Filipino-Australian Singer Elysa V Moves To Individual Bootcamp Audition On The X Factor UK

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Elysa V was the only rose among the thorns during the group bootcamp performance at the Sunday’s episode of The X Factor UK. Along with three guys El’Tee, Brad Howard and Sam Black, the group started with the song Locked out of Heaven by Bruno Mars.

Not long after the performance, Simon Cowell raised his hand and made them stop. “This is not working, this is a bad song,” he said. “I’ll tell you what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna judge this acapella,” he added.

When Sam Black struggled to continue with the song, judge Nicole Scherzinger encouraged the group to help him out, and Elysa took the lead in the part of the chorus.

After the song, the judges had a long deliberation on who should move to the next round. It was noticeable that the judges were having a difficult time deciding as it was a hard song.

After the judges’ long conversation among themselves, Louis Walsh talked to the group. “This has been so difficult guys because the song didn’t suit you. Some people were better than the others, but you can see [that] we’ve had a really long conversation about everybody,” he calmly said. “So what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna give you all a chance,” he added.

Upon hearing the good news, Elysa V gleefully jumped out of excitement and rushed to exchange hugs with the rest of the group.

Before everyone left the stage, Simon Cowell shared a few words. “It was partly because of the way you’re all with each other. This is the last pass you get because [as] you go forward tomorrow, it’s your own choices now, there’s no excuses,” he said. “I think you all behaved really well and we’re happy to give you all another shot tomorrow,” he added.

Elysa V and the rest of the group is moving to the individual bootcamp auditions which will define their chance for the Six Chair Challenge.

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment same day as the UK on Sundays and Mondays at 10:30am with primetime encores Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00pm.

RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

Vivo welcomes you to the future with the V7+ high technology Face ID Access feature

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If you ask people what makes a smartphone great, they would say it is the high technology features that makes a smartphone “smart”. Vivo V7+, in this regard, never disappoints. Boasting of a 24MP front-facing camera—an industry-first— with LED flash and smart photography algorithms provides for a clear-cut, crisp, and natural-looking photo, and a revolutionary 5.99” all-screen display with its 84.4% screen to body ratio, providing a more exciting and enhanced game and visual experience, the V7+ offers far impressive features than most of its counterparts. 

But what people are mostly raving about this newest Vivo offering is the Face ID feature. Putting the emphasis in “smart” in smartphone, the Face ID feature enables the V7+ to “wake up” with the user simply picking up the phone, raising it in portrait mode to unlock it and it is ready to go. True to the wonders of future technology, Vivo offers it in the now with the Face ID feature, a surely-safe security access to one’s smartphone, where phone unlocks with mere facial recognition. 

Vivo launched the V7+ in a grand unveiling last September 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Manila. Backed by hotshots Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla plus R&B sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose along with other big stars that make up the Vivo Family such as the likes of PBB Teen Big Winner Maymay Entrata, young matinee idol Inigo Pascual, teen idols Boyband PH, soul diva KZ Tandingan, and teen sweetheart Andrea Brillantes, among others, Vivo proves to be a brand that even huge celebrity influencers trust. 

The V7+, with its impressive, thumbprint features, is priced at only Php 17,990.00. Available in Matte Black and Champagne Gold—perfect shades for the hippest crowd. The Vivo V7+ is selling nationwide and is available at Lazada, Argomall and all Vivo concept stores and kiosks.

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

Get Korean beauty “glass skin” with this new 4-in-1 face mask

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Goodbye, dullness. Hello, luminous skin

Koreans know skincare. That’s why Korean skincare products, including face masks, have taken the international beauty industry by storm.

Now, a new and special type of face mask will make its way into the Philippines. The Dermairis Mask will bring Korean technologies that achieve glass skin, the K-beauty trend that refers to hydrated, translucent skin.

The Dermairis Mask provides a total solution. Each powerhouse mask consists of a high-density and water-soluble sheet, delivers 4-in-1 skin benefits, and uses 10 main ingredients. Just by applying the multitasking Dermairis Mask twice a week for 4 weeks increases the skin’s moisture content by almost 25 percent.

Koreans know skincare. That’s why Korean skincare products, including face masks, have taken the international beauty industry by storm.

