Brother Color Inkjet MFCs: Value and reliability for every printing, imaging need

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The wide variety of printers and multi-function centers in the market today makes it harder for people to choose which ones to buy. It is thus best to know which brands can be trusted and which models best suit one’s needs.

Brother International Philippines Corporation (Brother Philippines), a leading provider of home and business IT peripherals here in the Philippines, is one of Filipinos’ most trusted brands for over a decade now. Throughout the years, Brother has brought to Filipino homes and offices reliable and value-for-money machines with the different printing and imaging needs of consumers in mind. For one, Brother introduced to the Philippine market Color Inkjet Multi-function Centers with a wide range of business features, while at the same time offering users greater versatility.

If you are looking to buy a color inkjet printer for either your home or office, the following key information on Brother’s wide array of Inkjet printers and multi-function centres can serve as your guide.

Super High Yield Inkjet Models

Students and other budget-conscious consumers can print photos or presentation charts in Brother’s Inkjet color printers such as the DCP-J200 which has wireless printing and fax functions.

Brother’s entry-level Inkjet multi-function centres (MFCs) that are perfect for students have super high-yield printing and additional functionalities that students can really make use of to excel in their projects.

This range includes the DCP-J100, the DCP-J105 and the MFC-J200 InkBenefit series models that can be had at affordable costs starting at P4,950. 

MFCs combine the functions of a printer, fax machine, scanner, and copier in one powerful device, thereby enabling users to do away with several bulky machines, and instead have a one-stop shop for their printing and imaging needs. Users will definitely get superb value for their money with these Inkjet models’ low unit costs and 2,400 page yield based on standard ISO print speed. Not to mention additional functionalities such as scanning, copying, and wireless connectivity. Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said, “Brother offers machines that suit the needs and budgets of our consumers, as we understand that they prefer practical functionality when it comes to printing and imaging solutions.”

Refill Tank System series for high-volume printing

Brother’s Refill Tank System MFCs like the DCP-T700W is ideal for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) who seek bigger savings. The DCP-T700W has an ADF which can scan and copy legal documents.

Brother’s comprehensive line of Inkjet printers and multi-function centers also got a boost with the recent addition of the revolutionary Refill Tank System MFCs.

The Refill Tank System MFCs that include the DCP-T300, DCP-T500W (with wireless networking capability) as well as DCP-T700W (with wireless networking and ADF for legal size documents) and MFC-T800W (with fax, wireless networking and ADF features) models are ideal for personal users, or business users printing from small office home office (SOHO) who seek bigger savings.

The new Brother Refill Tank System series has low-cost ink bottles with 6,000 page-yield (A4) for black ink, and 5,000 page-yield for the three color ink bottles for only P390. Brother Refill Tank System’s fast print speeds of up to 11 monochrome and 6 color images per minute (based on ISO/IEC 24734), is almost double that of competition’s, and is suited for high print volume users who value efficiency.

Moreover, with paper of up to 100-sheet capacity, users avoid consuming additional time in replenishing paper. Brother Refill Tank System’s smart design also takes the hassle out of ink refilling by simplifying the process while minimizing ink wastage. The new range’s built-in refill tank’s see-through cover at the front also makes it easy for users to check how much ink is left, while freeing up precious desktop space. Ink calibration time with the Brother Refill Tank System is also the fastest in the industry at seven minutes.

“We at Brother always try our best to provide our customers quality printing, while keeping running costs low for them,” said Hocson, “Our new series provides our customers with greater value, reliability and convenience that all translate to generous savings for them.”

All these models are available at Brother’s authorized dealers nationwide. What’s more, they come with a one-year standard warranty, plus a one-year extended warranty (or 30,000 pages, whichever comes first, for the Refill Tank System). All machines are supported as well by Brother Philippines’ Customer Service Center located at the ground floor of Marajo Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Here's the Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses - NIKON 1 J5

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The world's fastest continuous shooting with AF and the world's shortest shooting time lag

Full-scale specifications, including an effective pixel count of 20.8-million pixels, a backside-illumination CMOS image sensor, and the new EXPEED 5A image-processing engine, all in a compact and lightweight body

PHILIPPINES - Nikon Hong Kong LTD. is pleased to announce the release of the new NIKON 1 J5, the latest model in the J series of Nikon 1, Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable lenses, propose new forms of imaging expression.

The NIKON 1 J5 is an extremely portable compact and lightweight camera, a primary characteristic of the Nikon 1 series, with which the world's fastest continuous shooting with AF at up to approximately 20 fps, as well as the world's shortest shooting time lag, have been achieved. It offers moving-subject capturing performance that exceeds that of digital SLR cameras, and even better image quality and operation than ever before.

It has an effective pixel count of 20.8-million pixels, and is equipped with a new backside-illumination CMOS image sensor and the new EXPEED 5A image-processing engine. Improved noise reduction functions enable even better image quality at high sensitivities. In addition, the NIKON 1 J5 supports recording of 4K movies that make ultra high-definition imaging expression possible.

Operation has been improved with a number of features that offer greater support for full-scale photography, including Function (Fn) button, to which a frequently used function can be assigned beforehand, a command dial that allows users to adjust settings while framing images, and a tilting LCD monitor that enables capture of self-portraits.

The NIKON 1 J5 is also equipped with more shooting functions and effects such as seven new Creative modes, which make more varied photography fun and easy, and Glamour Retouch for making faces look attractive after they are captured.

What's more, the NIKON 1 J5 is equipped with an NFC function and a dedicated Wi-Fi button that enable simple connection to a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet, via Wi-Fi connection.

