OPPO announces the winners of the Imagine IF Photography Awards

OPPO today announced the winners of its second annual imagine IF Photography Awards, a global competition celebrating creativity and innovation in mobile photography. Launched in January and closed for submissions in July, the competition saw over 1 million entries from 81 countries and regions. Including China, India, Mexico, Columbia, and Egypt were among the top five countries in terms of submissions.OPPO will showcase winning works at Paris Photo, the largest international art fair in November.

"Exceptional photographs have the power to preserve cherished emotions, even in the most seemingly mundane of moments, transforming them into timeless memories," said Pete Lau, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer of OPPO. Alec Soth, Magnum Photos member and competition judge, added,"Photography is esteemed as an art form that blends a multitude of techniques, not merely capturing stunning sights but also evoking profound emotions and resonating with power," 

 

Master, Silver, and Bronze Winners: Capturing Cherished Emotions

This year, fifteen photographers have been honored with Master, Silver, and Bronze Awards, while the Master Award went to LiangXibing for his evocative work. His awarding entry, ‘Summer byHutuo River,’ captures the fleeting joy of childhood with masterful use of light and movement. As the OPPO imagine IF Master, Mr. Liang Xibing will receive a grand prize of USD 24,000 and be appointed as an OPPO Photographer, enjoying priority access to various OPPO events.

 

Master Award: ‘Summer by Hutuo River’ by Liang Xibing (China), shot on OPPO Find X7 Ultra

 

In ‘Wandou and Her Teddy Bear’, Silver Award winner He Huapei, he captures a touching bond between a child and her toy, a testament to OPPO’s advances in mobile imaging. Through this heartwarming image, the judges expressed their amazement athow tools like the OPPO Find N3 Flip can empower photographers to capture professional-quality images with vivid detail and atmosphere. For Bronze Award-winning entry, ‘The Peaceful Bond’ by Shailendra Singh, the judges compliment the space of imagination it creates. Resonating with Alec Soth's earlier remark, the judges also found the image reminiscent of both a movie poster and a drawing, with one commenting, "Looking at this photograph makes me want to watch the movie."

 

Left: Silver Award :“Wandou and Her Teddy Bear” by Huapei He (China), shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

Right: Bronze Award :“The Peaceful Bond” by Shailendra Singh (India), shot on OPPO Find N3 Flip

 

Honorable Mentions: Inspiring Diversified Creativities

With 36 Honorable Mentions across nine categories, including Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection, the competition celebrated a diverse range of creativity that pushed the boundaries of mobile photography. From vivid landscapes to intimate moments, the works transcend traditional artistic limits. Furthermore, for the first time this year, the competition introduced five Youth Special Awards, specifically designed to acknowledge and celebrate the inspiring talents of the emerging generation.

Left: Colours Category, “La Morena” by Juan Antonio López García (Mexico), shot on OPPO Reno 7

Middle: Portrait Category, “Unspoken Bond” by Hana Galal Gad (Egypt), OPPO Find X7 Ultra

Right: Youth Special Award, “Free and Easy in the Open” by Huan Ahei (China), shot on OPPO Find X7 Ultra

 

Photography for Everyone: The Power of a Click

At its finest, mobile photography embodies accessibility, ease, and spontaneity, allowing anyone to turn moments into lasting works of art. With the theme “Beyond the Image, Beyond Imagination,”OPPO reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and empowering creativity on a global scale.

 

As the global partner of the largest international art fair, Paris Photo, OPPO will showcase winning works from the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards 2024 at the upcoming exhibitionin November. To explore the winning works and learn more about the OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards, please visithttps://imagine-if.oppo.com/en/.

Sun Life Philippines honored as Circle of Excellence awardee at the 15th Asia CEO Awards

 Sun Life Philippines, the country’s longest-standing life insurance company, has been recognized as a Circle of Excellence awardee at the 15^th Asia CEO Awards. The company was honored in two categories: Company of the Year and Top Employer of the Year.  

Michael Enriquez, Sun Life Investment Management and Trust Corporation President; Michelle Garcia, Sun Life Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer; Benedict Sison, Sun Life Philippines CEO and Country Head; Valerie Pama, Sun Life Philippines Chief Asset Management Officer; Gerald Bautista, Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. President; Richard Lim, Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. President

The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines. It celebrates outstanding achievements and leadership in the business community across Asia. Being honored as a Circle of Excellence awardee is a testament to Sun Life Philippines’ steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and its people.  

