The Spirit of Christmas: “Hallmark for L.I.F.E” gives children another chance at life

The Spirit of Christmas is a giving tradition. Certainly Christmas is a time of giving and sharing with those around us, family, friends, loveones workmates and all. Embracing the spirit of Christmas also means giving to those beyond our immediate sphere as well, especially those most in need.

Through every celebration—may it be a birthday, an anniversary, or a wedding—Hallmark has been part of spreading the most precious messages of love and cheer. Their well-loved cards have connected and brought smiles throughout people all over the world. And this year’s holiday season is no exception. 

For 23 years, Filstar Distributors Corporation (FDC), the country’s exclusive licensee of Hallmark USA together with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E.) Foundation created a charitable project called “Hallmark for L.I.F.E.” to help alleviate the condition of indigent children with Leukemia. 

Every year, Hallmark collaborates with top local artists in creating special limited edition L.I.F.E. products such as greeting cards, gift wrappers, bags, and other giftable items where a portion from the sales of these products go straight to the foundation.

L-R Jose Martin Ramos Licauco, Management Trainee, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Katrina M. Yatco, Business Co - Chair, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Gabriel A. Felix, Treasurer, LIFE Foundation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation 

This holiday season, FDC will donate to the Foundation a portion from the sales of all Christmas products of Hallmark including the 2018 L.I.F.E. Christmas card collection 

Hallmark for L.I.F.E. sparks hope back into the lives of less fortunate children and helps them in their fight against leukemia. Since its inception in 1995, this charitable project has eased the burden of families experiencing the ordeal of both disease and poverty.

L-R Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation

To formally launch Hallmark for L.I.F.E, an event was held last October 31 at the Ayala Malls 30th Cinema 1. It was attended by the Hallmark for L.I.F.E team and some of the kids of the foundation. Through this, the people behind Hallmark and L.I.F.E. Foundation hope to help uplift the spirits of the kids, put a smile on their faces, and give them the encouragement and support that they need. 

Christmas is a time for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate the holidays. This season, may we be reminded of the spirit of giving—that even in the littlest ways, we make a conscious effort to support good causes. Because to someone, a gift is just a gift, and a greeting card is simply that, but to someone else, your purchase gives them more: hope, joy, and the best present you could possibly give, another chance at life.

For more information, log on to Hallmark Facebook page: facebook.com/hallmarkphilippines.

For corporate orders of Hallmark for L.I.F.E. items please call (+632) 643-0200 loc. 112,114 & 116. or email us at fdc@filstar.com.ph, life@filstar.com.ph

Vivo Provides Phone Discounts for Lalamove Drivers Nationwide

Global smartphone brand Vivo, in partnership with MemoXpress, a mobile device dealer store and Lalamove, a courier service have joined together to provide convenience to Filipino drivers. 

Lalamove partner drivers will get a 5% discount from the suggested retail price (SRP) of available Vivo phones such as the V11, V11i, Y71 (2 GB and 3 GB), Y53c, Y81, Y85, and X21 at MemoXpress stores nationwide from October 19, 2018 until December 31, 2018. 

With almost 15,000 partner drivers in Metro Manila, Lalamove aims to provide them quality benefits by partnering with top brands such as Vivo. Giving them access to topnotch mobile devices to help them with their day-to-day deliveries. 

All they have to do is to sign up using the MemoXpress portal (visit: https://mx.memoxpress.ph/lalamove-portal). The said portal will serve as a means to pre-order and pick up their preferred Vivo phone available at MemoXpress stores nationwide. A customer service representative will call to assist and confirm the partner drivers' orders. All interested partner drivers will only show their Lalamove ID and verified status on their Lalamove driver application at the chosen MemoXpress branch. 

(L-R): Lalamove Strategic Partnership Manager Akiko Sumulong, Lalamove Managing Director April Dannah Majarocon, Vivo Vice President and Channel Sales Director Hazel Bascon, Vivo Channel Sales Business Development Manager Mark Cuevas, MemoXpress Vice President for Operations Edward Tan, and MemoXpress Division Head Corporate Exhibit E-Commerce Wilton Yu commemorate the partnership between Vivo, MemoXpress, and Lalamove in providing a 5% discount on selected Vivo phones at MemoXpress stores for Lalamove driver partners from October 19, 2018 until December 31, 2018. 

