Samsung Introduces Next-Gen Bespoke AI Appliances: Smart Refrigerator, Washing Machine, and All-In-One Oven Lead Home Innovation

 Samsung, a global leader in innovative technology showcased the next generation of smart home solutions in an exclusive event held at Abenson’s Greenhills Madison flagship store. Among its latest Bespoke AI appliances, Samsung unveiled their Side-by-side Refrigerator, Washing Machine,, and All-In-One Smart Oven—all designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipino families.

Abenson is the biggest appliance and gadget store in the Philippines with more than 120 stores in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and has been in the industry for 50 years.

 

With home appliances evolving to reduce the burden of household chores and add convenience to the lives of users, the accelerated development of these appliances is marked by the integration of AI technology that analyzes usage environments and executes optimal functions to significantly alleviate inconveniences associated with household tasks.

To that end, Samsung is developing its home appliances with this in mind – designed to be advanced electronic devices perfect for everyday living, and are now the easiest way to upgrade Filipino homes. 

“Samsung’s mission is truly AI for All – we want more and more Filipinos to experience how AI can make their lives better and easier. Our AI-powered appliances are designed to make household tasks more efficient and enjoyable. By integrating advanced AI and SmartThings technology into our home appliances, we are enabling Filipino families to focus on what truly matters—spending more time together,” said Ramon Medina, Head of Home Appliances for Samsung Electronics Philippines. 

 

An Immersive Experience of Seamless Connectivity

 

At the event, attendees got a firsthand look at Samsung's appliances, particularly the All-In-One Smart Oven. Chef Kelvin Pundavel demonstrated its versatility in a live cooking demonstration, showcasing how this multi-functional device goes beyond reheating to air fry, grill, and convection oven—all in one. Designed for busy Filipino families, it enables healthy, delicious meals with minimal effort. Meanwhile, SmartThings Food offers guided recipes for a more enjoyable cooking experience, while embedded Wi-Fi and Simply Smart Control allow users to manage their cooking anytime, anywhere.

Guests also explored an experience zone that showcased Samsung’s fully connected smart home setup. The AI-powered washing machine provides an innovative approach to laundry with AI Ecobubble which smartly customizes laundry settings based on load size and fabric type. Utilizing innovative bubble technology, it penetrates fabrics deeply, saving up to 70% energy while ensuring up to 45.5% better fabric care. Its AI Wash feature further enhances efficiency by adjusting water, detergent, and wash times based on fabric softness and soil level.

 

Additionally, the spacious latest Side-by-side Refrigerator,equipped with SpaceMax™ technology and AI Energy mode, stood out for its combination of style, sustainability, and functionality. Equipped with SpaceMax™ technology and AI Energy mode, this refrigerator offers a generous 575-liter interior that maximizes storage without increasing external dimensions. Complementing these features, AI Energy mode optimizes compressor speed and defrost cycles, reducing energy consumption by up to 10% based on usage patterns.

Creating Smarter Homes for Filipino Families

 

Samsung continues to redefine the modern home through AI technology and SmartThings connectivity. By delivering greater convenience, personalization, and efficiency, Samsung’s smart appliances are transforming everyday routines, making them more enjoyable and effortless for every household.

 

As one of the country’s leading premium home appliance dealers, Abenson plays a key role in bringing these advanced solutions to more homes. With its wide network and commitment to quality service, Abenson makes smart, connected living more accessible to Filipino families.

 

This partnership reflects Samsung’s commitment to innovation, making these smart home solutions more accessible, easier to use, and sustainable—empowering Filipino households to embrace the future of connected living.

 

Upgrade your home today. Visit https://www.samsung.com/ph  or head to any Abenson appliance store near you to explore the future of smart, connected living.

 

Stay connected with Abenson to learn more about Samsung’s latest Bespoke AI Appliances:

Website: www.abenson.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/abensonappliances

Instagram: abensonph

Tiktok: abenson.ph

Shopee Mall Reports Year-on-Year Growth as Top Brands and Newcomers Prepare for 10.10 Brands Festival

It's time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping! The earlier, the better—don't miss out on Shopee's 10.10 Sale! Enjoy massive discounts and unbeatable deals on all your holiday gifts. Shop now and check off your list early.

