Country’s largest teaching institution joins the Globe PRISM program

Philippine Normal University teachers undergo digital literacy training

Globe Telecom, in partnership with the Philippine Normal University, the largest training institution for teachers in the country, recently held the culminating activity for PRISM, a digital literacy training program designed to equip school teachers with technological expertise for effective classroom learning experience.

Globe PRISM Participants from the Philippine Normal University

As a strong advocate of education and digital learning, Globe designed PRISM, a professional development program to help Filipino educators teach for 21st century learning. This is in line with Globe Telecom’s sustainability commitment to empower every Filipino with world-class learning through technology in response to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 to “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.”

Dr. Ester B. Ogena, Philippine Normal University President and Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness lead the opening of the PRISM digital learning expo at the Philippine Normal University Auditorium.

“As we become more and more digital as a society, it is crucial for teachers to learn how to apply information and communications technology (ICT) tools in the classroom if they want to motivate their students to learn the skills needed to adapt to the digital age,” said Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness. “Through this program, we are enabling the teachers in discovering new and exciting ways in which they can nurture critical and creative thinking among the students” Heng added.

The partnership with the Philippine Normal University has proved to be a mutually beneficial partnership in bringing world-class learning for Filipino students, with the PNU being the largest training institution of teachers, powered by the telco’s ICT expertise. “We truly appreciate and commend Globe for bringing the PRISM program to PNU. We recognize the need to transform the way we teach to meet the demands of millennial learners, and through PRISM, we’ll be able to better equip our teachers and educators,” said Dr. Ester B. Ogena, Philippine Normal University President. “We look forward to seeing more of our faculty maximize the use of technology in improving the quality of graduates and educators we produce. We hope to see a ripple-effect of having the PRISM program adopted to other campuses of the university, and to other teachers and teacher-educators throughout the country” Ogena added. 

The pressing need for digital teaching skills prompted Globe early this year to reach out to 1,000 educators from all over the country. Of the number, 250 teachers came from the PNU, contributing to a total of 800 teachers who have undergone the program this year. 

Through PRISM, the selected teachers underwent a three-week professional development program conducted by Globe. It included a two-day immersive bootcamp, distance project-based learning, and personalized coaching. A key component of the program is the Edmodo interactive social learning platform that enabled distance learning for three weeks with access to multimedia resources to guide them through the learning process. This also allowed them to collaborate with learning coaches and other teachers in real time. The program concluded with a culminating activity wherein the teachers showcased various projects on technology-enabled instruction through the application and synthesis of what they learned throughout the program. Teachers who went through the program have shown 80% improvement in terms of digital literacy.

PRISM is supported by Globe myBusiness whose mission is to help transform Philippine schools and empower every Filipino with world-class learning through technology. “We want to create a better education system and impact the lives of the students in the best way that we can. Students today are digital natives who grew up in the era of computers, mobile phones, and instant connectivity, making it necessary for teachers to be adept in the use of technology in order to guide the students properly in the use of digital information both inside and outside the classroom,” added Heng. 

Teachers who undergo the PRISM Digital Literacy Program are nominated by both Globe and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). The PEAC National Secretariat processes the nominations submitted by schools nationwide while a Vetting Committee, composed of two (2) representatives from the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), a DepEd Regional Director, and the PEAC Executive Director, is set in place to closely vet the nominated teachers. 

PRISM was earlier conducted in Metro Manila, Naga City, Cebu and Pampanga, and is on track with its objective to train 1,000 educators nationwide.

“This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” with Ken Chan and Barbie Forteza to spread love, tears and romance

It is easy to love but not easy to forgive. How many times should we forgive the person we love?

Can love be sweeter the second or third time around?

Regal Entertainment Inc.’s most promising romantic film this year: “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” starring Ken Chan and Barbie Forteza.

A Film by Joel C. Lamangan, “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter”, touted to be one of this year’s much-anticipated theater release.

