Author: press-release

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The rising temperatures during the summer months put properties at risk of fires. From 2013 to 2017, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 77,724 fire incidents, averaging 15,545 fire…

The rising temperatures during the summer months put properties at risk of fires. From 2013 to 2017, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 77,724 fire incidents, averaging 15,545 fire incidents every year. In this time frame, the BFP estimates that property damage reached P23.273 billion or an average of P4.65 billion every year.

Avoiding fire emergencies becomes vital to the operation of every business. Here are a few things to keep in mind to fire-proof your business:

1. Research fire safety requirements. Your business property needs to comply with the fire safety requirements as mandated by the Fire Code of the Philippines. Additionally, for new businesses, acquiring a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate is a pre-requisite for various permits and licenses from local governments and other government agencies. Taking time to research these requirements will help you cover all your bases.

2. Install fire safety equipment. This encompasses fire detection systems like alarms, to firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers and automatic sprinklers. Should a potential fire start in your property, the equipment help control and avoid the spread of fire and ensure the safety of people in the property.

3. Conduct regular fire drills and training. It is not enough to have fire safety equipment if nobody knows how to use it. Fire drills can teach personnel how to suppress a fire, and if needed, how to evacuate the property. These not only help people absorb the emergency plan better but can also update them on any changes that have been made in fire safety equipment and fire escape routes.

4. Routinely review and maintain fire prevention mechanisms. Like most things, equipment and processes need to be reviewed in order to ensure that they function should the need arise. Inspecting, replacing or repairing faulty equipment, combined with checking and updating evacuation plans will better the chances of avoiding losses in fire emergency.

5. Get protection from fire and other business and property damage. Business insurance, like Malayan Insurance’s Business Protect, covers fires and a wide range of other risks such as liability, accidents and Money, Security and Payroll. Business Protect is an SME insurance package that offers asset protection for business establishments such as retail stores, offices, restaurants, clinics, shops and even small kiosks. For as low as P2,750.++, you can rest assured that in the event of a fire emergency, your business is protected.

To learn more about Business Protect, visit www.malayan.com.

Founded in 1930, Malayan Insurance is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies. Malayan Insurance is the leading non-life insurer of the Philippines. (Press Release)

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Tech

Buy movie tickets using GCash Scan-to-pay at all Robinsons Movieworld branches nationwide

Press Release

April 25, 2018 10:26 am April 25, 2018

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Moviegoers can now seamlessly purchase tickets for the latest movies in one of the biggest cinema chains in the country. This has been made easier thanks to a new partnership…

Moviegoers can now seamlessly purchase tickets for the latest movies in one of the biggest cinema chains in the country. This has been made easier thanks to a new partnership between Robinsons Movieworld (RMW) and the Philippine’s top mobile e-payment scheme, GCash Scan-to-Pay.

Robinsons Movieworld has now embraced the cashless payment system in all of its branches nationwide in order to bring added convenience to its moviegoers.

“The push for a cashless payment system is strongly supported by Robinsons Movieworld. With Robinsons Movieworld adapting the e-payment scheme, we are confident that our customers can fully experience convenience with this feature in all our cinema branches nationwide,” said Arlene Magtibay, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinsons Land Corporation’s Commercial Center Division.

GCASH SCAN TO PAY. (From left) Robinsons Movieworld Senior Marketing Manager Michelle Araullo, Robinsons Land Corporation Senior Vice President & General Manager Commercial Center Division Arlene Magtibay, Mynt President and CEO Anthony Thomas and Robinsons Movieworld General Manager Jose Rodrigo Lim during an event to announce that moviegoers can now use GCAsh Scan To Pay to buy movie tickets at Robinsons Movieworld nationwide.

20% cashback promo

“The growing number of merchants is proof that GCash is moving towards fulfilling its vision for a cashless ecosystem in the country. With partners like Robinsons Movieworld on board, Filipinos are more empowered to maximize their connectivity and provide ease and security in various transactions,” says Anthony Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mynt.

As part of the newly forged partnership, Robinsons Movieworld, together with GCash, will carry out more than the usual promos to its customers. Movie patrons who use GCash scan to pay to purchase their tickets will enjoy a 20% cashback up to 500 pesos daily from April 15 till May 31, 2018.

How to pay with GCash

To use the scan to pay GCash feature, a customer with an iPhone or an Android smartphone only needs to download and update to the latest version of the GCash App. They would need to register for an account and fund their GCash wallet in any of over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets nationwide—which includes Robinsons Business Centers. Once funds are loaded in the GCash wallet, a customer can then swipe to the left or choose PayQR then Scan QR and point the smartphone’s camera to the RMW’s QR code to scan.

GCash is operated by Mynt, which is owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial and Ayala Corp. (Press Release)

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Tech

GCash, Alipay team up for single QR code payment solution

Press Release

April 20, 2018 10:05 am April 20, 2018

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A new payment solution will allow merchants in the Philippines to accept payments from local users of GCash and Chinese visitors using Alipay through a single connection to the GCash…

A new payment solution will allow merchants in the Philippines to accept payments from local users of GCash and Chinese visitors using Alipay through a single connection to the GCash QR Code solution.

The announcement was jointly made by Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc, (Mynt), which operates GCash, the country’s largest mobile wallet, and Ant Financial Services Group (Ant Financial or Ant), which operates Alipay, the world’s largest mobile and online payment platform.

Alipay and GCash will work together to promote the new QR code payment to enable local merchants to service an even bigger pool of consumers with seamless payment experiences. This service will be rolled out over the next few weeks across GCash’s merchant network.

Ant Financial earlier entered into a joint venture with Globe Telecom and the country’s oldest conglomerate Ayala Corporation to boost Mynt’s operations, parent company of GCash mobile wallet service. Under this strategic partnership, Ant Financial will partner with Mynt for merchant acquiring activities for Alipay across the Philippines.

GCash remains the only mobile wallet partner for Ant Financial in the Philippines, serving local users in their everyday mobile payment needs from buy load, movie tickets to microloans and other financial services.

“We have enjoyed a strong and trusting relationship with Mynt since 2017, as we witnessed GCash’s phenomenal growth to becoming a world-class online and offline payment provider well-loved by Filipinos. With the success GCash has demonstrated over the last twelve months, we are pleased to elevate this strategic partnership today by establishing GCash QR code as the common QR code for both local users and visiting Alipay users,” said Douglas Feagin, senior vice president of global business at Ant Financial.

“By jointly establishing this QR code with Alipay, all merchants working with GCash will be able to accept Alipay as a payment option for Chinese travelers in their stores, while also catering to the local user pool that have now grown to love our cashless lifestyle app. We are hopeful that our merchants can benefit from the increased footfall and revenue stream brought by the increasing number of Chinese tourists coming to the country,” said Anthony Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mynt.

Alipay is now accepted by brick-and-mortar merchants across 41 countries and regions. They connect with travelers via the Alipay’s in-app marketing platform and accept payments in stores and online.

According to a survey named “Outbound Chinese Tourism and Consumption Trends: 2017 Survey” conducted by research firm Nielsen, over 94% of Chinese tourists expect they will utilize mobile payment methods when travelling, bringing their cashless lifestyle overseas. A record-breaking number of Chinese tourists were seen visiting Philippines in the month of February 2018 according to the Philippines Department of Tourism. (Press Release)

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Tech

Smart, YouTube partnership offers free 1-hour daily access to video site

Press Release

April 19, 2018 10:12 am April 19, 2018

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PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is giving Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid customers free access for one hour daily to YouTube and soon to other online video services…

PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is giving Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid customers free access for one hour daily to YouTube and soon to other online video services until July 15.