Vivo and Lalamove launch their partnership to provide a 5% discount on selected Vivo phones at MemoXpress stores nationwide for Lalamove partner drivers from October 19, 2018 until December 31, 2018. The satellite launch was held in Cebu City recently. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

New Amaia condominium rising in Cebu

The new Amaia condominium in the Queen City of the South will offer 288 well-designed units, some of which will be afforded balconies to give residents a picturesque view of the amenities.

Following the success of Amaia Steps Mandaue’s North building, another condominium tower will soon rise in the Queen City of the South to make affordable yet quality condo living more accessible to more Filipinos in the Visayas. 

Amaia Southern Properties, Inc. reveals that the new tower will offer 288 well-designed units. Some units will be afforded balconies that will give future residents picturesque views of the amenities. 

The new condominium will set up retail shops for the convenience of its aspiring homeowners. At the core of the development is an invigorating lifestyle amenity courtyard, which includes swimming pools for adults and kids, kids’ play area, a landscaped garden, and a spacious multi-purpose hall. 

With public transportation such as jeepneys readily available, everything is within reach from the soon-to-rise building, including various commercial establishments like Pacific Mall, Gaisano Mall, and S&R. It is just five kilometers away from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and seven kilometers away from Ayala Center Cebu. 

The new Amaia condo in Cebu will have its own lifestyle amenity courtyard that includes a swimming pool for adults and kids, a children’s play area, a landscaped garden, and a multipurpose hall.

Amaia Land brings the dream of owning an affordable superior-quality home closer to hardworking Filipinos through easy payment options: cash, deferred cash, and bank financing. 

With its mission of serving aspiring Filipino homeowners with affordable yet quality homes, Amaia commits to ensure comfortable lives for them today and in many years to come. Amaia CARES for life, the living, and the spaces around it. 

For inquiries about Amaia condominium developments, check out www.amaialand.com or follow www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

This modern memorial place in QC takes innovation to a whole new level

At some point in our mortal lives, we will all have to deal with death, loss, and grief. But no matter how natural or inevitable death is, it still remains to be a difficult topic to discuss, even and especially with our innermost circles.

Subsequently, the issues of post-life care and memorial services are usually the last thing on our minds, too—not only because it is taboo, but also because of the notion that it requires a lot of work and money. This should not always be the case, however, because we all must have a choice in how we’d like to commemorate the life of our dearly departed and the cherished memories they leave behind.

Especially at this most difficult hour of our lives, we could do without the hassle and burden of preparing for a funeral. Yet, we would like our departed loved ones to have a peaceful resting place, too. This explains why more and more people all over the world are opting for more innovative and convenient ways in burying their dead as they veer away from the traditional and more costly land burial.

Here in the Philippines, Eternal Bright Sanctuary, Inc. (EBSI) is constructing Aeternitas Chapels and Columbarium, a new, world-class memorial facility on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. 

Priding itself as the gold standard in the death care industry in the country, the soon-to-rise Aeternitas will offer over 45,000 spacious and beautifully designed niches that can house as many as four regular-sized urns per columbarium vault.

Designed by the current Philippine Regulatory Commissioner, Architect Yolanda Reyes, the nine-storey Aeternitas will have 15 premier memorial chapels and 2 grand memorial chapels.

Aeternitas will be strategically located beside St. Peter’s Shrine of Leaders, a parish church, and the proposed Don Antonio and Batasan Stations of the MRT-7, making it readily accessible for future visitors from all over the metro.

For the comfort and convenience of its clients and guests, Aeternitas will have 6 fully functional passenger elevators, centralized air-conditioning system, up to 200 parking slots, a cozy and

comfortable family room, round-the-clock security, and efficient emergency services.

As a “sanctuary of loving memories,” Aeternitas will exude a serene and peaceful ambiance that is in harmony with nature. It will have a modern lobby, pretty pocket gardens, a coffee shop, restaurant, and flower shop, greeneries all over the place, and a glass central ceiling that will allow natural illumination from the sun.

