa po dun, nakatanggap din po ako ng libreng gamot at mga vitamins, Malaking bagay po para sa amin ang ginawa ng Watsons lalo na po sa amin na di masyadong nakakabisita sa doctor para sa aming regular check-up.” "I am incredibly thankful to Watsons for this opportunity. Through the free doctor's consultation, I was able to check my blood pressure, the  doctors also provided me with invaluable advice on avoiding high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, receiving free medicines and vitamins has been a significant support for our well-being. Watsons' commitment to this initiative truly makes a difference in our lives, especially for individuals like us who struggle to afford regular healthcare."

“Alagang Pangkalusugan is part of our sustainability program’s commitment under the community pillar. We believe that everyone having access to medical care and services is important and we are grateful for the support of doctors, nurses, our partner suppliers, and volunteer employees for our medical missions,” said Belle Pasayco, CSR Pillar Head of Watsons Philippines.

 

Watsons continues to make a lasting difference by extending their care beyond their retail shelves. Through their dedicated efforts, they inspire hope and contribute to the overall well-being of communities, one medical mission at a time.

Spotify, the leading audio platform, and its creators dish out the recipe for aspiring creators

 

The power of podcasts continues to grow in the Philippines. With nearly 40% of Filipinos finding comfort in listening to their favorite creators, it’s no surprise podcasting continues to grow, not just in listenership, but also in people’s interest in creating podcasts. Spotify, the leading audio platform, and its creators dish out the recipe for aspiring creators. 

Make audio magic with ideas

Starting a podcast can sometimes feel a bit intimidating, but it’s simpler than it appears. All you need are two things: an idea and a voice to bring it to life. Some popular topics that you can explore are Love & Relationships, which have seen a remarkable 400% increase in consumption from 2021 to 2023, as well as Pop Culture, Self Improvement, and Comedy, which have doubled their reach since 2021.

 

Once you have clarity on the topic you are passionate about, the rest comes easy — as Gayle de Chavez, Creator of Free Yourself puts it. And a free tool like Spotify for Podcasters will equip you with everything you need to create and grow a podcast. 

Bring listeners to the party with interactive features

If you’ve ever thought that podcasting can feel like a one-sided conversation, Spotify’s Q&A and Polls features deepen creator-fan connection — from gathering guest suggestions to receiving feedback on topics and formats, and even gamifying your content. Rizza Lana-Sebastian, co-host of Camp Confidence shares, “We use Polls to gain insights into our audience's preferences, allowing us to craft compelling narratives for our upcoming season that truly resonate with them.”

 

Power podcast with data

Podcasting is both an art and a science, and understanding your listeners and their interactions is key to podcasting success. It’s important that creators are provided the insights into your show's performance which can then help you make decisions — may it be planning on your content calendar or coming up with ways to promote your new episode.

Give listeners a backstage pass with videos

Video podcasts bring a new level of engagement like never before. Combining the intimacy of audio with the visual impact of video, it offers listeners a closer and more dynamic viewing experience. The result is an immersive experience where listeners feel closer to their favorite creators and creators make deeper connections with their audience.

 

Podcasting is for anyone and everyone. With platforms like Spotify, the home of culture and conversations for Pinoys, you will be able to take inspiration from other local creators — but the best way to find success is to hone in on the why of what you’re creating. 

 

Ready to turn on your mic and amp up your ideas? Head on to Spotify for Podcasters.

NCT DoJaeJung is set to visit the Philippines on June 24, 2023, at SM Mall of Asia Arena

In an announcement made by Ovation Productions on May 13, NCT DoJaeJung is set to visit the Philippines on June 24, 2023, at SM Mall of Asia Arena for their "NCT DoJaeJung’s Scented Symphony: Perfume Fancon in Manila.

NCT DoJaeJung is composed of Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo. This K-Pop boy group is the sub-unit of SM Entertainment’s NCT, which means Neo-Culture Technology. They are undoubtedly one of the biggest K-pop idol groups in South Korea. They have more than a dozen members promoting in various groups such as NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and the most recent group, NCT DoJaeJung.

"Perfume" is the debut extended play or mini album; it was released on April 17, 2023, alongside its lead single of the same name. It is also described as an R&B electro-funk track. The album sold over 670,000 copies in its first week, this is the first-place record for the first week of K-pop unit sales, as per the Hanteo Chart, and even topped the iTunes Top Album Charts in 18 regions. During their promotions, they won first place in diverse popular music shows and got a lot of love from fans. Now it has more than 800,000 copies sold on the Circle Chart and consistently maintains their popularity.