These subscribers can watch YouTube for one hour for free daily by simply registering to load packages like GigaSurf99, AllOutSurf99, GigaSurf 50, AllOutSurf 30, Panalo Data 30, Panalo Combo 30, Super Combo 20, and Big Time Data 70. They can enjoy this special offer for the duration of the packages that they buy.

“Through this path-breaking partnership, many more Filipinos can pursue their passions like music and entertainment, and learn a wide range of skills, hobbies, educational material, news and information through the massive library of video material of YouTube. This service is something every Filipino should have access to,” said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., SVP of Consumer Business Market Development for PLDT and Smart.

YOUTUBE PARTNERSHIP. Filipino YouTube creators during the announcement of Smart’s partnership with the video platform. (Photo from Smart Newsroom)

Enhance digital lifestyle

“With this new offer, mobile phone users now have everyday access to the richest video library with content from every corner of the planet—for free,” Reyes said. He added that this special promo will soon be available to postpaid subscribers as well.

“We are proud to partner with YouTube to bring the service closer to our customers. This is just the start of a fruitful partnership, and we are working on a lot of other exciting initiatives that will enhance the digital lifestyle of Filipinos,” Reyes said.

Aside from YouTube, another video service is also set to be part of the offer. Access to Smart360, a web portal where Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers can access various digital content like live TV, movies, series, music and games, will soon be free for a limited time. Other video content providers are also eligible to be included in the offer, subject to mutually agreed terms with Smart.

Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers are now better able to enjoy video streaming services like YouTube as a result of Smart’s massive network investments over the past several years which has enabled the mobile phone carrier to provide high-speed mobile data services via its expanded LTE and 3G networks throughout the country.

Internet experience at par with the world

To provide customers with a better video and mobile internet experience, Smart is accelerating the deployment of LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and carrier aggregation technology to more areas this year. Carrier Aggregation (CA), a feature of LTE-A, enables the combination of two or more radio frequency bands in order to deliver bigger bandwidth and much faster data speeds, which are crucial in providing the best video streaming experience to mobile phone users.

Smart has already rolled-out 3CC CA sites in cities across Metro Manila, as well as in major cities in other regions of the country, including Baguio, Calamba, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Zamboanga, among others. In Metro Manila and areas where there is a concentration of capable devices, Smart is also deploying 4CC, starting with Marikina and Quezon City, where customers with 4CC CA-capable devices like the Samsung Galaxy S8 have reported enjoying data download speeds of over 200 Mbps.

Smart’s accelerated deployment of LTE-Advanced follows the stepped up roll out of its LTE network. It is also upping the ante by deploying another LTE-A based technology called 4×4 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), which raises the radio frequency efficiency by using multiple antennas for sending and receiving data.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation. Capital expenditures reached P40 billion in 2017, of which about 67% was allotted for the mobile network. For 2018, PLDT capex is expected to reach P58 billion, which includes allocations for the aggressive roll-out of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations. (Press Release)

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Lifestyle

Big discounts, exciting deals in 3-day SM Seaside sale

Press Release

April 11, 2018 11:12 pm April 11, 2018

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Get huge discounts on top brands like Cath Kidston, Guess, Ziya, Clinique, Sperry, Florsheim Kids USA, Onesimus, Mizuno, All Flip-Flops and other stylish finds at The Great Seaside Sale on…

Get huge discounts on top brands like Cath Kidston, Guess, Ziya, Clinique, Sperry, Florsheim Kids USA, Onesimus, Mizuno, All Flip-Flops and other stylish finds at The Great Seaside Sale on April 13, 14, and 15.

Alberto, Pabder, Arrow, Pacsafe, Urbanize, and Dickies are offering up to 70 percent off on selected items during the three-day sale at SM Seaside City Cebu.

Top shops like Izod, Van Heusen, Oro Italia, Saturday Dress, Islands Souvenirs, Terranova, Calliope, Mango, Gold Creation, Hush Puppies, Time Depot, Onesimus, Primadonna, Ziya, Oro China, The Face Shop are offering half the price off on certain products and pieces.

Other great deals: lip bundling promo at MAC Cosmetics; discounts by Geox, Seiko, Levi’s, Sperry, Parfois, M. Lhuillier Jewellers, Unisilver, Hannah’s, St. Paul’s, Perfect Secret, Onitsuka Tiger, Eye Society, and ME&U; buy one, get one on all items at Yves Rocher; save and spend promo at Forever 21.

Enjoy big markdowns when you shop during The Great Seaside Sale and get a chance to bring home a brand new Suzuki Celerio during the grand raffle draw at 10 p.m. on April 15.

More deals for Advantage, Prestige, BDO Rewards members

SM Advantage, SM Prestige and BDO Rewards members enjoy exclusive deals when they shop at The SM Store and other participating SM affiliate stores:

Prestige Friday

There’s an extra 10 percent off for SM Prestige and BDO Rewards Diamond members when they shop at The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Our Home, Kultura, Toy Kingdom, Surplus Shop, Uniqlo, Forever 21, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Crocs, Levi’s, Miniso, and The Baby Company for the whole day of April 13.

SMAC Saturday

SM Advantage, SM Prestige, BDO Rewards members also get 10 percent off on top of sale discounts from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday when they shop at The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Our Home, Kultura, Toy Kingdom, Surplus Shop, Uniqlo, Forever 21, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Crocs, Levi’s, Miniso, and The Baby Company.

Sunday Special

SM Advantage, SM Prestige, BDO Rewards members get an additional 10 percent discount when they shop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Kultura, Levi’s, Miniso, Sports Central, and Surplus Shop.

Free, discounted rides to SM Seaside City

Thinking of using Grab to get to SM Seaside City sale? Get P50 off on your ride by using the promo code SMSEASIDE50.

There will also be free MyBus rides to SM Seaside City at hourly intervals from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at the following routes:

Fuente Osmeña-V. Rama-N. Bacalso-SM Seaside City
Pick-up and drop-off at BDO Fuente and SM Seaside City and pick-up only at V. Rama Skywalk (USC South Campus) and N. Bacalso Ave. Skywalk (Salazar Institute of Technology)

Fuente Osmeña-Banawa-Labangon-N. Bacalso-SM Seaside City Cebu
Pick-up and drop-off points at BDO Fuente and SM Seaside City; pick-up only at Petron Gas Station and Paseo Arcenas along R. Duterte St., Katipunan St. Skywalk near Labangon Elementary School, N. Bacalso Ave. Skywalk near Salazar Institute of Technology; drop-off only at N. Bacalso Ave. Skywalk along B. Aranas Extension and V. Rama Ave. Skywalk near USC South Campus.

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Lifestyle

Ian in 3 Acts in Cebu

Press Release

April 5, 2018 7:40 pm April 5, 2018

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Versatile actor Ian Veneracion will show another side of him to Cebuanos this coming April 21. Ian will be staging a concert dubbed “Ian in 3 Acts” at the Waterfront…

Versatile actor Ian Veneracion will show another side of him to Cebuanos this coming April 21. Ian will be staging a concert dubbed “Ian in 3 Acts” at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Ian in 3 Acts is on April 21 at 8pm, featuring LA Santos and special guests. Tickets are available in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and SM Customer Service counters. For ticket inquiries, call 232-6888 or 0915 535 3873. (Press Release)

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Business

Smart wins Grand Prix, Grand Anvil at Oscars of PR

Press Release

April 5, 2018 8:31 am April 5, 2018

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Smart Communications maintained its winning streak at the Anvil Awards, receiving top honors for the third straight year at the Oscars of public relations in the Philippines. In a ceremony…

Smart Communications maintained its winning streak at the Anvil Awards, receiving top honors for the third straight year at the Oscars of public relations in the Philippines.