NIKON 1 J5 Primary Features

1. Incredible moving-subject capturing performance that exceeds that of digital SLR cameras

• The world's fastest high-speed continuous shooting with AF at approximately 20 fps, and the world's shortest shooting time lag
• The superior AF performance of the NIKON 1 J5 enables capture of even moving subjects in sharp focus. The world's fastest high-speed continuous shooting with AF at approximately 20 fps and the world's shortest shooting time lag enables certain capture of decisive moments.
• Advanced hybrid AF system features 105 phase-detection AF points that respond quickly and precisely to rapidly changing scenes
• Phase-detection teams with contrast-detect AF for virtually full-frame coverage. Featuring 171 AF points tightly packed over nearly the entire frame, of which 105 are phase-detection points, this system offers superb focus accuracy for any scene.
• Sports mode optimal for photographing moving subjects
• The mode dial on the NIKON 1 J5 offers a Sports mode that makes capturing rapidly moving subjects fun and easy. Choosing Sports mode enables quick adjustment of settings suited to continuous shooting. With playback, each burst or series of images captured in Sports mode plays back as a group, making viewing and confirming images after capture smoother.

2. An effective pixel count of 20.8-million pixels, a new backside-illumination CMOS image sensor, and the new EXPEED 5A image-processing engine achieve even better image quality

• The NIKON 1 J5 offers a backside-illumination structure adopted for the first time in the Nikon 1 series with a newly developed backside-illumination CMOS image sensor.
  This, along with the renowned EXPEED 5A image-processing engine, achieves extremely detailed rendering of images with which noise is effectively suppressed throughout the ISO 160–12800 range of sensitivities. The ISO 6400 (NR) and 12800 (NR) noise reduction functions use very precise processing to combine images with shooting at high sensitivities to acquire photos exhibiting superior image quality with very little noise, even with shooting in dimly lit surroundings or situations. In addition, the noise reduction function used with movie recording has been improved for movies exhibiting superior picture quality in which noise is effectively suppressed. Further, Active D-Lighting, which can now be used with movies, allows users to record movies exhibiting beautiful rendering, even of backlit or high-contrast scenes.

3. Superior operation that supports intuitive, full-scale photography

• An Fn (function) button to which a frequently used function can be assigned
• The NIKON 1 J5 is the first camera in the J series to be equipped with a Function (Fn) button to which a frequently used function can be assigned. This enables immediate access to the assigned function by simply pressing the Fn button during shooting. By assigning a function regularly used to the Function (Fn) button, flexibility of use is significantly increased.
• A command dial that can be used to adjust settings while framing images
• The NIKON 1 J5 is the first camera in the J series to be equipped with a command dial for smooth adjustment of camera settings. It allows users to adjust a variety of settings without looking away from the scene they have framed.
• A tilting LCD monitor and Self-portrait mode convenient for capturing self-portraits
• The camera is equipped with a tilting LCD monitor that not only supports shooting from low and high angles, but also supports capture of self-portraits. When the tilting monitor is reversed for capturing self-portraits, the new Self-portrait mode is automatically enabled with display that allows users to confirm composition and the like while taking photos of themselves.
• A comfortable grip
• The elegant and refined body offers a grip that seems to form to the hand for a firm and steady hold.
• A compact and lightweight body that is both elegant and easy to use
• The NIKON 1 J5 is an elegant camera with an authentic appearance, functional design and mechanical buttons and dials with a metal feel that will make users proud to own. The compact and lightweight body is extremely portable and comfortable to use, even over extended periods of time, supporting hours of reliable shooting enjoyment.

4. Enhanced imaging functions

• Equipped with a function for recording 4K movies
• The NIKON 1 J5 is Nikon's first digital camera to be equipped with a 4K (3840 x 2160/15p) movie-recording function that makes recording beautiful, ultra high-definition movies enjoyable. 4K movies up to ten minutes in length can be recorded.
• Creative modes and Glamour Retouch that makes more varied photography fun and easy
• The NIKON 1 J5 offers seven new Creative modes: Pop, Retro, High-contrast Monochrome, Nostalgic Sepia, Cross Screen, Fisheye, and Skin Softening. In addition, Selective Color and Cross Process modes can now be used with movie recording for more creative movie expression. The NIKON 1 J5 is also equipped with Glamour Retouch that allows users to change or enhance the impressions of faces they have captured. Eight Glamour Retouch effects are available: Skin Softening, Small Face, Big Eyes, Brighten Faces, Hide Eye Bags, Whiten Eyes, Whiten Teeth, and Redden Cheeks.

5. NFC support and a dedicated Wi-Fi button that make transferring images even easier

• The NIKON 1 J5 is equipped with a dedicated Wi-Fi button that makes connecting to a smart device, such as a smartphone or tablet, via Wi- Fi connection even easier. The camera is also equipped with an NFC function that enabled smart device.

BEST Center SBP/Passerelle Tournament 2015 opens

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SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament, the country’s most prestigious interschool basketball competition for kids, kicks off its 30th season this Sunday, July 19, at the Xavier School Fr. Rafael Cortina Gym in Greenhills. The opening ceremony will be attended by Nieto twins, Michael and Matthew, who started their basketball career in Small Basketeers and are now members of Batang Gilas.

Organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training (BEST) Center, this year’s season promises to be another exciting tournament with 600 players from 40 teams participating in the games.

The competition will run for three months with kids 9-11 years old vying for the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) trophy and kids 12-14 years old playing for the Passerelle title. Defending their SBP title is Xavier School, which was the NCR and national champion last year. University of Visayas, meanwhile, will play their all for their Passerelle title.

