Filipino families may have changed the way they bond over generations but they will always enjoy the timplang Pinoy taste of Eight O’Clock.
In keeping with the times, the things that Filipino families enjoy and delight in have constantly evolved – from simple group kite flying, to grandma’s stories of legends and folklore at night, to strolling in the mall, to family karaoke, and to the more contemporary groufies and #FamBam picture taking on their smart phones. Through all that, one thing remains constant, there is still that distinctly Filipino timpla in all these family bonding activities – just like how the Eight O’clock powdered juice drink remains Pinoy na Pinoy.
“Filipino families have enjoyed the delicious taste of Eight O’Clock for more than 20 years. We take pride that no matter how much time changes the bonding activities of Filipino families, Eight O’Clock continues to provide that truly Timplang Pinoy that generations and generations of Filipino families have come to love,” Teejae Sonza, marketing manager for Stills and New Categories of Coca-Cola Philippines.
A glass of Eight O’Clock is a glass of truly Timplang Pinoy flavor loved and enjoyed by generations of Filipino families over the years.
Eight O’Clock is a delicious homegrown brand that captures the tasty and unique blend of sweet and sour orange flavor perfect for every Pinoy family to enjoy. It has immuno-active agents to help boost the family’s immune system, and each mix can make up to six glasses per pack.
Now available in supermarkets nationwide, Eight O’ Clock makes its way back to the heart of each home as the Filipino mix for the Filipino family.
To get the latest on #TimplangPinoy, follow the official facebook page of Eight O’Clock.
The Philippine Internet of Everything Consortium, Inc. (PIOEC, Inc.), the first non-profit organization in the Philippines that collaborates with industry leaders to help transform businesses through the Internet of Things, recently held its third founding members’ meeting at the Manila Peninsula to align their efforts in spreading awareness on the value of the Internet of Things (IoT) to people’s lives, work and play.
Created in 2014, the PIOEC aims to provide an avenue for individuals and organizations where they can access resource materials to acquire new skills, build a network of professionals, enthusiasts, educators and members of the public sector who exchange ideas relevant to today’s needs, and collaborate with industry professionals to establish successful business relationships.
According to Chet Alviz, Executive Director of the PIOEC, Inc., “We brought together some of the best industry leaders who will help elevate the country’s businesses, making it up to par with international standards.” He continued, “We are now opening our doors for new members who want to join us in pushing this initiative.”
The Philippine Internet of Everything Consortium, Inc. (PIOEC, Inc.) Board of Trustees (seated from left to right) Ian Wilson, CEO of Cormant Technologies; Dr. Jaime Caro, Computer Science Professor at the University of the Philippines; Louie Castañeda, Corporate Secretary; Jovy Hernandez, Vice Chairman; Danilo Lachica, Chairman; Gilbert Ramos, Treasurer; Gavin Barfield, Chief Technology Advisor at Manila Electric Company (MERALCO); Sean Byrne, ICT Director at Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning; and (standing fourth from left) Chet Alviz, Executive Director of PIOEC, Inc. during the third founding members’ alignment meeting held recently at the Manila Peninsula, Makati City. The photo is also joined in by founding members (standing from left to right) Gio Abaquin, PIOEC Head of Secretary; Nico Alcoseba, VP & Head of ePLDT, Inc.’s Disruptive Business Group; Andrei Lopez, Head of Samsung’s Vertical Sales; Theresa Eisma, CIO of Air21; and two representatives from E-science Corporation and Air 21. Not present is Board Member Dr. Francisco Castillo, Chief Information Officer & SVP of Maynilad Water Services.
The Board of Trustees and founding members are composed of executives from various corporations. Presented by PLDT ALPHA, the PIOEC is now open for memberships.
For more details, please visit the website at http://www.pioec.ph/.
TCL, one of the world’s leading players in the global TV industry, is inviting families to share life through sports as it launches online videos highlighting inspiring stories of athletes.
Created in partnership with ESPN, the four-part web series called ‘Inspiring Bonding Moments’ shares the untold stories in sports, featuring athletes from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
The first video focuses on Philippines-born football player Simone Rota and his journey back home to seek his biological parents.