In a ceremony held recently in Taguig, Smart won the Grand Prix Award for having the highest number of Gold Anvils this year. The company also got the Grand Anvil recognition for SHINE OS+ (Secured Health Information Network and Exchange), an electronic medical record system that enables health facilities to provide faster and better service to their patients. The Grand Anvil is given to the most outstanding public relations program of the year.

The Anvil Awards has been conducted annually for 53 years by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

ANVIL AWARDS. Smart representatives – led by Chief Financial Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla (center), SVP for consumer business market development Oscar Reyes Jr., and public affairs FVP Mon Isberto – receive Anvil awards last March 23 at Shangri-La Fort.

Smart received Gold Anvils for the following corporate social responsibility, employee engagement, and customer service programs:

SHINE OS+, an open system that allows developers to create plugins addressing the various needs of health workers. Among the plugins created are a system that automates the sending of reminder SMS to diabetes patients, and a plugin that enables nurses in Nepal to collect health surveillance and preparedness data during and after disasters.

Learning as One Nation, an effort to help improve the Department of Education’s Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program in General Santos and Sarangani. Smart is helping develop an app that teaches Arabic language and values, while promoting independent learning among ALIVE students through the Dynamic Learning Program created by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido.

School-in-a-Bag, a learning package donated to public schools in remote areas without electricity. The donation includes a solar panel, mobile devices, digital educational content, teacher training, and monitoring.

TNT Tropang Ready Caravan, which inculcates disaster preparedness among college students and encourages them to promote preparedness in their respective communities

Smart Saturdays, a program where employees pay a participation fee to watch blockbuster movies with their families and colleagues. The participation fees are then used to donate School-in-a-Bag units to underserved schools.

Smart Chatbot, a tool on Facebook Messenger that enables Smart customers to view their billing statements and remaining balance, subscribe to promos, purchase eLoad, and request to chat with an agent.

Meanwhile, Smart’s Silver Anvil awardees are Smart Bro’s Bond Like Never Before campaign which encourages parents to use mobile technology to bond with their children, Doon Po Sa Amin Storytelling Caravan which promotes local storytelling for Filipino children, the Paskong Pinoy yearend celebration for employees, the PLDT Group’s efforts to transform its corporate culture to support its digital pivot, the Smart Communities Facebook page which provides information about Smart’s CSR programs, and Smart Millenniors which engages the youth to guide their elders on the use of mobile devices and the internet.

The Silver Anvil list also includes Smart Paywall, a web tool that helps Smart Bro customers avoid unwanted mobile internet charges; Smart TechnoCart, a donation package similar to the School-in-a-Bag that targets more urban communities and contains more devices; the SWEEP (Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program) Awards which encourages students to create innovations solving real problems; the TNT App and TNT Online Store which make it easier for TNT customers to complete transactions; and TNT Tropa Trip, a nationwide summer road show promoting the Choose Your Tropa Apps promo. (Press Release)

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Business Tech

Fujitsu PH expands array of cloud solutions, services in VisMin

Press Release

April 3, 2018 12:12 pm April 3, 2018

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Fujitsu Philippines, Inc., a leading Information Technology (IT) systems integrator and solutions provider, is strengthening its array of cloud offerings in Visayas and Mindanao amid the growing market demands in…

According to Raul “Cricket” Santiago III, president and CEO of Fujitsu Philippines, the VisMin markets sustained a stellar development, especially that their “next wave cities” like Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Davao offer the necessary infrastructure, security, labor pool, and government policies, that attract investors to grow their businesses in the region.

Cloud solutions

“As these markets continue to thrive, organizations of all sizes across all industry sectors are realizing the importance of moving to new cloud models,” added Santiago. To support the goals of these organizations, this year, Fujitsu Philippines sets to offer a more comprehensive range of trusted cloud solutions not just for its growing number of customers, but also for potential clients in the area.

CLOUD SOLUTIONS. Fujitsu Philippines Sales Director for Visayas-Mindanao Terry Ybanez, Managed Services and Cloud Mark Pandy, Marketing Director Marje Balbuena and Marketing Associate Erika Garcia.

“Our goal is really to bring our global cloud expertise closer to organizations in Visayas and Mindanao, which need a wide array of solutions and services for their IT requirements,” said Santiago. “We want to work with them, together with our systems integration partners, in ensuring the deployment of solutions that tackle their IT challenges and maximize their business potential.”

At present, Fujitsu Philippines has two cloud infrastructures present in the country, one in Metro Manila and the other in Metro Cebu, making it more reliable and compliant with industry standards.

Satellite offices

Aside from these data centers, the company also has a satellite office in Davao, which was opened last year, and in Sta. Rosa in Laguna.

Fujitsu Philippines offers public, private, and hybrid cloud offerings, geared towards helping companies achieve the success of their cloud adoption more rapidly, at lower costs, and with greater agility. It also extends standardized IT services, which can be used within a short lead time without having to deal with complex hardware and software.

For enterprises that need to implement their own cloud infrastructure, Fujitsu Philippines also offers pre-integrated and tested infrastructures for faster implementation and earlier savings with minimum cost outlay.

“With over 40 years of relevant experience in the local market, Fujitsu has already established positive results for our cloud customers nationwide. We want to continue shaping a better future in these emerging and markets by driving business agility, greatest cost-efficiencies, and rapid innovation for organizations, wherever they may be in their cloud adoption journey,” said Santiago.

Aside from cloud solutions and services, Fujitsu Philippines also provides businesses with cutting-edge IT solutions and services nationwide. It has also made Japanese IT design and technology available through its server, storage, and scanning hardware and solutions.

To know more about Fujitsu Philippines, Inc., visit the website at http://www.fujitsu.com/ph.

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News

Mega Cebu conducts training on traffic management

Press Release

April 3, 2018 11:27 am April 3, 2018

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Mega Cebu, in partnership with the Cebu Provincial Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau 7 (DENR-EMB 7) started the Metro Cebu Traffic Administration…

The training was conducted with the assistance of the University of the Philippines – National Center for Transportation Studies (UP NCTS). The 5-day training course, which will run until Friday, targets traffic administrators and managers as well as city and municipal planners from Metro Cebu LGUs, national government agencies, and representatives from transport groups and the private sector.

The purpose of the Traffic Administration Course is to orient participants on the principles and rationale of transportation planning and traffic engineering and management. Lectures and workshops were designed to enhance the understanding of the topics covered during the lectures and case discussions. This will give the trainees a chance to practice basic transportation planning and traffic management skills and demonstrate their competence to provide possible solutions to traffic-related problems.

Eight experts and lecturers primarily from the UP NCTS headed by UP NCTS Director Dr. Ma. Sheilah G. Napalang and former Undersecretary of Department of Transportation and Communications (currently DoTr) Dr. Primitivo C. Cal were tapped for the course.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT. Dr. Hilario Sean O. Palmiano, one of the lecturers from UP NCTS, talks about Traffic Engineering and Management during the Metro Cebu Traffic Administration Certificate Course Training on April 2 at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites.

The training is part of Mega Cebu’s ongoing initiative to establish the Metro Cebu Traffic Enforcers Academy, which aims to standardize the functions and the competencies of a Traffic Enforcer, which will be a first in the Philippines. The Subcommittee on Transport and Traffic Management of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board Research, Program and Organizational took on complying with two strategic requirements.

First is the institutionalization of the academy through the help of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Central Visayas. Second is the competency development of the first batch of MCTEA trainers before taking the Trainers Methodology 1 of TESDA.

