Flippin' Fantastic: Transforming the Flip & Fold Experience

Samsung’s latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and the Galaxy Z Fold5, are delivering unique foldable experiences that redefine what is possible with a smartphone. Both are the epitome of Samsung’s heritage of innovation and dedication to the foldables category, paired with world-class research and development, to exceed the distinctive needs of today’s users with devices that are both flexible and versatile, yet without compromise.

And what’s great is from 15 to 18 September 2023, you will get a free Galaxy Buds2 Pro worth PHP 12,990 and 2-year Samsung Care+ worth PHP 19,999 when you buy a Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 on Samsung.com!^[1]

We unpack four reasons why you should join the Flip Side with Samsung’s latest fifth-generation foldables:

1.     Forging Design Innovation

Samsung continues to deliver foldable innovation that enables unique experiences, in a product category where Samsung has already delivered on five generations of product innovation, all of which started eight years ago with the first Galaxy Fold.

The result is devices like the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 which have raised the standard in industry form factors with sleek and compact designs, countless customization options, and powerful performance that offer users must-have experiences that they can’t get on any other device.

For example, the Galaxy Z Flip5 features the new 3.4-inch Flex Window that is now 3.78 times larger^[2] than the previous generation, offering new ways for self-expression in every moment. With the Flex Window, there is also more room for personalization, from informative and graphical clocks that can match the face design of a user’s Galaxy Watch6 series^[3] to the all-new Flipsuit Case^[4] that provides device protection with a changeable NFC card, and helps users match their Flex Window design to their case design. 

With Flex Hinge, Samsung demonstrates innovation in ergonomics and foldable design, not just in terms of aesthetics as the thinnest Galaxy Z Flip yet^[5], but with a new integrated hinge module that is carefully designed to meet the durability requirements of foldable users that expect no compromise. 

2.     Pushing the Boundaries of User Experience

From the Flex Window of the Galaxy Z Flip5 to the expansive full display inside the Galaxy Z Fold5, the fifth generation of the Samsung Galaxy Z series is taking the foldable user experience to new heights. 

On the Galaxy Z Flip5, 13 Native Widgets^[6] can easily be accessed from the Flex Window, letting users get more done, while features like Multi Widget View help users switch between widgets in an instant, all without having to open the phone. 

Features like FlexCam and Flex Mode^[7] can also let users capture photos with its 12MP Rear Camera by conveniently standing the Galaxy Z Flip5 on a surface, letting budding content creators capture and share with ease.

For the productivity-focused crowd, features like Multi Window^[8] and the enhanced Taskbar^[9] on the Galaxy Z Fold5 let you quickly browse across three windows at once and switch between up to 12 apps at any one time.

Other features like hidden pop-up^[10] act as handy productivity shortcuts, so you can continue working on presentations in full-screen mode while still accessing work chats in the background via a floating pop-up. If you need to quickly share work files and content across apps and screens, the two-handed drag-and-drop^[11] functionality makes simple content sharing that much easier.

3.     Building Durability

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z series has been purposefully designed to suit any lifestyle. To that end, the latest additions to Samsung’s foldables family have been engineered to provide stronger durability than prior generations, offering users greater peace of mind. 

While the act of folding may be a simple one, that simplicity can only be achieved through a rigorous focus on key elements involved in the movement such as the screen display. In this case, the latest foldables’ Ultra Thin Glass can be folded over 200,000 times^[12] while maintaining durability and strength.

At the same time, both the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 also feature a new shock-dispersion layer and a redesigned back, which helps strengthen the main screen of the Galaxy Z series to protect from the applied pressures of day-to-day use. Additional protection is provided by Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover, along with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2^[13], while IPX8 certification – meaning they are water-resistant for up to 30 minutes when immersed in up to 1.5 metres of water – offers protection against the elements when out and about.

Combined with the Flex Hinge, with its new integrated hinge module and dual rail structure, the new Galaxy Z series are also sleeker and more streamlined than ever, making for pocketable designs that can complement users’ daily lives, and lifestyles, with ease.