Honor the life and memories of your departed loved ones the modern and convenient way with Aeternitas’ full-service memorial care. 

For more information, contact Aeternitas at 625-0955 or 09171157793; or email them at info@aeternitaschapels.com.

PLDT and Smart ring in Christmas with ‘Holideals,’ their biggest holiday sale

Brace yourself as leading digital services provider PLDT Inc. and its mobile arm Smart Communications, Inc. are ushering in the Christmas season with the first ever ‘Holideals,’ their biggest holiday blow-out yet for current and new customers.

PLDT and Smart’s Holideals feature huge discounts and irresistible offers that suit your Christmas gift list - whether you’re looking for the perfect present for your loved ones, or simply thinking of a well-deserved treat for yourself to celebrate the season.

“Christmas has always been the happiest season of Filipinos, and as our gift for everyone, we brought together our best deals that make it a lot easier to enjoy the most amazing digital experiences powered by the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks,” said Andrew L. Santos, PLDT and Smart FVP for Consumer Marketing. “Indeed, there is no better time to be a PLDT Home and Smart customer than now.”

With Holideals, you can enjoy fast and reliable connectivity at home with the whole family with these special PLDT Home offers:

• For new PLDT Home Fibr customers

Save up to Php3,600 on Unli Fibr and enjoy waived activation and installation fees, free speedboost, and zero cash-out when you sign up for a new PLDT Home Unli Fibr plan.

• For current PLDT Home customers

Enjoy free one month when you sign up to a new add-on service, such as a Telpad, FamCam, or TVolution Roku Powered when you apply at any PLDT Store nationwide.

• PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi

Get a Php200 discount (now only Php1,795.00 from Php1,995.00) and a free six-month subscription to iflix.

• PLDT Online Gadget Sale

Get up to 50% discount on gadgets including the First Generation TVolution stick, Telpad, and Smart Watch, among others, on the PLDT Online Store.

Leveling up your digital lifestyle with the latest smartphones and data-packed offers is also a lot easier with Holideals offers from Smart:

• For Smart Prepaid customers

Enjoy discounted load card when you buy the Smart Prepaid Gift Card.

• For Smart Postpaid customers

Enjoy exclusive discounts and deals when you renew or sign up for a new GigaX Plan with the latest flagship devices, including Samsung Note 9, Huawei Mate 20, and Huawei Mate 20 Pro, as well as when you subscribe to a new Smart Bro Pocket WiFi Plan or iPad Plan. Also get a chance to win exciting raffle prizes with your new plans!

• Smart Online Store Bazaar

Enjoy awesome deals and avail of LTE smartphones at a steal of a price when you apply for a Smart Postpaid Plan on the Smart Online Store.

What are you waiting for? Celebrate Christmas with the biggest deals from PLDT and Smart! To learn more and start your holiday shopping, visit www.smart.com.ph/Pages/PLDTSmartHolideals now!

Throwback Shindig with The Company and Jon Santos

Groove back to the decades of golden music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s in a concert driven by nostalgia and one that will tickle the funny bones. See the Philippines’ premier vocal ensemble on stage with a class act comedian in “Throwback with The Company and Jon Santos” on December 1, 2018 at The Theatre at Solaire.

Starting out as an out-of-college regroup, The Company has evolved in their 3 decades in the music industry. From singing the traditional genres, they decided to move to acapella and vocal jazz as a new challenge to themselves and for the novelty of the pieces. Living to its namesake, The Company reinvented their identities while maintaining the bond that they have developed in the years prior their success. The release of their singles “Everlasting Love”, “Muntik na Kitang Minahal” and the popular love song “Now That I Have You” which is often used as movie theme songs, or in wedding halls, have seemingly immortalized their names. The original members apart from Moy Ortiz, have moved on to pursue the next chapters of their lives but not without passing on the torch to their successors whom have kept their legacy alive and very much felt today. 

