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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

AS Watson Celebrates Global Milestone: 16,800th Store Opens in Rotterdam, Reinforcing Leadership in Health & Beauty Retail

ASWatsonthe parent company of Watsons
Philippines
,announced the grand opening of its 16,800th store worldwide, further consolidating its position as the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, with a portfolio of 12 brands operating across 29 markets. This store was opened in Rotterdam, marking a remarkable milestone in AS Watson’s ongoing expansion and its commitment to delivering a seamless and exceptional O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, expressed her excitement at the store opening ceremony, “The opening of our 16,800th store represents more than our growth as a company - it symbolises our commitment to serving the communities worldwide. With every store we open, we create jobs, foster customer relationships, and build lasting trust.” 

 

“16,800 is a number with special meaning in Chinese culture. The number 6 symbolises ‘everything goes smoothly’ while 8represents ‘good fortune’. We embrace the special meaning of this milestone and look forward to a future of lasting success and prosperity, not only for our business growth but also in extending these best wishes for a brighter future for the world during this festive Christmas season,” Malina added.

 

Commitment to Continuous Growth 

Ed van de Weerd, CEO of AS Watson Benelux, remarked, "We’re honoured that AS Watson’s 16,800th store worldwide opens in vibrant Rotterdam, demonstrating AS Watson’s steadfast commitment to growth in the Benelux region and globally. As the No. 1 health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands, Kruidvat serves its customers with nearly 1,000 O+O stores and over 24,000 passionate colleagues and has become an integral part of many Dutch people’s lives.”

 

The brand-new store will serve over 11,000 customers every week. As one of the largest Kruidvat stores, it spans over 770 square meters and is designed to enhance O+O shopping experience with clear in-store navigation. The store offers an extensive assortment of over 36,000 products, making it the largest selection among all Kruidvat stores. 

 

Watsons Philippines operates in over 1,100 stores nationwide, reflecting its commitment to bringing health, wellness, and beauty closer to every Filipino. Enhancing this experience is the Watsons app, which provides customers access to exclusive deals, personalized recommendations, and convenient services such as Click & Collect and home delivery.

 

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to innovation and excellence in customer experience, and will continue its growth journey with the purpose of putting a smile on the customers’ faces today and tomorrow.  

 

Transform Your Home This Holiday Season with Home Credit: Appliances for as Low as PHP12/Day!


The holiday season brings a wave of gatherings and festivities, and having reliable, high-quality appliances can make each moment more enjoyable and stress-free. With the right appliances, you can enhance comfort, simplify daily tasks, and focus on what truly matters—celebrating with loved ones. This makes upgrading your home appliances essential, especially at this time of year


While upgrading is a practical choice for a smooth holiday season, it is also a well-deserved reward for the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year. Treating yourself and your loved ones to added comfort is a thoughtful way to mark the seasonbringing lasting improvements to your living space into the new year and making routines simpler and more manageable.

 

Level up your home with Home Credit

However, enhancing your home appliances can sometimes be challenging, especially when unexpected expenses make it difficult to save for these upgrades. This can mean sacrificingquality or delaying upgrading altogether. Fortunately, Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, makes it possible to bring home the appliances you and your family deserve this season.

 

With its Todo Pasko offers, Home Credit provides access to high-quality, reliable appliances even with a limited budget this holiday season. You can enjoy a range of deals at 0% interest until January 31, 2025, with flexible installment plans from six to 18 months. This allows you to enjoy fantastic holiday appliances for as low as PhP12 per day, with no down payment required for some eligible customers.

 

If you're looking to upgrade your living space this season with top-quality appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, check out these remarkable options available through Home Credit for as low as PhP12 per day.

 

Keep holiday groceries and meals organized and fresh with Samsung

One excellent refrigerator option to consider upgrading to this holiday season through Home Credit is the Samsung 7.4 cu ft Two Door Digital Inverter No Frost Refrigerator, model RT20FARVDSATC. Featuring a sleek metal graphite finish, this refrigerator complements any kitchen style while delivering powerful performance. 