Redefining What’s Possible on the Flip Side! 

Whether innovating in product design, sustainability, durability or even the user experience, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are thoughtfully built with versatility and flexibility in mind to complement the dynamic and varying lifestyles of users, alongside purposefully designed durability to help users have greater peace of mind as they go through their day.

Whether you’re a casual smartphone user, productivity guru, or content creator, the new Galaxy Z series foldables will empower you to join the flip side of redefining work and play, your way.

And it is the best time to add to cart and checkout the latest Galaxy devices via https://www.samsung.com/ph/!  Enjoy a free Galaxy Buds2 worth PHP 12,990 and a 2-year Samsung Care+ worth PHP 19,999 when you buy a Galaxy Z Flip5 and a Galaxy Z Fold5 via the Samsung online store from 15 to 18 September 2023! Just input the voucher ‘FLASHZF5’ when you check out the Z5 foldable device of your choice. You can also get a free Sport Band worth PHP 2,790 when you buy the Galaxy Watch6 series when you check out using the voucher code ‘FLASHW6’ from 15 to 18 September 2023.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available for only PHP 64,990 for the 256GB variant and PHP 71,990 for the 512GB and get first dibs on the Galaxy Z Fold5 for only PHP 98,990 for the 256GB variant, PHP 105,990 for the 512GB variant, and PHP 112,990 for the 1TB variant. The Galaxy Watch6 retails for PHP 16,990 (40mm) and PHP 18,990 (44 mm) while the Watch6 Classic is available at PHP 22,990 (43mm) and PHP 24,990 (47mm). 

 

 

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-175878 Series of 2023

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[1] DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-175878 Series of 2023

[2] Compared to Galaxy Z Flip4. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip5’s Cover Screen is 3.4-inch in the full rectangular form; actual viewable area is approximately 95% of the full rectangular area due to the rounded corners and lower cutout.

[3] Galaxy Watch6 series sold separately.  Model and color availability may vary by market or carrier.

[4] Accessories sold separately. Model and color availability may vary by market or carrier.

[5] Compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models.

[6] Availability of features may vary by country or region. Widgets available include: Weather, Alarm, Calendar, Media Player, Direct Dial, Voice Recorder, Steps, Recent call, Timer, Apps, SmartThings scenes, Buds Controller, Stopwatch and Google Finance. Buds Controller only appears once external device is connected

[7] Flex Mode supported at angles between 75° and 115°.

[8] Certain applications may not support Multi Window or App Pair.

[9] Taskbar feature supported on the Main Screen only.

[10] Certain applications may not support Hidden Pop-up.

[11] Certain applications may not support two-handed drag and drop.

[12] Bureau Veritas tested and certified 200,000 folds at room temperature (25°C/77°F).

[13] Pre-Consumer Recycled Content: Discarded glass waste generated as a byproduct of glass manufacturing. This glass waste is crushed into cullet and then used as a component in the Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 manufacturing process.

Big Bad Wolf Celebrates the Joy of Reading in Cebu

-Aims to empower the community by giving access to affordable books-

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale comes to Cebu!

Bringing over 2 million brand new books each year, Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has made literature more accessible to Filipinos by offering huge discounts of up to 95% off.  Best of all, entrance to the Book Sale is absolutely FREE! The sale will feature new and exclusive releases only available in Cebu from September 15 until October 1, 2023 from 10 AM to 10 PM, at SM Seaside City Cebu, Lower Ground level, Cube Wing.

Big Bad Wolf Books sources only the best quality, brand-new books from publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States. At the heart of the event is Big Bad Wolf’s CSR initiative, the Red Readerhood program which aims to empower underprivileged youth by donating books to deserving communities and schools. 