The cast of “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” with Direk Joel Lamangan and Mother Lily Monteverde during the #TTIBSBlogMediaCon held at the Valencia Events Place, November 3, 2017.

The love story-rom-com-drama film is the first big screen team-up of the “KenBie” love team which was tried and tested already in two TV series - “Tween Hearts” and “Meant To Be.”

“This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” is so much different from the pair’s recently-concluded soap in that the film requires from Barbie and Ken much deeper emotional range without sacrificing moments of kilig, joy and laughter.

In this movie, Barbie plays Erika, who has a crush on her classmate, Tristan, played by Ken. The two become closer, but Erika is left heartbroken after they part. Years later, as a reporter, Erika covers an accident which coincidentally involves Tristan's family. The call of duty prompts Erika to communicate with Tristan. The pair reconnect and Erika helps Tristan recover from a misfortune. But is Erika prepared to get hurt again? Will love be sweeter for them the second time? 

Also starring in the movie are Akihiro Blanco,  Sato, Niel Sese, Kim Rodriguez, Hiro Peralta, Fiona Yang, Yayo Aguila, Jai Agpangan, Jon Limbo, Rey PJ Abellana, and Ara Mina.

Direk Joel Lamangan and Mother Lily Monteverde 

‪Akihiro Blanco

Hiro Peralta

Kim Rodriguez

Jai Agpangan

Fiona Yang 

Kaki Ramirez

“This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” is set to open in cinemas nationwide on November 8, 2017.

Mr. and Ms. BPO Top 40 Finalists Revealed

After a careful deliberation, Royale Chimes Concerts and Events Inc., makers of Mr. and Ms. BPO, finally revealed its Top 20 male and Top 20 female finalists after the three closed-door screenings held at I'M Hotel in Makati last October 7, 8 and 14.

 

Prior to the final selection of the Top 40 candidates, these hopefuls presented themselves to the Mr. and Ms. BPO Screening Committee composed of officials from Royale Chimes Concerts and Events Inc., former beauty queens, top-notch fashion designers, ace fashion and lifestyle photographers and beauty pageant social media influencers. 

#1 Nykhi Arines, Alorica Mezza

Here are the official 40 finalists of Mr. and Ms. BPO presented to the press last October 24, 2017 at Antidote Bar in I’M Hotel Makati:

#1 Derick Bocito, Teleperformance Philippines 

#2 Magic Sa-onoy, Acquire BPO Shaw 

#3 Lee Bueno, Teletech Pioneer

#4 Brent Selma, Opsify Cebu

#5 Job Aiax Simpas, NTC Voice Solutions Makati 

#6 Arthur Bilog, Sykes Asia PH - BGC 

#7 Iversen Vasquez, RingCentral EDSA Shaw

#8 Victor Relosa, Sitel Eton

#9 Ariel Noval, Accenture Eastwood City

#10 Simon Delos Reyes, Teletech Mall of Asia

#11 Al Calilung, Sutherland Global Services Clark Pampanga

#12 Yuichi Sekiguchi, IQOR Philippines SM Dasmarinas 

#13 Daniel Sindo, Acquire BPO Eastwood City

#14 Jonel Roncales, Teletech Mall of Asia

#15 Rnel Mangahas, Transcom EDSA Shaw

#16 Josh Perez, Accenture Robinsons Pioneer 

#17 Esthan Obusan, Acquire BPO Robinsons Cyberspace Beta Ortigas

#18 Giovanni Guillermo, Convergys Megamall

#19 Ronnie Cadag, Teleperformance Philippines

#20 Shadid Sidri, Stellar BPO Eastwood City 

Ms. BPO Top 20 Finalists:

#1 Nykhi Arines, Alorica Mezza

#2 Angelique Elizario, Microsourcing Inc. Ortigas

#3 Trish Cabilao, Teleperformance Philippines

#4 Christine Vigo, Conduit Global KGB Philippines Sta. Rosa, Laguna 

#5 Glydel Espero, Concentrix Tera Tower QC

#6 Abigail Chua, Sun Life of Canada, Inc. BGC 

#7 Jannies Alcantara, Teletech Sta. Rosa, Laguna 

#8 Julia Mae Mendoza, VXI HPI Munoz

#9 Andee Infante, ADP Philippines Makati 

#10 Shane Cortez, Startek PH

#11 Ja Maranan, VXI Makati 

#12 Khristine Dignomo Corpus, RingCentral Manila

#13 Jen Bohol, TaskUs Cavite 

#14 Jaztine Balagtas, VXI Panorama

#15 Airene Gogo, Teletech Mall of Asia 

#16 Danna Leviste, Convergys Alabang 1

#17 Jam dela Luna, The Results Companies Lipa Batangas

#18 Bianca Abejero, Sykes PH Shaw 500

#19 Winzel Magbuo, WNS Global Services Eastwood

#20 Micca Rosal, Teletech Makati

Upcoming Mr. and Ms. BPO Pageant Activities

Mr. and Ms. BPO aims to empower the candidates with a Mentoring Workshop composed of mentors for fitness and well-being, communication skills, emotional intelligence and modeling that will help them gain confidence and boost their morale.

The mentors are Jonathan Yabut (first The Apprentice Asia winner), Jun Macasaet (Mr. Manhunt International 2012 winner), Jennifer Hammond (Binibining Pilipinas – Intercontinental 2016), Mauro Lumba (Century Tuna Superbods 2014 winner) and Ruby Manalac (Emotional intelligence expert).

The 40 aspirants will also headline a Pre-Pageant Night at I'M Hotel in Makati on November 11, 2017 as they highlight the talent, swimwear and brand wear competition.

Grand Coronation is on November 21, 2017, 8PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets starting October 27 with the following ticket prices: VIP 4,500; Patron 3,500; Lower Box 2,500; Upper Box 1,500 and General Admission 750.

The Mr. and Ms. BPO pageant is for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Follow the candidates’ journey on Mr. and Ms. BPO social media accounts: facebook: /MrandMsBPOofficial, twitter: @MrandMsBPO and instagram: @MrandMsBPOofficial.

The Mr. and Ms. BPO pageant is sponsored by Centro Hair Salon, Discovery Primea, EDC Photography by Edward Dela Cuesta, iSkin Aesthethics Lifestyle, I’M Hotel, K-Pub TriNoma, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Profiles Asia Pacific / People Dynamics, Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Voyager Innovation and 360 Fitness Plus – Commonwealth.

Epson launches the new compact L-series integrated ink tank printers - Epson L-series Integrated Ink Tank Printer

Epson, a global leader in printing technologies and market leader for ink tank printers, has launched its new A4 duplex integrated ink tank printer, the new L-series printers that offer one of the lowest printing costs in the market.

Sporting a brand new sleek design, the new L-series integrated ink tank printers have been re-designed into a compact size with the ink tank integrated into the printer, offering the smallest footprint amongst all brands of ink tank printers.

Designed with the customers’ experience in mind, its easy-to-use spill-free ink bottles offer users ease and convenience when refilling the ink bottles. The ink bottles are designed to prevent re-filling errors with each ink bottle nozzle uniquely customized to fit its matching color tank.

The new integrated L-series printers significantly lower the total cost of ownership to businesses with its ultra-high page yields. Each complete set of 4 ink bottles increased its yield to 7,500 black and white pages and 6,000 color pages to help businesses lower their operating costs. The pigment-based black ink also provides laser-like quality, making documents water and smudge-resistant when printing in mono.

The new L-series ink tank printers come with auto-duplex print function which affords users up to 50% savings on paper cost, reducing running costs even further. Epson is currently the only brand offering ink tank printers with auto-duplex function in the market.

Since Epson first launched its breakthrough ink tank system printers, the company has continued to provide innovative modifications to further improve productivity for business and home users. 

Epson’s long-term product development and manufacturing philosophy is aligned with the company’s motivation to innovate for the future to realize the company’s business goals, and at the same time ensure customer satisfaction and preserve the environment with its limited resources. 