 

Equipped with Samsung’s Digital Inverter Compressor, it provides efficient, noise-free cooling that keeps your food fresh without increasing energy consumption. It also comes with tempered glass shelves for easy organization of groceries and a Moist Fresh Zone, perfect for storing fruits and vegetables and maintaining their freshness even over extended periods. Plus, it has a Deodorizing Filter with activated carbon that helps eliminate unwanted odors inside the refrigerator.

 

Available for as low as PhP736 per month for up to 18 months, this Samsung refrigerator is the perfect upgrade for keeping holiday meals and groceries organized while adding a modern touch to your home.

 

Store frozen goods and refreshing treats this season with Panasonic

For a freezer that keeps frozen goods and holiday treats perfectly chilled, the Panasonic 10.0 cu ft Inverter Upright Freezer, model NR-AQ301FB, is an ideal choice. This freezer is a great upgrade for any home and a reliable option for small businesses, offering excellent performance without consuming too much energy. Built with Turbo Cooling, it quickly freezes items inside, while the Direct Cool Inverter technology ensures efficient energy use.

 

Designed with enough storage space, this model uses an eco-friendly R600a refrigerant, making it a greener cooling appliance. Available for as low as PhP974 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, the Panasonic Inverter Upright Freezer is a smart, energy-efficient choice for your frozen storage needs this season.

 

Keep clothes clean and fresh for holiday gatherings with Sharp

If you’re looking for a reliable washing machine to handle laundry tasks this holiday season and beyond, consider the Sharp 7.0kg Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine, model ES-JN07A9(GY). This washing machine makes laundry day easier with its convenient features and advanced settings. For instance, it has a preset timer that lets you schedule wash cycles to start automatically and a memory function that recalls your preferred settings in case of a power outage.

 

Additionally, it includes a tub-cleaning function to clean any leftover stains from the inner and outer tubs, a stainless-steel tub, a tempered glass lid with a lid damper for safe operation,an air-dry feature to reduce moisture in clothes after washing, and moreIt also has a large LED display, making it easy to monitor settings and cycle progress. Available for as low as PhP491 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, this Sharp washing machine is an excellent upgrade to any household, providing efficiency and convenience all year round.

 

Simplify laundry this holiday season with Panasonic

For households with larger laundry needs, the Panasonic 8.0kg Twin Tub Washing Machine, model NA-W8023B, offers an efficient solution. Available through Home Credit, this twin tub washing machine features an 8kg wash capacity and a 6kg spin capacity, enabling you to wash and dry clothes at once to save time and energy.

 

Equipped with a Dolphin Wave Pulsator, it provides a thorough yet gentle wash to keep clothes clean and intact. Designed for durability, this washing machine is built with a rat-proof plastic body, ensuring it withstands wear and tear over time. It also includes a drag-type lint filter to prevent lint from attaching to clothes during the wash cycle. Available for as low as PhP352 per month for up to 18 months through Home Credit, this Panasonic washing machine is a practical, time-saving upgrade to your home this holiday season.

 

Ensure comfortable holiday gatherings with TLC

To make holiday gatherings more comfortable and enjoyable, you can add the TCL 1.0HP Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner, model TAC-09CSA/KEI to one of your options. This unit maintains a stable, refreshing temperature without excessive energy use, thanks to its high-quality Full SD DC components. By utilizing magnetic force to adjust the compressor’s rotation speed, it can minimize power consumption by up to 60%, making it an energy-efficient choice for year-round use, including the upcoming summerseason next year.

 

In addition to its cooling efficiency, this model includes a self-cleaning function to prevent odors over time, along with multiple filters to ensure that only clean, fresh air circulates in the room. Available for as low as PhP912 per month for up to 24 months through Home Credit, the TCL Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner is a smart investment for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday season.

 

Welcome guests to a comfortable home with Kolin

If you are looking for more cooling system options this holiday season, you can also consider the Kolin 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner, model KAG-100WCINV, available through Home Credit. This air conditioner features a full DC Inverter system, including a DC fan, DC compressor, and DC module, making it both energy-efficient and powerful enough to cool rooms of all sizes.