This time around, they chose Gawad Kalinga and The Sister School of Mary - Boystown in Minglanilla, Cebu as the beneficiaries of this CSR program. Big Bad Wolf Books will pledge 1,000 books which will go towards the GK Traveling Maleta Library, a program by Gawad Kalinga that, similar to Big Bad Wolf Books’ mission, aims to provide literary works and promote reading to less fortunate communities by lending a suitcase full of books for 1 month before transferring it to another community who needs it. 

Students of The Sister School of Mary - Boystown 

“At Big Bad Wolf, we’ve always believed that books have the power to transform lives, open doors to opportunity, and spark imagination. It’s not just about selling books; it’s about making a lasting impact in the communities we touch. Our partnership with Gawad Kalinga aligns perfectly with our vision of using literature as a force for good. Gawad Kalinga’s commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities resonates deeply with us. Through our partnerships, we have the privilege of contributing to the communities that support us. This time, we also want to extend this noble mission by providing books to The Sister School of Mary – Boystown. This gesture is not just about giving them access to books; it’s about providing the tools for knowledge, personal growth, and hope,” said Andrew Yap, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books. 

In a world where access to education is key, Big Bad Wolf Books recognizes the pivotal role books play in shaping young minds. Guests can support the Red Readerhood program by purchasing books for donation at the Red Readerhood counter during the three-week long Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023.

From left to right, standing: Antonio "Toby" Florendo, Gawad Kalinga Cebu Province Head; Andrew Yap, Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books ; Sr. Eva R. Aringo, SM., Local Superior of Sisters of Mary School - Boystown, Inc.; Carol Chuaying, BBW's Philippine Partner; Amabelle Nucom, Head of Usage and CRM, Consumer Business Sector at Metrobank; Cora “Tita Cora” Ortiz, Originator and Founder of the Traveling Maleta Library Program of Gawad Kalinga; and Anton Jayme del Prado, Regional Operations Manager of SM. Kneeling: Students of The Sister School of Mary – Boystown.

‘UNBELIEVABLE’ Retail Experience

For its run in Cebu, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale will feature ‘UNBELIEVABLE’ discounts as low as P20, allowing visitors to stock up on an extensive range of genres without breaking the bank. 

“The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023 carries titles and genres exclusively for Cebuanos who wish to visit the book sale. Brand new books that are of best quality from publishing houses in the United Kingdom and the United States await book enthusiasts. We can’t wait for Cebu to see the biggest and the baddest Big Bad Wolf Book Sale yet,” said Carol Chuaying, Big Bad Wolf Books’ Philippine partner.

To enjoy the bigger, badder, and better book sale, visitors must scan and register the provided QR code to gain full access to the book sale and its exclusive deals and offers.

"This is the first time where we are holding the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale inside an SM mall—and the SM Seaside City Mall at that. We are grateful for SM Malls that they have provided the perfect setting for this literary extravaganza. Truly, it captures the essence of Cebu and the fun that is Big Bad Wolf Book Sale,“ Carol Chuaying said.

Official Bank Partnership with Metrobank

To further enhance the readers’ experience, Big Bad Wolf Books is also proud to announce the return of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) as its official bank partner. Visitors can expect special offers and discounts when using their Metrobank credit and debit cards during the event, making it even more rewarding to explore the vast collection of books: 

• Early VIP Access - Metrobank credit and debit cardholders get first dibs on books as we open the doors for you on September 14 from 12 NN, a day before everyone gets to rush into the book sale! 

• 0% installment – For a minimum purchase of P3,000, Metrobank credit cardholders can avail of 0% installment for 3 months.

• Metrobank Exclusive Payment Lanes – Metrobank card holders can enjoy dedicated payment lanes during the Sale 

  
  

If you don’t have a Metrobank credit card yet, apply for one at the special booth located at the event or visit https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard before the Sale to enjoy the exclusive Metrobank benefits. Qualified applicants can get either NO Annual fee for life or up to 100k rewards points for select cards and amounts of accumulated spend. 