Attendance in the training by UP NCTS is part of the pre-qualification criteria to be part of the first batch of MCTEA trainers who will take TESDA’s trainers methodology training.

Governor Hilario Davide III, Chairperson of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB), emphasized in his welcome remarks the importance of standardizing traffic policies and synchronizing the traffic laws in Metro Cebu to address the worsening problem on traffic.

On the other hand, DENR EMB 7 Director William Cuñado said in his welcome speech that with the implementation of better traffic management, the pollution of the metropolitan area will be minimized since traffic congestion occurrence will be decreased thru proactive enforcement of mitigating measures.

Dr. Sheila Napalang, on her part, shared that the traffic situation in the urban areas will be alleviated if only the road users are kind to each other, meaning the drivers are disciplined and courteous to each other and the pedestrians obey the pedestrian traffic rules and regulations at all times. (Press Release)

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Lifestyle Travel

Eggciting Easter at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu

Press Release

March 30, 2018 7:50 pm March 30, 2018

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Families are in for magical fun and delectable delights at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu on Easter Sunday, April 1, as the hotel sets a fairytale-themed celebration called Eggciting…

Families are in for magical fun and delectable delights at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu on Easter Sunday, April 1, as the hotel sets a fairytale-themed celebration called Eggciting Easter.

Eggciting Easter will feature a variety of children’s activities including face-painting, a magic show, balloon twisting, DIY cupcake art and film showing inside Pusô Bistro & Bar. It will culminate with an egg hunt at the breezy and open-air 7th-floor poolside. Children’s activities will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is at P500 net per child inclusive of lunch buffet.

Everyone in the family will likewise enjoy indulging in Pusô Bistro & Bar’s Easterrific Feast, a holiday spread featuring hearty mains, Easter-inspired pastries and desserts, homemade pasta, fresh salads, sumptuous barbecues and more. Easterrific Feast is available for lunch at P700 net per person and for dinner at P850 net per person.

On top of the spread, guests may also raise a toast to the day’s celebration with Cheers to Easter. On the day there will be a Wine & Beer Buffet available at P500++ per person and Free-Flowing Sparkling Wine and Mimosa at P450++ per person.

It is an extremely ‘eggciting’ celebration at Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu on Easter Sunday. For inquiries or reservations, guests may call +6332 402 5999 or follow Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu and Pusô Bistro & Bar on Facebook and Instagram. (Press Release)

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Community Tech

Smart powers PH Red Cross-Nokia disaster response solution

Press Release

March 28, 2018 11:26 am March 28, 2018

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PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications will provide high-speed connectivity for a drone system that will help boost the disaster response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross. The drone system, which…

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications will provide high-speed connectivity for a drone system that will help boost the disaster response efforts of the Philippine Red Cross.

The drone system, which will operate on Smart’s frequencies during times of emergency, is part of Nokia Saving Lives, a program that aims to provide communications technology and technical assistance to emergency response teams.

The initiative was showcased in Barcelona, Spain, at the recent Mobile World Congress organized by GSMA, an organization of nearly 800 operators and more than 300 mobile companies all over the world.

Drone system

The system consists of drones, a portable data center, a mobile broadband network, and applications like video streaming, gas sensing, mapping, and analytics, which can help Red Cross responders assess current status of lifelines and analyze immediate needs and gaps. This will enable Red Cross to provide emergency assistance to communities in more timely, effective and efficient ways.

Using Smart’s high-speed LTE connectivity and Nokia’s portable Ultra Compact Network, the system can also create a secure communication between drones, other equipment, and rescue team members.

The drone can be equipped with different types of cameras, sensors and speakers, and can also be used to carry first aid kits. The portable data center, meanwhile, is a computing and storage unit that can be used for immediate data analysis.

PARTNERSHIP. Representatives of Philippine Red Cross, Smart Communications and Nokia meet for the drone project. From left, PRC disaster response and chapter support unit head Archieval Molos, operations center manager May Carol Layugan, Finnish Red Cross country delegate Juan Daniel Reyes, Smart community partnerships’ Joyce Panaligan and Mary Jane Francisco, PRC disaster management services manager Resty Lou Talamayan, Smart community partnerships senior manager Nova Concepcion, Nokia Philippines chief technology officer Timothy Senathirajah, and Nokia Manila Technology Center’s Lawrence Madriaga and Kenneth Pingca.

Improve emergency response

Nicolas Bouverot, head of market unit Asia South, said: “Nokia is committed to using technology to make people’s lives better. With our Nokia Manila Technology Center, we’re honored to collaborate with Smart and the Philippine Red Cross in this disaster management enhancement project utilizing LTE connected drones in Philippines, helping the country improve emergency response, and save lives.”

“We are happy to be part of this project by providing vital communications support for the operations of the drones. This project is in line with our commitment to deploy tech innovations for the benefit of communities, particularly during times of disasters,” said PLDT and Smart public affairs head Ramon R. Isberto.

Smart is one of the three founding signatories of GSMA’s Human Connectivity Charter. The HCC aims to provide increased access to communication and information of for those affected by calamities, helping reduce loss of lives and contribute to humanitarian response.

Since its launch in 2015, HCC has grown to include over 100 mobile operator members and six humanitarian partners across more than 75 countries.

HCC was launched to enable network operators and industry partners to formalize their commitments to enhance their capacity to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to disasters through mobile technology.

Smart will provide connectivity support to Nokia drones, which will be used by the Philippine Red Cross for their humanitarian efforts.

Disaster preparedness programs

Smart’s disaster preparedness programs were cited in GSMA HCC’s annual report in 2016. These programs include Smart’s Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS), which sends out location- and hazard-specific alerts; its ICT Bayanihan series of regional summits to institutionalize emergency telecommunications teams; and the Batingaw disaster management app, which has been replicated in the Horn of Africa. In 2017, the report said Smart had sent SMS and ECBS disaster alerts to 10 million people.

The company has also been a partner of the Philippine Red Cross for disaster response efforts and blood donation drives. Smart has extended support to Red Cross chapters all over the country on various occasions and in times of calamities by providing communications facilities and helping set up first-aid stations, among other activities.

Smart’s support to the Red Cross and commitment to HCC are part of the company’s #SafePH advocacy, which aims to help build resilient communities and reduce disaster-related casualties through technology. (Press Release)

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Community Tech

Smart donates digital learning packages for Basilan learners

Press Release

March 27, 2018 12:58 pm March 27, 2018

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Students in Basilan, particularly those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), now have access to mobile tools and digital content that will help make learning more fun and effective for…

Students in Basilan, particularly those under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), now have access to mobile tools and digital content that will help make learning more fun and effective for them.

Smart Communications recently turned over two School-in-a-Bag units to the Department of Education-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, represented by Secretary Rasol Mitmug, in Lantawan town.

Each School-in-a-Bag contains a solar panel for recipients without access to electricity, tablets preloaded with fun educational content, and other devices. The donation package also includes training for teachers and yearlong monitoring.

TURNOVER. Smart public affairs senior manager Stephanie Orlino (standing third from right) turns over a School-in-a-Bag to Basilan teachers.

The two units will benefit students in Lantawan and Sumisip under the ALS, a learning option for those without access to formal education in schools.

“I am thankful that Smart is there to help the education sector, as its capabilities in delivering technology fit the needs of the next generation,” Mitmog said.

ALS coordinator Aurora Anamon said, “It is a big thing for learners to see videos on a screen. The visual learning approach helps a lot. There are adult learners who will benefit from this because they wish to learn through technology.”

ALS teacher Husaita Barillo-Pantao said the School-in-a-Bag would lighten the heavy load of teachers, particularly in terms of preparing visual aids.