 

Equipped with an eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, it is designed for minimal environmental impact. The Multi-Stage Air Filtration System ensures cleaner air, while a self-diagnosing feature helps identify issues, and a filter clean indicator alerts you when it is time for maintenance. Available for as low as PhP1,023 per month over 18 months via Home Credit, this Kolin air conditioner is an excellent upgrade to keep your home cool for holiday gatherings and ready for the warmer days of next summer.

 

Don’t wait any longer! Upgrade your home appliances through Home Credit and take advantage of its Todo Pasko deals to enhance your living space, get ready for holiday gatherings, and even prepare for the new year. These exciting offers are available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across 75 provinces nationwide.

 

Qualified customers can apply for product installments with just one valid ID and receive approval in as fast as one minute. For added convenience, download the Home Credit App on Google Play or the App Store to get pre-approved and enjoy a smooth shopping experience. If you need assistance with your application, a Home Credit sales representative is ready to help at any partner store.

 

Be sure to visit Shoppingmall.ph to find where you can purchase the home appliance you’ve been wanting to upgrade and explore more Todo Pasko deals across a wide range of products to treat yourself and your loved ones.

 

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official FacebookInstagram, and TikTok accounts. 

 

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

 

Monday, December 2, 2024

How can AI transform Philippines’ traffic

 Manila's traffic congestion is amongst the world's worst, significantly impacting the city's economy and the quality of life for Filipinos. In 2023, it held the unenviable title of the world's most congested metro area according to the TomTom Traffic Index.

 

The daily struggle is a constant reality, requiring innovative solutions.

 

Driving change with new technology for road traffic in the Philippines 

 

The Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) in the Philippines was officially launched in 2017 as part of the government's commitment to improving road safety and addressing the high rates of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. It serves as a framework for the Philippines government to implement a series of strategies aimed at enhancing road safety. 

 

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), how can this transformative technology play a role in advancing the government’s objectives?

Written by Raul III "Cricket" Santiago, Managing Director, Fujitsu Philippines

 


Here are three possible ways how AI can help the Philippines move towards a more efficient, responsive, and safer transportation system:

 

1. Intelligent traffic surveillance: Seeing beyond the gridlock

 

Current methods of monitoring traffic rely heavily on manual observation and often miss crucial details.

 

Using machine learning, vision AI can accurately count and classify vehicles, providing a real-time comprehensive picture of traffic flow. The data-driven insights will enable proactive interventions to prevent accidents and alleviate congestion. 

 

For example, a city like Montreal, once struggled with severe congestion, particularly around its port, drastically improved its traffic flow using Fujitsu's AI-enabled data analysis platform to optimize the management of 2,500 traffic lights. This solution enables the city to make data-driven decisions to streamline traffic flows, lower fuel consumption and reduce air pollution. This is a success story that shows the potential of Vision AI for tackling Manila’s traffic challenges.

 

2. Rapid incident response: Seconds that save lives 

 

In a traffic emergency, rapid response is critical. Traditional methods often react too slowly, leading to escalating accidents and widespread gridlock. 

 

AI-powered systems can automatically detect incidents on the road – accidents, stalled vehicles, or even unusual pedestrian behaviors – and instantly alert traffic operators. This will dramatically improve response times, enable quicker intervention, minimize disruption and potentially save lives. 

 

Japan's highway system provides a compelling example of how AI can help contribute directly to the government’s objective of safer roads. Fujitsu's AI-powered traffic management system has significantly improved highway safety, especially during severe weather, by providing real-time data that allows for preemptive accident prevention.

 

3. Advanced traffic forecasting: Seeing beyond the obvious 

 

Traditional systems often struggle to analyze complex traffic conditions in real-time, particularly in areas with limited visibility. 

 

AI's advanced modelling capabilities can overcome these limitations. By analyzing historical data and real-time feeds, AI can predict potential bottlenecks and congestion hotspots, enabling proactive alterations to traffic signals and infrastructure planning. 