Now, a new and special type of face mask will make its way into the Philippines. The Dermairis Mask will bring Korean technologies that achieve glass skin, the K-beauty trend that refers to hydrated, translucent skin.

The Dermairis Mask provides a total solution. Each powerhouse mask consists of a high-density and water-soluble sheet, delivers 4-in-1 skin benefits, and uses 10 main ingredients. Just by applying the multitasking Dermairis Mask twice a week for 4 weeks increases the skin’s moisture content by almost 25 percent.

Proprietary technologies

Real science is behind the magic. The Dermairis Mask is developed and manufactured by respected Korean pharmaceutical and cell therapy company JW CreaGene. As a cosmeceutical, it differentiates itself from ordinary face masks because it is a product that marries cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, improving skin function while preventing premature aging. 

The Dermairis Mask stands out even against other cosmeceuticals thanks to JW’s proprietary technologies: the patented JW-EGF (CTP-EGF) and AMF (Artificial Moisturizing Factor). EGF, or Epidermal Growth Factor, is an essential part of skin regeneration. It attracts cells to skin trauma to begin the repair process. JW’s patented CTP technologies can penetrate the skin 5x faster than EGF, making the Dermairis Mask more efficient than the rest.

AMF boasts powerful moisture absorption ability, forming a skin barrier that locks in moisture. This complex nanoparticle structure is not destroyed by time and blocks moisture evaporation for 120 hours. It works more effectively than NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) found in other face masks, which reduces skin moisture retention.

4-in-1 effects

The Dermairis Mask offers more skin benefits and uses more main ingredients than face masks already in the market. These are the four effects of the Dermairis Mask on the skin and the 10 main ingredients that make them possible:

• Moisturizing

The no. 1 secret to having healthy, young-looking skin is to moisturize. The Dermairis Mask is your key to radiant skin thanks to AMF. AMF absorbs moisture and binds it to create a film coating that blocks moisture from evaporating for up to 120 hours.

The mask also uses hyaluronic acid to attract and retain a large amount of water, and ceramide, which helps hold cells together, leaving you with plump and dewy skin.

• Anti-wrinkle

Wrinkles may be a fact of life, but faster and more efficient skin repair and regeneration is possible with JW’s patented CTP technologies. The patented JW-EGF (CTP-EGF) delivers medicine more efficiently because it penetrates cells 5x faster than EGF used by other face masks.

More restoring and nourishing ingredients, adenosine and acetyl tetrapeptide, boost cell growth and fight visible signs of aging.

• Elasticity

Youthful skin is elastic because of large amounts of natural collagen and elastin. As you grow older, you produce less of those proteins, so skin becomes less supple.

The Dermairis Mask restores skin elasticity with the help of astaxanthin, an anti-aging antioxidant. Another collagen- and elastin-building ingredient is snail secretion filtrate. It repairs damaged tissue, wrinkles, and stretch marks. The mask also uses botanical extracts, which improve skin texture.

• Whitening   

You don’t have to live with aging skin that looks pale and lackluster. The Dermairis Mask carries a vitamin called niacinamide to bring clearer complexion. Niacinamide brightens the skin, evens out skin tone, and fights pigmentation.

The Dermairis Mask will be available at leading beauty and wellness counters, drugstores, and skin clinics nationwide in two sheet variants. The Dermairis Blue variant, which consists of air pockets that contain nutrients, will have a suggested retail price of P70. The Dermairis Pink variant, which uses soft microfiber that is finer than a hair strand, will be offered at an SRP of P150. 

Dermairis will be launched in the country by JW Healthcare Philippines, the local sales subsidiary of JW Group, a leading pharmaceutical company in Korea. 

Its affiliate, JW CreaGene, is increasingly establishing its status as the leading company in the new bio drugs industry in Korea. It holds the rights for the dendritic cell technology used in the development of cancer treatment and drug delivery technology (CTP: Cytoplasmic Transduction Peptide) that can effectively deliver polymer substances to the cells.

JobStreet.com Philippines joins Project Inclusion

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Armed with its mission of improving lives through better careers and the advocacy of a job for every Filipino, JobStreet.com, the country’s number 1 job site, takes part in Project Inclusion. A program of Unilab Foundation, Project Inclusion champions the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Joining the JobStreet.com contingent headed by Country Manager Philip Gioca (far left) are representatives of Unilab Foundation headed by Grant Javier (middle, in white), Project Inclusion’s Program Manager.      