Simone Plays it Forward
Simone Rota of the Philippine Azkals
Abandoned in an orphanage called Buklod Kalinga by his birthparents, Simone Rota was adopted by an Italian couple when he was just six months old and moved to Milan with his new family.
His love for football manifested at an early age and at 17, he received his first professional contract and he would go on to play for teams in Italy and Switzerland for the next 12 years.
Though he lived a happy life in Italy, he never forgot this birth country and parents. He decided to return to the Philippines when he was 29 to search for them. He also continued to play football, this time in the United Football League and later on as a member of the Philippine team, the Azkals.
In 2014, he was reunited with Sister May of the Buklod Kalinga orphanage, who tried to help him find his parents but they were unsuccessful. Yet Simone has found another home and family in Sister May and the orphans as he decided to return to Buklod Kalinga. He now runs a food program with them and teaches the kids football.
“I try to inspire the children, teaching them that sports can be a new way of life,” shared Simone.
“But at the same time, they have inspired me because they teach me how to live the simple life and the importance of simple things.”
Sharing Life through Sports
According to TCL’s Brand Marketing Manager, Amor Joaquin-Golifardo, the web series aims to “connect people through inspiring sports stories.”
“TCL stands for The Creative Life and we believe that technology can and should be used to bring people together. We are showing people another side of these athletes and sharing very personal stories about love, loss and giving back, that everyone can relate to and be inspired by,” explained Ms. Joaquin-Golifardo.
As part of its 35th anniversary celebration, TCL is also playing it forward as it donates sporting equipment to the orphans of Buklod Kalinga.
Simone Rota accepting the basketball, as a symbol of TCL’s donation, on behalf of Buklod Kalinga. L-R: Mr. Mr. Eason Cai, TCL Philippines CEO, Simone Rota, Philippine Azkals, Ms. Amor Joaquin-Golifardo, Brand Marketing Manager
“Like Simone, we want to encourage the youth to develop their talent in sport. Aside from catching their favourite sports heroes on TV, we hope that the equipment we gave them can help shape the next generation of Filipino footballers,” said Ms. Joaquin-Golifardo.
Wilbros Live is thrilled to announce that the World’s Biggest DJ - David Guetta is coming to Manila on January 5, 2017 at the Araneta Coliseum for his UNITY World Tour.
The French superstar DJ and producer has played a pivotal role in turning dance music into the chart-topping juggernaut it is today. David Guetta’s impact has been impossible to ignore or underestimate. He can be considered among the elite group of super-producers whose sound is synonymous with an era.
With worldwide smash hits like ‘Titanium’ (feat. Sia), ‘Hey Mama’ (feat. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha and Afrojack), ‘Bang My Head’ (feat. Sia and Fetty Wap), ‘Bad’ (feat. Vassy), ‘Lovers On The Sun’ (feat. Sam Martin), ‘Dangerous’ (feat. Sam Martin), ‘Shot Me Down’ (feat. Skylar Grey), ‘Without You’ (feat. Usher), ‘I Can Only Imagine’ (feat. Chris Brown), ‘Sexy Bitch’ (feat. Akon) and ‘When Love Takes Over’ (feat. Kelly Rowland), Guetta is a modern-day giant and force to reckoned with. The first DJ in history to reach a staggering two billion streams on Spotify, he has sold more than 44 million singles and eight million albums. He has more than 55 million followers on Facebook, 19.5 million+ on Twitter, and is one of the most-followed artists on Spotify with 17.5 million+ monthly listeners.
His latest hit single, ‘This One’s For You’ (feat. Zara Larsson) is the official song for the EUFA Euro 2016.
Guetta’s list of collaborators and remixes is a roll call of music’s biggest names, including Rihanna, Sia, Nicki Minaj, Avicii, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, The Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Usher and many more.
Last 2015 alone, David Guetta has performed in more than 100 shows around the world to over a million fans, including festival headline sets at the Coachella, Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrow Land, Electric Zoo and the Wireless.
David Guetta’s UNITY World Tour will thrill Manila with huge LED screens, massive projections, countless pyro hits on and off stage, lasers, strobes and so much more.