As the Philippines continues to embrace the digital shopping revolution, e-commerce giant Shopee is leading the way for brands to expand their reach and achieve sustained growth. Supported by Shopee Mall’s innovative platform features, Shopee ensures a seamless shopping experience that strengthens brand connections and fosters customer loyalty.

Celebrating Shopee Mall’s Growth and Expansion

At its inaugural Shopee Brands Summit, the e-commerce platform announced the growth in orders on Shopee Mall, its premium retail space reserved for brand owners and authorized distributors, by more than 20% compared to the past year Shopee Mall offers a dedicated platform where online shoppers can discover authentic, high-quality brand products, easily identified through a distinct label on the shop’s profile page and product listings. 

Since its launch in 2017, Shopee Mall has expanded its roster of brands to include popular favorites like L’Oreal, PUMA, Nintendo, and Italian make-up brand KIKO Milano. By working with brands to offer users exciting product launches and exclusive deals over the upcoming 10.10 Brands Festival, Shopee Mall is poised to continue being the go-to brand e-tailer for Filipino shoppers. 

Building Trust and Driving Brand Growth

With millions of users visiting the platform and carting out daily, Vincent Lee, Head of Shopee Philippines, emphasized Shopee Mall’s role in opening up a wealth of opportunities for brand growth and sustained success in the digital era. 

“Shopee Mall aims to help brands to build lasting relationships with our users by providing a dynamic and trusted platform where both can thrive. We believe in empowering brands to elevate their presence and deliver exceptional shopping experiences,” Lee said. 

Recognizing that trust forms the core of strong brand and buyer relationships, Shopee has made strides in enhancing its customer journey, adapting to the evolving needs of Filipinos, and strengthening trust in online purchases. For instance, product authenticity is the most important attribute in an online mall for  77% of upper to middle income Shopee users in the Philippines. Reaffirming its dedication to authenticity, Shopee requires brands under Shopee Mall to undergo rigorous verification and tripled its money-back guarantee to ensure every product sold is 100% authentic. 

Furthermore, Shopee Mall has an extended return and refund window to 15 days – double the platform's initial 7-day return and refund period – to provide buyers added reassurance that their purchase will be satisfactory. With a revamped Shopee Mall interface to improve product and brand discoverability, along with the app’s signature seamless and secure checkout experience, Shopee’s enhancements enable brands to broaden and deepen their connections with buyers.

Bringing The Best Brands Closer to Filipino Shoppers 

Shopee's commitment to delivering an enjoyable shopping experience has attracted a diverse user base and proven to be a strategic platform for brands to expand their reach and drive sales. Successful partnerships with PUMA and Nintendo demonstrate how Shopee's innovative features and robust support have enabled these brands to thrive in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

 

Upon partnering with Shopee, sports apparel brand PUMA has significantly increased their brand visibility and broadened their customer reach, enabling them to strategically position themselves alongside other competitors in the market. Shopee Live has proven to be an indispensable tool for the brand in engaging sports enthusiasts, driving exponential sales growth for PUMA during each livestream.

 

“The key difference for us is the exceptional support from the Shopee team,” remarked Javier Sabarre,  Assistant Manager for E-Commerce Marketplace at PUMA. “And we anticipate sustained growth over the coming years through our continued partnership.” Sabarre highlighted that Shopee's operational support has strengthened their customer-centric strategy, as demonstrated by the remarkable fourfold growth in their business since entering the e-commerce sector in 2022.

 

Gaming giant Nintendo opened its Philippines Official Store on Shopee in November 2023, and continues to see rapid growth as one of the platform’s top gaming brands. Their presence on Shopee Mall, and use of the platform’s engagement features and promotion tools, drove excitement among the brand’s fans, especially when coupled with attractive brand offers. Nintendo also actively leveraged Shopee Live and Shopee Video to deepen their relationships with the local gaming community and capture new audiences.

Building a Thriving Community at Shopee

Innovative features like Shopee Video and Shopee Live are transforming how brands build relationships with their buyers. These tools allow sellers to showcase their products through engaging video content and real-time interactive shopping experiences, allowing shoppers to get a better look at product conditions and specifications to drive buyer confidence.  