 

Fujitsu and Carnegie Mellon University's collaboration on AI-powered social digital twin technology in Pittsburgh, USA, demonstrates this potential. The system captures highly detailed real-time traffic images, identifying potential hazards even in blind spots, resulting in a substantial reduction in accidents in the city of Pittsburgh.

 

We believe that an AI-powered traffic management requires a three-pronged approach

 

Unlocking AI's full potential requires building a robust data collection system, a scalable cloud infrastructure, and a real-time alert system. This strategic approach will empower organizations to make data-driven decisions instantly.

 

• Robust data collection: Deploying a strategically planned network of high-resolution cameras and sensors across key areas in the Philippines will provide the foundational data for AI-driven insights.
• Scalable cloud architecture: A robust and scalable cloud infrastructure will be implemented to efficiently process the huge amount of data generated by the sensor network. This architecture will ensure the system capacity keeps pace with future growth and technological advancements.
• Real-time actionable response systems: Seamless integration of AI-driven insights with existing and future traffic management systems will enable real-time, adaptive responses, optimizing traffic flow and enhancing safety.

 

With these elements in place, decision makers can harness the power of AI to transform the country’s approach to road safety. This will help create a more efficient, safer, and responsive transportation system, achieving the objectives of the government’s Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) and improving the lives of all Filipinos.

 

ReDISHcover Flavor: Chef Ylyt & Marky Show How to Elevate Leftovers—Win an LG French Door Refrigerator and NeoChef Microwave!



Turn yesterday’s leftovers into today’s delights and win LG Kitchen Appliances! LG brings something fresh to the table with ReDISHcover Your Leftover, a kitchen cook-off challenge that highlights how creativity, together with LG’s innovative appliances as the right partner, can transform fridge staples into extraordinary dishes. Two talented chefs are taking on the exciting challenge of reimagining leftovers into new  meals you’ll actually look forward to.

 

What’s Cooking?

The friendly, flavor-packed challenge is all about rethinking food. Their innovative creations are sure to inspire you to see your leftovers in a whole new light. Join Chefs Marky and Ylyt in this unique cook-off that encourages sustainability and creativity in the kitchen. Using LG’s innovative appliances as their secret weapon, these chefs will show how to transform ordinary leftovers into appetizing dishes you’ll want to recreate. Visit @chefmarkjoseph and @thechefylyt_tv on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and don’t miss their take on LG’s ReDISHcover Your Leftover Challenge coming soon.

 

Chef Marky:

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefmarkjoseph?lang=en

 

 

Chef Ylyt:

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechefylyt_tv?lang=en

 

Ready to ReDISHcover the potential of your leftovers? Get creative, transform your leftover ingredients into culinary masterpieces, for a chance to win incredible prizes! 

 

How to Join? 

To join, visit the LG Philippines Promo page (https://www.lgpromoregistration.ph/) from November 21, 2024 to January 15, 2025[1] and register. Create a before and after collage of your leftover recipe and upload. 


 

For the full mechanics, you may click here: 

https://www.lgpromoregistration.ph/lg-redishcover-your-leftover-makeover-promo/mechanics/24

 

Judging Criteria

Top entries will be selected based on the following criteria

 

Originality

40%

Sustainability

30%

Creativity

30%

TOTAL

100%

 

 

 

Amazing Prizes Await!

Winners with the most appetizing ReDISHcover-ed dishes will win the following LG kitchen appliances:


Grand Prize

 

2nd Place

 

 

3rd Place

 

This is your chance to bring top-tier technology into your home and elevate your kitchen experience! So, what are you waiting for? Get your kitchen skills on and give your leftovers a new life!

LG combines innovation and functionality to create appliances that make life better. Whether you’re storing ingredients or reheating meals, LG technology ensures reliability and style for every Filipino household.

LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide—across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For more information, visit www.lg.com/ph and follow LG Philippines on FacebookInstagramTikTok and YouTube (@lgphilippines).

 

[1] Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-207503 Series of 2024

 

Shaira Diaz and EA Guzman Take Stunning Prenup Photos with the HONOR 400 5G!

  Leading global technology brand HONOR unveiled the extraordinary capabilities of its newest innovation, the HONOR 400 5G, during an exclus...