Figure Skater Olympian Michael Martinez signs contract with SM Group

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Michael Martinez, the 17-year-old Pinoy pride signed contract with the SM Group for a continuous monetary support in his bid to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. 

(Photo L-R) Mrs. Teresa Martinez; Michael Martinez; Ms. Nicole Deato, AVP – Education and Leisure Centers, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc; Ms. Linda Atayde, SAVP – Education Programs, SM Foundation, Inc.

The contract is worth P9 million a year for the next four years to finance the Filipino skater’s training. 

SM signed Martinez to a four-year contract extension, the first was inked last year. It was supposed to run for 1 1/2 years and Martinez’ fee was P1 Million for an all-exclusive endorsement. In the extension, SM agreed to cover Martinez’ training and competition expenses of P9 Million a year and allowed him to endorse products not in competition with any SM brand.

Figure Skater Olympian Martinez, left the country last Friday to continue his training overseas. He said he will try to make the Filipinos proud as he joins the Hilton Honors Skate America in Chicago, Illinois from October 22 to 26.

Ranked 27th in the world, the first Filipino figure skater to make it to the Winter Olympics admitted being elated after being one of the chosen few to participate in the event.

During his contract signing with the SM Group at the Mall of Asia Arena last Thursday, young Olympian skater admitted it was difficult for his family to finance his training, that’s why he’s thankful to the SM Group for taking care of his financial woes and allowing him to just focus on competing.

Martinez , who had discovered his love for skating at the early age, honed his skills at the SM Skating Rink. He had joined international competitions such as those developed by the International Skating Institute and the International Skating Union, but his efforts have recently been noticed by the pubic as the only Filipino representative at the Winter Olympics 2014. 

To futher develop his talent, SM Prime Holdings, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., and the SM Foundation teamed up to provide Martinez monetary support for the training and needs for skating.

The 17-year old Olympian, Martinez isn’t giving up on someday going back to school. After the Pyeongchang Games, Martinez said he’ll pursue a degree in sports medicine. But he said he wants to take up photography as an alternative field of interest when not training or competing on ice.

His dream is to win a medal for the country at the next Winter Olympics and he’s got a four-year timetable to make it come true. 

The SM Group is proud to support athletes such as Michael Martinez, who has proven that a tropical country can succeed in a winter sports.

How technology helps students study better

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Schools use computers and the Internet for their classroom resource and it can contribute richness and variety to student work. Computers can support the variety of ways learners construct their own understanding. Students who gather information from the Internet can be self-directed and independent. 

Students in technology-supported classrooms are armed with powerful tools to help them gather information, consult with colleagues, and present their findings.

Teachers and school administrators noted these following improvememts:

Independence and information gathering. By connecting to the Internet, students learn how to do their own research. The wealth of information available on the Web plus the ease of using search engines give students more independence and confidence, as well as increased skill, when it comes to finding relevant data and putting this data together to meet a learning requirement or goal.

Critical thinking and reflection. With the large volume of information that they access, students are induced to learn to think critically: Which information is accurate? Is this information useful to the homework or subject at hand? Is this information validated by multiple sources and by the latest research findings? Students learn not to simply accept any data, no matter how readily available. With the guidance of their teacher, they are able to practice critical thought.

Using Internet-ready tablets and smartphones helps students to think independently and to develop information-gathering skills. Smartphones and tablet devices are available easily and affordably--at big discounts or free with a postpaid plan--at Allphones stores across the country.

Communication and collaboration. Through the exchange of ideas and messages—either by email, chat, or even social media—students are able to collaborate with each other to test their understanding of lessons. They can more easily ask questions to one another and provide answers and share research data. The can also help verify each other’s work. They can also involve their teachers in this collaborative and communication loop.

Communication and collaboration are important both in school and in a career setting. Students who use the Internet and Internet-ready mobile devices like smartphones and tablets develop skills that let them exchange information and collaborate on projects and homework. Help students develop these important life skills by getting them smartphones and tablets--at huge discounts or even for free with a postpaid plan--at Allphones stores across the Philippines. 