“Shopee strives to create an environment where users can shop with confidence and ease,” remarked Lee. “With our extensive selection of well-loved brands and innovative features, Shopee Mall has become a thriving hub where  brands can unlock growth potential while ensuring secure, convenient, and enjoyable online shopping experiences for all our users.”

Catch exclusive deals from brands like HP, GOMO, and many more at Shopee's 10.10 Brands Festival from September 30 to October 10!

Maybank Philippines Revolutionizes Digital Banking with the New M2U Platform

 Maybank Philippines, a member of the Maybank Group, a leading financial services group ranked #4 in ASEAN in assets, is pleased to announce the unveiling of its upgraded Maybank2U PH (M2U) mobile app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This relaunch introduces a host of new features, a refined user interface and performance improvements designed to provide users with a safer, more seamless and engaging experience. 

Maybank Philippines was one of the pioneers in the mobile banking space, introducing the original Maybank2u PH (M2U) mobile app in 2014 and complementing this with the introduction of iSave, the first digital deposit account, in 2018. This time around, Maybank Philippines is elevating the digital banking experience with the launch of the optimized M2U. 

 

This latest version comes with the following upgrades: 

 

• Advanced Security Features: The new M2U app comes with Secure2U, an enhanced two-factor authentication option that allows real-time, in-app verification and authorisation to safeguard transactions from fraud. Secure2U also has a unique device binding feature which limits the authorisation only to the nominated device.

 

• Enhanced User Experience: The new M2U interface has beenredesigned to be more intuitive, so daily banking transactionsare made easy and effortless. Plus, users enjoy the same M2Uexperience when outside the Philippines, and even across one’s Maybank2u applications in Southeast Asia. 

 

• Personalized Banking: The new M2U is equipped with in-apptools to help manage one’s finances better. Icons are customisable to fit each user’s lifestyle and banking needs.Users also stay updated with the latest promos and customer advisories with push and in-app notifications.

 

• Seamless Access to New Services: The new M2U app will be the hub for all the new services and features which Maybank will introduce. From one-touch digital account application to debit card services and accessing exclusive offers, M2U is designed to adapt to the customer’s ever-changing needs and evolving priorities.

This significant milestone in Maybank Philippines’ digital transformation journey reflects its commitment to continuously redefine the business of banking by introducing innovative solutions that meet the customers’ evolving needs, as aligned with their life priorities, values and aspirations.

 

Maybank Philippines Chairman of the Board Statement

 

In his Keynote Message, Maybank Philippines Chairman of the Board Anthony Brent Elam emphasised: “Today, convenience is everything. In our fast-paced world, people need banking that fits their lifestyle—not the other way around. We’ve listened closely to our customers’ feedback and upgraded our app to meet yourexpectations for convenience, security, and innovation. This upgrade is part of our broader mission to put you, our valued customers, at the center of everything we do. Our goal is to build the most advanced and user-friendly mobile banking experience in the industry. This is humanizing financial services for you.”

 

Maybank Philippines OIC-PCEO Statement

 

Maybank Philippines OIC-President and CEO Patrick Dennis L. Solosa also highlighted the reason behind the M2U update: “Our commitment has always been to provide convenience, security, and innovation at your fingertips, and this advanced version of the M2U app is a testament to that vision. We have reimagined the app with enhanced features, stronger account security protection, a more intuitive interface, and cutting-edge technology to make digital banking simpler, faster, safer and more seamless than ever before.”  

 

To celebrate the unveiling of the new M2U, Maybank Philippines hosted a launch event at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater. As part of the festivities, popular band Lola Amour performed live to a crowd of more than 500 invited guests.  Users can download the latest version of the M2U from Apple App Store and Google Play Store today.

 

Maybank Philippines, Inc. (MPI) is a member of the Maybank Group, one of Asia's leading banking groups and Southeast Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. In the Philippines, Maybank maintains a “phygital” proposition that combines physical accessibility through its network of 6o Branches, 15 Lending Centers, 9 Premier Wealth Centers, 9 Branch Lites and close to 80 onsite and offsite ATMs nationwide, and digital capabilities through its M2U mobile and internet banking platforms.

 

Senator Loren Legarda backs re-election bid of Congressman AA Legarda, ensuring continued progress for Antique

 Senator Loren Legarda has expressed her full support for the re-election bid of her brother, Congressman Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda as Representative of the Lone District of Antique. 