A stark contrast to the steady melody of songs comes Jon Santos, a powerhouse comedian famous for his impersonations that imprint themselves into the mind. His satirical impressions of the country’s most prominent political personas are complemented by his quick wit, allowing such a seemingly hilarious number to become the controversial stirrer of important conversations. He has transformed himself to the likes of Former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Miriam Santiago (+), and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos who he admits, is his favorite. Although he became known for his comedic prowess, Jon was able to establish his credibility as a theatre performer who can add more spunk to any character he portrays. He has performed as lead in “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”, and more recently, “Rak of Aegis”.

The Theatre at Solaire’s advocacy of bringing Original Pilipino Music (OPM) under the limelight means offering acts that the audience demands, but also presents ingenious collaborations. “This unexpected tandem will highlight another layer of OPM that goes beyond the tunes, lyrics and voices. The Company and Jon Santos together on one stage merges what the Filipinos love most – good music and witty comedy. You will witness a new wave of theatrics that’s as exciting but with more spontaneity and humorous reality jabs.” says Audie Gemora, Solaire’s Director for Entertainment.

With The Company’s vocals injected with Jon’s brand of comedy, expect a night filled with throwbacks with the best “retro” beats that will make you dance, laugh and remember the heydays of the past,

For tickets to “Throwback with The Company and Jon Santos”, you can call TicketWorld at 891-9999.

About The Theatre At Solaire

THE THEATRE AT SOLAIRE a state-of-the-art certified lyric theatre that provides an unparalleled audio-visual experience for a wide range of theatre plays and musicals, dance performances, concert events, and amplified music and speech events. The fan-shaped layout designed by leading global architecture and design firm Aedas, provides flawless sight lines and ensures a first-class viewing experience from all its 1,740 seats. It is fitted with high-end audio, video and production lighting systems provided by Las Vegas-based theatre consultant group Coherent Design aimed to engage and satisfy its audience. 

The Theatre also boasts an impressive Reception Room and other dressing room facilities to accommodate the needs of production teams and artists. It has a Grand Foyer with a Theatre Cafe and bar for a wide range of refreshments suitable and convenient for guests.

Tess Laus and Max's Group Grow Successful Provincial Franchise in Pampanga

Tess Laus of San Fernando, Pampanga felt a sense of responsibility to help her province recover after it was devastated by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo more than 20 years ago, leaving thousands homeless and hundreds of businesses destroyed. The opportunity to do so came when her husband, Levy met with the father of Robert F. Trota, President and CEO of Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI) to discuss the company’s plans to expand through franchising. It was an easy decision for the couple as they saw that there was much potential in working with MGI, especially in helping them achieve their goals of rehabilitating Pampanga.

“When Robert’s father said that they were opening Max’s to franchising, we jumped on the opportunity. The first location we had in mind was the old Villa del Sol branch in San Fernando, and it took us about two months to rehabilitate the store since it was destroyed by lahar,” Tess Laus shares. “We really wanted the Kapampangans to get excited again with the opening of Max’s Restaurant, as we want them to have a place where they can all feel at home and enjoy delicious, real food with loved ones.”

Tess Laus and her husband truly appreciated how Max’s and MGI have always placed tremendous importance on quality assurance for both food and service, and the commitment they have in ensuring that franchisees did the same. As their store reached greater success, the Lauses opened three more Max’s Restaurant branches: one in Cabanatuan, another in Clark, and one more branch in San Fernando, this time in SM City Pampanga.

When MGI expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of the Pancake House Group, the Lauses did not hesitate to get on board, opening two Pancake House branches, one Yellow Cab, and one Dencio’s all within the span of eight months, October 2017 to June 2018.

This year, MGI is focusing on a franchising-led business model to drive expansion and improve accessibility. By franchising its core brands with partners such as the Lauses, the move will leverage on Max’s Group’s brand equity, operational expertise, and scale to propel store network expansion and bring its loved brands closer to more customers.

