Globe, ZSL Philippines partner on mangrove protection for climate resilient coastal communities

Globe has sealed a five-year partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines for the protection and rehabilitation of local mangrove forests which are being threatened by the conversion of vast areas into ponds for commercial fish and shrimp farming.

Mangrove planting in the Philippines. Photo from www.zsl.org

ZSL Philippines is one of the primary organizations focused on mangrove rehabilitation through abandoned fishpond reversion, green-gray technology intervention, and close collaboration with People’s Organizations (POs). It was instrumental in the establishment of The Katunggan It Ibajay Ecopark in Aklan and another eco-park in Pedada, Iloilo which now serves as ecological tourist spots of Panay island. With an established eco-tourism, proceeds of both eco-parks go to the respective POs for their continuous operation, maintenance, and improvement.

As a long-time advocate of environmental protection and climate change prevention, Globe now focuses on mangrove conservation to step up its carbon sequestration efforts. This is aligned with its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by actively supporting the Race To Zero global campaign spearheaded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP26 Presidency and backed by the GSMA, the global mobile industry body, to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero no later than 2050.

“For several years now, we have been actively protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing our forests to stop land degradation and biodiversity loss and to combat the effects of global warming. We are further stepping up our efforts to lessen the impact of our operations on the environment as we put into action our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

In line with this, Globe decided to partner with ZSL Philippines which has proven expertise in mangrove ecosystems, to help with the conservation efforts starting with Iloilo which is considered as one of the top areas for mangrove rehabilitation programs due to its vulnerability to typhoons. The province also has a number of abandoned fishponds which make it suitable for rehabilitation efforts.

Leganes Integrated Katunggan Ecopark, Leganes, Iloilo. Drone photo by Jason Aguilar,
MBFTC Batch 11

With the addition of ZSL in its list of partners, Globe will be able to further strengthen its reforestation efforts which started with the Cordillera mountain ranges and Arakan Valley and later on moved to Bukidnon and Zambales. The partnership with ZSL will bring Globe’s total forest supported areas to 161 hectares.

“ZSL Philippines welcomes the partnership with Globe Telecom as it provides the opportunity to promote the importance of sustainable mangrove rehabilitation and conservation through the participation of communities, government, business sector, and Globe’s subscribers. The application of ZSL-developed science-based protocols as guidance, the establishment of a long-term carbon off-set mechanism to measure, and the use of existing technology to develop and/or enhance the capacity of coastal resource managers are among the important features of Globe Telecom and ZSL Philippines partnership for conservation and sustainability,” said Godof Villapando, Jr., Country Director of ZSL Philippines.

Mangroves are tropical trees found in coastal saline or brackish water. They are needed for climate stabilization since they can capture and store up to five times more carbon from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests. They also play a vital role in coastal protection, especially during a storm surge. With mangrove forests in place, the damage brought about by strong wind and waves becomes less destructive compared to a coastline with limited vegetation.

Likewise, mangroves are a source of valuable plant and animal products used as food, traditional herbal medicine and other wood and forest products. They also serve as nesting grounds for hundreds of bird species, and are home to a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and aquatic animals.

However, ZSL Philippines stated that since 1980, an estimated 20 to 35% of global mangroves have been lost, with current losses at around 1% per year as a result of human impact and natural disturbances.

As a purpose-driven company, Globe remains committed to the 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 13 which underscores the importance of climate action to save lives and livelihoods to address climate emergencies, and UN SDG No. 15 which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Globe joins over 9,600 companies demonstrating a commitment to environmental transparency by disclosing through CDP, a global non-profit organization that runs the world’s leading environmental disclosure platform.

To know more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html

Mikey Bustos on navigating the challenges of being an online celebrity

“I don’t think anyone is prepared for the life that comes with going viral in the internet.” 

It’s been 14 years since Mikey Bustos first posted a video on YouTube. It was a video of him performing as a front act for a Pussycat Dolls concert in Manila. And while initially renowned for his career as a singer and performer, it was really the relatable content he has been masterfully crafting and posting online that has captured the hearts and laughs of many. 

“It’s been such a learning curve,” said Mikey about his career, despite years of creating countless viral videos such as “Adobo” - a parody of the song Let It Go from Frozen - and “Balikbayan Box” - a parody of the Miley Cyrus Hit “Wrecking Ball”. “You just have to navigate through,” he added. 

While having to constantly think of new ideas is already a challenge in itself, having an audience that can directly interact with you via a comments section is another. “Having to deal with bashers is something you never get used to,” he remarked. 

Other challenges Mikey mentioned that he has encountered in his career was having to fight through insecurities, second-guessing himself, and managing his schedule. 

There was even a time when Mikey was juggling multiple YouTube channels all while traveling, performing, and managing his ant business. And while it was a challenge for him to do all these simultaneously, all these “trades” brought about plenty of opportunities. 

With these opportunities, however, come crucial choices he needed to make. 

On taking risks 

“For me, to be successful, you need to take calculated risks,” said Bustos who mentioned that one of the biggest risks he made in his life was moving to the Philippines from Canada. 

But this was just one among many risks Mikey had to take in order for his career to flourish further. 

“Signing contracts, teaming up with brands, expanding a team, collaborating with other content creators—these are all risks and choices you have to calculate and think about. You can’t just throw all your chips in and wish for the best” he stressed. 

On the art of de-stressing 

With all these decisions and challenges, not to mention having to sustain his career and business, there is no doubt that stress and risk of burnout frequent Mikey’s life. 

To combat these, he turns to exercise and meditation. 

To combat the stress and risk of burnout that comes with his successful career, Mikey makes sure to incorporate exercise and meditation to his daily routine. 

“I always try to incorporate exercise into my routine. I go to the gym a few times a week, and now I’ve taken a love for running—making sure I go 10km every day. In terms of mentally staying in shape, I do a lot of meditation and prayer.” 

To lessen the risk of burnout, Mikey also makes sure to explore his hobbies, which is sometimes a blurred line for him as his work involves making the most of his interests and sharing it online. He solves this dilemma by exploring his hobbies without feeling the need to bring a camera with him. 

On the importance of trust 

Another way Mikey reduces the stress brought about by his career and ventures is working with people that he trusts, which for him, is crucial to success. 

In the time of the pandemic, Mikey also shared that bringing “trusty” items with him wherever he goes is key to having an extra “peace of mind”. 

In the time of the pandemic, Mikey always makes sure to bring “trusty” items like face masks, face shields and Diatabs wherever he goes to help ensure “peace of mind”. 

“Lately, I always bring all sorts of protective gear—masks, alcohol, face shields, and the like. I also make sure to bring a lipbalm because ‘you never know when you’ll be on camera,’” he remarked. 

Besides exercise and meditation, Mikey also explores other hobbies such as reading to help keep his creative mind in top shape.

“I also make sure that I bring Diatabs with me wherever I go, especially when I’m running. It helps because I’ve been having ‘banyo-phobia’—When I’m far from the house and I really have to go, it’s hard for me to go use the public toilet because of the fear of acquiring the coronavirus. That’s why it’s always good to have Diatabs around,” he shared. 

Diatabs is a product of Unilab, a trusted anti-diarrheal brand in the country, that can easily take care of your upset stomach and give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to bowel trouble. It is available in leading drugstores and pharmacies nationwide. To learn more, visit https://www.unilab.com.ph/products/diatabs

5 things to remember as we begin again

 

As we welcome the new year—2021, it might do well for us to look back, to take stock of the positive lessons that we can extract from what was an unprecedented year. For sure, numerous take-aways can be gained as we move forward and anticipate a more “mobile” next normal—especially since vaccine trials by leading pharmaceutical companies have been yielding encouraging results.

With that, here are 5 lessons we should remember as we begin again:

Always wash your hands

Perhaps the most frequent reminder worth noting is how the power of proper handwashing has been in full display. It has been proven effective in killing 99.9% of germs and should always be considered a first line of defense against sicknesses and diseases.

Do not take sicknesses lightly 

The previous year that was also demonstrated how a virus can easily and quickly transmit from one person to another. With this, one should learn to treat regular coughs, colds, and flu like a very harmful and contagious virus. That means that even if the pandemic eventually ends, it would be wise to isolate one’s self when they feel flu-like symptoms or anything of the sort.

 

Take care of yourself

But more than the physical and physiological, we also learned to focus on ourselves and safeguard our mental health, a practice which we should continue doing even as we start physically interacting with others—carefully—and as we slowly get back into our fast-paced lives.

 

Cherish each moment

At some point during the lockdown, there must have been a point where we all realized that we had taken some activities, events, and physical hangouts for granted. So, in heading out again with care, cherish and make the most out of every outdoor moment and create memories that can last lifetimes.

Always be prepared

But in our excitement to resume our normal lifestyle, hang out, and even hook up, it’s important to remember that health safety should always be a priority for us to continue to enjoy the best things life can offer, for a long time.

So always be prepared and bring quality PPEs like alcohol, hand sanitizers, wipes, and even condoms—such as Durex—especially for those who have been craving for intimacy.

To learn more about the best PPEs to use in the next normal and how to stay safe and protected both up there and down there, Durex has launched a series of insightful videos with Boys Night Out which you can catch on Facebook and YouTube.

Globe site builds help Dagupan residents prepare for the future

Globe maintains its momentum in improving its network and upgrading its sites to build a #FirstWorldNetwork, with more sites up in rural areas where connectivity was once dire. Globe has been building new cell sites to fulfill the telco's commitment to have 4G LTE nationwide, in areas such as Brgy. Tambac, Dagupan.

Developments like access to the internet are more than crucial to residents in the area. For them, internet connectivity opens the door to more educational opportunities and economic possibilities for their barangay’s youth.

For parents faced with the challenge of mentoring their children through modules and distance learning, better connectivity supports this daily endeavor. Primalyn Castulo, a resident of Brgy. Tambac shares, “Ang importante maka-aral ‘yung bata, kasi ang uso ngayon ay online [learning] po eh. Mabilis na po [ang internet].” (The child is able to study, since online [learning] is what is being done now. The internet is faster now.)

“In this new normal, telecommunications or for online learning plays a vital role in delivering the easiest and fastest way of learning to our school children. Without it, the level of education will be a challenge to both teachers and students,” shares Jeanet de Vera, School Director of Sir Melan Learning Center in Calasiao, which specializes in both school-based and teach-from-home set-ups.

Average download speeds across all mobile providers in the Philippines' rose to 22.50 Mbps from 18.49 Mbps in November 2020, according to data from Speedtest™ Global Index.

Globe’s regional mobile Consistency Score™ also improved from the previous quarter in 16 out of 17 regions, registering increases as high as 10 PPTs (percentage points), with Consistency Scores ranging from 39% and 65% in Q4 2020. Ookla®'s quarterly data shows that Globe's overall Consistency Score in Q4 2020 improved to 60.82% from Q3’s 56.83%.

Mobile Consistency Score measures the number of incidences (viewed as a percentage) of a provider's samples equal or exceeds both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and an upload threshold of 1 Mbps.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

 

CitySavings provides recovery assistance to schools

2020 was indeed a challenging year and the education sector most especially was not spared from the massive pressure on distance learning and teaching brought about by the pandemic. The series of typhoons that hit different parts of the country caused immense destruction to school infrastructure and learning materials across Luzon areas. 

School buildings and furniture were damaged, technology equipment and supplies, learning materials, and printed modules for remote distance learning were ruined and washed away due to massive flooding. 

In response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) call for help, City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) mobilized calamity related assistance through various relief distributions and education recovery support initiatives to the typhoon-affected areas in Regions 2, 3, NCR, 4A, 4B and 5. 

Over 1,800 relief goods (rice, canned goods, water, vitamins, coffee) and hygiene kits (bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrush) were distributed as immediate aid. 

“Maraming-maraming salamat po sa CitySavings para sa grocery na relief goods na ibinigay sa aming pamilya. Napakalaking tulong po nito lalo na ngayon na nasalanta po kami, binaha gawa ng mga nagdaang bagyo. Sa pamunuan ng Calamba Bayside Integrated School at mga guro, isang taos-pusong pasasalamat at naging daan kayo para mabigyan kaming mga evacuees ng relief assistance mula sa CitySavings,” said Clemente Atesora, an evacuee from the said school. 

The Bank also donated printers, inks, and bond papers to assist in the replacement and reproduction of self-learning modules (SLMs) to 75 schools and divisions in Luzon. 

“The corporate social responsibility projects of City Savings Bank have always been felt by the SDO of Camarines Sur, from the printing of SLMs to the relief operations due to typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Thank you very much for being our active partner,” said Loida N. Nidea CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent – Division of Camarines Sur. 

CitySavings Reputation and Brand Management Head Paula Ruelan emphasized “As we usher in the new year, we are committed to supporting our education sector by providing resources the best way we can. We advocate equal access to quality education despite the adversities brought by these natural calamities during this time of global health crisis. 

Guided by the Aboitiz Group’s purpose to drive change for a better world, CitySavings has pledged its support to DepEd under the government’s Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) for the school year 2020 - 2021. 

About City Savings Bank: 

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country and provides a range of mass market financial products and services such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, OFW loans, seafarer loans, motorcycle loans, and traditional deposit products. The bank now has more than 140 branches nationwide.

Compassion and excellence at the heart of Cardinal Santos Medical Center

Clinical excellence has always been the core of Cardinal Santos Medical Center’s (CSMC) services—from its medical staff composed of some of the most respected doctors today, to the technology that it uses to bring the most groundbreaking services to its patients. 

Clinical excellence throughout the years. Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy, Senior Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer of Cardinal Santos Medical Center shares how the hospital has continuously strived to be at the forefront of the medical industry by providing innovative services and investing in groundbreaking technologies. 

“Clinical excellence encompasses a lot of things, not just excellent doctors in terms of knowledge, but excellence in being an innovator—leading the pack, so to speak. The patients seek out our services because they know how good our doctors are. It also encompasses the services we offer and how our people take care of our patients. We continuously improve on our 

ways as we remain determined to be top of mind for our patients when and if they need to go to a hospital,” said Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy, Chief Medical Officer of CSMC. 

Dr. Javier-Uy has been with CSMC for forty-two years and has witnessed how the hospital has continuously strived to be at the forefront of the medical industry over the years. 

This brand of clinical excellence has been the driving factor behind CSMC’s investments in groundbreaking technologies, which in turn has enabled it to offer some of its most innovative services like Gamma Knife Surgery. Considered to be the gold standard technique in Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Gamma Knife Surgery allows neurosurgeons to make no incisions as they treat sensitive ailments of the brain, making the procedure simple, painless, and straightforward. 

“We really take pride in being first in a lot of things,” Dr. Javier-Uy adds. 

Passion for people. (Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy, Senior Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer, with the Medical Executive Committee of Cardinal Santos Medical Center) The hospital continues to attract the best minds in the industry as it consistently strengthens its development programs for their doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. 

Complementing these technological innovations, CSMC continues to provide training and development tools to its people to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary advanced skills. For medical professionals, CSMC has established Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery - Minimally Invasive Training Center (PCAS-MISTC). The PCAS-MISTC is the first of its kind in the Philippines and is one of the few MIS facilities on advanced surgery in Asia. 

For the nursing underboards in their team, CSMC has launched Project Apple, a development program that enables them to pursue their dreams to be a fully licensed nurse. Project Apple was designed to establish a robust nursing talent pipeline for the organization while helping transform lives in the process. 

For Dr. Javier-Uy, these programs are a testament to the hospital’s passion for their people which, in turn, attracted some of the best medical minds to the hospital. 

“To most of us CSMC is home, we are a really family-oriented hospital,” she says. 

Just like they treat their people as family, CSMC gives the same level of value to their patients. 

“Here at CSMC, you are family. That is our corporate brand, but truly that’s how all of us feel. When you are here in CSMC you are part of a caring and loving family,” Dr. Javier-Uy explained. 

This marriage between medical expertise and compassion is what cemented Cardinal Santos Medical Center’s commitment to provide world-class healthcare to its patients. 

But what really drives CSMC’s continuous commitment to deliver excellent service and compassionate care is the institution’s rootedness to the Catholic faith—the very faith that, according to Dr. Javier-Uy, provides clarity, resolve, and direction for many of their medical staff. 

“It is our faith that has played a big role on how we take care of our patients and why malasakit is an extremely important value of the hospital,” Dr. Javier-Uy concluded. 

For more information about these services and others that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos. 

What Makes Tiktok Hashtags So Powerful?

TikTok hashtags help categorize content, attract followers, and even connect other followers with one another. 

As the app continues to expand and grow, TikTok becomes event more relevant. It has grown into more than just a platform for trending challenges and dance videos and has transformed into a thriving online community where everyone is welcomed with open arms. 

Hashtags have played a huge role in TikTok's evolution, helping curate the viewing experience of each user, and giving creators a boost as they grow their presence and following on the app. But what is it exactly that makes hashtags so powerful? These five things, for starters. 

1. Hashtags help you reach the right audiences 

Users looking for specific content can tap on a hashtag to search for what they want. When you use the appropriate hashtags in your posts, you become more discoverable to the followers that you want to attract. 

 https://www.tiktok.com/@erwan/video/6893316875946593537

2. You can raise greater awareness with the help of hashtags 

Breaking news reports, pressing issues, and current events that matter can gain more attention through hashtags that raise awareness on the app. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@who/video/6899156941436701953

3. Starting a movement is easy using hashtags 

You can show support for issues that you are passionate about, and even start your own online movement by creating your own TikTok hashtags. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkielsantos/video/6889363670124498178

4. You can gain support for causes through hashtags 

Hashtags can help connect people who are fighting for the same causes. These are also great tools for gaining support from like-minded users on the app. 

5. Hashtags can drive meaningful conversations 

Everyone has a voice on TikTok. With the help of hashtags, more voices can be heard, and anyone who wants to engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas gets the chance to do so. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@yourlologab/video/6868890337872530690

A good example for how hashtags can be used to start a movement is TikTok Philippines' own #TikTokSkwela. This hashtag was used for TikTok's EDU year-end campaign, which ran from November 20 to December 4, 2020. The campaign focused on giving back to the TikTok community - the viewers, creators, and anyone who contributed to making the entire EDU project a success. 

In the midst of tough times, through this hashtag, the community banded together, supported one another, and fostered growth, while still having fun. Since it was created, #TikTokSkwela has generated 6.2K posts, and 633.1M views in the Philippines, and these numbers still continue to grow. 

Be sure to check out the different TikTok hashtags that are relevant to you, in order to enrich your experience on the app. Download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices today to get started. 

About TikTok 

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, Mountain View, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com. 

No office? No problem. Work more efficiently with these must-haves from Shopee! 10 Work from Home Essentials You Need for a More Productive 2021

MANILA, JANUARY 15, 2021 - We’re all finding it a little difficult to swing back into the rhythm at work after the holidays. After all, the current work-from-home setup makes it even trickier—you have to deal with distractions such as an inviting bed, loud neighbors, and clingy pets. 

Still struggling to maximize your efficiency at home, even with months of working remotely under your belt? This new year, use a few key products to make working from home a breeze! Check them out below. 

Mumuso LED Desk Lamp

Great lighting wakes you up and gets you in the zone—plus it brightens up your face for work video calls. This sleek lamp features three adjustable levels of brightness. 

Papemelroti Planner

Stay on top of projects and deadlines with a planner. This pocket notebook, which is made of 100% recycled paper, features monthly spreads printed in black and white. 

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

A tumbler full of your power drink of choice—whether a coffee, smoothie, or even just water—will get you through the day. Choose an insulated one to keep your beverage hot or cold for hours. 

Socone Seat Cushion

You spend most of your day perched on your office chair, so make it as comfortable an experience as possible. This soft, comfortable cushion can be used on the seat or back of your chair. 

Soundpeats Desk Organizer

A cluttered workspace muddles up your brain. Organize your desk so you can clear your head and work on your deliverables more efficiently. This storage box features a 9-piece pen holder, 3 storage compartments, and a drawer. 

Akari Extension Cord

Got lots of gadgets to charge and only one outlet in your working area? An extension cord is a lifesaver! Choose a product with different sockets, such as this one. It has 3 gang universal sockets, 2 gang multi-purpose sockets, and a 3-meter wire. 

Lotus Activewear Wrist & Ankle Weights

If you’re finding it difficult to fit workouts into your busy schedule, sneak them in while on the job. With wrist and ankle weights, who’ll ever know? Each pair of this hypoallergenic, antibacterial set weighs 0.5 lbs. 

Buzzbee Mini LED Speaker

A Bluetooth speaker helps you connect with your colleagues better on weekdays, and relax more on weekends. This product boasts of a working range of up to 10m and a working time of 5 hours. 

Bostanten Blue Light Glasses

Remember to take care of your eyes—you spend more or less eight hours in front of the computer screen for work, after all. Blue light lenses prevent eye strain and aid in better sleep, thanks to a coating that filters harmful light emitted by digital screens. 

Plextone Diffuser/Humidifier

Enjoying the chilly weather? Don’t forget to use a humidifier to improve air quality in your working space. This also works as a diffuser for all your favorite relaxing scents. Its aesthetically pleasing design would spruce up your desk as well. 

Check out more authentic products at the lowest prices on https://shopee.ph. 

For more deals, top up your ShopeePay wallet. Top up at least a total of P3,000 until January 31 to receive a free shipping voucher and a 20% off voucher on the 7th day of the following month. Learn more here: https://shopee.ph/m/shopeepay-topup-rewards. 

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

About Shopee 

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is a platform tailored for the region, providing customers with an easy, secure, and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and become the region’s e-commerce destination of choice. 

Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion, and fitness equipment. 

Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015 and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce, and digital financial services across Southeast Asia. Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE.

Forbes names Brother one of World’s Best Employers in 2020: Positive work culture and prudent COVID-19 response earns Brother high spot on the ranking

MANILA, January 14, 2021 – Influential business publication Forbes Magazine names Brother Industries, Ltd. as one of the “World’s Best Employers” in this year’s edition of the prestigious list released last October.

With a ranking of 130 among 750 multinationals and corporations from 45 countries, this achievement is the first in Brother’s storied history. The survey, which Forbes did with German market research firm Statista, was conducted from June to July this year.

A positive and employee-friendly company culture that places a premium on talent development, gender equality, social responsibility, and economic footprint, as well as the corporation’s deft response to the global COVID-19 pandemic are what landed Brother on the list.

“We are honored to be highlighted on Forbes’s ‘World’s Best Employers’ list this year, and it only goes to show that our success cannot be achieved without the valuable effort and contributions of our employees. It’s most important to all of us to make sure our people are well-taken care of,” said Brother Philippines President Glenn Hocson.

For more news and updates about Brother, customers may visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside/. 

They can also call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, or through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER or send an email to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

Start the New Year Strong by Setting a New GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with Datu Puti!

Ushering in a new year is always another chance for new beginnings and goals for the upcoming days. If you’re tired of the usual resolutions, why not add setting a world record on your 2021 to-do list?

To bring a high-spirited tone for the year ahead, Datu Puti is giving Filipinos something fun, lighthearted, and uplifting to kick off 2021. This year, the beloved vinegar brand will attempt to achieve a unique world record. In a virtual event that brings as many people as possible in a single virtual Zoom conference, Datu Puti hopes to set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people dipping food into vinegar online simultaneously and doing the iconic “Mukhasim” face.

“We’re hopeful that 2021 will be a better year for all of us,” shares Mario Mendoza, Marketing Director for Kitchen Fundamentals, “We want to welcome it together, as one Mukhasim Nation, with the positive vibes and energy of a fun attempt at a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Philippines.”

The program will be hosted by Mukhasimbassador Sam YG. Joining the fun are a number of local celebrities and personalities such as actor and host Eric “Eruption” Tai and actress and singer Maymay Entrata, to name a few.

Everyone who joins the attempt will receive a digital certificate as proof of their world record attendance. Those with the best Mukhasim faces will also receive a special gift from Datu Puti and be featured on the brand’s social media posts.

How’s that for starting 2021 with a bang? Looking for a new kind of achievement? 

Set a world record with Datu Puti’s #MukhasimNation happening on January 24! Simply visit http://bit.ly/MukhasimWorldRecord, fill out the form completely, and wait for the confirmation email. Once confirmed, all you need to prepare is your favorite Datu Puti vinegar variant, a dish or snack to dip in the sauce—and of course, your best #Mukhasim face!

Be part of the #MukhasimNation and set a new world record on January 24, 2020. Register online now!

For more information on the event and other Datu Puti news and updates, follow Datu Puti on Facebook at facebook.com/DatuPuti.

Samsung Introduces a One-Stop Shop that Curates Every Step of Your Cooking Journey - Samsung is bringing a popular Family HubTM feature to smartphone users with SmartThings Cooking

Ridgefield Park, NJ – Jan., 2021 — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announces today at CES 2021 that it is making one of its most popular Family Hub™ features available in the SmartThings app. Family Hub won its sixth consecutive CES Innovation Award this year—a testament to Samsung’s innovative strides in offering families smarter and more seamless kitchen experiences.

SmartThings Cooking recommends recipes that fit your tastes and dietary restrictions, then builds weekly meal plans to match. As you’re cooking, it sends recipe instructions directly to synced Samsung cooking devices—so Family Hub can order groceries and the Front Control Slide-in Range[1] can automatically preheat, while SmartThings Cooking guides you through every step of meal prep. 

“Families around the world embraced smarter cooking and streamlined meal planning with Samsung’s Family Hub,” said John Herrington, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Home Appliances.  “We are proud to bring these features to more than 33 million people who use the SmartThings app—and we hope to inspire those who are cooking, and experimenting, more than ever.”

Smarter Meal Planning from Screen to Table: A New Kitchen Experience

As people spend more time in the kitchen and seek out new recipes, Samsung’s SmartThings Cooking service can help by bringing all of your Samsung kitchen appliances together, offering a seamless journey that allows you to search, plan, purchase, and prep weekly meals via the SmartThings app on your Family Hub or smartphone—a single platform that you can access anywhere, any time.

SmartThings Cooking recommends personalized recipes based on your unique taste and preferences—as well as what’s on hand—to curate personalized recipe recommendations, so you can plan meals for your family more efficiently. You can even browse the categorized recipe collections to match your craving, ingredient, or mood. SmartThings Cooking also allows you to enjoy convenient one-stop grocery shopping through Walmart, Kroger, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh, using the Whisk network.

Every recipe is laid out to guide you through the simplified cooking process, timing and explaining each step like an at-home cooking class. You can also manage meal prep with one-touch control over cooking modes, temperatures, and time settings, and monitor the entire process at a single glance.

SmartThings Cooking is powered by Whisk, a smart food platform acquired by Samsung NEXT. Whisk’s Food AI brings together user preferences, intent, and environmental factors to deliver personalized cooking experiences. Simply save a few of your favorite recipes into the recipe box and, if you wish, share your personal food preferences and your location. You will then receive customized recommendations.

Although SmartThings Cooking is a standalone service accessible via the SmartThings app,[2] Family Hub owners can also enjoy meal planning conveniently from their fridge.[3] The smart fridge offers a full-screen dedicated board optimized for SmartThings Cooking, which works with Family Hub to understand what’s inside the fridge and add missing ingredients directly to your online grocery cart for at-home delivery.

Samsung’s Family Hub for 2021 also brings powerful new capabilities that make it the center of the smart home. Widgets for the most frequently used functions have become easier to use, with a larger music widget that includes personalized recommendations and an upgraded SmartThings widget that serves as a dashboard for all your smart home devices. Family members can upload photos, notes, and more to any screen, so that you can use all of the Family Hub screens like the Family Board feature, first introduced in 2019.

More information on SmartThings Cooking and Family Hub will be on display at Samsung’s virtual CES exhibit from January 11 to 14. For more information about Samsung’s latest products, please visit https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/experiences/ces2021.

Disclaimer: All functionality, features, specifications, and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Availability of the above-mentioned products, services, and features may vary by region.

[1] Available on Wi-Fi ranges registered with SmartThings.

[2] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[3] Available on versions after Family Hub 2.0.

ASUS Unveils New Series of Innovative Laptops at CES 2021

CES 2021 Innovation Award winners: The 4K OLED 15.6" ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582), and master multitasker ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482)

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (January 14, 2021) — ASUS today announced the latest laptops in the premium ZenBook series featuring The Laptop of Tomorrow, headed up by the 15.6-inch ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582) and the 14-inch ASUS ZenBook Duo 14(UX482), which are both recipients of prestigious 2021 CES® Innovation Awards. These new two-screen models introduce the tilting ASUS ScreenPad™ Plus, a full-width secondary touchscreen with a new auto-tilt mechanism that improves readability, aids cooling, and works seamlessly with the main display for effortless multitasking and creativity.

In addition to the new dual-screen models, ASUS also introduced the latest from the ZenBook and VivoBook series featuring the 4K OLED Screen and the latest from the AMD® Ryzen™ 5000 U-Series Mobile Processors.

Flagship performance: ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED

ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED is powered by up to a high-performance Intel Core i9 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU, and up to 32 GB RAM to make light work of demanding cross-screen workflows using the 14-inch 4K UHD ScreenPad Plus — which now has an improved brightness of 400 nits — and the main display. Ultrafast storage with up to a 1 TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD helps accelerate any creative workflow and optimize productivity. ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED is one of the first NVIDIA Studio laptops with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series laptop GPUs — NVIDIA's second-generation RTX architecture that offers GPU acceleration for ray tracing, artificial intelligence, and video encoding that allows artists to create in record time.

 

Ultimate mobile productivity: ASUS ZenBook Duo 14

ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 is an Intel Evo™-verified laptop powered by up to an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, up to 4.7 GHz for incredible performance with multiple cores and paired with up to 16 GB RAM to make light work of cross-screen workflows using the 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus and the main display. Ultrafast storage with up to a 1 TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD helps accelerate any workflow and optimize productivity. ZenBook Duo 14 also features ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology, which works with the 11th Gen Intel processors to intelligently boost performance. Using Performance mode, users can enjoy a performance boost of up to 40% compared to a similar standard laptop. ZenBook Duo 14 also incorporates the AAS Plus thermal system that optimizes cooling performance and allows a 3 mm-slimmer chassis due to the reduced need for empty internal cooling space.

With integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and a choice of discrete NVIDIA GeForce® MX450 graphics, ZenBook Duo 14 delivers silky-smooth visuals for multitasking users, supercharging photo- and video-editing tasks. Casual content creators will love the effortless on-the-go visual power that ZenBook Duo 14 provides.

Tilting ScreenPad Plus

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED and ZenBook Duo 14 introduce a new tilting ScreenPad Plus design that adds a new dimension to on-the-go computing. This full-width secondary touchscreen — which has a resolution of 3840 x 1100 and a higher brightness of 400 nits — automatically tilts upwards by up to 9.5° (7° in ZenBook Duo 14), reducing glare and reflections for improved readability. It makes working with the main four-sided frameless NanoEdge display even more seamless, with endless ways to optimize and personalize workflows. When the laptops are placed on the supplied Duo Stand, the tilted display sits at a stylus-friendly angle, and both displays support the latest 4096-pressure-level devices including the bundled ASUS Pen.

 

ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED/14 (UX325 OLED/UX425)

ZenBook 13 OLED has an amazing FHD OLED HDR NanoEdge display that renders true-to-life colors at any brightness level, with deep blacks for enhanced realism. It's PANTONE® Validated for superb color accuracy and has a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The ultrafast response time ensures blur-free movies and games, and its low blue-light levels are TÜV Rheinland-certified for better eye care. The four-sided NanoEdge design features slim bezels that create an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a more immersive viewing experience. ZenBook 13 OLED is designed for effortless portability, weighing just 1.14 kg with a compact and elegant all-metal chassis that's a mere 13.9 mm thin. It's also incredibly power efficient, with up to an amazing 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, making ZenBook 13 OLED a perfect match for today's on-the-go lifestyles.

 

The ZenBook 14 on the other hand is one of the world’s thinnest 14-inch laptops that feature QHD Display, with an ultra-slim 14.3 mm profile and up to 16-hour battery life that make it the ideal traveling companion. ZenBook 14 delivers ultrafast responsiveness even for demanding tasks, combined with an ergonomic design that includes the durable ErgoLift hinge and an edge-to-edge keyboard for typing comfort. It also offers versatile features including ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Audio technology and hands-free face login.

 

ASUS AMD LAPTOPS POWERED BY THE LATEST AMD RYZEN 5000 U-SERIES

ASUS Philippines are set to announce the arrival of its AMD laptops to its various segment. The premium and elegant ASUS ZenBook Series and the Mainstream yet stylish ASUS VivoBook Series. These laptops are powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 U-Series Mobile Processors for superb performance. Designed to enable effortless creativity with its up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mobile Processors and up to NVIDIA® GeForce® MX450 graphics.

 

ASUS ExpertBook series: Brand-new features for elevated conferencing, connectivity and security

 

ASUS ExpertBook laptops are designed to offer unrivaled mobility for business users – the lightest in their class, US military-grade durability and all-day long battery. They also offer ergonomic designs and robust security features, helping professionals work comfortably and securely, anytime and anywhere. The full array of innovations available in ExpertBook laptops and being revealed CES 2021 include:

 

ASUS ExpertBook B9: The world’s lightest 14” business laptop1, now powered by Intel® vPro

 

ASUS ExpertBook B9 aims to lead the commercial PC industry. Now, we’re introducing brand-new ExpertBook B9 with Intel® vPro platform to help business users build a reassured infrastructure and advanced ASUS two-way AI noise-canceling technology to receive more clarity on video conferencing. For working anywhere, remotely, the Intel vPro platform delivers business-class performance, hardware-enhanced security features with Intel Hardware Shield, as well as Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) for remote management.

ASUS ExpertBook B1: Primed to perform. Configured for business.

ASUS ExpertBook B1 is designed to offer a wide range of configuration and heavy-duty performance, making it a powerful and tailored choice for ambitious startups, established education organizations and growing firms of all sizes. To drive productivity for businesses, ExpertBook not only employs an 11th Gen Intel Core™ processor with Intel Iris® Xe graphics, but also implements ASUS Intelligent Performance technology, driven by ASUS-exclusive algorithms and an ultra-efficient thermal design to allow users to smartly switch between Performance Mode to boost power for heavy workloads, Balanced Mode for everyday tasks, and Whisper Mode for quiet and power-saving operation.

 

ASUS Chromebook CX9: Secure, tough, and powerful

To empower remote workers with cloud-first operating systems and collaborative tools, ASUS is proud to unveil our brand-new premium Chromebook – ASUS Chromebook CX9, which is ultra-durable, yet lightweight with magnesium-alloy chassis processed with high-precision CNC-milling, so it is only 16 mm thin and weighs around 1 kg to easily take it to anywhere. It also meets next-level and industry-leading MIL-STD 810H US military tests to ensure it’s tough enough to withstand business rigors on the road. Additionally, the four-sided frameless 14-inch NanoEdge display provides an immersive, near edge-to-edge viewing experience with an impressive 91% screen-to-body ratio.

These all-new roster of ASUS Newest Innovations will be expected to come in the Philippine market very soon. Watch out for future announcement and more details about these awesome laptops through ASUS Philippines Official Facebook Page.