Discover JBL’s Hottest Drops and Audio Essentials Fit Just for You

 

For over a decade, I've been captivated by the sound of JBL audio equipment. What began as a necessity—earbuds for those long-haul flights to Dubai—has blossomed into a full-fledged love affair with superior sound. From those humble beginnings, I've progressed from earbuds to proudly owning a JBL flip and now a Boombox, a powerhouse that never fails to impress.

My journey with JBL started with earbuds that promised to drown out the airplane engine hum and transport me into my own musical world. What struck me from the outset was the clarity and depth of the sound. JBL didn't just deliver music; it delivered an experience. Each beat, each note, felt richer and more immersive, transforming mundane travel into an auditory adventure.

As my admiration for JBL grew, so did my collection. From earbuds, I ventured into portable speakers, and the JBL Flip series became my go-to for picnics, beach outings, and impromptu dance parties. The seamless blend of portability and powerful sound meant I could carry my music wherever I went without compromising on quality.

Recently, JBL Philippines launched its new audio essentials at Dusit Thani Hotel in Cebu. The event was attended by JBL Director Consumer Audio Philippines Larry Secreto, Director Product Planning Strategy Megan Lee,  JBL Vice President and General Manager Consumer Grace Koh  with their newest brand ambassadors, PPop Horizon! 

BL Hottest Drops Featuring Audio Essentials Fit for You

Step up your rhythm and indulge yourself in a listening experience unlike any other with JBL! The world’s trusted audio brand is dropping new essentials designed to enhance your adventures—whether it’s your daily grind, weekly hangouts, or occasional road trips, hikes, and sea-scapes. Unlock new immersive encounters fit for your needs as JBL unveils its latest lineup of portables and party speakers, earbuds, and audio glasses.—yes, you heard it: audio glasses! And with cutting-edge innovations like OpenSound technology, Smart Charging Case™, Auracast, AI Sound Boost, and more, JBL is set to revolutionize your listening experience and accompany you anywhere with music that’s truly yours.

Rediscover JBL’s legendary sound, crafted for epic experiences wherever and whenever. These new audio essentials are tailored to you, meeting your ever-evolving needs, optimized for an active, on-the-go lifestyle, and designed to enhance fun—whether you’re enjoying blissful escapes with friends or refreshing moments of self-enjoyment.

 It’s time for an upgrade! Here are the latest drops you simply cannot miss:

JBL Soundgear Frames: Sound meets innovation and style

Reframe your life with the new JBL Soundgear Frames, where fashion meets sound. These audio glasses promise not only to change the way you hear the world but also how you are seen in it. Crafted from cutting-edge thermoplastic materials, these sleek, flexible, lightweight frames, with a unique translucent design, offer all-day comfort. Choose from three on-trend colors—Onyx, Pearl, and Amber—and two interchangeable frame styles, complementing your personal style. With ultra-thin speakers powered by JBL OpenSound technology, they deliver immersive audio while keeping you aware of your surroundings. The user-friendly interface also allows for easy control: simply open the temples to activate the speakers, and tap the JBL logo for various functions. With 8 hours of playtime, customizable settings, and water resistance, the Soundgear Frames are perfect for anywhere—from the office to the beach and beyond!

JBL Live 3 Series: Great sound has never been simpler

The first ever Smart Charging Case™ is at hand! Enjoy simplicity in technology with the new JBL Smart Charging Case™, an innovative expansion to the JBL Live 3 Earbuds series. Featuring the JBL Live Beam 3 closed-stick earbuds, JBL Live Flex 3 open-stick earbuds, and JBL Live Buds 3 bud-type earbuds, all these true-wireless, noise-canceling essentials allow users to customize their sound without ever having to look at their phones. Navigate everything from the Smart Charging Case™—from adjusting the volume and EQ, controlling the music, taking phone calls, receiving messages, and even customizing the screensaver! And that’s before you even get to enjoy the monumental JBL Signature Sound and JBL Spatial Sound technology. Built with True Adaptive Noise Canceling features, the Live 3 Series can tune out distractions wherever you are, while ensuring perfect sound quality during calls thanks to its 6 built-in mics. Enjoy wireless charging and a total playback of 48 hours for the Live Beam 3, 50 hours for the Live Flex 3, and 40 hours for the Live Buds 3.

Not sure which suits you best? Explore the JBL Fit Checker to find the perfect pair based on your ear fit and listening taste. Scan your ears at https://fitchecker.jbl.com/ and find out!

JBL PartyBox: Superior sound and ever greater parties

Redefine entertainment with the new JBL PartyBox Stage 320 and JBL PartyBox Club 120! These upgraded portable speakers lets you party outside the box with powerful JBL Pro Sound and AI Sound Boost, ensuring optimal acoustic output for any occasion. Connect multiple speakers effortlessly via Auracast™ and unleash your inner rockstar with PartyBox Wireless Microphones and guitar inputs. Connect the PartyLights Stick and Beam for a dynamic lightshow that pulses to the rhythm, transforming any gathering into a vibrant event. With the JBL PartyLights Stick extending the visual spectacle from the PartyBox to encompass the entire stage, immerse your audience in a mesmerizing display of lights that are perfectly synchronized to your music. Opt for the PartyBox Stage 320 with its telescopic handle and sturdy wheels, or the Club 120 featuring an ergonomic handle, offering up to 18 and 12 hours of continuous use, respectively. Need more time? No worries! Enhance your setup with replaceable batteries, available separately, to keep the vibe going strong!

For portable fun, grab the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential, featuring 100 watts of JBL Pro Sound, built-in lights, and wireless mic, plus a range of convenient features like a bottle opener, padded shoulder strap, and IPX4 splash-proof protection. Let the music take you wherever you go!

Stay tuned: there’s more coming your way!

In addition to the new Soundgear Series, Live 3 Series, and PartyBox Series, JBL is dropping more top-notch products to complement your listening experience in other areas of life. The JBL Tune 310C in-ear headphones with USB-C compatibility are ideal everyday companions at work, at home, and on the road. Meanwhile, the ultra-portable JBL Go 4 and JBL Clip 5 speakers are perfect for hikes, camping trips, and other roving activities; while the powerful JBL Xtreme 4 speaker with its deep bass creates the perfect lounge party vibes.

At home, elevate your TV experience with the sleek JBL Cinema SB510 and JBL Cinema SB550 soundbars, delivering movie-theater quality sound. Additionally, explore the new gaming peripherals under the JBL Quantum lineup, including the Quantum Stream Studio, Quantum Stream Talk, Quantum Stream Wireless (Lightning), Quantum Stream Wireless (USB-C), and Quantum 50 C—each designed to enhance your gaming setup with precision audio and seamless connectivity.

“At JBL, our patrons come first so we always strive to stay in-tune with them. We desire people to experience music in the way that they want, instead of the other way around. This is why we are launching a new variety of audio essentials to cater to our clientele’s evolving and sophisticated tastes at price points they can afford—without compromising quality,” shares Larry Secreto, country manager of Harman International.

A brand synonymous with high-quality, innovation, and cutting-edge audio technology, JBL sets the standard for premium sound experiences made for everyone. This July, witness the launch of audio essentials that cater to the needs and desires of the Filipino market. From audio glasses to true wireless noise-canceling earbuds and party speakers, explore the latest additions to the brand’s extensive range—crafted to deliver sound that’s truly yours.

For more information, visit https://www.jbl.com.ph/

BDO Unibank Inc. Triumphs at the 14th Asian Excellence Awards 2024 in Hong Kong

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) won multiple awards at Corporate Governance 14th Asian Excellence Award 2024 in Hong Kong.

This recognition underscores BDO's unwavering commitment to exemplary corporate governance, outstanding investor relations, and strategic leadership in the financial sector. The accolades highlight the bank's dedication to maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability, and sustainable business practices. 