Redefining the digital experience at Home : Globe At Home new prepaid and postpaid offers change the game for home broadband

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The home broadband landscape in the Philippines shows that 87% of households still has no access to an Internet connection. Coupled with the increasing line of streaming content, which is now more accessible and affordable, Globe At Home knows there is tremendous opportunity to disrupt the home broadband business.

Putting fresh investments into fixed wireline connectivity, Globe aims to capture the home by giving Filipinos more affordable data, exclusive content, as well as innovative services – all for a seamless experience for the whole family.

“The time is ripe to disrupt the market and break the barriers of getting a broadband plan through accessibility and ease of application. We are committed to provide fast and reliable home connectivity to more Filipinos, nationwide,” says Globe At Home Senior Vice President, Martha Sazon. 

Globe At Home introduces its latest innovative offers for its prepaid and postpaid customers that will change the way families watch, listen, play, share, and learn!

NO LOCK UP PLANS UP TO 50 MBPS SPEED FOR ONLY P499

Today, customers no longer need to worry about committing to a lock-up period to get a postpaid broadband plan. Globe At Home introduces no lock up-plans that can be availed without the usual 24-month contract. 

Customers can avail of any Fiber or DSL lines with speeds of up to 50 Mbps for only P499 for the first 3 months. Customers can try their chosen plans in their homes without lock up or commitment. It comes with free installation and requires no documents other than one (1) valid ID for processing. Customers just need to pay a one-time modem fee. 

After the three-month trial, customers can choose to maintain their initially selected plan or choose another. Available plans are Plan 1299 for 5 Mbps and 400GB of data; Plan 1599 for 10 Mbps and 500 GB of data and Plan 1899 for 50 Mbps and 600 GB of data.

Those who prefer to discontinue their subscription within the first 15 days will get a 100% refund of their modem fee upon the return of all devices installed in their home. 

Complementing this is the introduction of the Globe At Home Tech Squad. They are a team of experts best equipped to assist customers in setting up a connected home. They will provide end-to-end support from installation to troubleshooting to enhancing the broadband experience to maximize one’s Globe At Home connection.

A COMPLETE GLOBE AT HOME PREPAID EXPERIENCE 

Leveraging on the strength of our mobile expertise, back in February we launched the Globe At Home Prepaid WIFI to connect more Filipino families. It is easy to install and has 50% stronger WIFI coverage versus myfi. Best of all there is no need to commit to a fixed monthly rate so one can better control their budget. 

Aside from it being extremely convenient, it is also easy on your pocket. Globe At Home introduces the most affordable 1GB data promo ever at just P15 with HomeSURF. Users can enjoy this offer on top of their existing GoSURF50 subscription. Heavier data users can also enjoy bigger data allocations, like 10GB of data for P349 valid for 10 days, and an extra 15GB of data for P599 valid for 30 days. It is exclusively available through the Globe At Home App.

This app will help users load credits charged to any Globe mobile number, track total data usage consumed by those who connected to the device, as well as boost data allocation through easy registration to promos. The app notifies users once their data allocation has been consumed. It is easy to set-up just by entering the Prepaid Home WIFI number and preferred PIN. 

It will be available for download on the Google Playstore and the App Store by October 15. 

Since the expansion of its footprint and the deployment of leading edge network technology, the Akamai State of the Internet Connectivity Report revealed that the first quarter of 2017 showed that the Philippines experienced significant improvements in broadband speed and adoption. The country’s average fixed broadband speed increased by 5Mbps or 57% year on year, while the country registered the strongest growth in terms of adoption in Asia Pacific with a 111% growth year on year.

With all these innovations in place, the vision of Globe at Home to connect two million homes by 2020 through high-speed internet and provide affordable world-class entertainment, is well on its way to become a reality. 

For more information on the new Globe at Home plans, visit the website at https://shop.globe.com.ph/broadband, call the Globe hotline at 730-1010, or visit any Globe Store.