With bigger, badder, and better prices, exclusive titles, and an enchanting atmosphere, Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2023 promises to be the ultimate destination for book enthusiasts and families alike.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf Books’ return to Cebu, visit:

Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbwbooksph/

ASUS Business unveils the world's lightest 14" OLED business laptop

The world's lightest 14-inch OLED business laptop for elite executives, backed by the all-new ASUS Carbon Partner Services for transparent flexible carbon-offset options

ASUS Business, a global technology leader renowned for continuously reimagining today’s businesses, is proud to announce the newest update to the 2023 ExpertBook Series line-up: the epitome of sustainable excellence, ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED (B9403), powered by the latest 13th Generation Intel® Core™ processors and with a multitude of enterprise-grade security features. Crafted from premium magnesium-lithium alloy, the ExpertBook B9 OLED only weighs a featherlight of 990g for exceptional portability that’s always ready for elite business executives. 

With an environmentally friendly design, brilliant 16:10 OLED display, AI-powered camera, and noise cancelation for modern work experiences, the latest Intel® Core™ 13th Generation processor, with support for an optional Intel® Core™ vPro® configuration and a multitude of enterprise-grade security features, ExpertBook B9 OLED is the perfect partner for executives and business travelers. It ups both green credentials and professionalism and sets a new benchmark for elite business laptops. ExpertBook B9 OLED is also backed by the imminent support of ASUS Carbon Partner Services. This provides end-to-end delivery, assured quality, flexible, and precise-carbon offset options that drive real, positive impact. The ASUS Carbon Partner Services initiative commences this year, beginning with ExpertBook B9 OLED — and signals the beginning of a slew of flexible carbon-offset options that ASUS has in the pipeline to support business sustainability. 

This updated and comprehensive portfolio reflects our unique ability to Develop Custom Solutions for Any Business. At ASUS Business, customers’ success is the top priority, which is why ASUS Business is continuously developing new business solutions to reach incredible heights to grow the commercial space.

ExpertBook B9 OLED (B9403): The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED business laptop

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED has been engineered to upgrade expectations of both what a modern business laptop should be and what it can achieve. Crafted from premium magnesium-lithium alloy, the lightest metal alloy on the planet, it delivers premium quality and design while remaining one of the lightest 14-inch business laptops in the world, at just 990g — lighter even than many 13-inch laptops on the market. 

Despite its incredible lightness, ExpertBook B9 OLED is remarkably robust. It endures multiple tests that adhere to the exacting US military-grade MIL-STD-810H standard and is subjected to a barrage of rigorous in-house ASUS durability tests.

ExpertBook B9 OLED is also a verified Intel® Evo™ laptop, with up to 13th Generation Intel Core i7 with support for Intel® Core™ vPro® processors and 64 GB of LPDDR5x memory, assuring exceptional performance, efficiency, and connectivity, and delivers up to 11 hours use on a single charge — enabling busy executives to power through a full workday and beyond.

The 16:10 OLED display is also stunning, providing vivid color and low blue-light emissions for enhanced eye care, plus a 90% screen-to-body ratio for immersive visual experiences and enhanced productivity. For better professional video conferencing, ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED features AI-powered two-way noise-canceling technology and an ASUS AiSense webcam for crystal-clear communication and maximized visual clarity. The touchpad has also increased in size, with a surface area that is 26.8% larger — providing extra room for navigation that’s more comfortable.

Embracing the intuitive power of Windows 11 Pro, ExpertBook B9 OLED is also packed with active technologies and passive smarts to ensure business elites can get more done with minimum distractions or interruptions. Compared with previous generations, the laptop’s dual-fan, smart-cooling system reduces operating temperatures by up to 27%, lowers noise by 32%, and decreases power consumption. The touchpad also has a 26.8% increased surface area — providing extra room for more comfortable navigation.