More engaging learning experience. Information today is more engaging to the mind and the senses because of its multi-media nature. Students have text, images, video, audio, and even animation to help them better understand concepts and ideas relevant to their lessons. This multi-media experience lets this information be better ingrained in their minds. 

Preparation for jobs later on. The jobs that students will be hired for, and the professions they practice, will require them to have working knowledge of computer use in the workplace, as well as for communication and information processing. Having students use computers and the Internet in the classroom prepares them for this future work environment.

Knowing all of these improvements and advantages, more and more schools are allowing not just desktop computers and laptops, but also tablet devices and smartphones in their classrooms. Tablet devices, as their computing power and multi-media features increase over time, are becoming a preferred tool for learning and instruction.

Students and their classmates can now more easily get the tools they need for computer-assisted, multi-media, and Web-connected learning thanks to affordable and value for money deals on smartphones and tablet devices at Allphones stores. 

Internet-ready smartphones are valuable learning tools for students; these tools can help a student not only find information but to think about such data critically and reflectively. Students are able to assess, evaluate, verify, and cross-check the information that they use in their schoolwork. Allphones stores across the country provide Internet-ready smartphones to students at big discounts--or even for free with a postpaid plan. 

All they have to do is visit any of the more than 50 Allphones stores across the country and get deals on smartphone and tablet bundles –that they can get for free with postpaid plans or at huge discounts for outright purchases.

These Allphones smartphone and tablet bundles include: 

Plan 499 - Cloudfone 403D plus 706W Tab;

Plan 999 - Lenovo A680 plus A1000 Tab; 

Plan 1299 - Lenovo A269i pus Yoga Tab; and 

Plan 1799 - LG L3 II plus LG G Pad. 

You can also make affordable, outright purchases of smartphones including the LG G2; the Nokia 1320; and the Alcatel Magic. 

For more information on sweet deals from Allphones, go to: www.allphones.com.ph

Healthway Medical reaches out to the Global Pinoy through I-Remit

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Healthway Medical signs contract with I-Remit : In photo are (L-R): Luzviminda Nietes, Healthway Medical Manager for New Business; Alejandro Pepino, I-Remit Global Sales and Marketing Vice President; Harris Jacildo, I-Remit President and CEO; Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical Vice President for Sales and Marketing; Joven Alcala, Healthway Medical Marketing Manager; Jennifer Saclolo, Healthway Medical Alternative Distribution Channel Head; and Naome Lucernas, Healthway Medical ADC Officer.

Healthway Medical, the country’s most-preferred and trusted mall-based clinic expands its reach by catering to global markets through its partnership with I-Remit, the largest Filipino-owned non-bank remittance service provider.

The venture allows Healthway Medical to offer its premium healthcare services to more than 2.2 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos abroad through I-Remit’s iShop. Considered a “One-Stop Shop Delivery Service”, iShop accepts orders and coordinates the delivery of Pinoy gifts and pasalubong from Filipinos abroad to their respective beneficiaries and loved ones back home.

“By making our healthcare services available online, OFWs and foreigners can take care of themselves and their families without having to worry about being far away from home,” says Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

Healthway Medical will now be offering Health Screening services as well as its premium executive checkup package, HealthCheQ International, to over 1,400 remittance outlets located in 26 countries and territories covered by I-Remit.

“I-Remit’s presence in twenty-six countries across the world allows us to reward clients with value added service, and that’s where Healthway Medical fits into the picture,” says I-Remit Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing Alejandro Pepino.

“I think one of the main concerns of an OFW is when they send money to the Philippines, they want to have a sense of security that is actually addressing the needs of the family. Our multiple remittance channels let OFWs make purchases in advance for their loved ones in the Philippines, and Healthway Medical is there to provide much-needed preventive care for their families.”

Healthway Medical’s Health Screenings provide diagnostic procedures that help determine diseases even before the onset of observable symptoms. This enables Healthway Medical’s healthcare professionals to apply preventive health procedures and easily treat conditions before they get worse. Among the health care packages offered are basic medical exams for male and female, diabetes screening, and dental services such as teeth whitening.

HealthCheQ International, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive medical package that includes laboratory, diagnostic services, imaging studies, and special examinations. Available in transferrable coupons, HealthCheQ International is designed to provide medical and dental services for the entire family. The package also allows patients to choose among tests and procedures that best suit their needs, including cosmetic services such as warts removal and other facial-care procedures.

On top of premium healthcare, Healthway Medical extends its exclusive service with a complete wellness experience by offering an overnight stay at any of Healthway Medical’s partner hotels or resorts for a relaxing getaway.

For more information, visit Healthway Medical clinics at Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall, Greenbelt 5, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, and SM North Edsa-The Block. Call the Customer Care Hotline (02)751-4929 or visit www.healthway.com.ph. Like Healthway Medical on Facebook.

Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 winners revealed, Vice Ganda for the ‘Social Media Award’ and ViceRylle the ‘Love Team of the Year

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The Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 revealed the winners during the awards night held at the SM MAll of Asia Area this Friday, July 18 hosted by Robi Domingo and Maxene Magalona.

Big winners of the night are Vice Ganda for the ‘Social Media Award’ and with Karylle as ViceRylle ‘Love Team of the Year."

Kim Chu is the Actress of the Year and Coco Martin took home Actor of the Year award. 

Yahoo Celebrity Awards honors Philippines’ celebrities from the fields of movies, music, radio and television, who are voted into the top ranks by their fans from across the world.

The Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 winners from the 140 nominees across 28 categories and are not only the most popular awards in the country but also uniquely won “Powered by You” as fans have the exclusive power to vote their favorite stars in.

Here's the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 Full Winners List:

Actress of the Year: Kim Chiu

Actor of the Year: Coco Martin

Social Media Star: Vice Ganda

Celebrity Family of the Year: Padilla Family

Celebrity Couple: Bea Binene & Jhake Vargas

Celebrity of the Year: Kim Chiu

Female Kontrabida of the Year: Jennelyn Mercado

Male Kontrabida of the Year: Jake Cuenca

Female Emerging Star: Julia Barretto

Male Emerging Star: JC De Vera

Movie of the Year: Bride For Rent

News Program of the Year: TV Patrol

Teleserye of the Year: Ikaw Lamang

Fan Club of the Year: KimXi

Female TV Host of the Year: Kris Aquino

Male TV Host of the Year: Vhong Navarro

Child Star of the Year: Andrea Brillantes

Love Team of the Year: ViceRylle

Female DJ of the Year: DJ Chacha, MOR 101.9

Male DJ of the Year: Papa Jack, 90.7 Love Radio

FM Radio Station of the Year: 90.7 Love Radio

Song of the Year: ‘Bakit Ngayon?’ by Julie Ann San Jose

Emerging Band of the Year: Yolanda Moon

Band of the Year: Parokya Ni Edgar

Female Performer of the Year: Sarah Geronimo

Male Performer of the Year: Bamboo

Female Hothlete of the Year: Gretchen Ho

Male Hothlete of the Year: Jeric & Jeron Teng

Bang & Olufsen introduces the new BeoVision Avant

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Bang & Olufsen rethinks the television with intuitive simplicity and mechanical innovation, by introducing the new BeoVision Avant

Redefining a television’s place in the home with its sublime Ultra High Definition (4K) video performance, jaw-dropping acoustic authenticity, and magical convenience to the consumer.

At Bang & Olufsen, innovation begins with understanding user needs before converging technology and craftsmanship to deliver design with lasting value. BeoVision Avant is an exact representation of this philosophy and evidence that high-end, multimedia entertainment can coincide with uncompromising design.

Based on Bang & Olufsen research and innovation, this flagship entertainment center has the muscle and finesse to deliver breath-taking performance when family and friends gather around it. On the flip side, BeoVision Avant also presents the good manners to blend in to the living room – and with the family’s lifestyle – when people choose to do something else. The BeoVision Avant was additionally conceived to last in a changing digital world, and is ready and able to work seamlessly with all the devices and content sources anyone in the family might want to use – without any of the complexity.

Bang & Olufsen was founded in Struer, Denmark, in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, two innovative, young engineers devoted to high quality audio reproduction. Since then, the brand has become an icon of performance and design excellence through its long-standing craftsmanship tradition and the strongest possible commitment to high-tech research and development.

Still at the forefront of domestic technology, Bang & Olufsen has extended its comprehensive experience with integrated audio and video solutions for the home to other areas such as the hospitality and automotive industries in recent years. Consequently, its current product range epitomizes seamless media experiences in the home as well as in the car and on the move. For more information on Bang & Olufsen, please visit www.bang-olufsen.com

Images are available free of charge from the Bang & Olufsen media center: http://mediacenter.bang-olufsen.dk If you are a first-time visitor, please follow the instructions and register as a new user.

Apple TV is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

According to CEO Tue Mantoni, BeoVision Avant was created to provide discerning homeowners the ultimate in authentic performance, intuitive simplicity and convenience. “Our research shows that consumers want more and more from their televisions,” he explains. “People are pressed for time, and they want entertainment that just works so they can focus on it – and each other – rather than the technology itself. BeoVision Avant delivers on all counts. The name Avant is a nod to our most successful TV to date, the Avant launched in 1995. Just as the first Avant was a game changer in an analogue era, we believe the new BeoVision Avant will set the standard for what should be expected from a television in the future”.

Experience the BeoVision Avant online:www.bang-olufsen.com/BeoVision-Avant

Magical mechanics and convenience

In the Bang & Olufsen tradition of taming technology in the service of simplicity, BeoVision Avant introduces a number of innovations that build new bridges between electronics and magical movement.

To create such amazing and impressive sound from a flat screen television, the designers have created a discrete but powerful sound panel that unfolds when the television is on, then retreats inside when one turns it off. The sound panel’s movements are coordinated with those of the new stands so the television is ready for viewing and listening in one choreographed flow.

BeoVision Avant’s innovative stand program includes wall, floor and table options which make integrating even a very large television into the home décor easier and more flexible than ever before. The concept vision was to create a TV which stays in the background of the living room when turned off and wakes up to action and takes center stage when turned on. Rather than arranging your room around the television, the new stands turn the television toward you when you want to use it – then back in place when you have finished viewing.

Watch the magical new stand programme in action:

www.bang-olufsen.com/BeoVision-Avant-Innovation

Spectacularly authentic sound

Consistent with Bang & Olufsen, BeoVision Avant sounds extraordinary right out of the box, but be prepared to discover just how good a television can sound with no fewer than eight driver units and eight dedicated amplifiers built in.

The sound panel magically glides from the television when it is turned on and performs brilliantly on its own. If one wants to connect external speakers to create a true surround sound experience – either wirelessly or wired – it could not be simpler with the integrated 7.1 surround sound module. Learn more about the sound of BeoVision Avant:

www.bang-olufsen.com/BeoVision-Avant-Sound

Exquisite video performance

A new Chromatic Room Adaptation feature analyzes ambient light from two sensors, and adjusts the screen to compensate for the room’s colour tones. High-grade anti-reflection coatings on both sides of the screen dampen reflections by 98%.

See full features and specifications:

www.bang-olufsen.com/BeoVision-Avant-Specifications

Wherever one chooses to watch it, BeoVision Avant is ready to deliver spectacular Ultra High-Definition (4K) performance.

Introducing the unique BeoRemote One for personalized settings

The new BeoRemote One introduces the “MyButtons” feature which enables the user to create up to three personalized settings available at one simple touch. A setting can include channel, volume setting and even stand and directional positioning of the TV. This allows you to recall all settings by the touch of one button. Learn more about the new BeoRemote One: www.bang-olufsen.com/BeoVision.

Connection to Bang & Olufsen wireless speakers via the built in Immaculate Wireless Sound solution is as easy as turning on the television. BeoVision Avant can also incorporate an Apple TV to be hidden within the back panel.

BeoVision Avant is available in 55” from May 8 2014, and will be on sale exclusively at Bang & Olufsen stores. Recommended price is USD $7995 for BeoVision Avant 55” including BeoRemote One. Placement options on wall, table or floor start from USD $895.

For more information please contact:

Eugenie Bagalay Bang & Olufsen Philippines +632 830 2230 Eugenie@livinginnovations.ph