Senator Legarda and Congressman Legarda, known for their commitment to public service, have worked together to bring the national government closer to the Antiqueños, ensuring that national programs reach the most marginalized, vulnerable, and underprivileged sectors of Antique.

"As we move forward toward socio-economic progress, it is important that our kasimanwa continue to receive the services they need, especially in health, education, and livelihood. I am confident that Cong. AA will continue this vision. He never failed me during his first term, and I am certain that with the continued support and trust of our kasimanwa in his bid for a second term, he will not only meet expectations but exceed them, delivering even better services for Antique and all Antiqueños,” Senator Legarda said.

"Katuwang ang aking nakababatang kapatid na may tapat na malasakit sa bawat Antiqueño, patuloy tayong magdadala ng agaran at maunlad na pagbabago sa ating mga kasimanwa. This positive change can only be achieved through the unconditional dedication poured in by a dedicated Antiqueño leader— one whose efforts goes beyond legislation to alleviate poverty, address pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, lack of education, unemployment, and even environmental degradation," Senator Legarda added.

Throughout her time in public service, Senator Legarda has spearheaded various infrastructure and development projects in Antique that have improved the lives of Antiqueños. These include the construction of the New San Jose Antique Airport, the Antique Convention Center in Badiang, San Jose, and the Paliwan and Nasuli Bridges. Roads and eco-tourism projects, such as the Pandan Eco-Tourism Road and the Panay East-West Road, have significantly boosted connectivity and tourism in the province.

Senator Legarda has also initiated the establishment of Food Terminal Projects in Pandan, San Jose, and Sibalom, as well as development of public plazas, waiting sheds, and other amenities in every municipality. Other projects include the restoration of Gabaldon buildings and the last Balay nga Bato in the province, the construction of an esplanade in San Jose, the establishment of TESDA training centers across Antique, and the provision of Starlink internet services to all municipalities in the province.

Moreover, nine hospitals, multiple barangay health stations, and classrooms have been built, providing much-needed health and educational services to Antiqueños. Senator Legarda’s initiatives also include support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), scholarship programs benefiting thousands of youth, and cash-for-work programs that have assisted numerous families.

The four-term Senator, who laid the groundwork for Antique’s development not only during her time as Congresswoman of the Lone District but even earlier as a Senator, emphasized that under the leadership of Congressman AA Legarda, Antiqueños can be assured that the province will continue to be guided toward progress, resilience, and sustainability.

"With Cong. AA’s leadership, we will build on the significant strides we have already made. I have full confidence in his ability to lead with compassion, integrity, accountability, and urgency, ensuring that the needs of our kasimanwa are met efficiently and effectively. Sa aming mga kasimanwa, asahan niyo na padayun ang kampyon kag sinsero nga serbisyo diretcho sa tawo." Senator Legarda concluded. 

Finding Your Perfect Fit: UNIQLO Bra Top Styles for Every Activity and Comfort Level

Finding the perfect bra top has never been easier! During Uniqlo’s Bra Top event at Axis Center, we all experienced firsthand how comfort and support can elevate not just your outfit but your entire day. Whether you're practicing yoga or running errands, the right fit makes all the difference. 

Take cues from our fun yoga session and discover your go-to bra top at Uniqlo. It’s all about feeling good, moving freely, and finding that perfect balance between style and comfort! 

The wide selection of UNIQLO Bra Tops provide style, comfort and support in one convenient top

1. The UNIQLO Bra Top Collection showcases a wide variety of silhouettes and colors for women to choose from. 

2. Camille Pacis, AVP for Marketing of UNIQLO Philippines shares how committed UNIQLO is in continuing to create functional yet stylish clothing that will make life easier for women through highlighting the UNIQLO Bra Tops’ functions

3. Bianca Gonzalez-Intal shares how UNIQLO Bra Tops has become her everyday wardrobe staple, keeping her both comfortable and stylish.

4. Jasmine Curtis, a UNIQLO Bra Top lover, stays comfortable and stylish in her UNIQLO Bra Top as she joins the special yoga session hosted by the brand.

5. UNIQLO Philippines hosts an intimate yoga session to empower women to be free in their UNIQLO Bra Tops.