 The BDO team, led by Atty. Federico Tancongco (4th from left), Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at BDO Unibank, and Sharlene Soo (6th from left), First Vice President and Country Head of BDO Hong Kong, received the awards from Aldrin Monsod (center), Founder, Managing Director and Publisher of Corporate Governance Asia. BDO’s sustainability initiatives earned the Sustainable Asia Award and Asia’s Best CSR. BDO was also recognized as the Best Investor Relations company in the Philippines.

ASUS Philippines Officially Launches ASUS Vivobook S 15, its First Copilot+ PC

ASUS Philippines has launched a new era in AI-powered computing with the debut of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507). Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, the device is the company’s first Copilot+ PC, with Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps. 

ASUS Philippines Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng shares, “As leaders of innovation, we are excited to introduce to our Filipino audience our first Copilot+ PC, the ASUS Vivobook S 15, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This AI PC aims to take users' lives to the next level, making them more secure, efficient, and personalized. AI connects users to endless possibilities, opening a new incredible way to work, study, play, and create, ultimately giving back valuable personal time to its users.”

The Vivobook S 15 is equipped with the efficient power and built-in AI engine of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Users can also enjoy incredible performance and efficiency as a result of the custom-integrated Qualcomm Oryon CPU. With up to 18 hours of battery life, enjoy uninterrupted productivity. It has a stunning 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and a sleek 14.7 mm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, so it's built for effortless mobility.

The Vivobook S 15 is backed up with the ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.

All-new next-gen AI experience

Packed with the latest Windows AI tools and powered by the Snapdragon X Elite with built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, the Vivobook S 15 boasts a 45 TOPS Neural engine for swift on-device AI processing. An ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM are included for ample storage and memory.

Next-gen AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects and an ASUS AiSense IR camera. The camera's presence-detection capabilities enable Adaptive Dimming, which dims the screen when the user looks away, and Adaptive Lock, which locks the laptop when the user moves away and unlocks it upon return. The Vivobook S 15 is the first device to feature the exclusive AI app StoryCube, which uses AI to sort, edit, manage, and export digital assets.

Additional features include Windows Studio Effects for enhanced lighting and noise removal during video calls, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator to transform sketches into finished artwork. These technologies enhance security, privacy, and creativity.

By leveraging these advanced AI capabilities, the Vivobook S 15 not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also frees up valuable personal time. The AI-driven features streamline tasks and automate mundane activities, allowing users to focus on what truly matters to them, ensuring personal time is reclaimed and maximized.

Incredible AI on-the-go

Built for effortless portability, the Vivobook S 15 features a 14.7 mm ultra-slim and 1.42 kg all-metal design, blending minimalist aesthetics with strength and stability. The CNC-engraved logo adds a touch of class, while the 70 Wh battery provides up to 18 hours of productivity or entertainment, support for fast charging, and ASUS USB-C Easy Charge.

The premium styling includes a single-zone RGB backlit keyboard for personalized styles and a dedicated Copilot key for instant access to Windows AI tools. The large, smart touchpad offers effortless navigation and intuitive control for various tasks, enhancing the user experience.

Seamless connectivity

Equipped with a comprehensive set of I/O ports, the Vivobook S 15 ensures seamless on-the-go connectivity. It includes two USB4 Type-C ports supporting fast charging, 4K displays, and up to 40 Gbps data transfers, plus two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack.

With WiFi 7 enabled by the Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 system, the Vivobook S 15 delivers speeds up to 5.8 Gbps, outpacing WiFi 6 by 4.8 times. This ensures seamless streaming, effortless multitasking, and lightning-fast downloads.

Stunning audiovisuals

The Vivobook S 15 offers a premium audiovisual experience with a 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, providing vivid, true-to-life color, refined highlights, and extraordinary shadow detail. This display features an 89% screen-to-body ratio, 0.2 ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. It also includes TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue-light levels for eye care and the ASUS OLED Care system to reduce burn-in risk. Complementing the display is a Harman Kardon-certified audio system with immersive Dolby Atmos sound.

Availability

The all-new ASUS Vivobook S 15 retails for PHP 84,995. Buy one today until August 15, 2024, to score fantastic bundles through the ASUS Cool for School Promo.Buyers can also avail of Home Credit’s 0% interest financing for up to 12 months. Visit the nearest store and experience next-level AI computing by ASUS.