“Epson printers have also taken steps to drastically reduce environmental impact by lessening the amount of consumables used. Compared to laser printer’s toner cartridges which gives low black page yield and made from more plastic materials, customers can print 7,500 pages with the Epson L- series resource-friendly ink bottle,” explains Russer Cabrera, Product Manager, Inkjet Printers, Epson Philippines. 

The new L-series printers come with PrecisionCore printheads for high performance, achieving high ISO print speeds of up to 15ipm for standard black and white printing and 33ppm for draft printing, for improved business efficiency. Delivering a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, Epson’s PrecisionCore printheads are composed of Micro Thin Film Piezo print chips for precise multi-size droplet control capabilities, ensuring the greatest details and extremely smooth gradations in documents or photographs. 

The integrated ink tank printers deliver exceptional quality black and white prints with the use of black pigment ink that produces water and smudge-resistant printouts. For photo printing, the printers offer outstanding lab-quality photos when printing on photo media. Large-sized photo printing is made possible as the printers support borderless printing of up to A4 size.

Additional features include a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for unattended scanning and copying of multi-sheet documents.

The ink tank printers support printing on-the-go and comes equipped with Ethernet2, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, enabling users to print wirelessly within a network, connect to mobile devices or print remotely from anywhere via Epson Connect, Epson’s suite of connectivity solutions.

As the brand with the widest range of ink tank printers worldwide, Epson continues to lead as the number one ink tank vendor, achieving the largest market share of ink tank printers among ink tank vendors across South East Asia. There are now over 20 million Epson ink tank printers sold worldwide since its launch in 2010. 

“We have redesigned the experience of our L-series ink tank printers to bring greater convenience and ease-of-use to users, as well as added new features that support the business needs of our customers. The new integrated ink tank printers are designed with the customers’ experience in mind to offer one of the lowest printing costs in the market. We look forward to offering solutions that support businesses by helping them to manage their operational costs and improve business efficiency,” said Eduardo Bonoan, General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines.

The new integrated ink tank printers consist of the L4150 and L4160 models, and the L6160, L6170 and L6190 models.

Citi sees positive economic outlook in the face of global challenges, market headwinds

Citi, the country’s leading foreign bank, remained positive on the Philippines while sharing its mid-year economic outlook for 2017at an event exclusively held for Citigold clients.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed welcomed clients to the event, and thanked them for their unwavering support and continued confidence in the bank. “Your presence here means that we have your trust. Without your trust, we would not have your business,” he said. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your financial partner, providing financial solutions that meet your needs.”

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (center) flanked by (L-R) Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. President Lester Cruz; J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Supreet Bhan; Citi Philippines Retail Banking Head Rene Aguirre; and BlackRock’s Eric Mueller.

Ramon Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc., provided an insightful overview of the Philippine economy in the 1st half.

According to Tejero, the tax reform agenda presently being pushed by the administration should help prop up the economy to a higher level. While the economy is still very much driven by OFW remittances, he said the tax reform with its aim to reduce income tax payments, can play a big role in boosting local consumption.

In the same event, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Executive Director and Southeast Asia Funds Head Supreet Bhan gave an outlook on Asia, while Eric Muller of BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies Group gave an update on global markets.

In his closing remarks, Citi Philippines Retail Banking Head Rene Aguirre assured clients that Citi will continue to offer personalized services and deliver world-class investment capabilities through Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. (CFSI), Citi’s brokerage arm.

As the preferred wealth management partner in Asia and in the country, Citigold helps clients grow, manage and protect their wealth, and secure their financial future with its team of experts, unmatched research services, world-class products, global access, and exclusive privileges and rewards. 

For more information about Citigold, visit www.citibank.com.ph, go to the Citi branch nearest you, or call (632) 995 9888 for more details.

‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Grosses P201.56-M, Biggest October Weekend Ever in PH

Like a champion gladiator, Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok conquered the Philippine box-office for the Oct. 25 – 29 period, raking in a thunderous P201.56-M for the No.1 spot and bragging rights as the Biggest October Opening Weekend Ever in PH history.

The latest Thor action-adventure also claimed the 4th Biggest Opening Weekend for 2017 (following Beauty and The Beast, Wonder Woman and Spiderman Homecoming), as well as the Biggest Opening Weekend for a solo Thor title.

In comparison with recent Marvel Studios blockbusters, Ragnarok’s weekend rollout is 35% higher than that of Guardians of the Galaxy Vo. 2, 43% more successful than Doctor Strange, and outplayed Captain America: The Winter Soldier by 30%.

The three highest ranking cinemas in terms of sales are SM Mall of Asia (P7.92-M), SM Megamall (P7.38-M) and SM North EDSA (P7.06-M).

In fourth to tenth notches are Trinoma (P5.48-M), Glorietta 4 (P4.37-M), Greenbelt 3 (P4.04-M), Power Plant (P3.35-M), Greenhills Promenade (P3.15-M), Alabang Town Center (P3.07-M) and Uptown Place (P3.056-M).

Completing the Top 20 are Venice Cineplex (P3.052-M), SM Cebu (P2.94-M), Robinsons Magnolia (P2.92-M), Ayala Malls Cebu (P2.84-M), Shang Cineplex (P2.74-M), SM Aura (P2.63-M), Bonifacio High Street (P2.62-M), U.P. Town Center (P2.586-M), Eastwood (P2.582-M) and SM Southmall (P2.42-M).

Internationally, Thor: Ragnarok has topped the box office with $107.6 million in 52% of overseas markets, a week ahead of its U.S. release on Nov. 3.

Directed by Taika Waititi from a script by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost and Stephany Folsom and Eric Pearson, Thor: Ragnarok picks up after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

In the film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban with Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Hopkins.

Now showing across the Philippines, Thor: Ragnarok is distributed by the Walt Disney Company.

GCash now available in Messenger!

This is it! The convenient cashless lifestyle! Cashless payments and other services are available for all via Messenger .

Facebook is the new norm online, one of the most used online communication platform in the Philippines enabling people and companies to reach a wider audience and offer better service. 

GCash transaction is now accessible on Facebook Messenger.

With Messenger as the platform for the payment app GCash users will now be able to easily and safely send and receive money, buy load, and pay bills with the push of a button.

To start using its services on Facebook, you simply need to register to GCash, then link your account to Messenger by accessing the GCash bot or searching GCashOfficial. 

With GCash app, you can see instructions on :

• How to buy mobile 
• How to pay bills 
• How to send money via Messenger

Now I can pay bills and buy prepaid load. 

Last night, I really need to reply on a text message from a client. It was really late night. I found out that the mobile I used was empty, no load to use, no way to get out of the house to buy load. I check my GCash through my mobile and I did it! Cashless lifestyle experience! 

Through anytime you need, #GCashMoNaYan !!!

Try and enjoy GCash on Messenger! 

https://www.facebook.com/myrns.roman/posts/10212215755522085?pnref=story

Master The Perfect Dance Moves With Mastermind

Mastermind has been wowing the public since they emerged in the entertainment scene as one of the finalists of ABS-CBN’s Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5.

The nine-man urban dance crew from Borongan, Eastern Samar is composed of Kristian Vienn “Pao” Gonzales, David Inere, Rey Baylon, Bryan Carlo Abunda, Raymund Arago, Adam Noel Bagares, Dale Johnson Odicta, Jester Brozas, and Ericson Apelado.

The synchronized street-dance styles like locking, popping, house and dance hall of Mastermind’s videos on social media earn number of views, shares, and likes that reach millions. Get into the beat and check out their hot moves in the dance covers of Despacito by Luis Fonsi, Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, Swalla by Jason Derulo featuring Nicki Minaj, Roses by The Chainsmokers, 90s Medley, and Baby Shark, among others.