The SBP participating teams are composed of Xavier School Team A, Xavier School Team B, Ateneo de Manila Team A, Ateneo de Manila Team B, De la Salle Santiago Zobel, La Salle Greenhills Team A, La Salle Greenhills Team B, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, St. Mary;s College, Quezon City; Lourdes School, Quezon City; Marist School, San Beda College Rizal, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

The Passerelle participating teams, meanwhile, include Ateneo de Manila Team A, Ateneo de Manila Team B, Lourdes School Mandaluyong, Xavier School, Adamson University, La Salle Greenhills Team A, La Salle Greenhills Team B, University of Santo Tomas, Nazareth School of NU, Notre Dame of Greater Manila, St May's College, De la Salle Santiago Zobel, San Beda College Rizal, and St. Augustin International School.

Sponsored by Milo and Chris Sports, the SBP/Passerelle Twin Tournament is organized by the BEST Center since 1985 to provide aspiring young players a platform to showcase their basketball skills on a national level, as well as foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating schools, the players and parents.

For more information, please call the BEST Center hotlines 411-6260 or 372-3065, or visit BEST Center Sports Inc. on Facebook.

Celebrating 35 years of producing basketball legends, the Best Center is the pioneer scientific sports clinic in the country and was cited with an Olympism Award by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and installed in the Hall of Fame by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).

LG G4 the Great now available and FREE with SMART Surf Plus Plan 1999

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Keep your online and offline life alive with the LG G4 when you apply for a SMART Postpaid Surf Plus 1999 Plan with NO cash out.

People can now enjoy the most ambitious smartphone to date because it is finally available for FREE through SMART’s Postpaid Surf Plus Plan 1999.

“We want everyone to enjoy our latest innovation and we believe that this can be maximized through our partnership with Smart Communications,” LG Mobile Philippines Vice-President Jay Won said. “For a smartphone, the LG G4 opens a lot of possibilities to see and feel greatness. We believe that partnering with Smart makes these possibilities endless.”

- SMART subscribers can now enjoy the enhanced camera features of the LG G4 for FREE with Surf Plus Plan 1999. 

- Feel like a professional photographer with the LG G4’s 16-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera resolution. 

- Possibilities are endless when taking photos with the LG G4. 

- Running on the latest Android Lollipop OS, the LG G4 lets you be on the go with its powerful 3 GB RAM, 3,000 mAh removable battery, and 32 GB internal memory which is expandable up to 128 GB.

By getting the LG G4 from the leader in mobile, users will be able to live the ‘Smart Life’ and experience entertainment everywhere they go, powered by the huge 9GB of data volume allowance included in the package. With that much data at their disposal, users will be able to watch streaming movies on iflix, witness live sporting events and other FOX channels via the Viewstream Android app,

What’s more is subscribers who avail of the LG G4 with any Smart Postpaid Plan (Plan 799 and up) from July 15 until August 31, 2015 get an Entertainment Bundle worth P299 which gives them 30 days of exclusive access to streaming on iflix and FOX, plus a whole range of other amazing apps.

Smart’s Surf Plus Plans also come with free calls and texts to all networks plus one freebie app that’s interchangeable per month, so users will be able to choose a FREE app depending on their mobile lifestyle: 

- YouTube access or SPINNR music streaming for the Stream-Savvy; 

- Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook access for the Socially Active; 

- LINE, Viber, Whatsapp, or Facebook Messenger for the Chatterbox; 

- Gmail and Yahoo! Mail access for the Work Junkie; 

- Waze navigation for the Street Smart.

SMART users can choose from two LG G4 variants available: brown leather variant and shiny gold metallic variant.

For more details on LG G4’s availability with SMART Postpaid Plans click here: http://store.smart.com.ph/handset/item/1483/

To learn more about LG G4 the Great, visit www.lg.com/ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page; or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

AirAsia and Nikon launch Best Travel Photographer Contest

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Four Filipino contenders to travel around Asia with award-winning photographers; 

Over 200,000 AirAsia BIG Points are up for grabs!

An executive assistant, a front desk agent, a car salesman, and a barista will be stepping out of their comfort zones, and out of the country, as they face the challenges of becoming the first AirAsia Travel Photographer for 2015. Each contestant will be accompanied on his or her one week travel to an assigned destination in Asia by an award-winning photographer and a member of the press.

The #IamAirAsiaTravelPhotographer contest is jointly organized by AirAsia and ThinkDharma Inc. (exclusive distributor of Nikon Digital Cameras) in partnership with AirAsia’s global loyalty programme, BIG which will award winners with over 200,000 BIG Points or its equivalent free flights to any of AirAsia Group’s 100 destinations.

The contestants are Velvet Lagman (executive assistant), Sarah Garcia (front desk agent), Antonio Nepomuceno III (car salesman), and Paul Delfin (barista). The Nikon Pros, who will also serve as photography coaches, are Adam Lee, George Tapan, Raymond Cruz, and Parc Cruz.

(3rd from L-R) AirAsia Photojournalist Adam Lee, contender Velvet Lagman-Macasaet, contender Sarah Garcia, Nikon pro and master photographer George Tapan, Business Unit head of ThinkDharma Paolo Salazar, AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros, Startegic Partnership Head of AirAsia BIG Jenny Au, Senior Marketing Manager of AirAsia BIG Caroline Wong, Nikon pro and photographer Raymond Cruz, contenders TJ Nepomuceno III and Paul Delfin with AirAsia cabin crew in their iconic red uniform at the recent launching of #IamAirAsiaTravelerPhotographer contest in Taguig, Manila.

The four mentors and coaches of the contest, namely:

George Tapan – a self-taught photographer, Tapan served as director of photography of Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Magazine for eight years, won the ASEAN Tourism Association Award in 1999, won the gold prize for Pacific Asia Tourism Association twice, and first place in the Places Category for the National Geographic Photo Contest in 2011.