Ticketing time for NCT DJJ is scheduled at 12:00 noon PHT on June 4 (Sunday) via SM Tickets to let fans prepare and get their desired seats for the fancon. This special event is made possible by Ovation Productions and presented by Viu Philippines and is not part of any world or Asia tour.

For more details and updates about the fancon, please check the official website and Facebook page of Ovation Productions at https://ovationproductionsmanila.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/.

ASUS Business launches the newest 11-inch Chromebook Series

ASUS Philippines continues to expand its reach towards the Education segment with the addition of the new 11.6-inch clamshell and convertible laptops, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Chromebook Flip CR1. 

The new education-focused ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series is built to military-grade reliability, tested with industry-leading MIL-STD-810H durability standards to survive the hustle and bustle of everyday life at home, outside, and in the classroom, with clever protective features including an all-round rubber bumper and a spill-resistant keyboard. 

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 boast an all-day long 12-hour battery life with fast charging support, ensuring there’s sufficient battery life to handle a full day’s learning and beyond. In addition, the convertible ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 benefits from an optional garaged stylus and a world-facing camera for innovative learning opportunities and maximum flexibility.

Educational Reliability: Ruggedized Laptop Design

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 laptops are built to withstand everyday knocks, bumps, drops and spills without damage. These two Chromebook laptops went through rigorous testing and passed the U.S. military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability standards. From a 120cm Drop Test to a Panel Pressure Test, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 guarantees students and educators quality of reliability to keep on going. The display hinge and I/O ports are also exhaustively tested to endure the stresses and strains of everyday use.

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1’s four exterior edges and corners are also protected by a sturdy rubber bummer, which reduces the impact of all physical shocks, ensuring all critical laptop components are always unharmed. These models also feature a rubber safety grip on the base. This provides sturdy support for the laptop and makes it easier to grip when carrying, reducing the risk of fumbles and slips.

But the protection does not end there. These Chromebook laptops are built-in with a spill-resistant keyboard for any accidental spilling, which can repel 330cc without harm — so minor splashes are easily drained, cleaned, and dried. The keyboard is also designed to resist tampering, with a minimal gap between the edges of the keycaps and the keyboard surround to prevent the keys from being pried out. The laptops even have a tough, micro-dimpled finish that can brush off fingerprints and minor scuffs and scratches.

To ensure reliability, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 also include a 3-year on-site warranty that secures students and teachers from any worry. These two Chromebooks are also covered with ASUS Platinum Protection, which covers accidental damage such as drops, liquid damage, and other acts of nature. This program is designed to offer additional protection beyond the standard warranty.

Essential Learning Features: New Ways to Learn

The possibilities are limitless with ASUS Chromebook CR1 series. The versatile and flippable ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 features a garaged stylus that enables quick, precise movements for creativity and productivity tasks. This ensures students can easily take notes, sketch, or jot ideas down. The stylus also quickly and automatically charges when garaged, keeping it ready for use and providing a safe place to store it.

For further learning experiences, ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 also includes an 8MP world-facing camera positioned just above the keyboard. This empowers students to explore and learn in totally new ways, allowing them to capture photos and videos in tablet mode.

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series can also last up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge with its 47Wh battery. ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are able to last for a full day of classes and more — empowering students to enjoy both uninterrupted learning and entertainment.

Safety first: Antibacterial protection and low blue-light emissions

To secure and protect Educators, ASUS treated these laptops with the ASUS Antibacterial Guard, which is applied to the keyboard area of ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1. This has been scientifically shown to prevent the growth of bacteria by over 99% over a 24-hour period, keeping the laptop surfaces clean and sanitary. 

Additional features to promote user well-being include screens certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions, potentially helping to protect students’ eyes from damage during prolonged study sessions. For further enhancing eye care, ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series features an anti-glare display that reduces reflections to provide comfortable viewing in any lighting.

Less Downtime, More Learning time: Easier Maintenance 

To keep maintenance costs to a minimum for schools, parents, and students, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are designed for easy servicing and reduced downtime. Both benefit from a modular construction that allows key components — such as the keyboard, touchpad, and panel — to be replaced in minutes using simple tools. 

As a final easy-maintenance touch, the underside is securely attached using captive screws, eliminating worries about losing these little parts during repairs. 

The Best of Google for Education

To further empower education, ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops unlock the best of Google for Education, including access to Google Play. Chrome OS, paired with the full power of Google Workspace for Education, including productivity apps such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and more, allows users to collaborate quickly and seamlessly stay in sync with their favorite apps. This also allows users to easily access school-related files from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, the Google Admin console allows school IT staff to remotely manage a wide range of policies and settings.  