Smart developed the School-in-a-Bag after a study it had commissioned showed that the managed use of tablets in the classroom boosted learning and interest in lessons. While it has donated several units to schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Smart is also calling on individuals and organizations who wish to bring digital learning to more areas in the country. Interested parties may email [email protected] for details.

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Lifestyle

2TinCans holds musical theater workshop for summer

Press Release

March 26, 2018 5:39 pm March 26, 2018

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School’s out, it’s showtime! Develop your child’s imagination and self-confidence in a summer to remember. The 2TinCans Theatre Lab, the educational and professionalization arm of homegrown production house 2TinCans Philippines,…

Taught by theater artists led by 2TinCans’ producing artistic director Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson, the month-long workshops will instill habits of self-discipline through body movement, vocal workout, storytelling, and drama improvisation.

2TINCANS. Clockwise from left, Davelyn Cuenco, Zyradee Ramos, Sharlene Racoma, Dion Cecilio, Christian Niño Luy, Benjun Yu, Alem Garcia, Dave Feril, Dan Michael Sindajan, Chiqui Cañete, Shiella Pestaño Gemperoa, Joer Gallur, Vincent Gaton, Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson, Tiffany Neri, Laurie Grace Tul-id, and Charlene Virlouvet.

Thrice a week, in two-and-a-half-hour sessions, students are put through their paces in all aspects of musical theatre, including acting, dancing, and singing. The workshops culminate in the students’ very own stage performances of Broadway classics and contemporary showtunes. From lights to sound to stage management, every aspect of these productions is run by a professional team of experienced theatre specialists.

2TinCans Theater Lab’s Summer Musical Theatre Workshops are not only about performance, but about supporting and encouraging students. They provide a safe and supportive environment for people to exchange ideas, express themselves and, most importantly, be themselves.

The workshops will be held at the Cube Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu, and at the UV New School of Art & Design (UVNS) in Banilad.

Workshops at SM Seaside City Cebu are open to kids. Dates are from April 17 to May 6, May 8 to May 27, May 29 to June 17, and June 19 to July 8. At UVNS, the first batch kicks off on May 7 to June 1, followed by subsequent batches on June 4 to June 29, and July 2 to 27. Besides children, UVNS will also be offering workshops for teenagers and adults.

TEACHING ARTISTS. Shiella Pestaño Gemperoa, Laurie Grace Tul-id, producing artistic director Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson, Charlene Virlouvet, Vincent Gaton, and Joer Gallur will be handling theater lessons during the summer workshops.

2TinCans Theatre Lab is also set to offer theater courses to senior high students at UVNS starting August 2018.

Reserve your slots now! Enroll by calling +6332 516 2802 or +63 917 896 2181 or e-mailing [email protected]. For more information and updates, visit the 2TinCans Philippines website at http://www.2tincans.ph, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/2tincansphils, and follow on Instagram at @2tincansph. (Press Release)

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Business Properties

Megaworld’s 2017 net income jumps 13.4%, sets P60B capex this year

Press Release

March 26, 2018 1:05 pm March 26, 2018

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Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, grew its net income by 13.4% to P13.3-billion (including non-recurring gains of P113-million) in 2017 from P11.7-billion (including non-recurring gain of…

Net income attributable to parent company ended at P12.8-billion by end-December 2017, a 12.7% jump from P11.3-billion during the same period last year. The healthy growth was underpinned by the strong performances of its key businesses in residential and hotel developments, office as well as commercial space leasing in malls and shopping centers.

Consolidated revenues including non-recurring gains grew 7.7% to P50.4-billion in 2017 from the previous year’s P46.8-billion.

Rental business

Megaworld’s rental business, which covers both office and commercial space leasing grew the fastest among the segments. Rental income soared 18.2% to P11.8-billion in 2017 from last year’s P10-billion.
Comprising around 70% of its consolidated revenues, the company’s residential business was up 4.5% in 2017, growing to P34.6-billion from P33.1-billion the previous year.

“We are still way beyond our targets and we see this momentum to continue until we reach our P20-billion target in annual rental income by 2020, or even beyond that. There is still so much opportunities to tap in the property market and we are ready for that,” said Francis Canuto, senior vice president and treasurer, Megaworld.

Megaworld is allocating P60-billion in capital spending this year, with 80% covering development projects, mostly residential, office and commercial developments in various townships across the country. The remaining 20% will be set aside for land acquisition and other investment properties.

Integrated lifestyle community

“The Megaworld Group is now present in more than 30 cities around the country. We will continue to be aggressive in developing more townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the country, most especially in the provinces.”

Last year, Megaworld’s subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI) introduced its second “integrated lifestyle community,” the 300-hectare Hamptons Caliraya, in Cavinti, Laguna, which is surrounded by the famous Lake Caliraya.

About the same time last year, Megaworld announced that it is developing a Makati-inspired Business District in General Trias Cavite, the 35-hectare Maple Grove Commercial District. In just over a month, it has sold around 80% of the 360 prime commercial lots worth P9-billion, the fastest take-up of titled commercial lots in the company’s history.

Megaworld developments

During the last 28 years, Megaworld has built over 660 residential developments, 54 office towers and 15 lifestyle malls in 23 masterplanned townships and integrated lifestyle communities across the Philippines. These also include: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Alfonso, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares.) (Press Release)

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Tech

Twitter celebrates 12th birthday

Press Release

March 22, 2018 9:31 pm March 22, 2018

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What started out as a daylong brainstorming idea of Jack Dorsey (@Jack), Evan Williams (@Ev), and Biz Stone (@Biz) for a site inspired by SMS (short message service); Twitter has…

What started out as a daylong brainstorming idea of Jack Dorsey (@Jack), Evan Williams (@Ev), and Biz Stone (@Biz) for a site inspired by SMS (short message service); Twitter has definitely become the platform of choice for sharing thoughts and ideas in a short and concise manner in real time, specifically within its (then, 140-character rule) 280-character rule.

With a staggering 330 million monthly active users, including notable celebrities, fashion icons, and political figures; everybody goes to Twitter to see #whatshappening. Among the most Tweeted events are the #65thMissUniverse which generated over 34.6 million Tweets during its coronation last 30th of January 2017, and #AlDubEBTamangPanahon which was entered into the Guinness World Records as the most used hashtag in 24 hours during the television variety show “Eat Bulaga” charity concert in 2015 at the Philippine Arena.

The 2016 national elections in the Philippines also garnered over 35 million Tweets which include #PiliPinas2016, #PHVote, and even own hashtags and emojis of the candidates.

In line with Twitter’s 12th birthday, here’s a recap of the country’s 12 most followed personalities’ first Tweets which was no surprise from the entertainment industry.

1.) Jose Marie Viceral, or more popularly known as Vice Ganda, (@vicegandako) with over 10.6 million followers is one of the most sought-after and versatile comedians of his generation made popular by his hosting stint in ABS-CBN’s noontime show, “Showtime”. His first Tweet was posted back in 2010 to greet the energetic audience of the show who are affectionately referred to as the “Madlang Pipol.” Vice Ganda’s personality reflects on his consistent witty Tweets, sharing words of wisdom, opinions and comments to his fans.

madlang pipol! party! party! hope you are all watching the pambansang noontime show…showtime!

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) September 4, 2010

2.) Starting out as a child star, Anne Curtis-Smith-Heusaff (@annecurtissmith) soon became one of the entertainment industry’s most bankable actresses, one of the top endorsers in the Philippines and now a showbiz entrepreneur. Today, 9 years and 10 million followers later, she still slays in the Twitter world, using the platform to connect with her fans and co-actors and actresses, being down to earth veering away from the glamour of being a celebrity.

is wondering why all her friends have suddenly joined Twitter. Curiosity killed the cat… and here I am in Twitter World.