Don’t miss the biggest and hottest dance event to welcome 2017!
What better way to strengthen your business relationships than showing your appreciation with Villa del Conte artisanal chocolates from Padova, Italy.
You can choose from Villa del Conte’s wide array of luscious creations such as Praline Balls, Praline Sticks, Ovicinis and ‘Thank You’ dark chocolate. These Villa del Conte premium chocolates can also be specially curated in lavish gift crates with bottles of wine.
Villa del Conte also accepts bulk orders for corporate gifts with personalized packaging.
Visit Villa del Conte stores at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia. For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101.
Education stakeholders from the government, the private sector, and civil society will gather for the Education Summit 2016 to be held at the SMX Mall of Asia on November 3 and 4.
Education Summit that will focus on crafting the education agenda of the Duterte administration.
The Summit is co-organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Scheduled speakers include Senator Bam Aquino, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, and TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong.
“Times have truly changed and we need to change with it. The success of the Education Summit, moreover the national education, lies in our collective understanding and acceptance of the permanence of change, and our ability to respond to it," said Briones.
Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said that the upcoming event is a follow through to the recent (sectoral) Social Development Initiatives Summit held in Davao City that aimed to flesh out the social development agenda of the administration.
The outcome of the Education Summit will be the education sector’s input to the next Philippine Development Plan.
“Through this summit, we hope to lay down a clear roadmap that will make education accessible, relevant and liberating,” Briones emphasized.
Part of the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the Duterte administration is to increase spending in basic education and incorporate mandatory education about the evils of drugs. According to Briones, another key focus of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to intensify and expand the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
Over 500 stakeholders will attend the 2016. Participate in the online discussion by sharing your thoughts or questions using the hashtag #EducSummit2016.
We may not be aware that we are unknowingly putting harmful chemicals on our hair thus resulting to general conditions such as migraine, nausea and skin rashes.
The symptoms may be quickly attributed to stress but if you look closer to that hair product you’re using, you’ll be surprise to find the culprit.
Popularity does not equate to safety, some popular brands sold in the market are loaded with mildly toxic chemicals that may be harmful in prolonged use.
Novuhair, Nature’s answer to hair loss, gives you the lowdown on these chemicals to help you with your choices.
Myth: Shampoo must produce lots of lather in order to properly clean your hair.
Truth: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a compound that helps shampoo and other cleaning product in producing foam and bubbles. Though it may effectively remove hair build-up, it can also strip off essential oils that is needed to keep your hair healthy.
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Myth: Parabens has an anti-bacterial compound benefits that outweighs the harm.
Truth: Parabens are basically used to prolong the shelf life of hair and cosmetic products mostly for its antibacterial purpose. Symptoms that are related to over exposure to parabens are Atopic Dermatitis and Rosacea. Further studies also show that use of products with parabens accelerate skin damage and aging related to sun exposure.
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Myth: My hair smells terrific! I love the perfume scent on my hair product.
Truth: A nice whiff of perfume might not be harmful but the fragrance that is mixed in your hair product might have come from harmful substances from highly toxic ingredients which can lead to Allergic reactions and mood swings. That perfume is better off somewhere else.
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Myth: Hair products that promise straightening and smoothening effect use non-toxic Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate as a natural preservative.
Truth: Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a substance used in making your hair soft and bouncy, although it is considered natural preservative, also releases formaldehyde which can lead to skin and eye irritations. Prolonged use may also affect your immune system.
Use of some of these chemicals combined may also result to hair loss and other hair problems, thus, it is important to be an informed consumer.
A lot of new products have saturated the market hence, read the labels for fine prints before buying.
Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which includes herbal components such as moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint.
Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.
Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide.
SM Supermalls and Vivo Philippines representatives during the Partnership Media launch event held at the SM Megamall on October 24, 2016.
Vivo and SM Supermalls recently announce Christmas Season Treats for consumers!
Starting November 4, mall-goers can expect great deals and fun activities from Vivo whenever they visit their nearest SM mall.
SM Supermalls and Vivo Philippines representatives during the Partnership Media launch event held at the SM Megamall on October 24, 2016.
"We at Vivo recognize how deeply ingrained the Christmas season is in the Filipino culture, so much so that Filipinos start preparing for the festivities as early as September. This is why we chose to partner with SM Supermalls, which is an equally huge part of the Filipino tradition when it comes to the holidays. This will help us give mall-goers a more enjoyable experience in the coming months, and provide them with more avenues to get everything they need in their Christmas shopping list," said Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim.
Signing of contract for the partnership between Vivo and SM Supermalls
Vivo and retail giant SM Supermalls partnership and collaboration for the holiday season aims to provide consumers with an enhanced mall experience every time they visit SM malls through Christmas-themed displays from SM Supermalls and Vivo.
Customers will also be able to join fun promos and activities in Vivo booths, including a contest where they can take a "Selfie with Santa" in selected SM malls and post them in Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #VivoSantaSelfie for a chance to win 1 out of 20 Vivo smartphones this Christmas season.
Consumers can also avail of exclusive deals and freebies with every purchase of Vivo's latest smartphones in the booths throughout the holiday season.
This includes the Vivo V3Max, Vivo V3, and the Vivo Y51, as well as the recently-launched Vivo Y55 smartphone.
"We at SM Supermalls recognize the tradition of Filipino consumers who visit our malls during the holiday season to pick out well thought-of presents for their loved ones for Christmas. Our partnership with Vivo during the SM Cybermonth celebration has shown strong success and interest among mall-goers, and we're optimistic that our Christmas season partnership will provide consumers with a more meaningful celebration this year," said Shopping Center Management Corporation (SM Corp.) Senior Vice President, Jonjon San Agustin.
More activities will be held in the coming weeks designed to provide consumers with great experiences whenever they visit an SM mall with their family.
About Vivo
Vivo is a leading global smartphone brand focused on introducing products with professional-grade audio, extraordinary appearance, and a fast and smooth user experience. The company is committed to developing dynamic and stylish products for energetic and passionate young people. The company has retained its position as a top 5 global smartphone brand in the IDC Q2 2016 report.
For more tech and lifestyle news and updates please follow us on FacebookEnjoy Wonderful World .
Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide, today announced the launch of the EB-L25000U laser projector in Southeast Asia – the world's first 3LCD 25,000 lumens laser projector, consisting of 25,000 lumens of colour brightness and white brightness[1] to deliver spectacular image quality for outdoor and large venues.
A technological breakthrough and industry first, the EB-L25000U integrates a fully sealed laser optical engine with laser-light source and inorganic components to deliver advanced performance, quality, and flexibility. The use of a laser light source contributes to a high contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 that provides absolute black and vivid colour.
The projector is capable of delivering bright and vibrant images for extremely long periods – this is due to its LCD panels and a phosphor wheel, which are made up of inorganic materials that have superior light and heat resistance. Users are able to operate continuously 24/7 for 20,000 hours of operation before the brightness starts to decrease[2].
The EB-L25000U is ideal for rental and staging, as well as permanent large venue installations. Designed for installation flexibility, it is able to rotate and tilt 360 degrees in all directions. It comes with a wide array of motorized 4K compatible lenses, which when paired with the 4K Enhancement feature, turns projected images into a true-to-life, immersive experience.
“The EB-L25000U is Epson’s highest lumen projector and helps to significantly expand our presence in the high brightness projector market. We have steadily increased our line-up of projectors and with our laser projectors, we are better able to meet the needs of the high end segments within the region. The high-lumen projector market is forecast to grow by 125% by 2020, and Epson is continuing to invest heavily in developing technologies and products to meet the expanding needs,” said Siew Jin Kiat, Regional General Manager (Southeast Asia), Printers & Visual Instruments Division, Epson Singapore.
Epson’s EB-L25000U projector was launched with a projection mapping on the 47-metre high Prambanan Temple in Central Java in Indonesia, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site.
The projection mapping tells the story of the history of the temple construction which started in the mid-9th century.
The EB-L25000U projector has been recognised in multiple industry awards. It was recently recognised in the Good Design Award 2016 organised by the Japan Institute for Design Promotion, and was awarded the prestigious Best New Rental / Staging Projector by rAVe Best of ISE 2016 Awards. Other awards won included NewBay Media’s Best of Show Awards at Infocomm 2016 from Digital Signage and Sound & Video Contractor magazines.
The EB-L25000U uses advanced edge blending, a built-in camera for colour calibration and lens position memory function. Features for large venue installations and staging include:
Exceptional Full HD Widescreen Display – Native WUXGA (1920 x 1200) with 4K Enhancement technology
4K-Ready Lenses – These future-proof lenses project crisp images and are ready for true 4K applications
4K Enhancement Technology – Revolutionary technology accepts 4K signal and enhances a 1080p signal to output that surpasses Full HD image quality. 4K Enhancement technology shifts each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels to double the resolution, delivering crisp, high-definition images.
Solid-State Laser Light Source – Provides virtually maintenance-free operation up to 20,000 hours2
Versatile Connectivity – Supports the full range of inputs including HDBaseT, 3G-SDI, and compatible with Crestron RoomView, AMX, Extron XTP, Control4, and Art-Net for easy integration
Web-based Remote Management – Control and monitor projector status via a Web browser
Professional Installation Features – Full 360-degree installation flexibility, including Portrait Mode, instant On/Off power, quieter performance, and absolute black contract ration
[1]Colour brightness (colour light output) and white brightness (white light output) will vary depending on usage conditions. Colour light output measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4; white light output measured in accordance with ISO 21118.
[2]20,000 hours is the estimated projector life when used in Normal Mode. Actual hours may vary depending on mode and usage environment. The projectors come with a limited warranty of three years or 20,000 hours, whichever comes first.
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
About Epson Southeast Asia
Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities.http://www.epson.com.sg
About Epson Philippines
Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).
For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph
Asus Zenfone 3 series is now official in the Philippines with all models launched. ASUS ZenFone 3 is the lead model, and namesake of the new ZenFone 3 series. It is a feature-packed smartphone that brings premium design and empowering performance to everyone.
ZenFone 3 is genuinely premium looking device from the new series. The new Asus ZenFone 3 Z017D is different from their previous generation.
The Zenfone 3 comes in two models, the ZenFone 3 (ZE520KL) 5.2-inch and the ZenFone 3 (ZE552KL) 5.5-inch version. The difference between the two is the screen size, weight, battery capacity, and price.
Here’s my unboxing and first impressions of the 5.2-inch variant of the ASUS ZenFone 3.
Unboxing ZenFone 3
Inside the box :
The ZenFone 3 5.2″ Unit
USB Cable Type C
AC Adapter
ZenEar HeadPhones and spare ZenEar Buds
Here's ZenFone 3 5.2″ Unit Sapphire Black, has the deep bluish-black of the darkest sapphires. I love the color. Elegantly looking what embodies the phone. Thin, super light and slim.
This device comes with Full aluminum uni-body design.
A fresh device in every aspect, from the new set of cameras, beautiful display, up to the major design and build overhaul. The ZenFone 3’s industrial design is a radical change from that of the previous generation ZenFone 2.
Its display is a 1920 x 1080 Super IPS+ and has Gorilla Glass 3 installed.
This device with a case as it is made up of glass. There is a Sim-card option on the left.
Speaker are present on the bottom while the Headphone jack is present on the top of Zenfone 3 (Z017D).
ZenFone 3, Hands On and Full Review
Smart Photography ZenFone 3 Camera
The ZenFone 3’s PixelMaster 3.0 cameras is one of the world’s first smartphones to use three focus technologies (TriTech) to achieve fast focus.
The ZenFone 3 is the world’s first smartphone to use the powerful, yet efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 14nm octa-core processor that increases power efficiency by 35% compared to the last generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor, resulting in dramatically improved battery life
It features a 16MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, laser auto-focus, OIS, & a dual-tone LED flash.
This camera is capable of better Image production. You can have more control over your image when using a ZenFone camera.
Asus is providing so many inbuilt modes to enjoy the camera. There is a Manual mode in camera for better mobile photography. In low-light, you can get some quality shots.
ZenFone camera is awesome. It has an easy-to-set timer and burst feature. The burst mode to capture a fleeting range of expressions, motion and improve the odds of a good group shot.
Video using ZenFone 3
The ZenFone 3 comes with a high power, 5-Volt, 2-amp charger that allows it to provide an incredible 2 hours of talk time with just a 5-mimute charge.
Hi-Res Audio output
ZenFone 3 is Hi-Res Audio (HRA) certified. HRA offers ultra-clear, detailed audio with superior sound staging and fidelity to the original recording, and overall quality that is 4x CD quality. To achieve HRA certification, audio players like the ZenFone 3 must be powerful enough to read, process and play the high bandwidth data of high resolution audio files rated at 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kH; and paired with Hi-Res Audio certified output devices.
Here are more of my captured pictures during events coverages and meetings and ( soon for travel.)
ASUS Zenfone 3 is one of the best phones they’ve ever produced. Elegant and beautiful, it is a great performing phone and affordable for someone like me :) lifestyle, travel and social media people, ZenFone with a price tag that’s under 20K ! Asus ZenFone 3 Specs:
Asus ZenFone 3 5.2 ZE520KL
Dimension / Weight : 5.2″ [146.9 x 74 x 7.7mm, 144g]
16 MP Camera
Display, Protection 1920 x 1080 Super IPS+, Gorilla Glass 3.
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 @ 2.0GHz with 8 Cores.
RAM 3GB / 4GB.
Storage 32GB / 64GB (11.3GB reserved system storage.)
Cameras 16MP f/2.0 rear (4K Recording)
Battery 2600mAh
Dual SIM Micro SIM + Nano SIM OR microSD up to 128GB.
Mr. Edgardo Bong Garcia, President of Deaf-Blind Support Philippines, with his family
Disney’s animated fantasy musical got us all singing “Let It Go”, out loud or in our heads, for days on end. Some of us may have probably seen the movie where it came from, “Frozen”, a thousand times. This record-breaking film is a must-see, not just for its magical visuals but also for the inspiring songs and music within the story. It would be a shame for anyone not to see it – including the visual and hearing impaired among us.
Fortunately, some of the students and faculty of the Philippine School for the Deaf and the Philippine School for the Blind got to enjoy the movie musical in all its glory. “Frozen” was one of three movies that SM is featuring on the second leg of its Movies for the Deaf and Blind program under its CSR arm, SM Cares. The Angelina Jolie-starrer “Maleficent” and the fantasy action film “Pan” are the other two films that the deaf and blind audiences can now enjoy in 20 SM cinemas nationwide.
In this kind of special movie, audio-description and closed captioning features are used. The audio-description involves a narrator who describes every key visual element in the movie that the blind is not able to see: the action, scene changes, the actors’ gestures, facial expressions, costumes, and even on-screen text. The narration is inserted in between pauses or in gaps within dialogues whenever possible so that the blind audience can follow and understand the unfolding story.
Closed captioning, on the other hand, is a higher level of “subtitles” as we know it. It transcribes the dialogue between the characters in the film and flashed directly below the scene. What makes it work better for the deaf audience is the fact that even the sound effects, ambient noise, and other sound that are important in the scenes are included in the caption.
“Frozen” being an animated film and a musical, one would think that it would be a stretch for either the deaf or the blind to fully appreciate it. But Mrs. Ligaya Coral, a 30-year teacher at the Philippine School for the Deaf proudly claims that the deaf students and their families actually loved the movie experience, adding that they can even perform the songs themselves through sign language.
“We are thankful that there are movies like these now. The kids can appreciate the movie without needing an interpreter for them to know what’s happening in the story,” Mrs. Coral said.
Ms. Liza Lyn Lopez, a blind teacher, especially loved “Love Is An Open Door”, a duet between Anna and Prince Hans. “This kind of project means a lot because we, the disabled, rarely get exposed to something like this,” she said, referring to the movie experience.
Right now, a law had already been passed for using closed captioning in local productions. The MTRCB hopes to follow this up with audio-description soon. With partnerships between the private and public sector like SM, Deaf Blind Support Philippines, CALL Foundation of the Blind, and MTRCB, it would be possible to expect vernacular versions of audio-descriptive and close captioned movies as well.