Mastermind has a long list of artists they have worked with including Ms. AiAi delas Alas, Enrique Gil, John Prats, Billie Crawford, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, Miko and Gab, among others. Aside from doing the choreography, they are the back-up dancers in ASAP, Banana Sundae, and Gandang Gabi Vice. 

The dance crew has come a long way since their early days as members of some obscure dance groups before becoming Mastermind.

Mastermind has a growing fan base that is supportive of all the dance crew projects. Mastermind is an acknowledge social media star whose dance videos generate millions of views. And some dance videos have set trends in social media. 

The members love what they are doing and it shows in their passion to continuously hone their craft and think of something new to offer the public. “We are always experimenting, always creating dance steps. And we enjoy doing it,” said Pao. 

When asked to describe Mastermind, the boys answered, “Hard work. Teamwork. Fun.”

Mastermind is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

New SKYdirect Subscribers Get Early Christmas Gift

SKYdirect has an early Christmas treat for its new Prepaid subscribers from October 2017 to December 31, 2017.

SKY’s direct-to-home satellite TV service will open access to ABS-CBN HD, ABSCBN S+A, Cinemo, Yey, Knowledge Channel, GMA, TV5, and PTV 4 until March 31, 2018 without an initial load requirement.

Subscribers can look forward to clear and crisp viewing of hit Kapamilya shows such as “It’s Showtime,” “ASAP,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol” and more on ABS-CBN HD.

Kids can feast on well-loved cartoons like “Spongebob,” “Peppa Pig,” and “Strawberry Shortcake” on Yey, and learn from Knowledge Channel’s “MathDali” and “K-High.” The whole family can enjoy “Funny Ka, Pare Ko” and “FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano Action Marathon” on CineMo,and watch basketball, volleyball, boxing, and other sporting events on S+A (ABS-CBN Sports + Action).

The SKYdirect Prepaid Kit that comes with an HD Box is now at a lower price of P3,499 instead of the regular cost of P3,699. If subscribers wish to access more channels, they simply need to load from any of the available Prepaid Plans 99, 150, 250, 450 or Kapamilya 99.

Ordering is as simple as sending a text message to 23668. 

For more details, check out mysky.com.ph/christmasaya. Bonding with the family this Christmas will surely be exciting and wonderful by watching top-rating shows at home.

SKYdirect is the satellite TV service of SKY that gives Filipino families nationwide access to a rich channel lineup with the aim of strengthening the relationship of families at home. SKY Cable is the cable, direct-to-home, and broadband unit of ABS-CBN.

Greatness Re-Engineered : Epson continues to innovate in support of business profitability

Attention to detail and functional design at the heart of Epson printers and projectors

Epson demonstrates projector capabilities at the launch

Epson Philippines unveiled the company’s latest printer innovations during the “Greatness Re-Engineered” launch to trade partners and the media at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC, Taguig City. 

The New Epson Compact Integrated Ink Tank Printer Series offers more cost savings for corporations, SME’s and home offices and schools. The launch event was hosted by DJ Justin Quirino.

Aside from the new compact integrated ink tank printers, the event also showcased key milestones in Epson’s visual imaging development and multi-sectoral usage of Epson’s projector products. The development path of Epson projectors follows a similar thread of innovating for the future, with key considerations of improving projector performance and customizing visual technologies for various industry needs. 

Performances during the launch, including the Hologram Projection production number also showcased the development of Epson’s visual imaging technologies. Guests were able to engage with Epson innovations with a Projection Photo Booth and a Dynamic Wall.

Epson Ph PM for Inkjet printers Russer Cabrera presents the new compact ink tank printers

Epson Ph Visual Imaging Product Manager Lyn Lizarondo presents the new features  filled                 projectors

The introduction of the company’s newest ink-tank system printers and showcase of visual imaging products is another step forward in the company’s commitment to drive productivity and value for business customers. The company’s conscientious attention to detail in developing functional design has been a key factor in Epson’s success and thriving leadership in the Philippines and in the global market.