Christian Raymond Cruz – a graphic designer and one of the pioneers of landscape photography in the Philippines, also a self-taught photographer who spent the last seven years traveling the country and the world to capture the best nature scenery, and spends time sharing his knowledge and experience under the Redefining Vision Landscape Photography Workshops.

Philip Anthonie (Parc) Cruz – started as a hobbyist photographer in 2005, Cruz spent a lot of time tagging along with other photographers until he found his niche – portraits and cinematic shots. He is a privileged part of Nikon’s pool of endorsers and has since traveled around the Philippines and the world while imparting and encouraging other photo hobbyists to develop their creativity through visual images.

Adam Lee – an award-winning portrait and travel photographer who was trained in Los Angeles, he spent the last seven years assisting organizations to use photography as a means to tell stories and build communities. Lee is AirAsia’s resident photographer who contributes a large portion of his work to the airline’s in-flight magazine, marketing and communications, social media and brand management. Lee has won three silver awards and two honorable mentions in the Prix de la Photographie Paris 2014 competition and awarded the 27th ASEANTA Award of Excellence for Best Asean Tourism Photo in 2013.

The selected for the contest , newbie photographers who will partner with the four photography masters are:

Marie Velvet Lagman-Macasaet – Marie is 36-year old an Executive Assistant to the SVP and Country Manager of VXI Global Solutions and mom to a 5-year old boy named Paco. She recently finished a half-marathon and bathing in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) while backpacking in Tokyo. She enjoys hiking, trekking and scuba diving. She is partnered with Coach Adam Lee.

Sarah T. Garcia – Sarah is a Front Office Agent at the Lancaster Hotel n Madaluyong City and loves to eat, love everything extraordinary and loves art. She is partnered with Coach George Tapan.

Paul Vincent Delfin – Paul is a Barista of Starbucks at the Greenbelt 3 branch. He’s into Indie music, loves football and loves long trips. He is an eager photography enthusiast as a form of art. He is partnered with Coach Parc Cruz.

Antonio Nepomuceno III – a marketing professional of Toyota in Taytay, Rizal, he is definitely a car enthusiast who is outgoing and loves the company of people, a necessity for his type of job. He is partnered with Coach Raymond Cruz.

Lucky bloggers will also be traveling with the contestants and photographers for the #IamAirAsiaTravelPhotographer contest among them are  Mae Ilagan from WheninManila who will be traveling to Yogyakarta, Indonesia with Velvet and Adam, Mervin Marasigan of Pinoy Adventurista with team Sarah and George are going to Malaysia, Edel Santiago of Viva Manilena with team TJ and Raymond are going to Bangkok and Winslow Co of Yugatech with team Paul and Parc ( are going to Hong Kong.)

Each team will be traveling around some exotic places in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to help everyone capture their best entries in categories that include landscape, food, portrait, architecture and travel. Winners will be awarded with over 200,000 BIG Points, AirAsia’s global loyalty program, or its equivalent free flights to any of AirAsia’s 100 destinations.

Online voting via www.airasiatravelphotographer.com will be open to the public starting August 20, 2015 with Nikon cameras and BIG Points to be given away to lucky voters. 

The Grand Winner of the Best Travel Photographer Contest will be announced on September 11, 2015.

Netiquette 101

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 5 rules of proper ‘netiquette’

Netiquette 101: Keeping the internet safe and secure is a shared responsibility

The internet is filled with opportunities to explore, create and collaborate. But to make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to keep the web safe and secure. This task is a shared responsibility among every netizen.

Learning internet etiquette or ‘netiquette’ is the first step in helping promote a safe and friendly online environment. When you keep yourself safe and secure online, you minimize the power of cybercrime, which includes identity theft, information theft, and even cyber-bullying.

Here are five key things to remember when navigating the world wide web:

1. Download with caution.

One of the most wonderful things about the internet is the vast amount of content it offers; we can find just about anything online if we look hard enough. While some of the things we come across are so awesome that we want to be able to access them while we’re offline, we have to be cautious when it comes to downloading. Only download from credible and trusted sources.

Sometimes it’s not the things that we find that we have to be careful about, but the things that come to us. Be wary of opening or downloading email attachments even if it’s from someone you know, and especially if it isn’t something you expect to be receiving. Double check that the email address is from the reputable source it may claim to be from and that the content does not look suspicious.

2. Safeguard delicate information. 

There are so many ways our over-sharing can leave us vulnerable to identity or information theft. Aside from creating strong passwords, keep usernames, account numbers, and any sort of information that could be used to verify your identity, safe. Think before you tweet your dog’s name if it’s a security question on any of your accounts—or better yet, opt for more reliable methods of authentication, such as 2-step verification codes or back-up email addresses.

3. Don’t contribute to spreading false or hurtful information. 

We’ve all fallen victim to believing—or at least coming close to believing—a viral hoax. Just as gossip or juicy stories spread like wildfire offline, it can do so at an even greater scale online. And it doesn’t have to be hurtful to be harmful, either. Employ a healthy skepticism with anything you hear or see online, and do some fact checking before you share.

4. Act courteously, even in anonymity. 

Remember, the Golden Rule or the universal ethical code to ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’ also applies on the Internet. Be kind and courteous. The use of tormenting, harassing or humiliating language are as real and as damaging online as they are face-to-face. Appropriate language is not only necessary in formal letters, but also in day-to-day chatsa on social media.

5. Flag or report inappropriate content. 

Online communities often rely on users to generate content and flag ones that violate community guidelines. In the case of YouTube—with more than 300 hours of videos being uploaded every minute—flagging or reporting questionable content is invaluable to preserving it as a safe and enjoyable resource, just as in most online communities. If you come across content that you think shouldn’t be there, report it.