Being named as Company of the Year, this award recognizes Sun Life Philippines’ exceptional financial performance, innovative product offerings, and significant contributions to the Philippine insurance industry. The company’s strategic initiatives, coupled with its focus on client centricity and sustainable growth, have strengthened Sun Life’s position as a leader in the industry.  

With its recognition as Top Employer of the Year, Sun life Philippines remains dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for its employees. The company’s commitment to employee development, well-being, and work-life balance has fostered a high-performing and engaged workforce. 

“Being part of the Asia CEO Awards’ Circle of Excellence is a testament to Sun Life’s commitment to excellence,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “This prestigious recognition validates our efforts to unleash our brilliance and provide Filipinos with the financial solutions they need to build a brighter future.” 

To learn more about the Asia CEO Awards, you may visit https://www.asia-ceo-awards.org  

 

Mr. Muscle Teams Up with Kim Seon Ho, Launches Contest for All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Korea

 Who knew that cleaning the house could bring this much satisfaction and kilig? A leading brand in home cleaning in the Philippines, Mr Muscle announced its exciting partnership with South Korean heartthrob Kim Seon Ho, set to bring a gleaming sparkle to your home and a gushing smile on your face.

It was only fitting that the home cleaning brand and the K-drama star known for his good boy image come together for a partnership grounded on reliability, effectiveness, and care. To mark the milestone collaboration, Mr Muscle rolls out a special contest, flexing a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea.

Mr Muscle invites everyone to join the contest that runs from October 14, 2024 to December 14, 2024. Simply purchase Mr Muscle products worth a minimum of PHP350 in a single receipt and submit your receipt online at www.spot.ph/mrmuscle. 

 

The draw’s grand prize is a fully sponsored trip to the South Korean capital of Seoul for two, inclusive of visa application fee and assistance, round-trip plane tickets, hotel accommodation, tour and activities, and exclusive Mr Muscle merchandise. Meanwhile, weekly winners get to take home a Mr Muscle kit and merchandise as well.

 

Mr Muscle presents a variety of solutions for all your cleaning needs, from everyday tasks to specialty products. The Mr Muscle Toilet Bowl Cleaner delivers a powerful clean, effectively dissolving limescale, eliminating odors, and killing 99% of germs, leaving a fresh and hygienic toilet. For a solution gentle on surfaces but tough on stains, the Mr Muscle Bathroom Cleaner removes 100% of soap scum and kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria for a spotless bathroom with a fresh, inviting scent.There’s also the Mr Muscle Floor Cleaner, which easily lifts dirt and stains while freshening your home. It restores shine to your floor and gives it a long-lasting, refreshing fragrance for a cleaner, more polished space.

Now with Kim Seon Ho as Mr Muscle’s brand ambassador, expect an even more exciting and inspiring cleaning experience. As Mr Muscle continues to innovate, it reaffirms itscommitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern households, making cleaning simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

Know more about #MrMusclePH, #MrMusclexKimSeonHo, and the promo mechanics for the all-expenses-paid Korea trip by following the brand’s socials on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MrMusclePhilippines), Instagram (@MrMusclePhilippines) and TikTok(@SCJohnsonPH).

 

ASUS launches its most advanced ASUS AI PC- the Zenbook S14

ASUS Philippines (ASUS) today launched its most advancedASUS AI PC yet – the Zenbook S 14 (UX5406). Created for Filipinos who seek a balance of power and portability, the Zenbook S 14 combines cutting-edge AI

capabilities with a sleek, lightweight design. Featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor, Ceraluminum™ construction, and cutting-edge AI integrations, the laptop offers seamless multitasking, enhanced performance, and premium user experience.

New zen with superior AI: Zenbook S 14

The Zenbook S 14 combines premium design with exceptional functionality, making it a sophisticated addition to the company’s comprehensive AI lineup. Crafted with innovative Ceraluminum™, one of the industry’s strongest and most durable materials, the 14-inch Zenbook is both incredibly slim and light, measuring just 1.1 cm thin and weighing 1.2 kg. This sleek design resists scratches and wear while maintaining a stylish, premium look. Available in Zumaia Gray, inspired by the cliffs in the north of Spain, it also features a unique geometric grille design for added aesthetic appeal and improved cooling.

Powered by the AI-enabled Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor and Intel Arc graphics, the Zenbook S 14 delivers up to 47 TOPS of AI performance, ensuring seamless multitasking and faster execution of AI-driven applications. Its advanced CNC milling technology allows for the integration of an ultra-slim vapor chamber into a quiet cooling system, supporting up to 28W TDP with minimal noise, keeping the device cool even under heavy workloads. With 32GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, users can expect fast performance and effortless multitasking, while the 72Wh battery ensures up to 27 hours of all-day productivity. The dedicated Windows Copilot key and enlarged 16:10 touchpad offer intuitive control and more space for smart gesture controls, ensuring a smoother user experience.

The 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display and Harman Kardon-certified four-speaker system with Dolby Atmos delivers an immersive, multi-dimensional audiovisual experience. In addition, the laptop’s touchscreen feature provides functional real estate. The ultra-compact Zenbook S 14 features a full set of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt 4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack. WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification provides the fastest, most reliable connections, making the Zenbook S 14 the ideal companion for both work and entertainment.

Security is powered by the Microsoft Pluton processor, which offers protected storage for authentication data via Windows passkeys, safeguarding users from cyber threats. The AiSense IR camera enhances privacy and security with facial recognition, Adaptive Lock (which automatically locks the device when you step away), and Adaptive Dimming (which adjusts display brightness based on your presence), ensuring both convenience and security.

On-the-go ASUS AI PC: Vivobook S 14

The Vivobook S 14 (S5406) offers maximum performance in a sleek, minimalist design – created especially for the youthful go-getters. Weighing just 1.3 kg and measuring 1.39 cm thin, its all-metal chassis is built for on-the-go productivity. Powered by up to the Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with an AI engine delivering up to 47 NPU TOPS, it excels in running AI applications, while ASUS IceCool thermal technology with dual 97-blade IceBlade fans ensures peak performance. A dedicated Copilot key provides quick AI assistance, and a 75 Wh battery delivers up to 27 hours of unplugged use for all-day productivity.

Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the Vivobook S 14 features an ErgoSense keyboard with customizable RGB backlighting and a large ErgoSense touchpad. Paired with WiFi 7 for ultrafast connectivity, a wide range of I/O ports, a 16:10 3K 120 Hz display, and Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos audio, this laptop is ideal for users seeking both power and reliability in a dynamic, lightweight device.

The Vivobook S 14 will be available in November 2024.

The expert’s ASUS AI PC: Expertbook P5

The ExpertBook P5 (P5405) combines a premium aluminum design with lightweight durability, meeting US MIL-STD 810H military standards while weighing just 1.29 kg. Its thoughtful layout, including conveniently placed function keys and a spacious mouse area, optimizes productivity during video conferences and multitasking. With the ASUS ExpertCool thermal structure, it ensures consistent cooling and peak performance, even during extended use. Designed for industry professionals, the ExpertBook P5 is a productivity powerhouse that boosts performance and empowers users to reach their full potential.

Continuing ASUS’ commitment to sustainability, the ExpertBook P5 enhances circularity by 10% through Circular Transition Indicators (CTI), using recycled materials and a modular design to tackle e-waste. It also features ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant that transforms meetings with advanced features like AI Meeting Minutes, AI Translated Subtitles, and customizable watermarks for security. Powered by on-device AI, it keeps personal data secure while elevating virtual collaboration for seamless, productive communication.  

To know more about the ExpertBook P5, Talk to an Expert today.

ASUS Zenbook S 14 Philippine availability

ASUS proudly introduces the Zenbook S 14 (UX5406), a superior addition to the ASUS AI PC lineup. Crafted from Ceraluminum in the sleek Zumaia Gray colorway, this stylish laptop perfectly balances durability and elegance.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with Intel AI Boost NPU, the Zenbook S 14 delivers up to 47 TOPS of AI performance and stunning visuals with Intel Arc Graphics. 

Each purchase includes an exclusive ASUS laptop sleeve, a lifetime subscription to Office Home 2024, 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic, and 1-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud. The Zenbook S 14 also comes with the widely celebrated ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package, which includes a 2-year International Warranty.

The Zenbook S 14 is now available for PHP 109,995.00 in ASUS Accredited Stores nationwide, offering a perfect blend of style and performance.

MODEL	SPECS	PRICE	BUNDLE
Zenbook S 14 UX5406SA-PZ267WSM	14” 3K ASUS Lumina OLED 16:9 Touchscreen Display / Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) / Intel Arc Graphics / 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD / 32GB LPDDR5X / Windows 11 Home/ Zumaia Gray	PHP 109,995.00	ASUS laptop sleeve, lifetime Office Home 2024, 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic, 1-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud, ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package with 2-year International Warranty

 

Querubin Unveils Senate Platform Focused on Combating Hunger, Education Reform, and National Security

Ariel Querubin, one of the Philippines’ most decorated military officers and a Medal of Valor recipient, has officially entered the 2025 senatorial race by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) on October 7, 2024. The retired Marine colonel, known for his legendary contributions to national security, arrived at the Manila Hotel Tent City with strong backing from his family, as well as former generals and officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP).

 

Querubin is running under the Nacionalista Party but made a notable declaration: he intends to steer clear of the traditional political slates. “My loyalty is to the people, not to any political slates. Joining a slate would mean choosing sides, and that is not what I stand for," he stated. Instead, he is open to joining a coalition of independents, emphasizing his dedication to a non-partisan agenda that prioritizes the welfare of the nation, promotes good governance, and uplifts the poor.

Querubin’s platform reflects a deep sense of service and purpose, honed through decades of military experience. He aims to address three key issues in the Senate: combating widespread hunger, enhancing the education system, and strengthening national security. "I want to fulfill my dream of a country where no one goes hungry and where every child, especially those who are often forced to sacrifice for their families, can receive a quality education," Querubin said. On the issue of national defense, he stressed the urgency of protecting the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. “As a retired Marine, I cannot sit back and watch while our country is continuously bullied in the West Philippine Sea. We will fight for our rights, for our security, and for our future.”

Querubin’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary. In 1991, during a fierce battle, he was hit by a rocket fired from a Sikorsky helicopter. The explosion left him clinically dead, and he was placed among lifeless bodies in the Quirino Labor Hospital morgue. In a miraculous turn of events, a doctor noticed a slight twitch from the ring on his finger, and he was rushed to the AFP Medical Center, where he underwent 13 hours of surgery. Surgeons removed part of his liver and intestines and repaired his pancreas. Against all odds, he survived. Reflecting on that moment, Querubin said, “During mass evacuation, they tend to those who have better chances of survival. And so, they put me together with the other lifeless bodies.”

 

Querubin’s 30-year military career is filled with acts of bravery and sacrifice. He sustained 67 battle wounds during his service and participated in numerous critical missions. In one of the most grueling battles of his career, Querubin and his battalion fought against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for 24 consecutive hours, leading to the capture of the MILF’s 3rd Brigade. Although the battle was a victory, Querubin recalls the emotional and physical exhaustion he felt after the fight. “I had never felt so exhausted; I hadn’t had a meal for a full day, but I did not feel hungry, only relieved—maybe even a bit euphoric. At any rate, definitely thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from one of the bitterest and most desperate battles I had fought.”

 

Querubin’s legacy extends beyond individual battles. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in several key military operations that helped shape the Philippines’ national security landscape. In the 1980s, he was awarded the prestigious Gold Cross Medal for leading an operation that neutralized a group of New People’s Army (NPA) forces in Palawan. He was also involved in the neutralization of top-ranking Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) officials, such as provincial chairman Jessie Rafael, and the rescue of a Swiss national, Hans Kunzli, who was held captive by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

 

Querubin’s leadership was again on display in the 1990s when he helped neutralize the notorious Barahama Sali, an operation that led to the release of hostage Fr. Cirilio Nacorda. He also led the mission that resulted in the death of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya, a key figure in terrorist activities in the southern Philippines. For his role in capturing the MILF’s Camp Mack in Lanao del Norte in 2001, where his battalion fought under heavy fire and in near-total darkness, Querubin was awarded the Medal of Valor by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Up to this day, Arroyo refers to Querubin as “my hero.”

 

Querubin’s career wasn’t without controversy. He was involved in political movements that led to a failed coup and subsequent imprisonment, but even during his incarceration, he remained steadfast in his values. "God had to take away my freedom to make me realize that career is not everything in life, and that I have a family to take care of," Querubin reflected during his retirement. His experience of fighting for what he believed was right and navigating the complex moral landscape of military service is deeply rooted in his values of courage, integrity, and loyalty.

 

Querubin's family also plays a crucial role in his life, shaping his personal and public philosophies. His stepson, Cocolife CEO Martin Loon, and Marine Captain John Michael Loon, a bemedaled officer who was wounded in the battle of Marawi, have followed in his footsteps, serving the nation with the same dedication and patriotism. Querubin often reminds his children that the only legacy he can leave them is his good name.

 

After his unsuccessful senatorial run in 2010, Querubin briefly retired from public life, working as an internal security consultant for San Miguel Corporation under its president, Ramon Ang. However, in 2021, the Philippine Marines held a special retirement ceremony in his honor, 12 years after his actual retirement, marking the official end of his storied military career. The ceremony was attended by political figures, business leaders, and longtime friends, including Deputy Speaker Rosemarie Arenas, Senator Grace Poe, Senator Sonny Angara, and Bilyonaryo Manny Villar.

 

As Querubin embarks on his new political journey, his life story of resilience, loyalty, and unwavering service to the Filipino people continues to inspire. His upcoming book, A Question of Valor, is expected to provide even deeper insights into his extraordinary life and legacy, shedding light on the man behind the medals and the courage that defined his career.

Smart unveils its amazing deals and data perks for iPhone 16 Series!

Getting hold of the much-anticipated iPhone 16 Series is sweeter with mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), as it unveils its amazing deals and data perks for Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid customers.     

FREE 16 GB 5G data per month for 16 weeks with Smart Postpaid.

New Smart Postpaid customers can avail of the iPhone 16 Series starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 with a low downpayment of PHP 21,000 and a monthly amortization of only PHP 1,300 under a 24-month contract. 

Meanwhile, recontracting Smart Postpaid subscribers can get an iPhone 16 (128GB) with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 for only PHP2,121 per month for 24 months – without cashout. 

The device is also available for an even lower monthly amortization of PHP1,697 (subject to credit approval) on a 30-month contract. Under this plan, customers can enjoy UNLI 5G for 12 months, 20 GB of open access data, Netflix mobile subscription, Unlimited Texts, Calls to Mobile and Landline, and exclusive Smart Perks from select restaurants, shopping, beauty and travel partners. 

Moreover, subscribers who successfully pre-order their new iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max during the pre-order period from Oct. 10, 12:01 AM to Oct. 13, 11:59 PM shall enjoy FREE 16 GB 5G data per month for 16 weeks, empowering them to make the most of their new device. 

Get the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max with Smart Infinity.

On the other hand, Smart Infinity members may get the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max with their Infinity Plans, which comes with Unlimited Data, Texts & Calls, Data Roaming Packs, and Monthly Consumable Allocation. Plus a suite of exclusive privileges tailored to their premium lifestyle. 

Smart Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy access to an Infinity Relationship Manager that handles all their account-related concerns, as well as 24/7 access to an Infinity Concierge, a dedicated hotline for round-the-clock mobile assistance and access to exclusive lifestyle events. 

FREE 16 GB for 16 days with Smart Prepaid Meanwhile, Smart Prepaid customers who only wish to purchase a device can get the iPhone 16 for as low as PHP 2,313 per month for 24 months at 0% interest installment. 

Smart Prepaid subscribers who successfully sign up during the preorder period can get their new iPhone 16 with a Smart Prepaid bundle, which comes with a FREE Smart Prepaid eSIM, 1.6 GB data per week for 16 weeks, plus FREE 16 GB data valid for 16 days. 

Easier and more affordable payment terms for the latest iPhones.

To make it easier for customers to upgrade to the latest iPhones, Smart also offers wide range of payment options through partner banks and financing institutions. BDO and BPI credit card users can conveniently enjoy up to 12 months installment, while RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank credit card users can enjoy 12-month or 24-month installment options on their iPhone purchase with Smart. 

On the other hand, Home Credit users may pay for up to 15, 18, and 24 months for as low as P2,345 per month to get the latest iPhone from Smart. Most advanced iPhones ever The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, powered by the A18 Pro chip with industry-leading CPU performance, feature larger display sizes, Camera Control, innovative pro camera features, and a huge leap in battery life.    

The latest iPhones are powered by Smart’s superior 5G mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal.  “ Smart’s amazing offers complement the most advanced iPhones ever, ensuring that our customers can enjoy the new iPhone 16 Series and maximize its groundbreaking features powered by our superior mobile network,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Wireless Consumer Business at Smart.    

Smart customers may gear up to preorder the latest iPhones to avail of Smart’s amazing deals and data perks by visiting https://smart.com.ph/Pages/iPhone16Soon .