“As a technology company, Epson takes great pride in our attention to details and innovation. We aspire to be a company that takes care of every detail using the most innovative technology in the world to meet the demands of the market. And it is our focus on details that has led to our success today,” explains Toshimitsu Tanaka, Managing Director and President, Epson Philippines and Country Manager, Epson Singapore Pte. Ltd.

“Epson has a vertically integrated model driven by our core technologies that sees us creating products from the ground up – handling every aspect of our product development, manufacture, sale, right down to service and support. And it is this edge that differentiates us from our competitors,” adds Tanaka san.

Mr. Toshimitsu Tanaka also announced that all the products launched during the event were manufactured locally in Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. or EPPI, Epson’s manufacturing facility in the Philippines.

Printing Fast Forward

The Epson brand is the pioneer in ink tank printers, and continues to lead the ink tank segment with the largest market share of ink tank printers, at 70% in SE Asia. Currently there are over 20 million Epson ink tank printers sold worldwide since its launch in 2010.

In the Philippines, Epson also holds a dominant 55% market share and continues to grow exponentially as the company, which already has the largest range of ink tank printers, continues to expands and customize for every market need. 

“Since IDC started tracking the market in 1996, no vendor in the long history of this highly competitive industry was able to command a market share more than 50%.Despite other brands’ entry into the ink tank space last 2014 and 2015, Epson’s domination of this segment is apparent. IDC showed that in the 1st half of 2017, Epson sold more than 3 times the quantity other brands have sold, combined. At 77% market share in the ink tank space, it has become very obvious, ink tank is Epson, and Epson is ink tank,” elaborates Jester Cruz, Department Head for Product Management Division, Epson Philippines.

“We are witnessing a very clear shift in the printing market. While the ink tank segment grows, with everyone jumping on the bandwagon, the laser market segment has been declining. Epson is committed to the business printing segment by constantly developing and introducing a wide range of products suited to each business category,” divulges Eduardo Bonoan, General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines.

Epson plans to disrupt the laser markets with different inkjet products to allow the print technology shift from lasers to Inkjets, with Epson strengthening its Ink Tank & Business Inkjet line-up in the small to medium business segment; and high-speed Inkjet MFPs to target the large to enterprise segment, competing mainly with the A3 laser copiers, which are predominant in this segment.

Celebrate By Giving Good With Starbucks This Holiday

With Christmas fast approaching, everyone is a little anxious and excited to welcome this most anticipated time of the year.

While definitely a busy time, the holidays offer a sweet period to indulge in the company of friends, extend kindness and generosity, and welcome the many surprises that the season brings.

As Christmas day nears, the feeling of goodness only grows stronger too. ‘Giving good’ becomes a habit, as more people exchange smiles and conversations, and join in the season’s heart-warming traditions.

“The holiday season is a time for coming together and sharing goodwill. In our stores, we encourage these simple acts of kindness, in recognition of those who spend their time with us and those who embody generosity during this season,” said Keith Cole, Starbucks Philippines head of marketing.

In keeping with the Christmas spirit and the habit of ‘giving good’, Starbucks will start sending cheers with its biggest present to coffee lovers: A year’s worth of coffee for lucky customers bringing home the Starbucks 2018 Planner.

Plan a truly memorable year with Starbucks

Coffee enthusiasts will be thrilled with this Christmas treat, as twenty (20) winners will bring home a year’s worth of Starbucks Grande handcrafted beverages and twenty (20) more will receive a month’s worth of Grande handcrafted beverages of their choice.

These incredible prizes are up for grabs for holders of the special edition Starbucks Kape Vinta Card, exclusively released with the Starbucks 2018 Planners. Customers simply need to activate the card with at least Php300 and register the card to a My Starbucks Rewards account during the promo period to earn a raffle entry. All raffle entries included from January 1-31, 2018 will automatically qualify for the Starbucks for a Month and Starbucks for a Year promo.