These are only the basics of proper netiquette. The Internet is always evolving, so it’s important to maintain an up-to-date understanding of how to stay safe and secure online. Share these five rules of netiquette with your friends and family to help promote an enjoyable and useful Internet for all.

If you are interested in taking a more active role as a positive force online, look up Google’s Web Rangers program on https://www.webrangers.ph.

Education starts at home

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Children lack access to decent education when they lack access to decent home.

Access to proper education has recently been hampered due to various socio-economic factors, such as lack of proper healthcare, job opportunities for parents and notably, adequate housing. 

In the Philippines, more than four million families live in unsafe, unsanitary and unhealthy places which they call ‘home’, hindering the learning environment of the children living in these conditions.

The Urban Institute (2012) states, “High-quality, affordable housing, located in safe neighbourhoods can go beyond providing basic shelter and stability, and can help provide a stable environment where children access high-performing schools, learn, and succeed academically.”

According to Rothstein (2013), a child who lives in inadequate housing, has limited ability to enrich themselves, stunting their growth and development in their crucial formative years. It takes a direct toll on the child’s capacity to develop and fully realize the skill sets and potential they possess.

Consequently, these children are more likely to become exposed to violence, crime and drug abuse, further postponing their development (Urban Institute, 2012). 

The case of youth offenders has increased and continues to as the Philippine National Police found an 18% increase in juvenile crimes reported, in 2008.

“Children have the right to have a healthy home and neighbourhood which provides them a sound learning environment – where learning is easy, and cherished. If we focus on giving children the decent homes they not only deserve, but have the right to, our future will be prosperous,” says Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

School provides our children the knowledge to equip the next generation, but without the environment to foster that knowledge, they are unable to apply these lessons to their lives.

A home is more than just four walls and a roof. It is where children develop into the best versions of themselves. 

“Together, let’s build a world where every child has a decent place to live, and study,” says Ayco.

The Back-To-School campaign’s aim is to help generate funds in order for Habitat for Humanity Philippines to provide adequate means of living such as a home for families. Children of these families have every right to study in a conducive environment to be able to reach for their hopes and dreams. Give millions of children the opportunity to improve their lives and support Habitat’s Back-To-School campaign.

Kindly link the “Donate Now” button to this link: http://bit.ly/DonateToHabitat

SM Mega Fashion Hall sweeps top accolades at Philippine Property Awards

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Receiving the awards in behalf of the company were (from L-R) Mr. Christian V. Mathay, AVP for Operations, SM Supermalls; Ms. Anna Maria S. Garcia, President, SM Supermalls; Arch. Fides G. Hsu, Vice-President of Engineering, Design & Development (EDD) Design; Mr. Timothy Albert Go, Regional Manager of EDD Design; and Mr. Luis Enrique T. Manosing, CEO of Metro Development Management, Inc.

The Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall led the SM Group for excellence in the shopping and retail industry, bagging two key awards during the 2015 Philippine Property Awards held recently at Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The global lifestyle hub received the Best Retail Development and Best Retail Architectural Design awards, with SM Prime Holdings getting the top honor as the Best Developer Award.

Launched only in January last year, the SM Mega Fashion Hall brought to the Philippines imported brands from all over the globe, housing them in a sleek and modern building to complete a world-class shopping experience. The five-storey shopping center boasts of a wide selection global brands that found its way to Philippine shores.

Home to the flagship stores of the world’s most popular fashion brands, H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and the furniture power house, Crate & Barrel.

Mega fashion Hall brings together exciting dining concepts, HongKong’s Michelin-star dimsum restaurant, Tim Ho Wan, the first St. Marc Café of Tokyo, gyoza specialist Osaka Ohsho and the most awaited ramen restaurant, Ippudo.

SM Group affiliates likewise garnered several commendations that include Best Landscape Architectural Design and Best Affordable Condo Development for Metro Manila for SMDC; and Best Office Development, Best Architectural Design, and Best Commercial Development for BDO.

The Philippine Property Awards is part of the Asia Property Awards series, which recognizes the best of Asia’s real estate, and has become a respected standard in the industry.

Excellence is in the details - Walk down memory lane so vividly and clearly with LG’s Super ULTRA HD TV series

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Is it possible to go back through time? Maybe not, but what’s possible is to relive memories so vividly and clearly—it’s as if you’re experiencing these moments live all over again.

A young man discovers this and watches a memory from his wedding day come alive with none other than LG’s Super Ultra High-Definition 4K TV.

Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/GreaterDetails

LG’s Super UHD TV’s lets viewers see greater details than ever before, boasting of premium Tru-4K Engine Pro technology which allows image upscaling to near 4K quality, as well as the latest in IPS screen technology for true-to-life vibrant image viewing pleasure. With LG’s latest TV series, they bring about TV viewing experience in a whole new way.

To learn more about LG SUPER UHD TV lineup, visit www.LG.com/ph;

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just keyword search “LG Philippines”.

Azkals - Uzbekistan match on September 8 at the Phil. Sports Stadium

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Photo Courtesy: Anton Sheker/football.com.ph

The Philippine Azkals will face a hardened and experienced Uzbekistan squad on Sept. 8, a game that would test the mettle of the newly-minted and strongest ever roster of overseas- and local-based professional footballers. 

“We need the support of Filipino football enthusiasts and even non-football fans to fill up the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan, and applaud and inspire our players to give their best for the country,” Team Manager Dan Palami said.

Opened on July 21 last year, the world class Philippine Sports Stadium is the newest and largest stadium in the Philippines with a maximum football seating capacity of 20,000. Located within a tourism enterprise zone in Bocaue, it is bordered by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) itself and easily accessible by private or public transport. Travel time is less than an hour from most parts of Metro Manila as the site is just after Marilao and before Bocaue with direct access exit along NLEX.