Automatic updates and built-in virus protection seamlessly keep ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops safe, secure, and always up to date. The laptops are also built around the rock-solid security of a personal Google account, so all private documents, emails, photos, and confidential data are kept safe at all times.

Availability & Pricing

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 are the perfect tools for Blended Learning. These Chromebooks shine bright for Young Educators. The ruggedized construction endures the stresses and strains of everyday use in the classroom or outdoors. You can Talk to our Experts here to know more about these new ASUS Chromebook series laptops. 

Stay tuned for more news on the incredible ASUS for Business products on the ASUS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ASUSph/) and the ASUS for Business website (http://asus.com/ph/Business). For inquiries, message us on the ASUS for Business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/asusforbusinessph/). 

AOC Monitors is the number one gaming monitor brand in the Philippines for the year 2022

AOC Monitors, a renowned name in the technology industry, proudly announces its latest triumph as the number one gaming monitor brand in the Philippines for the year 2022, having market share of 22.0% in the monitors market. This remarkable achievement solidifies AOC's commitment to delivering top-tier gaming monitors that cater to the needs of passionate gamers across the country.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), a premier global marketing intelligence firm, AOC Monitors dominated the gaming monitor segment, surpassing all competitors and securing the highest unit shipments for 2022 with a gaming monitor market share of 13.3%. This notable milestone is a testament to AOC's relentless dedication to innovation and superior product quality.

AOC Monitors has long been revered for its cutting-edge display technology, providing gamers with an immersive visual experience like no other. Whether it's fast-paced competitive gaming, captivating single-player adventures, or breathtaking graphics, AOC Monitors offer unparalleled performance that elevates the gaming experience to new heights.

Recognizing the growing popularity of esports and the increasing demand for high-performance gaming equipment, AOC Monitors has consistently pushed boundaries to meet the evolving needs of gaming enthusiasts. Our broad range of gaming monitors boasts state-of-the-art features, including fast refresh rates, high resolutions, and adaptive sync technologies, providing gamers with a competitive edge and an unmatched level of gameplay precision.

In addition to our commitment to technological excellence, AOC Monitors has actively supported the local esports community through various initiatives. By organizing and sponsoring tournaments, we aim to nurture the talents of aspiring esports athletes and contribute to the growth of the industry. AOC Monitors firmly believes in providing gamers with the tools they need to excel and achieve their full potential.

The outstanding performance of AOC Monitors in the gaming monitor segment for 2022 highlights our unwavering dedication to delivering top-quality products that meet the highest standards of excellence. This achievement motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that gamers in the Philippines and beyond receive nothing but the best.

As the leading gaming monitor brand, AOC Monitors remains committed to enhancing the gaming experience, surpassing expectations, and maintaining its position as the go-to choice for passionate gamers. With a focus on visual excellence and technological advancements, AOC Monitors is poised to redefine the gaming landscape and empower gamers to unleash their full potential.

The realme C-Series Sets New Benchmark for Entry-Level Smartphones

Customization has always been part of the smartphone experience, from selecting our preferred alarms to choosing the quirkiest phone case that best reflects who we are. Set to take smartphone personalization to another, even more exciting level is realme's C-Series.

 

Positioned to redefine the entry-level segment, this collection presents four feature-packed models that each cater to a certain type of personality. Here, we run down each one to help you pick the perfect choice for you.

If you want Fun for Everyone, go for the realme C30s

 

Do you have multiple group chats wherein you’re always mentioned and sought after? Are your friends always messaging you whenever you miss a hang-out session? You might just be the life of the party, and the realme C30s might just be the smartphone for you.

Never miss the action with the realme C30s’s amazing 5000mAh battery. It’s an astonishing capacity for its price that allows up to a full day’s use with up to 36 hours of standby time, 24.9 hours of calling, 58.7 hours of continued music playback, or up to 11.2 hours of total video playback. It presents a 6.5” large display as well that maxes out at 400 nits of brightness, with a good screen-to-body ratio of 88.7%, while avoiding being a smudge magnet. How’s that for a heavy-duty smartphone that stays clean and keeps you plugged in on the latest happenings at all times? It also comes in two colors: Stripe Blue and Stripe Black 

 

Price: realme C30s (2GB+32GB): PHP 4,499 (from PHP 4,999) / realme C30s (3GB+64GB): PHP 4,999 (from PHP 5,499) / realme C30s (4GB+64GB): PHP 5,999

 

Images courtesy of @dani.cenxo

 

 

If you’re Fun and Stylish, select the realme C33

 

The realme C33 understands who you are as someone with the right mix of fun and style.