Its ultrathin profile is no barrier to connectivity. It is loaded with I/O ports, including a pair of cutting-edge Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C ports, with USB Power Delivery 3.0 support, a traditional USB 3.2 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and lastly, a 3.5mm combo jack — ensures that it can interface with a wide variety of both modern and legacy devices.

Sustainable across the product lifecycle 

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED was designed with sustainability at the forefront. The manufacturing process employs a patented technique called Thixomolding to bestow the dual benefits of increased rigidity and improved energy efficiency, with material waste reduced by 29% and production time shortened by up to 75%. The packaging also uses paper that has been awarded with FSC™ MIX certification, signifying that it is made with a mixture of materials from FSC-certified forests and recycled materials. Aspects of the packaging are also immediately reusable and useful, with the accessory box able to transform into a laptop stand for instant elevation with an ecological edge.

With the effort to embrace environmentally-friendly materials and increase energy efficiency, along with multiple other factors, ExpertBook B9 OLED is expected to be EPEAT Gold verified — and it exceeds ENERGY STAR® standards, with energy consumption that’s up to 44% lower than certification requirements. It is also supported by the all-new ASUS Carbon Partner Services program, which offers flexible options to offset carbon footprint throughout the product lifecycle with high-quality nature-based carbon credits verified by reputable organizations.

Enterprise-grade security to keep confidential data safe

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED is fit for the realities of the modern business world and packed with robust, multi-layered security features to ensure that confidential and private data does not leak out. 

These include support for the Intel™ vPro® platform for superior business protection. By enabling remotely managed automated troubleshooting and advanced virtualization, lowering administration costs, and ensuring that data is kept secure, Intel™ vPro® offers a framework that lessens the workload of an organization's IT department to improve overall operational efficiency.ExpertBook B9 OLED also boasts the best biometric protection, with an integrated fingerprint sensor and an infrared (IR) camera powered by ASUS Adaptive Lock technology for face login. There’s also hardware-level protection against malware and sophisticated cyberattacks, empowered by the optional TPM 2.0 chip. On the other hand, a physical webcam shield ensures that instant privacy is only a quick flick away. The ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED also boasts additional security for the elite executives on the go, offering an NFC reader integrated into the NumberPad 2.0, meaning logging in to ExpertBook B9 can be as simple, swift, and secure as the swipe of an authorized card. 

The ASUS ExpertBook advantage

Every business has different needs, and each is charting its own path in today’s hybrid, remote, and in-person workflows. ExpertBook laptops support the future of work with reliable, durable designs delivering high-performance computing with up to 13th Generation Intel® Core™ processors; enterprise security and features for collaboration; EPEAT and Energy Star certifications; ASUS Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation for clear voice communications; a physical webcam privacy shield; and support for the latest Intel WiFi 6E connectivity to level-up video conferencing. To propel small businesses, educators, and enterprise users as they navigate busy, challenging workdays, the comprehensive Expert portfolio provides:

• Durability and reliability: Expert-series products are designed to deliver ultimate reliability, sturdy craftsmanship, reinforced construction, and sustainable materials, creating products surpassing stringent ASUS durability tests and MIL-STD 810H US military standards to withstand hours and days of constant use. Robust, enterprise-grade security features, including TPM 2.0 security, a Kensington Lock slot, a physical webcam shield, and more. 

• Flexibility and agility: The ExpertBook series includes configurable business laptops that give businesses the durability, computing power and reliability they need for non-stop daily use, team collaboration, and any future work. For returning to the office or home office, businesses can choose from an array of ExpertBook laptops.

• Simple manageability: Remote management tools, including ASUS Control Center, the latest Intel processors, and the MyASUS app, make the ExpertBook series easy for businesses to manage and maintain for the entire workforce, wherever they may be.

Availability in the Philippines

The all-new ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED is a testament to ASUS Business’ commitment to providing innovative business solutions to keep up with the growing modern workforce. You can Talk to our Experts here to learn more about ASUS Business solutions and the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Business Laptop. You can also purchase ASUS Business solutions such as ExpertBook and ExpertCenter Series models at the ASUS Official Online Store. 