Holding the game at the Philippine Sports Stadium will also allow spectators to experience first class facilities and ultra modern surroundings and see the 103 x 68 meters football field with natural grass surface, he said.

The much-awaited match, which is part of the Asian qualifiers of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starts at 8 p.m., giving football aficionados and non-aficionados enough time to catch the first kick.

“There’s no better way to push our Azkals to play at the top of their game, score goals and impose a high-pressure defense on the opponents than the thunderous applause, encouraging shouts of fans and electric atmosphere in the stadium,” Coach Tom Dooley said.

He said Uzbekistan, which ranks 75th in the recent FIFA rankings and the highest ranked team in its group, is a formidable opponent and has been burnishing its credentials as genuine title contenders in Asia. The Uzbeks have a good showing in the tough Asian Cup with back-to-back quarter-final appearances in 2004 and 2007 and a fourth place finish in Qatar in 2011.

Talking about determination to make it to the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Uzbekistan has lots of it since host Russia is just next door and it wants nothing short of qualification for its first ever World Cup.

The Azkals, on the other hand, are ranked 124th, so far their highest place in the history of the FIFA rankings. They also dislodged Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand (140th) and Vietnam (143rd) in the recent rankings.

“The team is very motivated to end the qualifying round at the top of the group to be able to move a step closer to the World Cup. It’s an uphill goal but we will do our best to achieve it,” Palami said. Landing as one of the four best second place finishers in the qualifying round will likewise enable the team to make the cut to the next round of the World Cup. 

He believed that the team has assembled the strongest Azkals roster ever with the addition of highly experienced Filipinos playing abroad and some returnees.

The good showing of the Azkals in their first two outings indicated the impressive line-up is living up to its billings. The Azkals defeated Bahrain for the first time, 2-1, at home last June 11 then thrashed Yemen, 2-0, on the road last June 16. A win against Uzbekistan on September 8 will help advance the team to the next round in the World Cup qualifiers and also book an automatic slot in the next AFC Asian Cup.

Tickets for the Azkals vs. Uzbekistan game to be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on September 8, 2015 are now available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.  

Tickets are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3. 

DepEd: 2015 budget not discretionary

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has been cited by former Senator Panfilo Lacson as one of the agencies with the highest lumpsum or discretionary budgets under the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

While the Honorable Senator did not enumerate the details of the PhP80.7 billion lumpsum budget attributed to DepEd, he may have been referring to aggregate amounts that are not discretionary in nature, but are intended for specific expenditures. Such funds include the construction of classrooms for the Senior High School (SHS) program, school repairs and other infrastructure needs (PhP36.9 billion), the budget for salaries of new teachers to be hired and other personnel requirements of the Department (PhP25.6 billion), the conduct of a school based feeding program for undernourished children (PhP2.4 billion), and the training of teachers on the enhanced K to 12 curriculum (PhP2.0 billion).

These budgets have been derived based on actual need and plans prepared by schools and DepEd’s field offices, especially in relation to the implementation of the SHS program. In the case of the SHS construction budget, the schools have already been identified and construction programs for these schools have been defined. The list of SHS schools with programmed classroom construction is available on the DepEd website.

The DepEd maintains that these budgets are not discretionary and shall be used only for these intended purposes and actual need. 

Ladies in Levi’s

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The latest addition to Levi’s denim collection is inspired by the idea that “behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans

In its continuous bid to provide the perfect denim pants for people of all ages, Levi’s Philippines is launching its newest women’s denim collection on July 31 at the Valkyrie Nightclub. In line with the event, the global brand is looking for ladies who represent the best of Asian women.

The search, titled “Cast Me Levi’s,” aims to find talented and accomplished women who have been loyal Levi’s lovers through the years.

If you aspire to be a Lady in Levi’s, all you have to do is share your most memorable story about your best-loved pair of Levi’s jeans and get a chance to walk the runway wearing the brand’s newest collection.

You can be one of the next Ladies in Levi’s by sharing your story with Levi’s Philippines.

With the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation while boasting the quality it has always been known for, Levi’s created a perfectly tailored and trendy new collection that keeps up with the lifestyles of modern women.

“Through the years, Levi’s has mastered the art of denim wear and every Levi’s lover out there knows that. This year, we want everyone to know, especially all ladies out there, that we have the perfect jeans no matter who you are,” said Kaths Laudit, Levi’s Philippines Marketing Head.

“Whether you are a model, a young professional, or even a full-time mom, you need a pair of jeans that fits you perfectly. And for sure, Levi’s has something for you,” she added.

To join, follow @levis_ph on Instagram and like Levi’sPH on Facebook. Then share your most memorable story with your favorite pair of Levi’s jean and upload it on Instagram and tag @levis_ph with the hashtags #LeviInLevisPH and #LadiesInLevis.

“We want to know all about their journey with Levi’s, especially those times when they accomplished great things with it,” Laudit explained.

Levi’s Philippines is launching THE NEW WOMEN’S DENIM COLLECTION on July 31

The top six ladies will be picked and styled by the fashion industry’s best.

“They will represent modern women who are bold, outgoing, and empowered. Wearing Levi’s affords them supreme comfort and enormous confidence, making them stand out,” Laudit affirmed.

Boasting the quality it has always been known for while continuing to innovate, Levi’s created a new collection that is perfectly tailored to fit the needs of the modern Asian women.

The latest addition to Levi’s denim collection is inspired by the idea that “behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans.”

These new jeans are especially made for Asian women, designed and crafted with slimmer thigh, flattering leg and contoured seat for a little lift.

From the brand that invented the original Blue Jean, the Levi’s new collection is modern, feminine and sexy. Special attention was put in to each and every pair of jeans to flatter her body and shape. Different approaches are taken depending on the fit and overall design of the garment.

With the collection’s latest fit and fabric technology, the new denim pants for women will serve multiple body types perfectly.

To make the launch event on July 31 more spectacular, Asian superstar and F4 alum, Vanness Wu, will give a hot performance even as Levi’s newest jeans for modern women are expected to sizzle on the runway.

The deadline of entries for “Cast Me Levi’s” is on July 24. For more details, visit any Original Levi’s Store or check out its Facebook page.

The search for new Levi’s ladies aims to find talented and accomplished women who have been loyal Levi’s lovers through the years.

 From the brand that invented the original Blue Jean, Levi’s new collection is modern, feminine and sexy.

Levi’s newest collection has the latest fit and fabric technology, which makes the new denim pants perfect for different body types. 

Flyvr is taking the Philippines into a new culinary adventure

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Flyvr.co wants to make the yummy food in home kitchens around the country accessible to everyone with a click of a button. 

Flyvr.co, which started as a dream by hungry techies to have homemade food delivered to their house, has grown into a global platform for listing and discovering home cooked meal with a surge of home chefs and users signing up.

After a month of closed beta and an exciting response, Flyvr.co is now officially launching in The Philippines with an aim to connect home chefs with foodies in their locality.Users can easily browse through the website and find homemade food in their area. 

While in closed beta, Flyvr.co was able to get home chefs around the country excited about the possibilities with over 150 expert home chefs signing up in a month and posting their yummy homemade creations. 

With safety features and screening process, Flyvr.co ensures the website offers authentic flavors from real home chefs in Philippines so the foodies get an amazing and safe dining experience.

Flyvr.co is also collaborating with culinary schools in the country to provide opportunity to aspiring home chefs.

Of the company’s response in The Philippines The CEO Asra says:

‘We’re excited to see the response of our chefs from the Philippines and we look forward to growing our community of foodies and chefs in the market.” 

About Flyvr 

Flyvr is a website for listing and discovering home cooked meal. Founded by CEO Asra Nadeem, Flyvr.co is currently available in the UAE and Philippines. 

For more information go to Flyvr.co , Facebook , and Twitter .

Essilor supports Philippine ambassadors of this year’s Social Impact Summit

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Essilor Vision Foundation has joined non-profit humanitarian organization Special Olympics in support of the country’s chosen ambassadors Sashi Montana (fifth from left) and Brina Maxino (sixth from left) in this year’s Social Impact Summit, a six-day summit designed to generate critical change around pressing issues facing people with intellectual disabilities.

The delegates recently visited Essilor’s Manila office to meet with executives of the brand and discuss activities for the upcoming event.

Photo shows (from left): Special Olympics-Philippines Head Coach Kaye Samson, Essilor Philippines General Manager Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor Vision Foundation Director of Communications Laura Viscovich, Essilor Vision Foundation ASEAN Head Yvonne Siow, Special Olympics International Director of Operations for Asia Pacific Simon Koh, Essilor Philippines Marketing Manager Jinky Navo and Essilor Philippines General Manager-Commercial Dr. Kyle Galias

Vanness Wu in the Philippines this July for the latest Levi's Jeans collections

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Vanness Wu is coming here in the Philippines this July. 

Fresh from his successful stint as a judge in Asia’s Got Talent, Asian superstar Vanness Wu is coming to the Philippines to headline the launch of jeans brand Levi’s newest collection at the Valkyrie Nightclub on July 31.

Wu starred as Mei Zuo (美作), one of the F4 members, in the Taiwanese drama series Meteor Garden. At the conclusion of the series, they continued to perform together and released three studio albums as the boy band F4.

Besides directing, producing, acting, and singing, Wu is also the creator/designer of his own jewelry line 3.V.O.7.

Wu will give a heated performance during the fashion show where the hottest jeans for modern women will sizzle on the runway.

“Levi’s is very excited to welcome Vanness Wu to the Philippines. He will be the special guest during the launch of our latest jeans for women. It’s our way of thanking loyal fans who have been patronizing the brand for years,” said Kaths Laudit, the marketing head of the apparel label.

Marked by years of consistently superior quality while embracing new trends, global apparel brand Levi’s is launching the New Women’s Denim Collection to cater to the demands of the growing fashion market in the country.

The new addition to Levi’s great denim collection was carefully tailored to suit the requirements of modern Asian women, reflecting its belief that behind every woman is a great pair of jeans.

“Levi’s continues to innovate and provide the perfect jeans for everyone—no matter who you are and what you do. We ensure that our products are trendy while keeping the quality that Levi’s is known for,” Laudit said.

A special promotion for tickets to Wu’s special guesting is now ongoing at all Levi’s store.

If you want to see Levi’s newest collection and witness a special performance from Vanness Wu, all you have to do is have a minimum purchase of P3, 999.50 from any Levi’s store and get a ticket to Levi’s event.

The promo, which runs from July 1 to 31, is available at all Original Levi’s stores nationwide and is applicable to regular priced items only.

Vivere Hotel & Resorts - The Nest Dining in the Sky turns 2

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As The Nest Dining in the Sky turns 2 this month, welcome July with laughter and merriment with friends & family whilst basking in a skyline panoramic view of the south. 

After all, it’s always better when we are 2gether.

Pose and post your best photo 2gether with anyone from The Nest team from July 1 to 29 and get the chance to be one of the two lucky winners of Php2, 000 worth of Food & Beverage gift certificates at The Nest Dining in the Sky. And as a token of appreciation of their support, a special surprise awaits those who will follow, tag and use the hashtag #TheNestTurns2 on the same day that the photo is taken. Winners of the gift certificates will be announced on July 29 through social media. 