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) March 10, 2009

3.) In her first Tweet, the timeless beauty and actress Angel Locsin (@143redangel) expressed her excitement being on Twitter. Thanks to her friend Dennis Ilagan (@denniscillin) for prompting her to sign up. Over the years, she has been active on Twitter, and brought to life a growing fanbase who continues to support her.

I’M ON TWITTER NA! 🙂 thanks dennis 🙂

— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) October 15, 2009

4.) The entertainment industry’s “Teen Queen”, Kathryn Bernardo’s (@bernardokath) first Tweet was posted on the 2nd of October 2010 was an expression of appreciation to her cousin, John Mav Bernardo (@MavHarnois). Her Tweets reflect how grateful she is to her fans, sharing also her milestones through her various endorsements.

@MavHarnois thanks kuya mav. 🙂

— KATH 🐘 (@bernardokath) October 2, 2010

5.) Yeng Constantino (@YengPLUGGEDin), the “Grand Star Dreamer” of the inaugural season of Pinoy Dream Academy, shared her fancy for the platform as her first Tweet in August 2009 and it enabled her to connect with her fans and made new friends. Constantino holds Twitter dear to her heart as it served as an avenue to connect with her long-time friend and now-husband Yan Asuncion (@the_boyscout).

Kakagawa ko langng twitter.. ayos pala toh..

— Yeng Constantino (@YengPLUGGEDin) August 8, 2009

6.) While the TV host, model, and mom, Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca)’s first Tweet was about Ashton Kutcher who challenged CNN to a popularity contest on Twitter, racing to get 1 million followers. Now, we could see Bianca’s wise adulting and parenting Tweets and has surpassed a million followers through dedication and hard work as she continued to inspire people through her tweets.

congratulates ashton for winning over cnn in the big twitter battle! but i’s sign up for cnn. :p

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) April 18, 2009

7.) The “Teen King”, Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpadilla), used Twitter a little later than everyone else among the top followed Twitter personalities in the Philippines. His charming looks and personality brought him a solid fanbase on Twitter who he keeps updated with the latest happenings of the KathNiel love team.

LIVE FOREVER //_\\

— Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpadilla) July 9, 2011

8.) Popular host and actor Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano), says he joined Twitter because of the constant prodding by television host and model Isabelle Daza (@isabelledaza) and bade the Twitter people a warm hello on his first Tweet. Actively sharing his passion in music, he captured the hearts of his followers in supporting Original Pinoy Music. Along with that, he also expressed his love for nature and environment through Retweeting advocacies on Twitter.

Forced into twitter by @isabelledaza. Hello to all the twitter people!

— Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) April 20, 2010

9.) Just like the other resident host of “Showtime”, the SupahPapalicious man, Vhong Navarro (@VhongX44)’s first Tweet was also for the audience who is very special to them up until today, the “Madlang People.” Although he started to create his Twitter account back in 2009, his first Tweet was dated January 2012, his popularity boosted his profile to gain almost 6 million followers today.

Hello Madlang People!

— Vhong Navarro (@VhongX44) January 9, 2012

10.) Actress, host, and United Nations World Food Programme ambassador KC Concepcion (@itskcconcepcion), was curious how Twitter works when she made her first Tweet. She eventually gained a solid foundation through her Tweets by connecting to people in different walks of life and eventually discovering her place in the world of Twitter, beyond of what an influencer is all about.

is wobbled by the full moon and figuring out how this works!!

— KC Concepcion (@itskcconcepcion) June 9, 2009

11.) International singer, actress and Broadway star, Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) was exploring whether Twitter works better for her than Facebook. Enjoying getting into conversations with fans, family and friends alike her following have grown to almost 6 million.

I’m catching up on Heroes… and doing a little paperwork. Hmmm… I wonder if this Twitter thing is better than Facebook.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 16, 2009

12.) Enrique Gil (@itsenriquegil), one of “Bagani’s” leading actors, was watching the 2001 American comedy film by Ben Stiller, “Zoolander” which prompted his first ever Tweet. He leverages his reach on Twitter by promoting his endorsements and making sure that his fans are up to date with his whereabouts in the showbiz industry.

watching zoolander ‘,’

— Enrique Gil (@itsenriquegil) August 29, 2010

Twitter continues to be the platform of choice for Filipinos to have conversations and #seeeveryside of opinions and ideas, as well as to know #whatshappening locally and around the world as it happens. From simple greetings to video messages, and even live streaming, netizens will always have Twitter to connect and be heard – no matter where or who they are. (Press Release)

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Tech

Fitbit introduces Fitbit Versa, “the smartwatch for all”

Press Release

March 18, 2018 3:52 pm March 18, 2018

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Fitbit has introduced the Fitbit Versa, its lightest smartwatch that showcases a modern design and the health and fitness features you need with more than four days of battery life….

Fitbit has introduced the Fitbit Versa, its lightest smartwatch that showcases a modern design and the health and fitness features you need with more than four days of battery life.

In the Fitbit Versa, advanced health and fitness features like 24/7 heart rate tracking, onscreen workouts, and automatic sleep stages tracking meet smart features like quick replies on Android, wallet-free payments, and on-device music – all with 4+ days battery life.

Versa will be available in the Philippines in the second quarter of 2018, the company said in a press statement.

Fitbit’s lightest smartwatch offers a comfortable design and a new dashboard that simplifies how you access your health and fitness data.

Fitbit also announces new female health tracking to help women track their menstrual cycle, view holistic health data in one place, and better understand connections to their overall health. Female health tracking will be available on-device for Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Ionic users, and to all Fitbit app users starting in May 2018.

“As the wearables category continues to grow, Fitbit Versa fills a critical need in the market by delivering a beautifully designed, full-featured smartwatch that is easy to use at a very competitive price,” said James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit. “Versa brings consumers the advanced health and fitness features Fitbit is known for, along with broad compatibility across mobile platforms and 4+ days battery life to provide users with a better picture of their overall health, making it stand out from any smartwatch available today.”

Your all-day health, wellness and fitness companion

Versa launches with Fitbit OS 2.0 for the company’s smartwatches, including a new personalized dashboard that provides a more simplified, intuitive and holistic view of your health and fitness data, bringing the best of our mobile app to the wrist, including:

Stats at a glance: See your daily and weekly health and fitness stats, historical activity, heart rate, and exercise summaries, action-oriented motivational messages, tips and tricks, and daily guidance – all on your wrist.
More personalized over time: Reminders, celebrations, logging, insights, sleep summaries and social challenges, with prompts to take actions based on your data, coming later in 2018.

Versa also offers all the health and fitness features Fitbit users love most:

Personalized fitness guidance: Enhanced 24/7 PurePulse heart rate tracking, on-screen personal workouts from Fitbit Coach, 15+ Exercise Modes, Connected GPS, swim tracking with water resistance up to 50 meters, plus automatic activity and exercise tracking.
Take charge of your health and wellness: Use Sleep Stages and Insights to see how well you’re sleeping and set a restful sleep schedule, and Cardio Fitness Level to see how fit you are; move more throughout the day with Reminders to Move. A relative SpO2 sensor opens the potential to track important health indicators in the future, such as sleep apnea.

Optimize your health, fitness and family planning with female health tracking

Fitbit is also introducing female health tracking to help women understand how their menstrual cycle connects to their overall health. According to a recent Fitbit survey, 80% of women did not know how many phases are in a menstrual cycle and more than 70% were unable to correctly identify the average length of a cycle, demonstrating a lack of awareness about women’s health. Created for all Fitbit app users who identify themselves as female ages 13 and over, the feature lets you:

Stay on top of your cycle: Easily log your menstrual cycle data, and record symptoms like headaches, acne and cramps; helps you be more informed about your health and life planning, and, as needed, can help you show your doctor specific details for more personalized care.
Know what’s ahead: See dynamic cycle predictions for where you are in your cycle and when to expect your period using Fitbit’s new proprietary cycle algorithm that gets smarter over time the more you log; see where you are in your cycle at-a-glance on your wrist.
All of your data in one place: View holistic data in one place to reveal connections between your cycle and other stats in the Fitbit app, such as activity, sleep and weight trends to better manage your activity and sleep needs during certain times of the month.
Period 101: Learn more about the menstrual cycle, ovulation, fertility and common misconceptions with educational content on the Fitbit blog through the Fitbit app.
Connect with others: Join other women through Groups in the Community tab of the Fitbit app for support around key topics like periods, birth control, trying to conceive, pregnancy, and perimenopause and menopause.
Personalized insights and guidance: In the future, as the database of female health metrics grows this data may help enable Fitbit to deliver even more insights, such as how your cycle impacts your activity, sleep, weight and nutrition, and potentially how these things can affect your cycle.

“Female health tracking will empower women with a greater understanding of their menstrual cycles in conjunction with their physical and mental health, as they start to recognize what are normal trends over time versus what could be an issue to share with their doctor,” said Dr. Katharine White, MD MPH, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine and Fitbit Advisor.

“The nuances of the menstrual cycle have not been as widely studied across populations as have other areas in healthcare. This exciting development by Fitbit could help potentially create one of the largest databases of menstrual health metrics in the world, providing healthcare and research professionals with an unprecedented ability to study menstrual cycles and women’s health with real world data,” White said.

FITBIT VERSA. In the Fitbit Versa, advanced health and fitness features like 24/7 heart rate tracking, onscreen workouts, and automatic sleep stages tracking meet smart features like quick replies on Android, wallet-free payments, and on-device music – all with 4+ days battery life.

Lightweight and modern design for everyday life

Our lightest, most approachable watch yet, Versa is comfortable, durable and versatile enough for all-day and night wear. It features an ultra-thin, anodized aluminum case and is slightly tapered and angled in its design to fit small or large wrists. The rounded square silhouette display features a bright, colorful touchscreen and sharp graphics up to 1,000 nits, providing the ideal format to see all of your data on your wrist.

Versa offers a variety of stylish accessories so you can change your look based on your outfit or activity:

Classic accessories: Featuring new stain-resistant materials, these sleek, swim-ready bands are available in peach, gray, black, periwinkle and white.
Horween leather accessories: Using renowned and respected tannery Horween Leather, these hand-crafted bands offer a cool, casual look in cognac brown, midnight blue, lavender, and saddle with artisan-inspired tan stitching.
Stainless steel accessories: The stainless steel links and metal mesh bands give a polished look to elevate your style. Stainless steel links are available in black, silver or tapered silver; metal mesh bands are available in black or silver.
Designer collection: Fitbit and The Council of Fashion Designers of America invited select designers to submit accessory designs for Versa that showcased their vision for fashion wearables. Emerging designer PH5 was selected to create a new Versa accessory line, available exclusively at Fitbit.com later this year.
Fitbit Versa Special Edition: Offering two looks in one with exclusive woven bands inspired by athleisure trends in lavender with a rose gold aluminum case or charcoal with a graphite aluminum case, as well as a black Classic accessory band in box

Essential smart features that help you simplify your life

Versa offers a range of smart features to help you manage your day and quickly get the information you need most:

Notifications and quick replies: View app, call, calendar, and text notifications from your smartphone, right on your wrist. Android phone users can send quick pre-populated or customizable replies to text messages and messenger apps (coming soon).
Music on your device: Listen to phone-free music anywhere using Bluetooth headphones like Fitbit Flyer, including 300+ songs from your personal music collection and now your own or curated playlists as well as Flow from Deezer.
Pay from your wrist: Leave your wallet at home and easily pay in any store where contactless payments are accepted with Fitbit Pay, supported by nearly 40 banks in 14 countries including Australia and Singapore, through American Express, Mastercard and Visa networks, with more countries and banks rolling out in 2018.
Apps and clock faces you want: Personalize your device by choosing from a wide range of apps and clock faces in the Fitbit App Gallery, including those from Fitbit, Fitbit Labs, and popular apps like Strava and Weather. The Fitbit App Gallery has more than 550 apps and clock faces available today, many of which developers are working to make available to Versa users soon.
Fitbit Labs: An R&D initiative introduced last year focused on accelerating innovation and driving behavior change, Fitbit Labs is introducing a New Parent app to help parents more easily stay on top of their baby’s schedule. By logging their infant’s feedings, diaper changes and sleep, plus their own mood, all from their wrist, new parents can better understand the connections between their sleep and mood, and, over time, help build a healthy routine for themselves and their baby.
Broad compatibility: Versa is compatible across Android, iOS and Windows devices so you can use most smartphiones.

“We are thrilled to offer Fitbit’s global smartwatch community convenient and easy access to the music they want to help them stay motivated on their fitness journey,” said Riad Hawa, Global VP of Hardware Partnerships at Deezer. “With this partnership, we’ve made it easier to have relevant and fresh music on your wrist with Flow, a personalized soundtrack, and a wide selection of playlists – all without having to bring your phone when you’re exercising.”

Versa’s new software features are part of the latest Fitbit OS update, the operating system for Fitbit smartwatches. This software update will also be available for Ionic users.

Pricing and availability

Fitbit Versa will be available in the Philippines in the second quarter 2018 for P13,890 in black with a black aluminum case, gray with a silver aluminum case, or peach with a rose gold aluminum case. Fitbit Versa Special Edition will retail for P15,590; accessories ranging from P1,899 to P5,499. Versa will be available in across leading retail stores including Digital Walker, Globe, Liberty, Runnr and Lazada.

With the introduction of Versa, Fitbit expands its smartwatch offerings, providing consumers with greater choice across its product lineup of trackers and watches, and positioning the company to capture greater share of the overall wearables category. According to IDC, the worldwide wearables market is set to nearly double by 2021, with watches driving this growth in the long term. (Press Release)

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Business

BPI Family Auto Madness offers great deals, affordable packages

Press Release

March 17, 2018 8:20 am March 17, 2018

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3 min read →

BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB) brings back to Cebu the country’s top automotive brands with great deals and more affordable auto loans through BPI Family Auto Madness. Cebu City is…

BPI Family Savings Bank (BFSB) brings back to Cebu the country’s top automotive brands with great deals and more affordable auto loans through BPI Family Auto Madness. Cebu City is one of the key growth areas of BPI Family Savings Bank, as manifested by the growing number of clients.

“The market in Cebu for cars is rapidly growing. We see this in the expansion of car dealerships and display centers outside Cebu City. The growing population of Cebu and even urban migration also contribute to the high demand for cars. Some change cars every five years or less to avoid high maintenance costs of older cars,” said Rey Eleccion, Area Business Director for BFSB Visayas.

Twenty-three car brands showcase their best models in the four-day BPI Family Auto Madness Event in Ayala Center Cebu.

Extensive auto loan packages

Eleccion added that through extensive auto loan packages, clients are able to afford their dream cars, may it be for personal or business use.

“We have continuously become a trusted partner of many Cebuano families. We help them manage their finances and ultimately achieve their goals for a better life,” said Eleccion.

According to Dennis Fronda, Division Head for BPI Family Auto Loan, loan packages remain to be affordable despite the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“While prices of some cars have gone up, the take-home pay of an employee has gone up as well,” explained Fronda. “With affordable auto loan packages, the client still has more than enough to cover the monthly amortization and other car expenses.”

BPI FAMILY AUTO MADNESS LAUNCH IN CEBU. (From left) Leading the launch of the event are Sidney Quimbo, VP and Area Business Director Cebu City Central; Mari Joy Ramos, AVP and Area Business Director Cebu City South and Bohol; Dennis Fronda, VP and Division Head BPI Family Auto Loans; William Teo, AVP and Area Business Director Cebu North and Leyte; Rey Eleccion, AVP and Area Business Director BPI Family Savings Bank Visayas; and Wilbert Yu, AVP and Auto Loans Sales Channel Head Visayas.

Participating car brands

The BPI Family Auto Madness event is open to all mallgoers and clients from March 15 to 18, 2018, at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu. It brings together 23 of the best car brands in one roof. Some of the major participating car brands include BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Foton, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, JMC, Kia, Mazda, Mercedez Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Ssangyong, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Clients who apply for a BPI Family Auto Loan during the event can enjoy lower interest rates, free insurance, and a free gas card of up to P3,000. Those who cannot go to the event may still avail of the auto loans via any the 40 BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branches in Cebu. (Press Release)

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3 min read →

Business Properties

Oakridge breaks ground for third IT building

Press Release

March 5, 2018 3:26 pm March 5, 2018

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Three months after the opening of its second Information Technology (IT) building, Cebuano property developer Oakridge Realty Development Corp., held last March 2, the groundbreaking of the Oakridge IT Center…

Once completed, the OITC 3, which is the second phase of the company’s three-year development plan, will add another 14,000 square meters of leasable space to its current 24,000 sq m.

OITC 3’s ground floor area will cater to food and retail establishments, while the 5th to the
12th floors will have more office spaces.

Oakridge IT Center 3. Once completed, the building will add another 14,000 square meters of leasable space to its current 24,000 sq m.

Redefine Oakridge Business Park

Its design is differentiated by expansive common use areas, three-level podium parking, 24-hour generator set with 100% back up power, drop off points for PWD, and Telco cabinets per floor, among others.

Like its “twin-building,” the Oakridge IT Center 2, OITC 3 is envisioned to redefine the business and leisure landscape of Oakridge Business Park.

The OITC 3 is set for completion by the second quarter of 2019.

The next phase of the company’s developmental plan will include the construction of an atrium connecting both buildings that will showcase an entertainment facility and more dining options.

Small to medium cut spaces

Oakridge’s vision for both 12-story buildings is to continually support companies requiring small to medium cut spaces offering an array of spaces beginning from the smallest 47 square meters up to a full floor plate area of 1,700 sq m. All these options while keeping the rates competitive.

The building expansions are set to reinforce ORDC’s commitment to create a well-balanced work-play environment for its BPO and office clients, while preparing to bring in more retail brands, dining choices, and entertainment and wellness facilities.

Oakridge Business Park is a distinct business address located along A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City.

It features landscaped open areas demonstrating how business and leisure can come together in a balanced space, while complementing its refreshing modern architecture.

GROUNDBREAKING. Oakridge Realty Development Corp. CEO Edmun Liu (center) leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oakridge IT Center 3 building. With him are (from left) Atty. Karen Climaco, ORDC Finance and Legal Director; Mary Lood, ORDC Human Resources Director; Ericson Ong, Mandaue ECO Glass Inc. Owner; Arturo Robles, Quest Air Tech. President; Mike Torres, ArchiGlobal Inc. President; Anne Liu, ORDC Creative Director; Maria Teresa Esquivel, ASEC President; Corazon Ballard, RLB President; Nilo Arribas, ORDC Operations Director; and Estee Plunket, ORDC Sales and Marketing Director.

Distinctly Oakridge

The four-hectare Oakridge Business Park includes the Oakridge IT Centers 1, 2 and 3; office and commercial spaces at Block 88; and food and retail establishments at Oak Tree Drive 1 and 2 catering to the discerning clientele.

The park also caters to two large-scale event venues: the Oakridge Pavilion, a 1,200- square meter premier event location featuring ivory-hued draping, carpeting and glass-enclosed foyer; and the 400-seater Oakridge Horizons that features floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering a panoramic view of the city.

Oakridge Business Park is envisioned to be a sanctuary within the city with refreshing open spaces, diverse dining and lifestyle destinations, personalized opportunities for business and possibilities of every kind of celebration, making it Distinctly Oakridge. (Press Release)

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Lifestyle

Let’s Summer with Havaianas on national Flip-Flops Day

Press Release

March 3, 2018 1:26 pm March 3, 2018

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This year, Havaianas goes beyond looking at summer as just a season where people go to the beach and escape to the most exciting adventures. More than that, it’s transforming…

This year, Havaianas goes beyond looking at summer as just a season where people go to the beach and escape to the most exciting adventures. More than that, it’s transforming summer into an action word, as in “Let’s Summer,” which is the brand’s campaign message. Look at it as an invitation to enjoy the greatest and most fun things that the “coolest” season of the year (irony fully intended!) can offer.

Let Havaianas kick off the “summer-ing” with National Flip-Flops Day, happening on March 3. Join in welcoming the happiest and sunniest season of the year with a day that’s full of offers and treats. Get ready for a major flip-flop haul because Havaianas is giving away a cannot-miss 20% discount on all regular-priced pairs storewide, nationwide, and even sitewide at www.havaianas.ph (plus FREE shipping!) for just one day.

Save the date and make sure to head to selected stores early to cop the limited Havaianas Summer Kit, which is available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. only. To score one, just purchase at least P1,500 worth of Havaianas pairs on March 3 and get the kit for P399. It contains summer-themed temporary tattoos, a dry bag, and a water-resistant travel pouch. It’s a no-brainer: All of these are a must-have for the summer.

But, wait! Havaianas promises more surprises in the coming weekends. The fun continues until March 18 with discounts on women’s sandals, and Aftersport collection on different weekends of the month. At the same time, awesome promos on the Havaianas beach ball, dry bag, and water-resistant travel pouch will be up for grabs at the online store. As the saying goes, “good things come to those who wait,” so stay tuned on when exactly these will happen.

In the meantime, slip into a comfy pair, head over to All Flip-Flops and selected retailers nationwide, and #LetsSummer with Havaianas on March 3 for National Flip-Flops Day! For more info, follow the fun online at Havaianas Philippines in Facebook, and @havaianasphils in Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #NationalFlipFlopsDayPH. (Press Release)

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Business

Consul Antonio Chiu elected new CCCI president

Press Release

March 3, 2018 10:50 am March 3, 2018

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The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) elected a new set of trustees and officials last February 23 at the Summit Galleria Hotel in Cebu City. Antonio Chiu of…

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) elected a new set of trustees and officials last February 23 at the Summit Galleria Hotel in Cebu City.

Antonio Chiu of Nutrivalue Technologies, Inc., the honorary consul of the Slovak Republic, was elected president for the term March 2018 to February 2019. Chiu thanked the trustees for electing him and pledged to continue making the CCCI relevant to the well-being of Cebu’s business community and the province’s economic growth and development.

Melanie Ng, the immediate past president, said she welcomed the election of Chiu, whom she sees leading the CCCI with the new board to greater achievements.

The new board of trustees was sworn into office by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president for the Visayas Samuel Chioson during the joint BOT meeting last February 28 at the Cebu Chamber Center.