AI. The Catalyst for Personalized Experiences

Smartphones today are no longer simple communications devices that surf the web and offer a few apps. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), today’s smartphones should be perceived as ‘platforms of intelligence’. Today’s phones strive to understand user behavior in ways that will elevate the user experience to greater heights. Gartner[1] has predicted that by 2022, 80% of smartphones will have on-device AI capabilities, this is up from 10% in 2017. In coming years, an AI smartphone will no longer be a ‘nice to have’, it will be critical to fulfilling consumers’ needs. 

Most AI enabled smartphones in the market today are highly priced. However, Vivo is set to shake up the industry by including AI features into their phones at a much affordable level. The V11 model for example, is designed to understand the needs of users in an ‘intelligent’ and personalized way. For Vivo, the development of its AI features essentially elevates the user experience through better understanding, improved interactions and ‘decoding’ of scenarios in smarter and more personalized ways. 

Meet Jovi, the personal AI assistant

The V11 comes with Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights. Users will not have to stress about missing an action item on to-do-lists with the help of Jovi. 

Picture a world where you have a virtual assistant to help you with your everyday mundane tasks. Jovi comes with features that are creatively incorporated into the V11 to enhance such experiences. 

With Google Assistant, users can now utilize voice commands to complete actions with more convenience and more precision. With this feature, completing tasks, such as playing music or videos, sending messages, booking hotels can easily be done anywhere. The best part? These can all be done hands-free.

Jovi also enables Funmoji - a new and fun way to socialize with friends and families. The V11 can create a unique set of cute expressions using the AI algorithm by detecting changes in users’ facial expressions. This adds further fun and engagement when communicating with each other.

“Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights”

Detects and recalls context and situations

Jovi also comes with Jovi Smart Scene and Google Lens that can easily decode context and situations accordingly. These two features are designed to help users to save valuable time while automating simple chores. 

Jovi Smart Scene is a thoughtful and dedicated personal assistant that specializes in recognizing different scenarios and learns how to proactively support the user accordingly. It helps to provide users with more personalized services that are efficient, interactive and able to assist them in making decisions. From preempting users on bad weather forecasts to checking in on them when they are staying up late at work or updating them on the latest sport results - Jovi has it covered. Essentially, Jovi is the intelligent assistant that understands users’ needs in a better way. 

“Jovi Smart Scene specializes in recognizing different scenarios and provides efficient personalized user experience”

Have you ever seen something you really wanted to buy but had no idea where to purchase it? Just point your V11 camera at an object, and the integrated Google Lens will identify it and perform related searches. Whether you see your dream dress in a magazine, or a dream travel location – just point your V11 at it and Jovi will tell you where to find it. 

AI engine optimizes performance 

The V11 is also here to accommodate the busiest workaholics. V11’s Jovi AI Engine delivers a more efficient allocation of CPU and memory resources than ever before. By ‘reading’ user phone usage habits, the CPU will provide a custom operating mode to consumers. For the high-performing professional, when the V11 detects that he/she is constantly working overtime based on their location and timing, it will remind them to take a rest early. The heart of the V11’s AI features is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, which features first-class energy efficiency and processing power that seamlessly accommodates the busiest schedules. 

Imagine having a smartphone that could detect the current apps being used and allocate exactly the correct processing power to optimize performance? This could be the hardcore gamer’s new best friend. The V11 also features an AI Game Mode to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience, with features such as Game Assistant to access floating call alerts and background calls, and an Automatic Game Mode to run your game in the background while the screen is switched off – so you never lose your progress.

Beyond the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, the V11 comes with a 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM setup which ensures storage is enough for all users. Not only that, Vivo’s Dual-Engine Fast Charging also safely tops up the large 3400mAh capacity battery at a rapid speed, ensuring that the phone battery is well-charged, so gamers can focus on winning.

The V11 is designed to provide a more personalized experience, and to streamline heavy workloads with ease. AI will be the catalyst to stimulate the growth of modern smartphone software and hardware. Essentially, it will be the core engine for understanding and interacting with users in a more intelligent and engaging way. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide. 

AI Photography: Effortlessly capturing treasured memories

The art of photography has already undergone a fundamental transformation with the rise of camera phones. That transformation is set to evolve to another level with the science of photography being the focus emerging AI-embedded smartphones. AI-powered cameras promise a better ‘read’ of different photography settings and can automate functions that could take months or years to learn down to a split-second process. AI technology can quickly identify which settings are needed in any given scenario, allowing even amateur photographers to simply point and capture their magical moments in that exact instant.

This quantum shift in camera science means users no longer require sophisticated professional cameras, allowing users to effortlessly capture and show their vivid memories in more ways and with many more options.

Vivo has been quick to adapt to the evolving needs of consumers with the creation of the V11. The latest smartphone incorporates AI camera tools that solve very specific challenges that users might face while taking pictures – issues such as bad lighting, poor exposure or focus can easily be fixed with just a simple click, meaning taking breathtaking pictures are instantly possible and a reality. 

Adjusting lighting has now made easier 

Shooting portraits against the light can make for a terrible photo if done improperly. Imagine this, a person is having a great time at a sunset party and wants to snap a picture of him/her with the sunset, but is unable to capture the face clearly because of poor lighting. This scenario would be challenging even for the more professional photographer but could be solved easily with an AI-powered smartphone such as the Vivo V11. 

Features, such as the AI Backlight HDR and the AI Low Light Mode that enable the phone to automatically adjust lighting according to the photo settings and subjects. The AI algorithm is the main catalyst that empowers these features. AI Backlight mode can capture up to 6 frames at a wider dynamic range of up to 11ev, correcting uneven exposures and merging them to create perfectly exposed photos. The AI algorithm also ensures that the AI Low Light Mode can intelligently combine different frames into an evenly lit one. By capturing more details and reducing noise in low light situations, it makes it much easier to take stunning photographs with a simple point and shoot.

“Left: With AI Backlight HDR, Right: Without AI Backlight HDR”

For selfie lovers, the V11 is also equipped with AI Selfie Lighting which delivers close to the quality of professional studio lighting. Users no longer need complicated lighting settings to get a stunning portrait. Instantly snap and share on social platforms, it’s that easy. 

AI is your personal makeup artist

To enhance users’ facial structure, the AI Face Shaping does the trick. The tool comes with a variety of cosmetic facial changes, such as the ability to reshape the size of nose bridges, adjust the distance between eyes, and the size of lips. Looking at your naturally flawless best in all photos has now been made possible. Users can also see the before and after effect and adjust the visual according to their desired preference. 

“AI Face Shaping” 

Learning complicated photography settings is no longer required 

For beginners in photo-taking, learning the tricks and tools of a complicated camera can be a daunting learning process, but with the AI camera, this is rendered unnecessary. The AI Scene Recognition is a revolutionary feature of the V11. It easily detects and adapts to 18 tags, so users can take the perfect picture automatically anywhere and anytime. Users simply just need to point and shoot, and the camera will quickly and accurately identify different scenes such as ‘night’, ‘portrait’, ‘food’ and apply customized settings to enhance it. 

“Left: With AI Scene Recognition, Right: Without AI Scene Recognition”

To examine different photo scenarios, the V11 also comes with the AI Portrait Framing that automatically provides the best composition suggestion guiding users to better position the phone while taking pictures. It is able to do so by self-learning millions of data points, and directing users to hold the phone in the optimal position, producing a perfectly framed golden ratio portrait shot. 

“Left: With AI Portrait Framing, Right: Without AI Portrait Framing”

With the help of the V11’s AI camera features, taking professional shots has never been easier. These outstanding features are literally a compact professional camera packed in a professional-grade hardware right in your palm. The 12MP (with 24 million photosensitive units) main camera plus a 5MP secondary camera ensures the camera’s photographic capabilities are enhanced. Also, the high-resolution 25MP front camera ensures any selfie will be crystal clear. 

Today, all you need is an AI smartphone with high-quality camera hardware to transform yourself into a professional-level photographer. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club Experience serene, luxurious seaside living in Taytay, Palawan

Here's a glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara.

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waitingfor you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.

Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.

The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member.

Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club.

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

•  National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management 

•  Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs

•  Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping

•  Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing

•  Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales

•  The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. 

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

To know more,  visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/)

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) 

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was

established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.