The Nest Dining in the Sky is located at Vivere Hotel & Resorts’ 31st floor at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang Muntinlupa City 1781 Philippines. 

For inquiries and reservations:

Log on to www.viverehotel.com.ph or call 771-7777.

Like and Follow @thenestalabang for regular updates.

This July on Discovery Channel

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Fans’ favorites and brand new faces will be featured all month-long on Discovery Channel! From round-the-clock adrenaline with Joel Lambert, daily marine wonders in Shark Week to gold hunters and a celebration of the Lion City’s 50th birthday – you are sure to have a grand time tuning in to Discovery Channel this July!

MANHUNT WITH JOEL LAMBERT S2 returns with an adrenaline-fueled new season. This time, the adversaries determined to outsmart former U.S. Navy SEAL Joel Lambert in an extreme version of hide-and-seek include indigenous hunters and animals – all equipped with specialized hunting and tracking skills. How will Joel’s military background measure up against traditional hunting methods, such as the centuries-old tribal techniques of Mongolia’s nomadic hunters and New Zealand’s Maori warriors, or the keen noses of bloodhounds? Manhunt with Joel Lambert Season 2 premieres July 7, Tuesdays, 8PM on Discovery Channel.

Heralded as television's longest running must-see annual TV event, SHARK WEEK returns this July with a myriad of shark-themed programs that promises to keep viewers and shark aficionados glued to the edge of their seats! Catch these programs starting July 13 until July 19 at 9 PM: Island of the Mega Shark, Ninja Sharks, Return of the Great White Serial Killer, Bride of Jaws, Tiburones: The Sharks of Cuba, Sharks of the Shadowland, and Super Predator.

And what better way to close off the month than to have a series of documentaries that captures the unique beauty that is Singapore? To mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, “Singapore Stories” features five documentaries made by Singaporean filmmakers under the guidance of Discovery Channel. Showcasing unique stories that capture Singapore’s DNA, these documentaries pay tribute to the enduring Singapore spirit, people, innovations, culture and history. SINGAPORE STORIES premieres July 16, Thursdays at 10 PM on Discovery Channel.

NEWS from Discovery Channel 

Jawsome July Returns With Shark Week On Discovery 

- 2014’s Shark Week set ratings high in Singapore and the Philippines among viewers aged 25 to 54 -

SHARK WEEK, one of the longest running and most anticipated television events, returns to Discovery Channel on Monday, July 13 at 9pm (PH).

Last year’s Shark Week netted record high ratings in the Philippines since 2009, and the highest viewership in Singapore over the last ten years since 2005, among viewers aged 25 to 54. From Return of the Great White Serial Killer, to Bride of Jaws and Ninja Sharks, SHARK WEEK is set to be even more jawsome this year!

SHARK WEEK 2015 PROGRAMME SYNOPSIS 

ISLAND OF THE MEGA SHARK 

Premieres Monday, 13 July at 9pm (PH) 

Shark experts Jeff Kurr, Andy Casagrande and Dickie Chivell travel to the volcanic Pacific island of Guadalupe, to search for one of the largest great white sharks ever recorded with new technologies and innovative methods. 

NINJA SHARKS 

Premieres Tuesday, 14 July at 9pm (PH) 

Researchers explore six sharks with unique adaptations that have evolved over millions of years, making them the most lethal hunters in the sea. 

RETURN OF THE GREAT WHITE SERIAL KILLER

Premieres Wednesday, 15 July at 9pm (PH) 

Return of the Great White Serial Killer seeks to find answers for a series of Great White shark attacks that have occurred with clocklike precision at the same beach, in the same month, every two years. The location is Surf Beach, CA and the last two attacks in 2010 and 2012 both resulted in fatalities. According to this schedule, the next attack would occur in October 2014. Shark expert Ralph Collier and Brandon McMillian seek answers to the main questions in this case – is the same shark responsible for the previous attacks, will there be more attacks, and why? 

BRIDE OF JAWS 

Premieres Thursday, 16 July at 10pm (SG/ MY) 9pm (PH) 

Researchers and scientists will search for Joan of Shark, the largest female great white shark ever tagged. 

TIBURONES: THE SHARKS OF CUBA

Premieres Friday, 17 July at 9pm (PH) 

70 years ago, what is believed to be the largest shark ever caught in the world was landed off the Cuban coast, a 21-foot Great White named "El Monstruo." Tiburones: The Sharks of Cuba marks a first ever for SHARK WEEK; an expedition in Cuba that unites American and Cuban scientists in an attempt to answer the question: do large sharks still exist in this relatively unexplored area of the world? Filmmaker Ian Shive and a team of shark researchers headed to Havana earlier this year in an attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding El Monstruo while simultaneously conducting a massive expedition to the north and south coasts of Cuba, including areas previously unexplored. Shive and his team for the first time ever satellite tag sharks in Cuba including a rare species of shark. 

SHARKS OF THE SHADOWLAND

Premieres Saturday, 18 July at 9pm (PH) 

In Sharks of the Shadowland, divers in New Zealand for the very first time tag a Sevengill Shark as they are charged with protecting and saving a pristine underwater environment, home to this species of shark that has seven gills vs. five. The Sevengill shark remains somewhat of a mystery and a team of shark experts are on a mission to find out how they hunt and more importantly how to better understand their behaviors and prevent shark attacks. 

SUPER PREDATOR 

Premieres Sunday, 19 July at 9pm (PH) 

One of New Zealand’s deep sea trenches is explored in search for a super predator large enough to take on a great white shark.