 

Model	Specifications	SRP
Vivobook S 15 S5507QA-MA032WSM	Snapdragon X Elite X1E 78 100 Processor 3.4GHz / 3K (2880 x 1620) OLED 16:9 aspect ratio / 16GB LPDDR5X on board / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD / Qualcomm Adreno GPU / Qualcomm Hexagon NPU 45 TOPS / Windows 11 Home / Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 + Microsoft 365 Basic One-Year Subscription / Cool Silver	PHP 84,995.00

 

Get the latest news on the new Vivobook and Zenbook series and other remarkable ASUS devices via the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page.

 

Ohayo! Soup & Go® is finally here in the Philippines!

 

Discover the Konbini Experience and dive into Japan’s Convenience Store Culture where snacks, meals and your favorite soups await at every corner!  

We just discovered this cute Konbini & Go situated at Market Market where they sell your favorite Ajinomoto Soup & Go with breads. 

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor. 

For the first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market MarketTaguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, that mimics a real lifeconvenience store which sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls. Graced by APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Mr. Koichi himself demonstrates how easy it is to prepare the tasty breakfast soup. All that is needed is to have your own cup, pour in the contents of the Soup & Go® sachet, add hot water and stir. After following these easy steps, all that’s left is to wait for 1 minute to finally have that first serving of the delicious soup. 

 

“We are very excited for the Philippines because we know how the Filipino people love breakfast. With Soup & Go®, our aim is to make their mornings brighter through a convenient dish that’s flavorful and nutritious made with carefully selected ingredients from Japan like corn from the Hokkaido farms (just for corn flavor), and authentic milk from Japan  (for all flavors),” says Mr. Koichi Ozaki when asked about what the company aims to achieve with Soup & Go®.

 

Soup & Go® comes in three flavors, including Corn, Potato, and Pumpkin, packaged with three single-serve sachets in each box and is available at only Php85. Currently available exclusively in 7-11 branches for the first three months. Soon, Soup & Go® will be available nationwide. 

“We in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation are committed to championing a lifestyle that indeed echoes our slogan, Eat Well, Live Well. Through our newest product, Soup & Go®, we are optimistic that it will not only make the mornings of our Filipino customers more convenient, but will also equip them with the necessary nutrients and boost their mood by starting their day with a healthier and flavorful breakfast.” ends Mr. Koichi Ozaki.

Soup & Go® is Ajinomoto’s first instant soup product introduced to the Philippine market. APC believes that through these easy-to-prepare meals, their customers are given wider options when it comes to choosing a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to sustain their nutritional needs for the morning without compromising their daily budget and quality of food. For APC, quality and taste has always been paramount when it comes to their products, and the Soup & Go® is testament to the continued innovation and commitment of the company to improving the quality of life of the Filipino people through nutrition and everyday ingredients that elevates every meal. 

 

The Soup & Go® official brand video was also shown during the event held at the Konbini & Go, you may enjoy the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7NIgqOQVEo

 

HONOR is set to launch the HONOR 200 on July 17!

Global technology provider, HONOR, is all out for the upcoming launch of the AI Portrait Master HONOR 200 in the Philippines on July 17! The much-awaited hero phone comes with the Studio Harcourt mode which is an official collaboration with the prestigious Parisian studio. Catch the launch live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONOR200SeriesLaunch_PR! 

The HONOR 200 redefines smartphone portrait photography with its Studio-level Portrait Camera set-up. It features a 50MP Portrait Main Camera with dual stabilization (OIS + EIS), ensuring clear and detailed images even in challenging lighting and motion-intensive scenarios. Equipped with a flagship-level 1/1.3-inch Super Dynamic H9000 Sensor, the device delivers excellent light sensing capabilities and HDR support. The HONOR 200 Pro also includes a 50MP Telephoto Camera equipped with a customized Sony IMX 856 Sensor, enabling stunning zoomed portraits with remarkable sharpness and clarity. Additionally, the device boasts a 50MP Portrait Selfie Camera that offers automatic FOV switching, producing exceptional selfies in any lighting condition.

Furthermore, the HONOR 200 Pro revolutionizes portrait photography by collaborating with Studio Harcourt to co-engineer the AI-enhanced HONOR AI Portrait Engine. This achievement brings the mastery of studio-level portrait photography to smartphones, made possible by HONOR’s cutting-edge platform-level AI technology.

 

“With Studio Harcourt’s expertise in capturing timeless and classic portrait shots featuring the most iconic personalities, the team of imaging expert from HONOR and Studio Harcourt conducted extensive analysis of countless scenarios and datasets from the photography house, successfully incorporated the studio's profound understanding of manipulating light and shadow,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

 

Excited for the AI Portrait Master? Catch it live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/HONOR200SeriesLaunch_PR and get a chance to win your very own HONOR 200! Stay tuned for the full mechanics on HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), (Instagram.com/honorph/) and : (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

The new realme C63 are built to resist stains and scratches

Exciting news for the Squad: the realme C63 is now available for P8,999 in a massive storage variant of 8GB+256GB. This latest addition to the realme C Series is packed with features, including 48-Month Fluency and High Reliability Certifications from realme Labs for that Quality Champion Experience.  

One of the realme C63's exciting features is its Weather Proof Design in two new color variants. The Leather Blue variant showcases a luxurious Premium Vegan Leather finish, a first for the realme C Series. The Magic Glowing Design variant in Jade Green is equally stunning for those who prefer more sparkle.  

Keep in mind that these designs not only focus on aesthetics—they’re also practical and durable against everyday mishaps! Both color variants of the realme C63 are built to resist stains and scratches, successfully undergoing rigorous tests against solid and liquid materials.

Scratches are almost inevitable for those who often stash their phone in a bag or pocket with other belongings. Fortunately, with the realme C63, users no longer need to worry about scratches or abrasions. The phone is designed to be scratch-resistant, remaining unscathed even when tossed with keys, rocks, coins, and other everyday items throughout a hectic day.

Life’s little accidents are also no match for the realme C63, especially regarding food stains. Whether it’s lipstick smudges or a favorite dip, a quick wipe with a soft wet cloth will clean the realme C63 in an instant, thanks to its stain-resistant design. These stains can still be wiped easily without leaving any marks, even if they’ve been on the phone for 10-15 minutes. 

At the same time, the realme C63 is also spill-resistant. Minor accidents and water splashes do not harm the phone because the realme C63’s IP54 Dust and Water Resistant rating adds another layer of protection for a worry-free experience.

The durability of realme C63's designs is supported by realme Labs’ testing data, wherein the device endured 200,000 abrasion tests without a scratch to prove its durability.  

These benefits don't just keep the phone looking new; this durability means less worry and more freedom. No need to keep the phone wrapped in layers of protective covers - the realme C63 stands strong in real-life scenarios, all while maintaining a fresh and stylish appearance no matter what obstacles come its way.

Limited time offers

For those who want to save big on their realme C63 purchase and snag exclusive freebies, don’t miss the first-selling promos for offline and online stores!

Online shoppers can take advantage of huge discounts on realme’s official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop platforms to get the realme C63 for less than P8,999 by maximizing available vouchers. Here are the discounts available on realme’s official platforms:

Platform	First Selling Period	Checkout Price
Shopee	July 11 - 20	P7,349
Lazada	July 14 - 20	P7,799
TikTok Shop

Remember, these vouchers can only be redeemed and used once, so act quickly to avoid missing out on these discounts!

The Squad can also visit any authorized physical realme Stores from July 11 to 21 to purchase the realme C63 with a FREE TechLife Power Bank 2 20000mAh worth P999. This freebie is perfect for keeping the realme C63 charged on the go. 

To sweeten the deal, Home Credit is offering a 6-month installment promo for the low price of P1,089 at zero percent interest exclusively from July 12 to 31, 2024. 

Learn more about the realme C63 and other updates from realme Philippines by visiting the realme official website and following realme on Facebook.