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October 12, 2019

10 Galaxy Note10 Features and Settings Users Should Know About

The Galaxy Note10 and Galaxy Note10+ are packed with powerful innovations designed to help users take their mobile experience to the next level.

To help them get the most out of these convenient features, Samsung has compiled a list of ten functions and settings users should consider when setting up their new device. Whether you’re new to the Note series or you’re a long-term user who’s just upgraded to the latest edition, the features outlined below will help you customize your phone in ways that work for you.

1. Customize Air Actions

The Galaxy Note10’s new S Pen Air actions transform the Note series’ signature tool into a magic wand for controlling your device. The gesture-based controls are completely customizable, which means you can specify exactly which functions you’d like them to trigger within specific apps – such as the Camera, Gallery and Samsung Notes.

For example, using the S Pen to trace a clockwise circle in the Camera app will, by default, trigger the camera to zoom into the frame. However, you can also customize this gesture to change camera modes, switch cameras, zoom out and more, if any of those functions would be more comfortable for you.

You can also specify which frequently used app or feature you’d like to launch when you press and hold the S Pen’s button. This saves users time by making it easier for them to access the functions they need.


2. Adjust Your Side Key Settings

The Galaxy Note10’s sleek and slim 

includes an all-new multifunctional key located beneath the volume rocker on the devices’ left-hand side. A double press allows you to instantly open the camera, Bixby or a frequently used app of your choosing, while a press and hold will wake Bixby or pull up the power off menu.

The Galaxy Note10 also introduces more ways for users to power down their devices. Now, in addition to pulling up the power off menu with a press and hold of the side key, users can easily turn off their phone by (1) tapping on the power icon integrated into the Quick Panel, (2) pressing and holding the side and volume down keys, or (3) asking Bixby to do it directly.

The side key’s settings can be accessed by swiping down on the Quick Panel, tapping the power icon and selecting ‘Side key settings,’ or by pressing and holding the side key itself.


3. Pick Your Favorite Pens

The Galaxy Note10’s enhanced Samsung Notes app makes it easier for users to get down to work by allowing them to save their favorite pens in an instantly accessible tab.

Once users open Samsung Notes and tap on the scribble icon at the top, they’ll see an icon of a pen marked with a golden star in the bottom left corner of the screen. Tapping that icon will pull up a handy tab containing slots to save up to nine unique pens. With six types of pens, an array of thickness options, and dozens of colors available, it’s easy to find and save the right pen for the job.

Once they’re saved, all it takes to pull up the pen you need when composing a note is a press of the S Pen’s button. Each subsequent press will switch to another favorite pen in your collection.


4. Step Up Your Screen Recordings

The Galaxy Note10’s new Screen recorder not only makes it easy to record what’s on your screen, but also features a picture-in-picture function that allows users, such as vloggers and gamers, to use the front camera to add reactions and commentary to their videos.

To start a recording, simply pull down the Quick Panel and tap on the Screen recorder icon. Once the recording starts, you’ll see icons in the top right corner to enable real-time S Pen annotation, and activate the front camera for the picture-in-picture function.

If you’d like to capture your voice while recording a picture-in-picture video, pull up the feature’s settings by pressing and holding ‘Screen recorder’ in the Quick Panel. There, you’ll find options to (1) record no sound, (2) record media sounds, and (3) record ‘media sounds and mic.’ The settings also allow you to specify precisely how large you would like your picture-in-picture video to be and select preferred video quality.



5. Link to Windows

To help users work more comfortably and efficiently, the Galaxy Note10 features Link to Windows integrated directly into its Quick Panel. Now, rather than bouncing from one screen to the other, users can easily connect their Galaxy Note10 to their Windows 10-based PC and mirror their phone’s screen, send and receive messages, and view notifications – as well as up to 25 recent photos – directly from their computer.

Link to Windows can be launched via the Quick Panel or by accessing Settings > Advanced features. Once the user logs in to their Microsoft account, the Galaxy Note10 automatically links to their PC. It’s as simple as that.


6. Connect to Samsung DeX for PC

The Galaxy Note10 takes multitasking to the next level by making Samsung DeX even easier to use. Now, all it takes to expand your mobile experience to your Windows PC or Mac is a simple USB cable.

Getting started is easy: simply access Samsung DeX’s official website on your PC or Mac to download and launch the Samsung DeX for PC installer, and connect your smartphone to your computer. Once everything’s set up, the program will automatically launch Samsung DeX via a window on your computer’s screen.

From there, you’ll be able to easily drag and drop files between your smartphone and PC, and enjoy more space to manage your go-to apps. In addition, even when it’s connected to your PC, your smartphone can still be used to make phone calls, send messages, and surf the internet.



7. Display Battery Percentage

These days, we’re constantly working, connecting and creating on our mobile devices, which is why we like to keep a close eye on our smartphone’s battery level.

The Galaxy Note10’s default setting is to display the battery level via a simple icon on the right side of the status bar. However, users who would like to know exactly how much power they have left can access Settings > Notifications > Status bar, where they’ll find options to display the exact battery percentage, and specify how many notification icons they’d like to see at the top of their screen.

The Galaxy Note10 also features AI software that optimizes battery usage based on how you use your device. To manage your device’s battery optimization, head to Settings > Device care > Battery > Power mode. There you’ll find various power modes for increasing performance and extending battery life, as well as an ‘Adaptive power saving’ function, which enables your Galaxy Note10’s AI to automatically adjust the power mode based on your usage patterns to save power when it’s not needed.


8. Enable Bixby Routines

What if your smartphone were intelligent enough to optimize settings based on your daily routine – switching to Wi-Fi as soon as you got home, and automatically dimming the screen and activating its blue light filter to protect your eyes before you went to bed?

Bixby Routines on the Galaxy Note10 makes all that and more possible. The function utilizes machine learning to learn how you use your phone throughout the day, and recommends personalized routines that can streamline tasks to help you save more time.

The Galaxy Note10 features 14 preset Bixby Routines right out of the box, including ‘Good morning,’ ‘Work,’ ‘Home,’ ‘Before bed’ and ‘Driving.’ Best of all, creating your own Bixby Routines couldn’t be easier. Simply tap on the plus sign at the top of the menu to create a routine that works for you.


9. Rearranging Camera Modes

Because speed can be key when it comes to capturing incredible photos, the Galaxy Note10 allows you to rearrange the order of its camera modes so your most frequently used options come up first. The camera launches on Photo mode by default, and lets you designate the order of the camera modes to the left and right of Photo mode to make it easy to navigate to the mode you need.

If, for example, you like to take pictures of your food, place Food mode immediately before or after Photo. If you tend to use other modes more often than the basic Photo mode, tap on ‘Keep using last mode’ under the ‘Camera modes’ settings to enable the camera to launch on the last mode you used.


10. Quickly Access Brightness Settings

Sometimes – when watching a movie at a theater, for example – we’d like to be able to adjust our smartphone’s brightness quickly and easily. If you find yourself in these situations quite often, consider enabling the Galaxy Note10’s brightness control to be displayed above the notification panel.

To do so, simply swipe down on the Quick Panel, tap on the arrow to the right of the brightness control, and tap on ‘Show control on top.’ The display’s brightness settings also include an ‘Adaptive brightness’ function that allows the Galaxy Note10 to keep track of your brightness adjustments and apply them automatically when you use your device under similar lighting conditions.



October 11, 2019

TPB set to accelerate local tourism with PHITEX 2019


Philippine Travel Exchange or PHITEX, the biggest travel trade event in the country, is now set with this year’s theme, Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth.

To be held from 19 – 28 October 2019 in Metro Manila, PHITEX 2019 will feature business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers to encourage an exchange of tourism-related discourse among the participants and open doors for business opportunities. 

Industry leaders will also take part as key resource speakers to discuss new trends in tourism marketing as well as marketing strategies in mature and emerging markets.

PHITEX 2019 will end with post-tours for delegates to introduce the most popular Philippine tourist destinations including the country’s best hotels, accommodations, entertainment venues and business facilities.

Spearheaded by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, PHITEX has been established as the major annual marketing event in the Philippines that further strengthens the country’s brand image and encourages participants to promote affordable and competitive tourism packages. 

Last year’s event was participated by 188 buyers from 29 countries, sellers from 148 companies, and a total of 235 delegates. This year, the TPB is targeting 250 sellers and 250 buyers. 

“PHITEX has always been successful in building bridges to strengthen the country’s relations with the other leaders of the tourism industry,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Marie Venus Tan. “It has also positively affected our image as one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the globe.”

For further information, please log on to https://www.phitex.ph/.


October 10, 2019

2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup presents big global winners Bren Esports and CX Blanc !

The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup kicked off on a high note on October 4, Friday, at the SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium in Quezon City. The three-day event, which highlighted top gaming products from Taiwan PC brands, Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends (LoL) tournaments, and a cosplay competition drew crowds of eSports fans, gaming enthusiasts as well as media guests and VIPs.



The great event was hosted by athlete, TV personality, and avid gamer Eric “Eruption” Tai, the thrilling event opened its first day with an energetic dance number from Upeepz Dance Crew followed by opening remarks from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Director Mr. Wen Chun-Chang and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Director Mr. Clement Chen, who both emphasized the importance of the Taiwan ICT industry’s support for the local eSports community. As the Philippines continues to grow into a viable gaming and eSports market, the introduction of the most advanced technologies and powerful gaming devices from Taiwan can help boost the gameplay of aspiring Filipino eSports athletes.




Actress and cost player  Myrtle Sarroza at the grand opening ceremony and got first dibs in experiencing the products on display at the free-for-all brand booths. Among the devices she got to try were Asus Republic of Gamers’ ROG Zephyrus S (the world’s lightest and thinnest gaming laptop), the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus WaterForce Xtreme motherboard, Aorus memory cards and video cards, AVerMedia’s plug-and-play AM310 USB microphone and Live Streamer Cam 313, InWin’s WINBOT Limited Edition Transparent Spherical case, Kingmax Semiconductor, memory cards and external portable SSDs from Transcend and T Force, Zyxel’s tri-band Wi-Fi system, and peripherals from XPG, Zadak, and G.Skill.

The product experience zone also included ten units of gaming desktops that were made available for guests to use in playing games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends. Fans also had the chance to take photos with cosplayers dressed as their favorite game characters and jammed with pop rock band GraceNote, which added excitement to the three-day festivities.




The intense CS:GO battle on October 4 and the LoL games on October 5 were also witnessed by eSports fanatics all over the world via live streaming on the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page. Day 1 was hosted by shoutcasters Nomadph and Ilustrado, and Day 2 by G10 and Een Mercado. Celebrity cosplayer and gamer Ashley Gosiengfiao also made an appearance on October 5 to meet with her fans.


Winners' circle

Bren Esports dominated the CS:GO tournament and won the grand prize of P56,000 in cash. Each team member also took home an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth of Sodexo Gift Certificates. In a short speech, the captain of Bren Esports expressed the team's collective sentiment about their victory, "We're very happy about winning. I think we deserve this because we worked hard for this."

Aside from these prizes, Bren Esports also has the honor of representing the country in an upcoming CS:GOfriendly match against Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup winners from Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Taiwan. "We're going to practice more in preparation for our upcoming matches abroad," promises Bren Esports.

Meanwhile, CX Blanc took home the grand prize of P56,000 for the LoL tournament. Each team member also received an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth for Sodexo Gift Certificates from Taiwan Excellence.

Taking the second, third, and fourth places for the CS:GO tournament are Fallen5, WIMAX, and Station 751, respectively. For LoL, the runner up positions were nabbed by PlayLoud, Ruyal, and Archeous accordingly.

On the other hand, the cosplay competition on October 6 showcased the creativity and talent of Filipino costume artists. Judged by representatives from TAITRA and cosplayer, game streamer, and video content creator Kang Dupet, 30 contestants took the stage in their best CS:GO- and LoL-inspired costumes. Izaiah Luke Buelos took home the grand prize of P40,000, while runners up Sergio Sta. Ana and Nicholai Dizon won P20,000 and P10,000 in cash, respectively.

With a total prize pool of P430,000, this has been one of the biggest eSports tournaments in the country to date. Not only the players and contestants were able to bring home prizes, guests who registered at the venue also had the chance to win prizes from the Shopping List, Guess Whose Logo, and Scavenger List games.

The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup is organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), with partners Asus Republic of Gamers, Aorus, AVerMedia, In-Win, Kingmax, Transcend, XPG, T Force, Zadak, G.Skill, and Zyxel. For more information, like and follow the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.



About Taiwan Excellence

The Taiwan Excellence symbol honors Taiwan’s most innovative products, providing tremendous value to users worldwide. Products carrying this symbol were awarded based on their design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D and manufacturing. Established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 101 countries. 

Sponsored by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA

The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. is responsible for implementing policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, BOFT's role and position have evolved to reflect the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. BOFT has guided and collaborated with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities both internationally and domestically. Having worked closely with TAITRA for decades, BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.


Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is Taiwan’s foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers in strengthening their international competitiveness and dealing with foreign market challenges. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Basta shopping this 10.10 weekend, don't pay cash. PayMaya! Get as much as P3,000 in cashback when you shop online and in stores with PayMaya this 10/10

Ready your mobile wallets, folks! Shopping season is once again on full-throttle mode and you can not only get the best discounts on deals when you shop online and in store, you can also get so much more when you shop with your PayMaya card or use PayMaya QR. 



Take advantage of the sweet 10.10 sales and zero-in on online and in-store deals you have been wishing for when you use your PayMaya card or pay using QR for your online and in-store shopping this October–and get as much as P3,000 in cashback for all your purchases. 



Go crazy shopping online at some of the most popular e-Commerce sites and snag the latest fashion finds, gadget trends, and home items because you can get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for all your transactions. And when you go crazy and rack up a total of P5,000 spend, you also get a P500 cashback on top of everything else!

But when you feel like going to the malls to get your shopping fill this 10.10, PayMaya's also got your back because you can also get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for each spend and a P500 reward for an accumulated P5,000 purchase this October when you scan to pay with your phone using PayMaya QR. 

To know the nearest merchant that accepts PayMaya QR near you, visit pymy.co/QRmerchants

So forget Cash-On-Delivery (COD) and use your PayMaya account when you shop this weekend to enjoy the full convenience, security, and rewards that it has to offer–exclusive perks that are even better than your credit card! 

If you don’t have a PayMaya account yet, now is the best time to get one so you can take advantage of all the cashback rewards while 10/10 sales are still happening! Download the PayMaya app now for iOS or Android and sign up today to feel the joy of paying for anything you want in the fastest, most secure, rewarding, and hassle-free way! Remember, don’t pay cash, PayMaya! 

To know how you can maximize your PayMaya account, visit www.paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, is the only financial technology company in the Philippines offering integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. It is the first to give millions of Filipinos an e-wallet that allows them to pay cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. It is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the country backed by PLDT, KKR, Tencent, World Bank’s IFC and the IFC Emerging Asia Fund. 


Terms and conditions apply for all offers. Full Promo Mechanics:

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB 19185, 19179, 18893, 19183 and 19228, Series of 2019.

October 9, 2019

Shopee Offers Sitewide Free Shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will celebrate Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival on October 10 with sitewide free shipping ₱0 minimum spend. Consumers can also score 100% brands cashback vouchers and up to 50% off deals from leading brands. In addition, users can look forward to an upsized session of Shopee Shake and an exclusive 10-hour Livestream with sitewide vouchers up to ₱1,000 off. 

Here are 10 deals you won’t want to miss on October 10, all at 50% off their original price:

1. Vivo X21 




The Vivo X21 is one of Vivo’s most sought-after smartphones built with a fingerprint sensor and face recognition to unlock your phone. It also boasts 128GB worth of built-in storage and a 6.28-inch display that makes it ideal for downloading and playing games. Get the Vivo X21 for only ₱15,099. 


2. HUG 40" Full HD Smart TV




This smart TV has a 40” screen that is perfect for watching your favorite shows and movies. With a screen resolution of 1920x1080p pixels, the HUG Smart TV offers a full high definition screen for a greater viewing experience. Get the HUG 40” TV for only ₱7,499.


3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 




The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a sleek smartphone that boasts fast-charging capabilities, a 6.3-inch display, and a front and rear camera that can capture crystal clear shots. Get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 for only ₱7,449.



4. Lenovo IdeaPad 130-15AST Laptop




In need of a sturdy, yet affordable laptop? The Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop is the perfect computer for your everyday needs with a 500GB hard drive, built-in CD drive, and a sizeable 15.6-inch screen. Get the Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop for only ₱14,725. 


5. YI Smart Dash Cam 


The YI Smart Dash Cam has a 165° ultra wide-angle feature to reduce blind spots. It also has high sensitivity image sensors that ensure excellent vision at any time of day. Boost a car’s functionality and get the YI Smart Dash Cam for only ₱2,479.


6. Canon PiXMA TS6120 Color Printer




The PiXMA TS6120 helps you print documents and photos easily. It features built-in Wi-Fi, front and rear paper feeding, along with a 5-color individual ink system. You can also scan important documents straight to your smartphone. Get the PiXMA TS6120 for only ₱3,599.



7. JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker




Whether it is listening to music indoors or out by the pool, the JBL Clip 2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the best portable speaker to have. Get the JBL Clip 2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker for only ₱1,559.


8. Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser



Physiogel’s Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser is a holy grail product for people with dry and sensitive skin. It’s a mild cleanser that leaves the skin soft after washing. Get the Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser for only ₱450.


9. Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation


The Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation is blendable and buildable for those who want a flawless and natural look. Get The Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation for only ₱337 and the rest of Candid line at 50% off too. 


10. Spider-Man with Spider Mobile Funko Pop



If your favorite character is Spider-Man, this Funko Pop bobble-head is a great addition to your collection. Get the Spider-Man with Spider Mobile Funko Pop for only ₱950.​


Find out more about Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival at https://shopee.ph/1010

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.


The First-ever SO SHOP! A Social Sellers Bazaar Empowered by LBC

Leading logistics company LBC Express Inc. held Shopping and Learning in One: First-ever So Shop! Bazaar brings hundreds of online sellers together last October 5 at Function Room 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. 



In its effort to empower online business owners, as the So Shop! Bazaar,  LBC highlights commitment to empowering MSME's.

More and more Filipinos are starting to venture into micro, small and medium enterprises nowadays. With technology, anyone can be an entrepreneur and it has served as one of the personal goals for a lot of us - from fresh grads to millennials to retirees. However, starting your own online business may be a daunting task but with the right support, succeeding in it is not a farfetched dream.

The bazaar brought together over 100 online business owners, thousands of shoppers, industry speakers, and influencers in one venue, making it both a shopping and learning experience in one. It also gave social sellers the opportunity to meet and connect with their customers in person, showcase their products, and transact using LBC's Cash on Pick-up (COP) and Cash on Delivery (COD) services.

"With more and more Filipinos setting up their businesses online, we at LBC, believe that it's high time to bring online businesses together, in one venue, and get to interact with their buyers live. "

"So Shop! is our commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country," said Oliver C. Valentin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Philippine Branch Operations of LBC Express Inc.

LBC's COP and COD services are designed to make online purchasing easier and more convenient for shoppers. With COP, LBC's over 1,400 branches can serve as pick-up points for buyers to get the products they bought online while COD allows them to get it right at their doorstep.


So! Shop for all your lifestyle must-haves

Featuring diverse products from over a hundred booths, So Shop! became a haven for a weekend to shopping enthusiasts and people with various interests.

For techies and gadget lovers, online gadget stores such as Kimstore, Juan Gadget, Droud Hero, and JBL Store PH provided exclusive deals and discounts. Beauty and makeup fans went gaga over the vanous shops from Korean and Japanese beauty brands to sustainable beauty products.








Those who love customized lifestyle pieces were also able to see their favorite online shops making it a perfect venue to shop for personalized gifts including travel sets, accessories, and oven kitchen wares. Moms who were on the lookout for early Christmas gifts brought home items that are perfect for the whole family.

So Shop! also treated the shoppers to a host of surprises including Mystery Box gifts from participating social sellers and gadgets raffled off by LBC.


Growing one's online business

Aside from the shopping experience, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs also learned from a lineup of industry speakers, business owners, and influencers who gave talks on topics relevant to growing their business

Facebook Philippines Head of Agency Liam Capati showcased the power of Facebook ads and how it can help businesses reach their customers especially at a time when cutting through the clutter in the online space is crucial. Canva Community Team Lead Gladys Lacorte emphasized the importance of  having visually appealing social media pages through designs that represent a business personality.

Creative Boss Founder Rachell Araja-De Luna knows very well why a website is a must-have to an online business, with it being a repository of one's products online. Through her talk "DIY Your Dream Website," Araja-De Luna discussed the simple ways a budding entrepreneur can create a website without breaking the bank. The power of online communities cannot be dismissed too-this is what PLDT Vice-President for Digital Strategy and Consumer Disruptive Business Carlo Ople highlighted in his talk. Ople shared why businesses should be present on the digital space and how to effectively tap online communities to reach a specific target market.

Not only was So Shop! a learning-filled experience, it was inspiring too with panel discussions and success stories that moved the audience.



Celebrity mom, wife, and entrepreneur Neri Miranda talked about her businesses and her role as a homemaker. Miranda, owning multiple businesses including Neri's Gourmet Tuyo, online bedding and accessories store. Very Neri, and an events place in Tagaytay called Neri's Not So Secret Garden, gave mompreneurs tips on how to juggle it all. 

Content creator Wil Dasovich, who owns online merch store MerchBy alongside other influencer friends, shared how he remained authentic throughout the years of being a known digital personality. Dasovich also sold products at his MerchBy booth at So Shop!

A panel discussion on the social impact of online businesses featured Jamico Jamlang, founder of sustainable businesses The Bamboo Company and Chesca De Mesa, co-founder and managing director of Refuse PH. Joining them was Havas Media Ortega Head of Data and Analytics Phil Tiongson who gave the audience a glimpse of Havas' global study centering around consumers mindful consumption.

Women entrepreneurs also took center stage with Kimstore Founder Kim Lato and Neon Island Founders Alyssa Gibbs and Aira Medina. They shared what it's like starting and growing a business, as women, and how they overcame the challenges that came with it.



Hosted by 101.1 Yes FM DJ Rico Panyero and Love Radio DJ Raqi Terra, So Shop! was not just a star-studded bazaar but one that has taught online business owners new techniques to move their businesses forward.

Javier Mantecon, Chief Marketing Officer of LBC Express-Global Marketing, reiterated the company's commitment to move lives, including those of the social sellers. "As the e-commerce community continues to grow, LBC remains your partner. We hope that this is just the beginning of our long partnership. We want to help you take that move, wherever that may be."

October 8, 2019

Special Announcements : Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati announced for their much-awaited wedding


Celebrity couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati made announcements for their much-awaited grand wedding that to be on March 2020.

Sarah shared to the media during the press conference that they are planning to have an old romance theme on their wedding.



Fans are invited to Richard's and Sarah's journey to forever as the showbiz couple will soon appear in various ABS-CBN shows and other Kapamilya multimedia platforms to reveal details about their much-anticipated wedding.

Last Sunday (October 11, the grand announcement already happened on “ASAP Natin ‘To” where Kapamilya singers Moira Dela Torre, Jason Dy, Ogie Alcasid, and Martin Nievera serenaded the couple with heartfelt love songs.

“We are very grateful to ABS-CBN, our bosses, our ASAP family, and to the singers who performed. It's like our practice for our wedding," said Sarah who got emotional during their appearance on “ASAP Natin ‘To.”


Also check this video coverage during the Special Announcements Presscon:


This is only the first of many appearances the two will do as they will visit various ABS-CBN shows for exclusive stories and sneak peeks on their upcoming wedding.

Meanwhile, Richard and Sarah appreciate the amount of love they have received as they enter the new chapter of their lives.

“We are super grateful. We made it official to our parents, kids, and friends. Now, it’s time to make it official to our supporters and announce it properly,” said Sarah.

Richard, on the other hand, added, “We are thankful to ABS-CBN and for the people working behind all this. This is very special to us and we can’t wait to share more details about our big day soon.”

The two revealed that they are already finalizing their guest list and principal sponsors. Sarah will also fly out of the country for her wedding gown fitting next month.

Aside from the wedding preparations, Richard is currently busy doing a film under Star Cinema with Bea Alonzo, with whom he will also be pairing for a teleserye, and Angelica Panganiban. He we also star for the first time on “MMK” this Saturday (October 12) alongside Elisse Joson.






The Angels Initiative: Building a Network of Stroke-Ready Hospitals

Initiative stresses need for more hospitals in the Philippines to be equipped for stroke

In light of the upcoming World Stroke Day on October 29, the Angels Initiative, a healthcare program that aims to improve hospital care for people who just suffered a stroke, recently hosted a roundtable for the media called, “Angels Initiative: Improving Stroke Care in Asia,” at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.



The Angels Initiative is composed of dedicated consultants who provide doctors, nurses and ambulance crews with the training and support they need to create and improve the treatment pathways and processes around stroke care. The Angels consultants run assessments together with the hospitals; compare existing processes with guidelines; provide training and ongoing support for the hospital staff as well as process- and quality-monitoring.

The media roundtable was held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Stroke Conference (APSC) in Manila on October 2-5, 2019. The APSC focused on highlighting the burden of stroke, globally and locally in the Philippines. The event also featured global and regional key opinion leaders, which includes spokespersons from APSC, Angels Initiative and the World Stroke Organization (WSO). There was also recognition of new hospitals in Southeast Asia & South Korea (SEASK) who received their first WSO Angels Awards at the event.


Stroke: A Common killer

When does stroke exactly happen? A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen. There are two broad categories of stroke: those caused by a blockage of blood flow and those caused by bleeding into the brain. A blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck, called an ischemic stroke, is the most frequent cause of stroke and is responsible for about 80 percent of strokes. 

People age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than younger people do. Men have a higher risk of stroke than women do. Women are usually older when they have strokes, and they're more likely to die of strokes than are men. “One third of 17 million people die from stroke after exhibiting its symptoms. Another third are left disabled permanently. It is alarming to note that two-thirds of stroke attacks in the world happen in Asia,” according to Prof. Dr. Jose Navarro, Chair of the Neurosonology Group of the Philippine Neurological Association and former President of the Stroke Society of the Philippines. “In the Philippines, stroke is the second leading cause of death” 

It is also crucial to note that stroke is such a time-sensitive disease that for every minute it is left untreated, up to two million-brain cells die. 

“There are more chances that an outcome will be most favorable when a stroke patient receives care 60 minutes upon arrival at the hospital,” explained Prof. Dr. Michael Brainin, President of the World Stroke Organization. “These patients are more likely to become independent and have a higher possibility of going back home after surviving the disease.”



Making hospitals stroke-ready

This is what the Angels Initiative addresses. For the initiative, treating patients as soon as possible, following the best standards of care in dedicated stroke centers, is important so that they can have better chances of survival and living disability-free lives. The initiative provides hospitals with the resources and the support they need as well as the needed training for their doctors and staff so that they can be truly stroke-ready.

Every country that the Angels Initiative is present in has an “Angels Consultants Team” that supports hospitals in implementing stroke care improvement programs. A hospital or center will be considered stroke-ready when it has reached a standardization of processes, which will ensure that stroke treatment is given within 60 minutes of the patient arriving at the hospital.





About the Angels Initiative in the Philippines

The Angels Initiative was launched by Boehringer Ingelheim and endorsed by the European Stroke Organization (ESO) and the World Stroke Organization (WSO). It began in Europe with a team of stroke experts back in November 2014 and now in SEASK (Southeast Asia and South Korea).

An important aspect of the Angels Initiative is the collaboration with local medical organizations, such as the Stroke Society of the Philippines and the Philippine Neurological Association. 

Here in the Philippines, the initiative has made considerable progress since it began in 2017 with one Angels stroke consultant and 18 target hospitals in consultation. There are now 11 stroke-ready hospitals in the country with five fully-dedicated Angels consultants and 42 hospitals nationwide in active consultation.

Among the 42 hospitals in consultation, the National Capital Region has the most number with 25 hospitals, followed by Davao, with four hospitals. Cordillera Autonomous Region, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas are also some of the regions with hospitals that are part of the Angels network.

Thomas Fischer


According to Thomas Fischer, Boehringer Ingelheim Global Project Lead of the Angels Initiative, in 2018, 265 more Filipino patients were treated for stroke, which accounts to 11 percent more Filipino patients having a second chance at life.

“There are currently 98 Philippine hospitals registered in the Angels Initiative website,” added Fischer. “This is a huge jump from the 32 registrants in 2018.”

During the APSC, Baguio General Hospital and Makati Medical Center received the Q2 2019 WSO Gold Award. The WSO Angels Awards are designed to acknowledge and honor teams and individuals committed to quality improvement in stroke practice and to establish a culture of continued monitoring.

For hospitals that are interested in finding out more about the Angels Initiative and how they can be properly equipped to become stroke-ready, they can schedule a consultation with the Angels Team by registering through the official website:
www.angels-initiative.com








More About the Angels Initiative

Suffering a stroke is one of the most devastating medical emergencies that can happen to a person. Fifteen million people worldwide suffer a stroke every year; one-third of these people die as a consequence; another third is left permanently disabled. Guidelines recommend that patients who have had a stroke are treated in a specialized stroke unit by a dedicated team. In turn, treatment should be initiated as quickly as possible after onset of symptoms, but this does not always happen.

A dedicated team of Angels consultants provide doctors, nurses and ambulance crews with the training and support they need to create and improve the treatment pathways and processes around stroke care. The Angels consultants run assessments together with the hospitals; compare existing processes with guidelines; provide training and ongoing support for the hospital staff as well as process- and quality-monitoring. Examples of these measures include checklists, which help to standardize processes and to limit unnecessary delays. In addition, the Angels Initiative offers educational tools and programs – digital as well as analogue, support for pre- and in-hospital process optimization and a community platform for peer-to-peer exchange and access to the world’s leading stroke specialists.

For further information on the Angels Initiative, visit: https://www.angels-initiative.com