Visa Launches interactive play “Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog” and uses National Heroes to provide Financial Education to young Filipinos

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International digital payment provider Visa launched Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog (Crumpled, Round), an interactive play featuring national heroes, developed with Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) designed to educate and empower the Filipino youth to make informed financial decisions. 

This is the first program of its kind launched by Visa in the Philippines in support of the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog will showcase common scenarios faced by a Filipina senior high school student protagonist named Gwyneth who is challenged to make decisions between her needs and wants. Native Filipino heroes such as Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini will also ‘come alive’ from the crumpled bills and rounded coins to help the main character make wise decisions.

Starting October, the show will be performed in close to 10 different schools to make financial literacy education more accessible to the students. This program is aligned with the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, in particular, the pillar on financial education and consumer protection. 

The launch also included a panel discussion on the importance of financial literacy in the Philippines, including panelists such as Dan Wolbert, Visa Philippines Head of Sales, Pia Roman-Tayug, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Head of Inclusive Finance Advocacy, Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director, and Patricia Feria-Lim, Teach for the Philippines Chief Strategy Officer.

“At Visa, we strongly believe in the importance of financial literacy and it is a key area of focus as part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. Hence, with the support of BSP, we created this financial literacy program and interactive play through Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog where the Filipino youth can relate to various scenarios on making money management decisions. With millennials forming a large population in the Philippines, we believe it is crucial to spread the knowledge of how to manage their money at a young age, and to highlight the importance of making smart monetary decisions,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam. 

“We believe that financial education should be introduced to learners early on, especially key concepts including budgeting, investing, and setting financial goals. Innovative approach such as blending education and art are most welcome and can help the existing programs of the government. This is a tangible support from the private sector of the objectives of the NSFI, particularly the pillars on financial education and consumer protection,” says Pia. 

Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director

“The informative and interactive performances will stimulate creativity and challenge its audience on their perception of money,” says Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director. 

With the creative direction of TP, the play will spark critical thinking in these youths on the value of money. “By presenting economic concepts in realistic and entertaining situations, we hope that audiences will find it easier to apply their learnings in their daily lives,” added Nanding. 

Visa’s financial literacy initiative also aims to reach out to students under Teach for the Philippines, a program Visa has been actively involved with previously. 

"Experiential learning has been proven to be an effective method for encouraging mastery and understanding. At Teach for the Philippines, we believe that programs which incorporate financial literacy and theater arts in academics develop the critical life skills of our learners. We look forward to a continued partnership with Visa Philippines, BSP, and Tanghalang Pilipino to bring our learners closer to their full potential and enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation building," said Patricia. 

“We want to secure the future of the Filipino youth and are committed to forging the path to financial literacy and inclusion. We envision the program to reach more students throughout the country in the coming years,” added Stu.

For more updates and information, visit www.visa.com.ph , http://visaapnews.asia/ and @VisaNews

World Vision and DOH partner to strengthen implementation of Philippine Milk Code

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Carleneth San Valentin, World Vision Health and Nutrition Technical Manager 

The international humanitarian organization World Vision and the Department of Health signed a memorandum of agreement that formalized their partnership in the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines (MBFP) project. The Ceremonial Contract Signing, World Vision aims to strengthen the monitoring and compliance to Executive Order 51 (Philippine Milk Code of 1986) by officially launching reporting channels in partnership with Department of Health.

This October 6, 2017 held at Luxent Hotel, Quezon City,  the simple ceremony were attended by DOH Sec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, DOH undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, World Vision National Director Rommel Fuertes and World Vision Health and Nutrition Technical Manager Carleneth San Valentin. The local chief executives of the project’s pilot sites – Malabon, Manila, and Quezon City – also graced the event with their presence.

World Vision launched the Crowd-Based Monitoring of Milk Code Compliance (CMMCC) project, otherwise known as Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines last November 2016. 

The project aims to improve the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 51, also known as the Philippine Milk Code of 1986, and its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations and Republic Act (RA) No. 10028, by encouraging crowd-sourced monitoring and by developing reporting channels where the public can report non-compliance to the mentioned laws.

EO 51 seeks to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, and to regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes, breast milk supplements, and other related products. RA No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, on the other hand, aims to uphold breastfeeding in the workplace by requiring companies and establishments to put up lactation stations and to provide breastfeeding breaks to lactating moms.

The MBFP project committee, recognizing accessibility as a necessity in achieving its goal, officially launched three new reporting channels for the public: 

• Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines website
• Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines mobile application
• Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines SMS or texting mechanism

As a breastfeeding advocate, World Vision supports and promotes exclusive breastfeeding (a steady diet of breast milk only) for the first six months of an infant’s life, and then continued breastfeeding with complementary food until the child reaches at least two years of age, to ensure healthy growth and development.

Turn On as Star World Rebrands to FOX life

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FOX Networks Group Asia’s (FNGA) popular StarWorld rebrands as FOX life, becoming a truly global brand. The new look – unveiled on October 1 2017, incorporates a new name, identity, brand tagline and logo designed to deliver an innovative, entertaining and commercial channel brand, with a programming mix designed to appeal to a broad cross section of females and to provide co-viewing opportunities.

Since launching StarWorld in 1995, FNGA has been committed to its mission of providing the very best of entertainment in the region and providing audiences with exclusive access to premium dramas, comedy, reality TV shows, global award shows and exciting original productions. 

As a sub brand of our bigger FOX entertainment brand, FOX life will deliver audiences a slate of watch-together content that includes an eclectic mix of US dramas and comedies including Empire, New Girl and Grey’s Anatomy and locally produced series, including Asia’s Next Top Model and Bolt of Talent as well as US awards shows such as The Emmy Awards among many other popular shows such as Masterchef US. The name change will be supported with fresh, new graphics, an exciting on air and digital look and the catchy new tagline: Turn On, delivering a premium channel and natural evolution from the StarWorld consumers know to FOX Life, a brand with global scale.

In celebration of the rebrand and amplifying the new Turn On tagline, Fox life will launch an exciting regional social media campaign, incorporating digital ads and a competition aimed at engaging with Fox life fans.

On the rebrand, Dean Dezius, Vice President, Entertainment Channels, Content and Communication said – 

“We are operating in a very competitive market and it is important that our channel along with every part of our entertainment output evolves and innovates to keep pace with our audience. The change to FOX Life bolsters the FNGA portfolio and matures the brand, allowing for future growth in the rapidly changing media landscape. 

We have incredibly strong content coming through over the next year, and our mission will be to ensure the content is linked to FOX Life and the global FNGA brand encouraging a re-appraisal of the brand. The new brand will promote our desired state of high quality entertainment across various genres across the region.”

Christmas Comes Early Sale at Digital Walker

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Hey tech crazy fans, tech junkies and techie-at-heart ! Get ready to shop till you drop with up to 70% off on premium gadgets and accessories.

Now on its second year, the much-anticipated sale happening at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 3 from October 6-8, 2017 brings holiday cheer by providing awesome steals for its customers ahead of the yuletide season – with discounts up to 70% off!

The Digital Walker Christmas Comes Early Sale has everything in store for the techie at heart — from car accessories and headphones, to speakers and power banks.

Here are the 12 deals to look forward to this year:

Car accessories

A phone accessory like the MagicMount from Scosche is a godsend for every city driver, whether they need to navigate traffic, take a hands-free phone call, or even enjoy the roadside selfie. MagicMount is an award-winning magnetic mounting system for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices on different surfaces, with a 360-degree design.

For cameras, RoadEyes recSMART offers more than the usual dash camera. With a built-in GPS, Wi-Fi and wide angle camera, RoadEyes recSMART seamlessly connects to smartphones and records driving journeys in full high 2K definition, as soon as the engine is turned on. It has a 140 ̊ viewing angle for maximum visibility, capturing a wide view of roads, events and landscapes, and takes both photos and videos simultaneously and saves them in the micro-SD card.

Headphones

This year, headphone fans will get a kick out of Digital Walker’s offerings, with deals on headphones suited to each lifestyle and preference.

If you’re looking for a sleek, compact and inexpensive headphone, Urbanears Plattan lets you listen to music fashionably. It comes in a vast array of color options and will work with music phones thanks to an integrated mic and call answer button.

Motorola Verve Loop+ redefines wireless listening, with a Bluetooth range of about 150 feet. These wireless stereo earbuds are super light, perfect for high impact activities, and are IP57 water and sweat proof to hold strong during your most intense workouts – indoors or outside.

This year, Coloud provides great steals for two of their headphones: Knock and Pop. For those who don’t like the discomfort earbuds provide will enjoy Knock, an ultra-lightweight headphone that’s ergonomically designed to provide non-stop comfort while listening to your favorite tunes.

Meanwhile, those concerned with uninterrupted listening ought to check Pop, a highly durable headphone that you can bring with you wherever to go. Its direct sound and powerful bass cancels noise around you, allowing you to focus on your music. The angled ear buds are ergonomically designed to give you a better in-ear fit, and comes with S, M and L replacement caps.

Those serious about their music, concerned with with every speck of detail and precision will love Audiofly, headphones perfected for musicians by musicians. The Audiofly earphones are designed to fit the true audiophile’s lifestyle with a deep love for music, and go beyond just “looking cool”, with crystal clear, rich sound enclosed in vintage-inspired designs.

Speakers

Portable speakers just won’t do these days. The speakers at Digital Walker offer exceptional portability, along with a host of other features.

Scosche’s BoomBottle is a rugged waterproof wireless speaker that lets you bring it just about wherever. It incudes two 50mm high quality speakers, dual pairing for a robust sound, switchable indoor-outdoor equalization and an internal power bank that lets you recharge your mobile devices.

Those looking for versatility ought to look at Coloud’s The Bang, a portable mini speaker designed to let you listen to your music out loud wherever you are, with a daisy chain jack that creates the multiple speaker sound effect.

Outdoorsy, athletic types who insist on bringing their soundtracks on their adventures better check out the Braven BRV-Pro, a quality portable Bluetooth speaker that is waterproof and compatible with multiple accessories such as GoPro mounts.

Power banks

Ye!! offers great deals for power banks. Those looking for versatility might like the Bubble, a power bank and portable bluetooth speaker in one. Play music through pairing with Bluetooth, or by connecting line-in, with up to 20 hours of continuous playback time. It also has a built-in 2,800 mAh external power bank with a LED indicator.

The Energy Pack power bank comes in a stylish design with a lightning-quick charging speed, smart power detection, and multiple safety protection. Shake it to check the battery status!

For more information, follow Digital Walker on Facebook or on Instagram and Twitter @digitalwalkerph

Talk2 launches Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya Promo, aims to give a grand homecoming to OFWs this Christmas season

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Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines - beginning in September and stretching until January of the next year. But the Filipinos’ fascination with Christmas does not start and end on the delicious smell of puto bungbong on simbang gabi, or the piles of gifts sitting under the Christmas tree. To many Filipino families, this season signifies the homecoming of their loved ones working in other parts of the world.

The promise of a grand homecoming this Christmas awaits our hardworking kababayans abroad as Talk2, a communication app developed by Voyager Innovations, launches its Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya promo.

From September to December 14, 2017, OFWs and their loved ones back home can get a chance to win the ultimate pamasko from Talk2 - a BalikBayan travel package within the country, or a flashy, new iPhone 7 unit.

To join the promo, the OFW must download the Talk2 app, register by texting JOIN <space>Complete Name/Gender/Age/Complete Address to 82552 using the Talk2 app, and wait for the raffle confirmation from the said mobile number.

“We are delighted to offer this Christmas gift to our users all over the world. This is, of course, Talk2’s way of showing appreciation for the hard work and contributions of our modern day heroes to their families, and the entire country. With this, we hope more family members and friends would encourage their OFW loved ones to join this promo and get a chance to win these exciting prizes.” Heidi Garayblas, Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications at hatch, the digital customer engagement arm of Voyager.

Talk2 is one of the many digital and mobile platforms being offered by hatch to millions of Filipino users nationwide. It is an app that allows Filipinos to communicate with their loved ones working abroad at local rates.

By downloading the app and purchasing at least one Talk2 call/text package, the user residing abroad automatically gets a Philippine mobile number so that their friends and family back home can call and text them as if they never left. This means that their loved ones in the Philippines do not need to own a smartphone or connect to the internet in order to reach them, and OFWs can easily contact them at the most affordable rates.

More than just providing an affordable, reliable, and convenient means of communication to its users, Talk2 is all about bridging the distance between our hardworking kababayans abroad and their loved ones in the Philippines - giving them the “Kwentuhang Parang Nasa Pinas Lang” experience.

In fact, Talk2 has enabled closer connections and digital experiences among over a million families in the Philippines and their loved ones abroad.

Android users can easily download Talk2 from the Google Play Store, while iOS users can download the app from the App store. Upon downloading the app, all users need to do is sign-up using their mobile number to use Talk2.

Talk2 is one of the many digital products fuelled by Voyager Innovations. Voyager seeks to develop the products that will accelerate the digital transformation of Filipino consumers and enterprises. Key to this transformation is the communication space, which Talk2 is seeking to redefine.

Download the Talk2 app now at http://htch.ph/talk2android for Android and http://htch.ph/talk2ios for iOS.

Blending of art and technology, Samsung unveils its latest state-of-the-art television: Samsung The Frame TV

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Samsung Electronics, the leading brand for home entertainment and pioneer in revolutionizing state-of-the-art technologies with their products, recently unveils its latest modern TV – The Frame, an innovative concept that merges world class-art and design with its award-winning technology.

Through the years, Samsung has secured its place as the leader in home entertainment by pioneering technologies that have revolutionized the way consumers interact with their television sets. In May, the brand made headlines when it launched the Samsung QLED TV that promises to deliver superior color and image quality. But just when everyone thought TVs couldn’t get any more groundbreaking, Samsung shook things up yet again with the launch of The Frame.

Samsung The Frame breathes new life to home design and gives purpose and meaning to TV, 24 hours a day. When it is powered on, The Frame offers premium picture quality. Meanwhile, when not in use, it becomes a customizable work of art where you can freely curate your favourite artwork and photos, transforming the room into a more vibrant and personalized environment.

Samsung and Philippine School of Interior Design’s (PSID)  has presents how a TV that beautifully blends into the home’s aesthetic. Marrying art and technology, Samsung is the Official Home Entertainment Solutions Partner of Philippine School of Interior Design’s (PSID) grandest exhibit to date - G.O.L.D: Glamorous, Opulent, and Luxurious Designs. 

Through its Art Mode feature, Samsung The Frame can display any piece from the Samsung Collection, a built-in library of over 100 exclusive works by renowned global artists commissioned and hand-selected by the tech giant.

With options in 10 different categories–wildlife, landscapes, drawings, digital art, still life and more–there’s something for every unique preference. If these are not enough, The Frame has an Art Store for an unlimited access to a plethora of collections. You can also opt to upload your personal images, and customize its display with a variety of layouts and filters using your smartphone.

“This year, we would like to provide TVs that are not only stunning and sophisticated, but also beautiful masterpieces that are versatile to fit within any living space. The design of Samsung The Frame has been conceived through the vision of a TV that is beautiful even when it is turned off,” shares Samsung Product Marketing Head for TV and Audio Jun Guevara.

Samsung The Frame amplifies the beauty in any living space and blends with the interior of a home.

To make sure the art on your TV looks realistic and beautiful at every moment, Samsung The Frame has a brightness sensor that allows the screen to seamlessly adjust to ambient lighting, making the whole display truly blend into your interiors. It also comes with wooden frame bezel that can be easily attached to the TV. This customizable frame is available in White, Walnut, and Beige Wood, that make it look like a painting or a photograph hanging on your wall. Moreover, it is furnished with Samsung’s No Gap Wall Mount system, which positions the TV flush against the wall, and Samsung’s Invisible Connection Cable for a sleek and clean setup that is free of messy cables.

“Having Samsung as our Official Home Entertainment Solutions Partner makes this exhibit more special. We at PSID are in awe as we witness and experience how the innovation of Samsung The Frame and other design solutions end the era of limited space options for our TVs,” PSID Dean Jie Pambid shares.

The G.O.L.D exhibit will open to public starting October 1, and will run for the entire month at Uptown Bonifacio Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

The PSID's G.O.L.D: Glamorous, Opulent, and Luxurious Designs exhibit gathers faculty, alumni, and graduating students to present the anthology of style, trends, and design that epitomize PSID’s excellence in interior design education over 50 years.

"Samsung constantly reimagines design by creating entirely new TV concepts that give our customers an experience like no other. We are honoured to work with a group that commits to blending art with functionality through technology and design solutions for the Filipino homes,” shares Samsung Marketing Director Chad Sotelo.

Select designers showcase their world through varying contemporary and forward-thinking styles with Samsung The Frame, accentuating different design statements in each space. The exhibit also boasts of sample living areas incorporating Samsung’s advanced technologies and design solutions such as: the QLED TV, UHD TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Soundbar Sound+, Wireless Audio 360 Speaker, No Gap Wall Mount, and Invisible Connection.

Meanwhile, exciting promos and rewards await the first customers of Samsung The Frame. For every purchase in Abenson, Ansons, and SM Appliance Stores from September 23 to December 31, 2017, customers will get one free set of customizable frame and 6-months unlimited access to Art Store. And for a limited period, when purchased in Abenson Ascott BGC, Glorietta, Alabang, Trinoma and Shangri-la, Samsung The Frame will also come with a free 32” HD TV or 40” FHD TV.

TV when it’s on, art when it’s off. Get to know more about Samsung The Frame and its latest promos by visiting the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph.​​​​

The Orange Lady, Joby Linsangan Moreno talks about her 10 Commandments

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Joby Linsangan Moreno, the lady behind Orange Blush Salon talked about her 10 Commandments as The Orange Lady in her first public engagement as a professional speaker.

Joby delivering her talk entitled," The 10 Commandments of the Orange Lady"

The event billed Elevate: Primed For Greatness held at The Podium Special Events Center, Cabanatuan City and organized by Lvrage, saw Joby talking before a mixed crowd of students and professionals.

Joby opened her first salon at age 23 in Nueva Ecija from the remnants of a beauty parlor about to close shop. It was a huge move for Joby who with her savings of 30,000 pesos chose to invest in the salon business. She was at that time working as a medical technologist. 

"When I went to college at 17, I did not know na ang med tech nasa lab pala," she recalls. "I did not know, nag aanalyze pala ng ihi, poop, dugo at iba pa. Eh ayaw ko pa naman ng kumukuha ng dugo," she explains.

Speakers answering questions from the audience

Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation With Mr. Luwee Carrasco, President, Lverage Events

With Fellow Conference Speakers; from left, to right: Mr. Luwee Carrasco, Mr. Reynaldo Odulio Jr. Of Wheeltek Motors and Mr. Toby Cayanga of Farmers' AMC. Home grown businesses from Cabanatuan City

Joby then realized that all she wanted was to be a business woman. "I was 23 when I established my salon in Nueva Ecija and my goal was to make it a national brand."

But six months after her first beauty shop opened, "pinirata yung tatlong stylists ko," she reveals. To save the situation, she had to run to the adjacent beauty salon for help. "Pag may pumasok na kliyente sa amin, tatakbo ako sa kabilang parlor, sasabihin ko, paghatian natin, 50-50 tayo sa 60 pesos na gupit." 

Despite the difficulties, Joby survived. And 14 years later, Orange Blush Salon put up 20 branches scattered in the different parts of Northern Luzon and Metro Manila. 10 branches are wholly owned while the other 10 are franchises. The flagship store is located in Sparks Place Cubao.

Orange Lady's First Commandment: Put God first

As a successful business woman, Joby follows 10 rules which she calls,

"The 10 Commandments of the Orange Lady"

1. Put God First In Everything You Do. 

2. Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated. 

3. Spend Quality And Undivided Time With Your Loved Ones.

4. Love Your Family Unconditionally.

5. Dream Big. Start Small.

6. Be Proactive. Focus.

7. Do Not Complain.

8. Feel Beautiful. Be Beautiful.

          9. Count Your Blessings.

10. Find Your Purpose And Seize It. Let Your Light Shine.

Joby also subscribes to the mantra, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible," Luke 1:37.

Joby is married to businessman Lawrence Moreno, her first and only boyfriend. They have three kids. Joby is an Asian Artists Agency talent. 

For more info on Joby visit the Orange Blush Official Facebook page or her official FB and IG accounts. You may also visit Orange Blush Salon at Sparks Place Cubao.