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

SERIES	MODEL	COLOR	SPECS	SRP
ExpertBook B9 OLED	B9403CVA-KM0218X	Star Black	14” 2.8K WQXGA (2880 x 1800) OLED 16:10 / Intel® Core™ i7-1355U / Intel Iris Xᵉ / 32GB LPDDR5 / 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD / Wi-Fi 6E + BT® 5 / Win 11 Pro	PHP 113,649

Lionsgate Play & PLDT Home Mark a Year of Successful Partnership in the Philippines

Lionsgate Play (LGP) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) have just marked a significant milestone as they celebrate the first anniversary of their successful partnership. Over the past year, this collaboration has seen the video-on-demand (VOD) platform build strong brand awareness and generate massive trial rates -- the highest ever in PLDT history.

June 2022, wasn't the easiest time to launch a VOD service. It was right after the pandemic, and many Filipinos had already gotten accustomed to other VOD services. Yet LGP stepped up to the challenge, differentiating itself quickly from the competition with its edgy, irreverent, and high-octane titles.

Amit Dhanuka, Lionsgate Play Executive Vice President

Evert Chris Miranda - PLDT Home Vice President & Digital Services Head of Product & Marketing

#PlayMoreBrowseLess

Though Lionsgate Studios owns a vast library of over 17,000 titles, they don't overwhelm the audience with an excessive amount of releases. Instead, LGP curates a selection of content to captivate the audience, enabling their audience to #PlayMoreBrowseLess. To do so, LGP draws on the most exciting current releases with exclusive rights to premiere TV shows from LGP’s US parent network STARZ, as well as smash hits from the premium Lionsgate library. From time to time, LGP also secures Academy Award®-winning films from other studios.

“Since the grand launch of the partnership in June 2022, PLDT Home's collaboration with Lionsgate Play has introduced a fresh wave of entertainment to its valued Filipino customers,” says Evert Miranda, PLDT Home Vice President and Digital Services Head of Product & Marketing (Beyond Access). “The partnership allowed customers to immerse themselves in a world of unlimited entertainment courtesy of Lionsgate Play’s wide array of international and award-winning content.”

Over the past year, the LGP audience gravitated towards LGP's box-office titles, which include franchises like John Wick, Hunger Games, Twilight, and Saw. Bruce Willis' new, never-before-seen movies like APEX and Corrective Measures were popular watches, as were unique, intriguing series like Spartacus, Power, Gaslit  and The Serpent Queen.

LGP subscribers can continue to look forward to exclusive titles like the high-adrenaline, action-packed series like Heels, Gangs of London, Kandahar, and Gray; and new Lionsgate films like One Ranger and Fear the Night. LGP will also be exclusively live-streaming The Emmy Awards for the second year in a row, with seven of its titles receiving nominations.

The secret to LGP's success

LGP's partnership with PLDT was key to their success. PLDT took the bold step to give their subscribers 12 months of access to LGP. And because PLDT is lauded for being the country's fastest fixed internet by Ookla, PLDT subscribers were able to enjoy LGP titles with fast, reliable internet.

"We have been the torchbearers in understanding that partnerships are essential in this market to grow subscribers," says Amit Dhanuka, LGP Executive Vice President. "The growth is skewed towards the partnerships because they open up a larger funnel than what we would be able to get ourselves. These partnerships took time to evolve. So, we had a lot of customers come onto the platform earlier and they have stayed. Now, the partnerships are driving subscriber growth." 

"As we celebrate the anniversary of this successful partnership, we eagerly anticipate Lionsgate Play's commitment to enriching the platform with an expanded selection of content," adds Miranda. "With the introduction of paid subscriptions, we hope to witness the arrival of highly anticipated releases such as John Wick 4 and other upcoming masterpieces from Lionsgate and Starz. Our ultimate goal is to provide Filipino homes with the best of the best in entertainment.”