 

This smartphone comes out of the box with realme UI S Edition based on Android 12, and offers an outstanding 50MP AI Camera that can capture high-resolution images. This allows you to take a snap of your wackiest moments with friends or your hottest OOTDs, depending on your mood. What’s more, the realme C33 could be yours with an unmissable discount, and it comes in three, summer-perfect colors: Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, and Night Sea.

 

Price: realme C33 (4GB+64GB): PHP 6,499 (from PHP 7,499) / realme C33 (4GB+128GB): PHP 7,999 (from PHP 8,499) 

 

 

If you’re Chic and Classy, shine with the realme C35

 

Let your phone glow with you as the realme C35 comes in two aesthetic colors, Glowing Green and Glowing Black. Both options make use of a Dynamic Glowing design that gives off an effect when reflected on by light, ensuring that it shines with you as you slay in your most head-turning outfits.

 

The realme C35 features the first FHD+ Resolution Display on the C-Series as well that supports a wider array of pixels. This gives a more immersive viewing experience versus other phones in the same price segment.

 

Price: realme C35 (4GB+64GB): PHP 7,999 (from PHP 8,499) / realme C35 (4GB+128GB): PHP 8,999 (from PHP 9,499)

Images courtesy of @haute.joemar25

  

If you’re the Stylish Champion, reign supreme with the realme C55

 

You’re at the top of your game and you do not settle for basic. As the Stylish Champion, let your title belt be the realme C55.

 

Instantly coveted after its launch, the realme C55 is simply the real deal. It's realme's first mass-produced smartphone globally to have the Mini Capsule, a dynamic punch hole that presents expanding animation and helps you keep track of important stuff like charging & battery status, data cap usage, and step tracking. The realme C55 is also made even thinner for a more sophisticated and elegant look that goes with your iconic sense of style.

 

Price: realme C55 (6GB+128GB): PHP 8,999 / realme C55 (8GB+256GB): PHP 10,999

Still having a tough time deciding on which realme C-Series smartphone to get for yourself or your loved ones? Fret not as all variants of the realme's C-Series are available in all 5000+ realme stores and kiosks nationwide or online through realme’s official flagship stores in Shopee and Lazada.

 

Know which realme C-Series smartphone is the best for you by visiting the realme official website. Keep updated on the latest by following realme on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Igloo’s Weather Index Insurance helps protect coffee farmers and their crops against extreme weather conditions

Regional insurtech Igloo expands its blockchain-based parametric index insurance to coffee farmers in Southeast Asia, showing commitment to covering more underinsured communities and industries after successful product implementation with rice farmers.

 

Southeast Asia - a part of what is called the coffee belt - is one of the biggest coffee producers in the world. While Vietnam and Indonesia are responsible for the majority of global coffee output, the Philippines is also an important global producer with industry revenue expected to reach US$6.7 billion in 2023, according to statistics portal Statista. The local market is also expected to grow annually by 5.69% until 2025.

 

Coffee production is not only a long-term and labor-intensive investment, but it is also one that is constantly under threat of climate hazards which provide difficult growing conditions due to extreme climate–affecting farmers and disrupting supply chains.

“Weather Index Insurance is a product that we introduced in order to protect farmers and communities across Southeast Asia from unforeseen climate hazards. While initially introduced for rice farmers, we’ve seen from its success the product’s scalability to cover other sectors like coffee farms, which is one of the robustly growing segments in the region,” said Mario Berta, Igloo’s Country Manager for the Philippines.

 

Protecting the coffee industry and its farmers

There are currently several insurance products on the market for coffee farmers. However, they share a common problem of incompatibility with the real, frequent risks faced by coffee farming families. The damage assessment process is also complex and time-consuming, which creates the risk of additional financial hardship for farmers. 

 

The Weather Index Insurance eliminates the need to individually verify claims thereby reducing transaction costs and enabling faster payouts to farmers. This is done by collecting and monitoring rainfall data to calculate claims using pre-assigned values for losses due to natural causes. The business rules governing claims payout being hosted on a public blockchain help leverage the attributes of transparency, consistency, and unbiasedness, thereby making the setup credible.

 

While Weather Index Insurance is currently available in Vietnam for rice and coffee farmers, Igloo expects to roll out Weather Index Insurance to more countries in Southeast Asia including the Philippines soon.

 

“The Philippines being an agricultural powerhouse and one that is at a higher risk of suffering from the impacts of climate change, is a country we believe will benefit from having Weather Index Insurance. We are currently working with our partners to make this product available in the country and other markets in the near future. In addition, we are also exploring expanding the product’s coverage to include other indices such as earthquakes,” Mario added.