Last year’s blue siren and coffee stain designs introduced bursting colors to the coffee brand’s collection of planners. This time, Starbucks releases designs that highlight the Kape Vinta Card. Filipinos can choose from the blue and green hues reminiscent of the calm of the season and the warm pigments orange that is as festive as the card it frames.

Encased in leather sleeves, both designs give off a classic look for the Starbucks staple item. Inside, there are plenty more surprises such as a stencil ruler and a cleverly-designed calendar that can be folded in a shape of a cup. All planner sets are available in regular and mini sizes.

As early as November 2, Starbucks fans can already start collecting stickers to get their hands on the much-awaited planners. They get to choose from the three handcrafted holiday beverages to savor the flavors of Christmas.

“We are very excited to introduce this year’s line-up of highly anticipated holiday beverages: the Christmas Tree Peppermint Dark Mocha, Vanilla Nougat Latte, and the returning, Toffee Nut Crunch Latte. These eye-catching, delicious and festive beverages will surely cheer up everyone’s holidays,” said Jamie Silva, Starbucks Philippines category manager.

Starbucks stores will be brimming of items perfect for Christmas stockings. Gift-hunters can take their pick from the exclusive collection of curated merchandise, whole bean bags of the returning Starbucks Christmas Blend, and its Christmas tea pack, the Teavana Joyful Medley Tea.

The store’s savory and sweet menu will tickle the curiosity with food items like Roasted Turkey and Chicken with Bacon on Cranberry Bread, Truffle Brownie Cheesecake, and 17-layerChocolate Crepe Cake. With such an extensive menu list, it seems that Starbucks will get your holiday feast covered too.

Catch the flavors, cheers, and excitement of Christmas this season at Starbucks. There are plenty more of ‘give good’ news heading your way, so make sure to stay updated by following Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page or visiting www.starbucks.ph.

Miss Earth 2017 Press Presentation - Heroines fighting climate change

Miss Earth 2017 candidates pose at the press presentation at the poolside of The Diamond Hotel Philippines, October 30, 2017. 

The candidates paraded by the pool in white two-piece swimsuits. Beyond their beauties and wit, they shared their slogans calling for everyone to recycle, re-think, reuse, and combat climate change issues.

The theme is "Ecotourism is a key to poverty alleviation," and "re-think," "re-use," "reduce," "recycle," and "respect."

At the International Environmental event hosted by  Carousel Productions, Inc.,  Miss Earth  2017 beauties work together to have all nations unite in our joint efforts to help preserve and protect our one and only home: the Planet Earth.

Ms. Lorraine Schuck, Executive Vice President of Carousel Productions, Inc., shared: 

“Everyone looks up to a superhero, especially the young ones. Superheroes have a strong presence in today’s pop culture. So what better way to connect with the new generation than to create a persona that they can easily identify with.”

Each delegate has her own hero alter ego, which will be revealed on the final night.

During the press presentation event, the Darling of the Press gold medal was given to Karen Ibasco of the Philippines, silver medal by Thailand's Paweensuda Drouin, and bronze for Abigail Chama of Zambia.

Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel, Miss Thailand (silver), Miss Philippines (gold) Miss Zambia (bronze), Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez

Miss Philippines Fire 2017 Nellza Bautista and Miss Philippines Water Jessica Marasigan hosted the presentation. Also present were Miss Earth 2016 Katherine Espin and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez, Miss Earth 2013 Alyz Henrich, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrel, and Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong.

Eighty-four beauties from various countries and regions will vie for the Miss Earth 2017 crown on Saturday, November 4 at the Mall of Asia, Arena to be hosted by CNN Philippines’ James Deakin, with performances by pop music sensation Shontelle and renowned violinist Iskandar Widjaja.

The grand coronation night will be telecast on FOXlife (formerly Starworld), in participating countries and delayed telecast on Sunday, November 5 on ABS-CBN at 10:00 am and on TFC in 56 countries.

Here are some of photos taken during the press presentation: