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September 24, 2016

Beyond the Vial: A Social Value Business Model For Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengue Vaccine

Dengue is a serious and complex disease. Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. The mosquitos that transmit dengue indiscriminately pass the disease amongst people of all ages and socio-economic levels. Aedes aegypti has been identified as the main dengue-carrying culprit, biting between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Another one is Aedes albopictus, has been discovered to have peak biting hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. In tandem, these mosquito strains now make dengue a round-the-clock concern.

Dengue is a major public health priority. Dengue vaccination is a critical addition to the integrated disease prevention efforts needed to more effectively manage dengue burden. The tide of dengue could be better controlled through enhanced international collaborations in public health, and an innovative social business model with a vaccine at its core.


What's the best line of defense against dengue? About half of the world’s population lives in areas where dengue is endemic, and millions suffer its seemingly bone-breaking pain and severe fevers, each year. 

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi,  is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Sanofi discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs.

Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur and Professor Tikki Pang from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (2012 ) and at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland as Director of its Research Policy & Cooperation department (1999-2012)


A media round table talks las September 20, 2016 held at The New World Hotel with with Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur as she talks about Combatting Dengue with World's First Vaccine: From Innovation to Implementation and Professor Tikki Pang explains health Impact and value of dengue vaccination.

It was twenty years ago when the global healthcare leader, Sanofi Pasteur identified the potential scale of the dengue problem at its early stages, and began to put in place a set of innovative scientific and industrial solutions. In 2015, the dengue vaccine received its first market approvals. 

In July 2016, after more than two years of review processes and inputs from clinical trial data and from top global dengue and infectious diseases experts, the World Health Organization issued its recommendation that countries where the dengue burden is high should consider vaccine introduction as part of integrated dengue prevention and control measures.As of September 14th 2016, the vaccine was licensed in 9 endemic countries in Asia and Latin America and public immunization programs are underway in Brazil and the Philippines, while the vaccine is also available on the private markets in those countries as well as in Mexico and El Salvador. 

The story behind the vaccine is one of hard-earned research and development – but you’ve heard that story before. This story goes beyond the vial, as well: It’s about a new, social value business model that Sanofi Pasteur has built in collaboration with dengue-endemic countries and global health institutions. In time, it can help control dengue. But as importantly, it can help to support better healthcare outcomes in emerging markets by accelerating access to needed innovations. 


When Sanofi Pasteur first identified a viable dengue vaccine candidate, we saw the opportunity todevelop a health solution specifically for the countries where the dengue burden is highest. We wanted to make sure that people who lived in grip of dengue’s threat were the people for whom the vaccine is designed and delivered primarily. It sounds simple enough but in traditional pharmaceutical business models, this is often not the case. More often than not, travelers and other select groups of individuals from high-income countries have access to new preventive tools against tropical diseases first, at a premium, before these solutions are made available, often as many as 10 years later, in less rich economies, even if this is where the disease burden is heaviest. 


Our faith in this“flipping the model” approach was inspired by the scale of the dengue problem. Vaccines are widely considered among the most effective healthcare interventions against infectious diseases. They often confer protection against a disease that extends beyond the vaccinated to also the unvaccinated population. Given dengue’s massive spread, a vaccine could help national authorities in dengue-endemic countries achieve WHO 2020 objectives for dengue reductions in mortality (50%) and morbidity (25%) if it is implemented in large-scale public health programs1. 

We anticipated this, and began building robust public health collaborations and industrial resources essential to success. The global clinical development program of the vaccine included 40,000 participants in 15 countries across Asia and Latin America.  We invested in extensive skills training for healthcare personnel, upgraded healthcare facilities and increased prevention and education efforts. We captured new scientific insights into dengue epidemiology and transmission which is shared with host governments. In parallel, Sanofi Pasteur built a dedicated dengue-vaccine production facility that will allow large and cost-effective supply to support optimal uptake of the vaccine as needed around the world. 

Successful implementation of dengue vaccination programs can help governments in dengue-endemic countries to take control over the disease. Mathematical modeling of the vaccine’s impact indicate that if countries take up broad public vaccination programs in highly dengue-endemic countries like those that participated in the Phase III development of the vaccine, vaccination can help cut the burden of disease in half over five years. Healthcare systems’ loads can be lightened and they can attract further outside public health investment with demonstrated program results. Successful vaccination programs therefore have the potential to be catalysts for social and economic progress. Today, states like Paraná in Brazil are taking up the lead in this effort. Public program introduction of the dengue vaccine in Mexico has been recommended by CONAVA, that country’s National Vaccination Council. Countries like these that have participated in the clinical development of the vaccine can see the value in the entire process as well as in the potential future results. 

At Sanofi Pasteur, we welcome enhanced support and investment in the robust public-private collaborations that ensure broad reach for innovative health solutions like the dengue vaccine. Working together to establish balanced trust and long-term commitment to new ways of bringing innovation to people is critical to unlocking innovative business models’ fullest potential for improving public health worldwide.

Dengvaxia is the first vaccine licensed for the prevention of dengue in the world. The vaccine is produced in a dedicated production site in France with planned full-scale production capacity of 100 million vaccine doses annually. 

Additional information about Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine is available on the web at www.dengue.info


TP presents “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw” by William Shakespeare


TANGHALANG PILIPINO (TP) presents  William Shakespeare's “Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw” traslated by Rolando Tinio and will be on September 30 to October 16, 2016

William Shakespeare’s PANGARAP SA ISANG GABI NG GITNANG TAG-ARAW (Midsummer Night’s Dream) in a Reimagined, Provocative Staging 

Carlos Siguion-Reyna, director of TP production “Walang Sugat” and known for his films “Azucena,” “Kahapong May Dalawang Bata,” and “Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya,” brings his thought-provoking creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s Pangarap Sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw (Midsummer Night’s Dream) translated by national artist Rolando Tinio for a limited three-weekend run from September 30 to October 16, 2016.

Presented by Tanghalang Pilipino, the company behind “Mabining Mandirigma,” “Zsazsa Zaturnah,” and “Himala The Musical,” the production’s strong cast will be led by Audie Gemora, Liesl Batucan, Teroy Guzman, Skyzx Labastilla, Richard Cunanan, Kristofer Kliatchko, Rafa Siguion-Reyna and Jackie Lou Blanco, with the Tanghalang Pilipino Actors’ Company.

We experience a juxtaposition of two worlds—Athens, the home of the powers-that-be, all rigid and structured vis-à-vis the home of the enchanting creatures, the forest, a place where unbridled passions run free. The double entendre of Shakespeare's comedies lends itself to bouts of mild sexual humor. “The rich text from both Shakespeare and Tinio has allowed us to use a mishmash of English and Tagalog – using these two languages to reflect the conflict between order that has gone fascist and the idea of passion gone chaotic,” says Siguion-Reyna. There is a study of contrasts: ‘fakery vs. authenticity,’ ‘reason and sanity vs. emotional lunacy,’ and ‘ego vs. evil’ among the revolving theme of the play. Siguion-Reyna shares, “We’re going with that kind of schizophrenia and it’s coming out organically.”



THEME and MOOD

“Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw is not a whimsical story for me. It’s not about harmless fairies having fun, nor a Victorian-setting / Peter Pan type of story. There are lots of dark elements in this play. We went for thematic manifestations and the suggestion of fascism and passion instead of constricting the play to a certain period. In fact, I even thought about setting it in a mental hospital, a 19th century Spanish precolonial period, traditional Philippine mythology, or a totalitarian state – but that was reducing the play. ,” shares Siguion-Reyna.


SETTING

Siguion-Reyna continues, “We are keeping the woods – its sense of wonder and magic in the woods’ acts.” The foggy woods bring that certain kind of lunacy distinctly found in Midsummer’s Night’s Dream and its otherworldness. “This allows the audience to analyze the play – which is abstract enough and open to interpretation. They can read the circumstance that’s relevant to themselves – politically or from another point of history.” See what the woods are in your life; what the court is in your own life. With costumes not period specific, this play crosses time and culture. It’s a think piece that allows your imagination to run wild. “It’s very liberating.”


CHARACTERS

Theseus is the force of order in the first place, bringing that cold, sterile feeling. Puck and Oberon will do anything to enforce certain magic. Free-spirited Puck is an assemblance of the courtlife. In the woods, the characters are unpredictable in what they will do.


CAST 

“I went into rehearsals as if the two great playwrights, Shakespeare and Tinio, were in the room with me. I had so much fun exploring this play with the cast and I’m enjoying the fact that I can’t fully grasp the entirety of the play. We’re finding it out together. Here, we are exploring the roles of men and women, and sexual and gender politics, among others. I’m working with a great cast,” Siguion-Reyna fondly shares.


WHAT TO EXPECT

Between the horror and the comedy, the mix results in to a provocative staging where you can find yourself in your very own “woods,” a place filled with uncertainty, magic and wonder - anything can happen there; and when you come out of the woods, how does it change you?

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw opens on September 30, 2016, 630pm at the Tanghalang “Watch Pangarap and experience virtual love, rejection, and emotional transformation,” invites TP artistic director Nanding Josef. 

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation, follows one of Shakespeare’s most controversial works. 

Notable members of the Artistic Staff are: Rody Vera (Dramaturg), Toym Imao (Set Designer), John Batalla (Lights Designer), TJ Ramos (Sound Designer), and James Reyes (Costume Designer). 

Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on these dates and times: 
September 30, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM  
October 1, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 
October 2, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 
October 7, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM 
October 8, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 
October 9, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 
October 14, 2016 (Friday) – 8PM 
October 15, 2016 (Saturday) – 3PM & 8PM 
October 16, 2016 (Sunday) – 3PM 

For more information, contact Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc. at (02) 832-1125 loc. 1620/1621| Direct line: (02) 822 6920 |Lorelei Celestino: (02) 915 607 2275 

September 23, 2016

Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the newest brand ambassadors of Platinum’s Alpha Mic Karaoke

Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards

Platinum Karaoke goes to the Next Level! 

Speaking of going to the next level, no one comes close to being most deserving of being introduced as the newest brand ambassadors of Platinum’s Alpha Mic Karaoke than the hottest and most sought after tandem in the country – Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, better known as “ALDUB.” 

Like the Platinum’s Alpha Mic Karaoke, both embody an element of wholesome fun and entertainment with a vibe that’s fresh and pulsating.


Makers of high quality and high definition karaoke machines and accessories perfect for every home, Platinum Karaoke, has soared to the NEXT LEVEL with the launch of its new and exciting product – the Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke, a major game changer in the karaoke industry.


Platinum Alpha is a portable karaoke that boasts of unique features, which will definitely bring one’s karaoke experience to a whole new level. It comes with full HD capabilities that promise superb video and high fidelity sound output quality.

Being a 24Gb multimedia console, you can store and watch your favorite movies and listen to your well-loved collection of songs.


It is developed as a Smart Karaoke that features browsing and surfing the net, and sharing your phone’s display on the big screen, which makes the Alpha Mic Karaoke an all-in-one entertainment package. What’s more, it’s portable and convenient to set up so you can enjoy your karaoke bonding moments may it be outdoors, in picnics, at the beach or even road trips!

It is also the first ever karaoke unit that can be bank-powered or via USB port. And with over 17,000 collection of OPM and English songs, and 100 new song updates monthly, what more can you ask for?

“Platinum Karaoke knows that Alden and Maine embody the same personality and vibe of the new Alpha Mic,” quipped Ruth Ana Bautista, Platinum's assistant marketing manager.
“Aside from that, both of them are also known to strengthen bonding relationships, having strong ties with their respective families, and attesting that karaoke is a big part of their momentous family bondings.”
And just like the Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke, ALDUB is a truly a game changer. They are the phenomenal love team that rocked afternoon television’s audience – nothing like anyone has ever seen and experienced before. Their tandem is organic, fresh, believable and full of life.

This is what continuously endears them to their fans.

After the anniversary of their famous characters and the launch of their first movie together, Alden and Maine are set to reach a whole new level in their careers – next level as they would say. They are still set to go to new heights and who knows, to a new level in their "love team" relationship.

Platinum Karaoke, is definitely ready for the next level as together with Alden and Maine , it brings music to life and life to music!


And with thousands of songs more than what its competitors provide in the market, top brass sound quality and convenience, and with their array of innovative and revolutionary products made available locally and globally, there is definitely no other choice for these two amazing and inspiring performers.

Platinum Karaoke is available in all leading music stores nationwide.

For more information or online orders, please visit www.platinumkaraoke.ph, like The PlatinumKaraoke in Facebook and follow Twitter and Instagram accounts @platinumkaraoke.

SM wins in London awards


SM SUPERMALLS WINS THE PRESTIGIOUS BRAND OF THE YEAR AWARD, National Tier 2016-2017, during the World Branding Awards ceremonies at London’s Kensington Palace. The Awards recognizes the achievement of some of the best brands in the world. In photo, from L-R, are Richard Rowles, Chairman, World Branding Forum, and Steven Tan, Senior Vice President, SM Supermalls. The World Branding Forum is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing branding standards for the good of the branding community as well as consumers. For more information, visit brandingforum.org.




Another Filipino brand has made it to the global stage. 

This year, SM Supermalls was given the prestigious Brand of the Year Award under the National Tier 2016-2017, during the World Branding Awards ceremonies held in an exclusive black tie gala dinner at the iconic Kensington Palace in London.

The award, given by The World Branding Forum, was the only one conferred to a local brand from the Philippines in the Shopping Mall category.

Aside from SM, other winning brands include ICBC (China), Bang & Olufsen (Denmark), Hermes (Frances), Nivea (Germany), Chow Tai Food (Hong Kong), Prada (Italy), Sukiya (Japan), Safaricom (Kenya), Maybank (Malaysia), Dulux (Netherlands), Sagres (Portugal), QNB (Qatar), Sberbank (Russia), Raffles Education (Singapore), Amore Pacific (South Korea), Santander (Spain), Zurich(Switzerland), Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), King Power (Thailand), Dubai Duty Free (UAE), and Prudential (UK), among others.

SM’s SVP for Operations Steven Tan was present during the ceremony to receive the award.
“We are proud to be recognized in the global stage,” Tan said during his acceptance speech. “SM is a brand that reflects the Filipino people's indomitable spirit of excellence. We resonate because we celebrate people's hopes and aspirations, and we bring these a step closer to reality. Through our malls, we strive to create memorable destinations that broaden our shoppers' experiences, and allow them to participate in a greater, global world.”
World Branding Forum Global Chairman Richard Rowles emphasized that the objectives of the Forum “are to advance the standards, skills and education of the branding community for the good of the industry and consumers.”

“The Awards celebrates the achievements of some of the greatest brands around the globe. With 70 percent of the scoring process coming from consumer votes, winning brands have managed to build a good trust score with their consumers,” said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.

The selection of winners is determined through brand valuation (30%), public online voting (30%), and consumer market research (40%). The latter was conducted through one-on-one phone interviews in each country. SM Supermalls came out as the most exceptional brand in the Philippines to merit the recognition under the National Tier – Shopping Mall category, affirming the brand’s position as a household name in the country.

World Branding Forum Chief Executive Peter Pek emphasized on brands’ ability to provide customers with memorable experiences more than just good products and services.

“The quality of brands competing for the awards is very high. Winners set the standards of what brands need to be in order to win,” Pek added.

The World Branding Forum (WBF) is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing branding standards for the good of the branding community as well as consumers. Its premier recognition program, has so far recognized some of the world’s largest and best-known brands such as Apple (US), British Airways (UK), Louis Vuitton (France), and Mercedez-Benz (Germany).

The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum. It recognizes the achievements of some of the best brands in the world.

September 22, 2016

Robin Padilla presents how MoneyGram Making Dreams Possible with Educational Partnership with Black Pencil Project

MoneyGram Global Brand Ambassador Robin Padilla during the MoneyGram and Black Pencil Project partnership media presentation held at The Manila Peninsula Makati, September 21, 2016.
MoneyGram, a global provider of innovative money transfer services, through the MoneyGram Foundation, strengthens its thrust of helping children around the world gain access to educational facilities and learning resources, with its new partnership with the Black Pencil Project for the “School-in-A-Box Program.” 


 Andrea Maramotti, MoneyGram International’s Vice President for
Marketing -AMEAP, Russia & CIS, 

On September 21, 2016, MoneyGram International’s Vice President for Marketing -AMEAP, Russia & CIS, Andrea Maramotti, and hands over their donation worth Php1million to the Black Pencil Project’s founder Mon Corpuz through a symbolic RED PENCIL turnover. This is a momentous turnover of the 1 million pencils to the children for the ‘”School-in-A-Box Program”. 

MoneyGram Foundation’s mission is firmly rooted in the belief that education is the key to better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment. 

“Our Php1million will go a long way. The School-in-A-Box program will provide complete study packs, teacher’s kits, and relevant learning resource materials for the marginalized children from the indigenous communities,” says Andrea Maramotti, MoneyGram International Head of Marketing for Emerging Markets.

Mon Corpuz, Black Pencil Project Founder
The Black Pencil Project is an independent civilian volunteer organization that assists select schools from far-flung areas all over the country. Founded in June 2008, the Black Pencil Project was founded by photographer Mon Corpuz.

“We are prioritizing critical cultural communities, and we’ve worked to improve children’s education, health, and well-being with indigenous people’s (IP) rights in mind,” says Mon. “We believe that by helping the children of IP communities, we contribute to their plight for survival amidst the threats of cultural degeneration,” he adds.

MoneyGram’s donation will benefit at least six barrio schools equipping them with basic school supplies for both children and teachers during the school year. The donation will provide at least 2,500 students from kinder to grade 6 with prescribed pencils, writing pads, notebooks and art materials relevant to their current grade level.

Target communities include the Ivatans and Ifugaos of Banawe from Cambulo Elementary School, the Dumagats of Rizal from Casili Elementary schools, and the Aetas of Tarlac from Labney Elementary school in Mayantoc Tarlac. The MoneyGram employees will personally visit and hand these school supplies to the children. 

Other communities that will benefit from this donation include the Ivatans of Batanes from Sabtang Central Elementary School, the Palawanons of Palawan from Cagayan Elementary School, and the Mangyans of Mindoro from Sablayan Elementary School. 

“This our way of reaching out to our brothers from the marginalized communities to let them know that they are not alone in reaching their dreams. We firmly believe that education is the key to a better tomorrow,” said Alex Chan Lim, Philippine MoneygGram Country Manager. He also pointed out that "this activity, along with the four classroom structures MoneyGram donated in Bohol last March 2016 and November 2015, exemplifies our company's thrust and commitment in transforming the lives of the communities and customers we serve by providing them with meaningful access to education. We are optimistic that these activities will help uplift and enrich the lives of children through education". 




About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. In 2016 MoneyGram received the “Remittance Product of the Year” award from The Asian Banker. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com

About MoneyGram Foundation 
MoneyGram established the MoneyGram Foundation in 2012 to help children around the world gain access to educational facilities and learning resources. Its mission is firmly rooted in the belief that education is at the heart of better economic opportunities, healthier families and individual freedom and empowerment. The MoneyGram Foundation is focused on inspiring minds and improving lives and grants funds to deserving organizations with this mission in mind. To learn more, please visit moneygramfoundation.org or connect with us on Facebook. 

MoneyGram and the Globe are marks of MoneyGram. © 2016 MoneyGram.

Beware of fake skincare products that may harm your skin


Filipino consumers need to be more vigilant when buying skincare products after news of alleged counterfeit of a popular skincare product have reportedly entered the local market.

Galderma Philippines, the authorized distributor of Cetaphil, a brand recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin, received initial reports that counterfeit beauty bars and moisturizers bearing the brand’s name are being sold in the Philippines. These counterfeits place consumers at risk of potential skin harm and severe health issues in the long run. In particular, these include Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, Cetaphil Cleansing Antibacterial Bar, Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturizer and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 591mL.

Especially for people with sensitive skin, the formulation of the counterfeit products may cause mild skin irritation to serious flare-ups. Moreover, consumer may face the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. 
“Laboratory tests conducted on samples of counterfeit products show that these counterfeits do not follow established quality specifications of our product. Also, key ingredients found absent in the counterfeit products” said Atty, Edmund Jason Baranda, counsel of Galderma.
Without proper quality control to ascertain the right formulation that goes into each product, the counterfeit item may seriously put the safety and health of consumers at risk and they end up paying more, especially when they expose their skin to unnamed and unchecked ingredients that go into the counterfeit items.

A cheaper price may not always be a good indicator to know if the item is counterfeit or not, as some are produced to look almost the same as the genuine ones - but there would be marked differences in terms of the product’s odor, appearance and packaging, owing to the lack of strict quality control during manufacturing and the fact that counterfeit items are produced at cheaper rates to scale.


Here are some consumer guidelines on how to spot counterfeit items: 

  • Check if there is a difference in the product’s odor or color with the original; 
  • Look at the physical casing or packaging 
  • Check if the box has lot number, expiry dates, and brand stickers 

“Galderma is committed to provide only quality products to consumers which is why we adhere to strict manufacturing protocols and quality controls. The safety of the consumers is of foremost importance to us, especially since we provide products that care for the skin. Galderma has open communication lines with its consumers so as soon as we received information about the counterfeit items, we promptly sought the assistance of the authorities for appropriate action” said Atty. Baranda.

In case you have bought a suspected counterfeit item, kindly report the details of where and when you bought the product to Cetaphil’s official Facebook page Cetaphil Philippines. A customer service representative will respond to your notification.

September 21, 2016

Haier TVs let homes enjoy digital broadcast without a “digi-box”


Ready for the future of television?

In three to five years, Philippine television is expected to shift from analog broadcast to digital, said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last May. The shift promises consistently clear audio-visual quality no matter the distance from the station, on top of having more channels to watch from local networks.

The transition does come with a catch: homes will need to upgrade their analog TV setups. This is currently being satisfied by “digi-boxes,” or external digital tuners, offered by cable providers to subscribers.

For households that are only after local programs, having to pay for an external digital tuner along with cable subscription might be too much for a limited budget. Fortunately, TVs are now being designed to address that possible problem.

“Advances in TV broadcasting shouldn’t become an inconvenience to the average Filipino family,” Haier’s Director of Product Planning for TV and PC Joseph Bandol said. “That is true especially when it comes to the cost. Television is meant to be enjoyed, not cause worry.”

Haier responds to the upcoming transition with the introduction of digital TVs. Designed with a built-in ISDB-T-compliant digital tuner, these new sets not only make the shift less of a hassle, they also come with features for fully immersive entertainment the whole family can enjoy.


Crisp, crystal-clear reception


Unlike their analog counterparts, digital TVs receive signals without degradation or interruption. This means that viewers get to fully enjoy channels that offer shows in high definition with Dolby Digital audio.

To add to image quality, Haier digital TVs are designed with in-plane switching (IPS) panels for the LCD screen along with the latest in picture enhancing technologies. The sleek, two-tone design and metallic strip detail further create a polished, classy look without the high price.


Haier also adds a “Timeshift” feature for those who want to record shows either in real-time or by schedule. This lets families avoid rushing home to catch their favorite programs, with the benefit of getting to watch together for that much-needed quality time.
“Ultimately, Filipinos look forward to quality family time at the end of the day, which is usually spent in front of the TV after dinner,” Bandol added. “This makes the viewing experience important. With a TV that delivers great image and sound quality, families can fully appreciate the rare moments they spend together.”
Haier currently offers two digital TV lines: the B8500 series and the K5000 Smart digital series. Available in 32-, 40-, 50-, and 55-inch screen sizes, the K5000 has a YouTube TV feature for browsing online videos, as well as a Smart Share function that enables users to connect their smartphones to the TV and play media.

All Haier digital TVs come with a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

#LOVEPINOY AT SECOND HOOQ HANGOUTS


HOOQ HANGOUTS, the biggest outdoor cinema event series from HOOQ, returns this Friday, September 23, 2016 to give its loyal subscribers another unique and memorable viewing experience and spread some Pinoy love.This time, HOOQ showcases its massive catalogue of local movies with a screening of the Every Breath You Take, starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. 

Majoy (Angelica Panganiban) is a romantic who desperately waits for her true love to finally come while Leo (Piolo Pascual), a bigtime sales executive in the real-estate business, is a career-driven playboy who does not believe in love at all. The two meet by accident on a Valentine’s Day, after Majoy’s failed date. She deems Leo as her destiny, she has never been surer that Leo is the one for her. Leo thinks otherwise. But as they find themselves growing closer to each other, the crazy and seemingly accidental events surrounding them seem to put their lives in danger! Unbeknownst to them, people are after them, determined to ruin their budding relationship, and will stop at nothing to get what they want! Will Leo and Majoy’s magnetic feelings for each other surpass the deeper dangers that face them? It all began as a fairy tale – but will the outrageous circumstances ever allow them to achieve their happily ever after?

“We are excited to continue HOOQ Hangouts with a Pinoy movie offering – and a story that’s close to our viewers heart,” says Jane Cruz-Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines.

“HOOQ is the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies among any of the video-on-demand services in the country with over 4,000 hours of local television content which includes the best teleseryes, sitcoms and TV shows,” adds Cruz-Walker.

HOOQ Hangouts in cooperation with Samsung will regularly showcase blockbusters and all-time favorites through several massive LED screens at the Globe Iconic Entertainment Zone, transforming the BGC Amphitheater into a free outdoor cinema venue. Viewers can use beanbags, blankets and cushions to enjoy the featured shows, participate in on-ground games and entertainment and munch on snacks from partner food concessionaires. 

As an added treat, the acoustic duo and YouTube sensations Migs and Maya (member of the Pan-Asian vocal group, BLUSH) will help set the mood as they serenade the crowd with their repertoire of love songs and chart topping hits.

HOOQ is Asia’s largest video-on-demand service hosting over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download. Globe customers can get free access to HOOQ with selected GoSURF mobile data plans and as well as Broadband Plan 1299 and up. Visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.


How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ! Sign up today for a 7-day free trial on www.HOOQ.tv. Globe mobile customers can up to 90 days free HOOQ on selected GoSURF plans. Broadband customers also get HOOQ for free on Globe Home Broadband. Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to your Globe bill. Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.


HOOQ. Love Movies. Love Stories. Love Pinoy.


Kimberly Pauig, Grand Winner of “AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016” Contest

Kimberly Pauig, Grand winner of AirAsia Travel Photographer Contest  with  AirAsia Travel Photographer panel of judges and event host Tracy Abad 
After hundreds of entries and a series of exciting challenges, Kimberly Pauig, a writer from Pasig City, emerged as the winner of this year’s AirAsia Travel Photographer Contest, gets 200,000 AirAsia BIG points!

The AirAsia Travel Photographer Top 3 Finalists. (From left: AirAsia Pilot, AirAsia Cabin Crew, Dave Poblete – 2nd Place, Kimberly Pauig – 1st Place, DJ Magbanua – 3rd Place)

The results were announced live at the dramatic AirAsia Travel Photographer Final Show held in Green Sun, Makati City. 

From hundreds of entries, the field was whittled down to six finalists who travelled all the way to Macau to compete in different challenges. Finalists Neil Michael Cardano, a Hotel Front Desk Officer from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Mithilaya Miclat, a Nutritionist-Dietician and Social Entrepreneur from Davao City; Eliseo Zuniga, a lawyer from Taguig City; Kimberly Pauig, a writer from Pasig City; Daniel Magbanua, a Fashion Photography student from Quezon City and Dave Poblete, a BPO employee from Makati City, showed their skills in portraiture, food photography and more, as they visited Coloane Village, Fisherman’s Wharf and other cultural attractions in Macau.

The AirAsia Travel Photographer panel of judges deliberating the results. (From left: Nachi Ugarte, Wawi Navarrosa, Jacob Maentz)

At the Final Show hosted by DJ Tracy Abad of The Mad House of Mellow 94.7, the top three finalists, DJ Magbanua, Kimberly Pauig and Dave Poblete were selected and immediately went through final presentations to the judges who are composed of young leaders and veterans in the field of photography, branding and visual arts. The panel of judges included Nachi Ugarte, creative director of GRID magazine; Jacob Maentz, documentary photographer; Wawi Navarrosa, artist/photographer, founder of Thousandfold.
"We are impressed with the quality and composition of entries we received this year. The six finalists did a wonderful job in the final leg of challenges with each of their photos revealing a compelling story. Needless to say, it was a difficult decision to choose only one winner." said Jacob Maentz.
After an intense deliberation session, Kimberly Pauig, a writer from Pasig City whose beautiful portrait shot wowed the judges, became the “AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016”.

She received 200,000 AirAsia BIG Points, a surprise vacation package and several prizes from partner brands including GRID magazine and Flight 001 Philippines.

The “AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016”, Ms. Kimberly Pauig (3rd from left) together with the Philippines AirAsia Pilot and Cabin Crew.


The AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 People’s Choice Awardee, Dave Poblete with the Philippines AirAsia Head of Commercial Mr. Gerard Penaflor.



Dave Poblete was named 1st Runner Up and Daniel Magbanua placed 2nd Runner Up, with both receiving 50,000 AirAsia BIG Points. Dave Poblete also took home the People’s Choice Award, as he received the highest public votes at the official AirAsia Travel Photographer website (www.airasiatp.com). 

To revisit the exciting journey of the top six, visit AirAsia’s Official Facebook page (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) to watch the webisodes featuring their amazing experience in Macau all the way to the final elimination and announcement of the winner.

The AirAsia Travel Photographer 2016 is also brought to you by AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme, Mellow 94.7, Grid Magazine and Flight 001 Philippines.

The AATP, which is now on its second-year, is part of AirAsia’s continuous effort to inspire, engage and empower the youth to pursue their goals by traveling and sharing their stories through stunning images and photographs.

AirAsia BIG Points raffle winner Joviland Rita with an AirAsia Cabin Crew and Philippines AirAsia Marketing Officer Ms. Stephanie Bascos.



All participants went through rounds of judging and were selected based on creativity, content, originality and technical or visual presentation.

Giant Bounty Fresh chicken installations give motorists something to smile about

Traversing the usual EDSA traffic can easily turn travel into an irritating driving experience. And as the sea of red lights becomes the highlight of the day, motorists can’t help but to look for something that could ease their frustration.

EDSA fixtures that have people smiling as they drive by are giant, inflatable chicken installations courtesy of Bounty Fresh.

One of Bounty Fresh’s giant chicken installations located at EDSA-Magallanes (south bound) has brought smiles to motorists.

These towering, cute, and cuddly chicken giants have surprised and brought smiles to motorists and onlookers in SM North EDSA in Quezon City and in EDSA-Magallanes (south bound) where amused netizens have mostly captured images to share online.

Apart from serving as a respite from the usual glaring billboards along EDSA, the giant inflatable chicken installations also emphasizes the “Laking Farmfresh” thrust of Bounty Fresh. With the brand, customers are assured of superior-quality chickens that have been raised in clean, spacious, and well-ventilated hatcheries and farms.

These chicken giants also support the “Laking Farmfresh” concept that Bounty Fresh lives by, providing quality products that bring an extra fun surprise
With the giant chickens gaining positive traction among the public, motorists can’t help but wonder if there will be more inflatable chickens surprising more people along EDSA and other major thoroughfares.

Because regardless of how peculiar they may look, the Bounty Fresh installations have served as a welcome, refreshing sight to anyone stuck on the road.

Acer unveils world’s thinnest notebook : Acer Aspire S7


Acer marks 40th founding anniversary by unveiling ‘world’s thinnest notebook’ - Acer Aspire S7, 9.98mm thin, the 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Process and 9-hours of battery life.

Proven with its elite innovation, last September 17, Acer Philippines unveiled three new iterations of its Aspire laptop lineup top billed by the S7 and the other two are Aspire S3 and Aspire S5.



Acer Aspire Swift 7 Features

One that's built for the hardworking class, the Acer Aspire S7 is an all-metal body ultrabook laptop is equipped with a 4-cell battery to last up to nine (9) hours and a 256GB SSD of default storage and is paired with an 8G dual-channel LPDDR3 RAM.

The CPU that boasts having the 7th generation Intel Core i5-7Y54, tandem with Intel HD Graphics 615 housed on a 13.3-inch IPS display with full HD resolution,high0brightness Acer’s CineCrystal LED-backlit TFT LCD that delivers flawless graphics and provide better resolution for screen viewing. 


The latest S series is equipped with WiFi 802.11ac with 2×2 MU-MIMO technology, Bluetooth 4.0, USB Type C, support DisplayPort over USB-C and DC-in. The Acer Aspire Swift 7 ships with the latest Microsoft OS, the Windows 10 Home.


Acer S3 Features

The S3 has a 13.3-inch FHD IPS LCD with 1920 x 1080 pixels, running on either an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, equipped with an Intel HD 520 graphics card, 8GB of memory, and 512 GB of HDD. One may expect nine hours of battery life.


Acer S5 Features

The S5 offers a wider range of specifications designed for heavier applications. S5 has a gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready and a higher battery life of 12 hours maximum.



Pricing and availability

Cuki Pendor, Acer Philippines business lead in digital display devices, said the units will be sold at the following prices: The thinnest ultrabook, Acer Swift (S) 7 will be available soon. Official price tag is P64,990. The S5 with i3 processor at P39,999, while the i5 version is at P44,999; the S3 with i3 processor is at P32,999 and the i5 version at P42,999.

Photo shows (from left) inspirational speaker Francis Kong, 2013 Miss World Megan Young, Acer Philippines exec Cuki Pendor showing off the Acer Aspire ‘S’ Series notebooks during the Aspire Campaign and Aspire S7 launch held at the Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, September 17, 2016.


#Aspire Campaign

The Acer Aspire S series is also aligned with the #Aspire campaign where it aims to help the hardworking Filipinos who aspire and improve their lives personally and professionally.



The #Aspire campaign have two famous personalities and influential people in career development and business - Francis Kong and Megan Young now as #Aspire brand ambassadors.










September 20, 2016

STARWORLD REVEALS MAGIC BEHIND BEST CELEBRITY WEDDINGS WITH SHE SAID YES!


Giving brides-to-be and their grooms an in-depth look at the magic behind the Philippines’ most talked-about weddings is She Said Yes!, which will premiere on September 21 at 10 PM on StarWorld, Asia’s leading female entertainment channel. She Said Yes! features weddings of the country’s biggest celebrities as well as couples who have stopped at nothing to make their special day meaningful and uniquely memorable. The series also introduces the suppliers who made these dream ceremonies possible, allowing other couples to take inspiration for their own weddings.

She Said Yes! inaugurates itself with a bang by featuring one of the biggest weddings in the Philippines in 2015: the union of actress Heart Evangelista Senator Chiz Escudero. On this premiere episode, make-up artist Albert Kurniawan and event stylist Badang Rueda take us behind the scenes of this huge event, while the latter joins event planner Rita Neri, wedding blogger Benz Rana and videographer Jason Magbanua to give a Philippine situationer for the booming wedding industry. Other weddings to be featured in this first season of She Said Yes! include that of Tricia Centenera and Gab Valenciano as well as brides Kitchie Nadal, Nikki Gil and Pauleen Luna.

Viewers not only get to see the making of the country’s most beautiful celebrity weddings, but they also learn about different types of ceremonies—including destination weddings, themed weddings, and those with an offbeat creative slant—and what elements need to come together to make these successful. The top wedding suppliers of the country spill their best-kept secrets on She Said Yes! alongside other features on how brides and grooms should prepare themselves for the Big Day.

Charo Espedido, Head of Marketing and Programming at FOX Networks Group Philippines, said, “The Philippine wedding industry is booming with more suppliers and more ideas than ever, and StarWorld is glad to be providing brides-to-be with an entertaining and informative program that shows what’s available to them for their special day. She Said Yes! will not only inspire couples to dream big for their weddings by featuring those of celebrities, but it will also be a helpful resource for great ideas and stress-free planning, with tips from the country’s top wedding suppliers.” 

Watch She Said Yes! to learn the secrets behind the best weddings in the Philippines of 2015, every Wednesday at 10 PM, starting on September 21, exclusively on StarWorld!

BEST Center opens weekend clinics

The clinics provide scientific training in basketball and volleyball for young boys and girls


BEST (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training) Center, the award-winning school for basketball and volleyball, will have another series of clinics for aspiring basketball and volleyball players at the Ateneo College Covered Courts and Starmall Alabang.


The highly anticipated classes at the Ateneo College Covered Court will be held every Saturday on September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Students in Preparatory Level and Levels 1-5 will be joining the basketball clinic while volleyball will be for levels 1 and 2. 

Meanwhile, clinics at Starmall Alabang are held every Sunday on September 18 and 25 and October 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Joining these classes are students belonging to the Preparatory Level and Levels 1-4.
“Sports are vital in the children’s growth and development. Aside from honing their athletic skills and encouraging kids to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, it also helps them learn self-discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance”, remarked Jorge. 


The clinics provide scientific training for young boys and girls of varying skills and age levels which includes the fundamentals on ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting, spiking, serving, blocking, footwork and defensive and offensive moves. 

Since its establishment in 1978 by national coach Nic Jorge, BEST Center continues to produce some of the country’s finest basketball and volleyball players including Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena and Princess Gaiser. 

For more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 411-6260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email bestcentersports@gmail.com or follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-Center-Sports-Inc/66172039922.

Gearing up for this season’s feasts

When the months in the calendar start to end with “ber”, here in the Philippines, the mood quickly changes into a more festive one, as malls begin to play the old Christmas tunes that everybody loves, decors suddenly become very shiny, and soon enough Christmas items from the groceries pop up in bundles or in baskets. And it wouldn’t be long until parties start to flood company schedules instead of meetings and the much awaited Christmas vacation will just be around the corner.

The season brings a lot of people together— colleagues in the office who are in need of a break, old friends from way, way back, and the extended family that has grown bigger from the past year— and it is always a must that these gatherings are complemented by a big feasts. It is quite easy to ask for a caterer to do all the cooking for everybody, but Christmas is also a time for everyone who are talented in the culinary arts to show off some skill in the kitchen. Potlucks are good as well for the budget and everybody gets to have a share on what is going to be on the table, but cooking for a big crowd is still one tough feat.

Hosting a Christmas party or get-together is all a different challenge all together, especially when it comes to stocking up all the necessary ingredients for the feast. Playing Tetris in the refrigerator trying to fit in everything from meats, fruits, vegetable, and other ingredients could be a daunting task— not to mention getting food spoiled because of leaks and being too cramped together. Fortunately, the world’s leading consumer appliances manufacturer, Midea offers yet another home solution that would ease up the challenges in stocking up on everything that is needed for a feast - after all, its products are meant to be surprisingly friendly at home.

They have an array of refrigerators the suits everyone’s big needs for big space, especially this time of the year. They have a 19.4 cu ft Side by Side Refrigerator that can fit up 20 baskets of groceries, that’s more than enough groceries to feed at least two batches of a hungry crowd in a get-together. With that much space, all of the ingredients are assured to be kept safe and fresh before they go into the hot kitchen. And this refrigerator’s Multi-Airflow feature enables uniform cooling which protects food from sudden changes in temperature, keeping it fresh all throughout.

Its electronic control makes it easy to keep the refrigerator at a desired temperature, while being energy efficient, which cuts down electrical consumption by almost half— making it also cool with the budget too. Most of all, its stainless steel finish gives it a very stylish and elegant look, which could be a conversation starter with the guests at the party.

Midea has a version of this Side by Side Refrigerator which has a Multi-functional Dispenser that gives out ice water, ice cubes, and crushed ice. This makes it easier for everyone to get a cold glass of water or ice for their drinks, while the Home Bar on the refrigerators opposite side could take care of other beverages. Its Super Cooling and Super Freezing functions takes no time to keep ingredients cool and fresh while it churns out ice and chills beverages.

Midea’s 20.1 cu ft French Door Refrigerator on the other hand has more unique features that would definitely make it easier to stock up and keep all of their grocery items fresh in the fridge. It can also fit up to 20 baskets of groceries and cut down electrical consumption by half with its turbo inverter. It has the same Multi-airflow that ensures uniform cooling throughout the refrigerator with High Moisture Retention Technology that maintains an optimum humidity level to keep food fresh for a longer period of time.

Its Dual Cooling System has Smart Sensors that accurately controls the ideal temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, while its Photosynthetic Preservation function uses UV light to promote photosynthesis and removes pesticides from fruits and vegetables, prolonging its lifespan in the fridge. And very much like its Side by Side Refrigerator counterpart, it has a stylish and elegant look with its stainless steel finish.

With all of these big and spacious refrigerators in your kitchen ready to take in everything that will be needed for a one big feast this season, Christmas parties, reunions, and get-togethers will be a lot easier to deal with especially with handling all the preparations for the food. Everyone can enjoy meals with the freshest ingredients thanks to Midea’s solution in keeping all of it fresh and crisp before cooking. And after all of the festivities are done, you can be sure that there will still be some space for leftovers which you can enjoy the next day.

For more information on Midea’s products check out their website at http://midea.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines.



About Midea
Midea, one of the world's largest manufacturers of appliances, covers a complete range of products from electric kettles, washing machines, microwaves to large commercial air-conditioning systems. Thriving in over 150 countries, Midea has now arrived in the Philippines!

In partnership with Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), Midea's global strength in the appliance industry infused with CIC's Integrity, Excellence and Total Customer Satisfaction give the world class brand a better understanding of the Filipino's needs.