Enjoy more ways to love this Valentine’s Day with fantastic deals from Samsung this Love Month

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Samsung is giving you more ways to love with fantastic deals this February and beyond. Share the love with friends, family and your significant other with Galaxy devices tailored to fit their lifestyle and discounts to make it easy on the pocket!

Here’s a handy guide to help you select a gift sure to delight your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.  

For the fashionista

What makes a better fashion statement than a stylish flip phone? Get your significant other a Galaxy Z Flip4 and get an additional 30% off on a Galaxy Watch4 or Watch5 or an additional 50% off a Samsung Buds2 Pro, Live and Buds2 when you shop now  until February 28, 2023.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 comes in four stylish colors – Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold and Blue, to fit all your fits. It’s small but mighty when folded, a compact full-sized smartphone that’s just the right size to slip in a pocket when it's time to slay. Its multi-camera system with a 12MP ultra wide camera, 12MP wide camera and a 10MP selfie camera also makes taking capturing all your moments a breeze – even at night with nightography on the rear camera for bright images and Super Night Solution to minimize noise for videos.

For your fam member who also loves taking photos during their travels, don’t miss this great deal with the Samsung A14 5G, where every purchase from now to April 23, 2023 gets you a free Samsung 128GB Memory Card and a travel adaptor. The A14 5G features a 50MP main camera, an octa-core processor with 5G connection and a 2-day battery so you won’t miss a moment, with a 6.6” full HD+ display for a vivid viewing experience.

For the Fitness & Music Lover

For your partner who loves to stay fit, spread the gift of good health this love month with up to 50% off on the Galaxy Buds Series and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch series from now until February 28, 2023.

The Galaxy Watch5 will help them monitor your health around the clock, even at night with 13% bigger battery for every day. It helps you track your wellness goals by measuring your body composition with Samsung BioActive sensor and comes in stylish Silver, Graphite or Pink Gold hues 

Or if your SO loves adventure, you can also go pro with the Galaxy Watch5 Pro with GPS route tracking guides turn-by-turn directions for cyclists and hikers, the biggest battery in Samsung’s wearables for outdoor adventure and Samsung BioActive sensor which monitors heart rate and blood pressure.

For the SO who’s always on the Go

 

If your loved one is always on the go, why not get him or her a tablet to make switching from work to play easy.

Give your loved ones the care they deserve this Valentine’s Day with a Galaxy Tab that comes with a free keyboard or keyboard cover worth up to PHP 17,599, available until February 27 (DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-160777 Series of 2023).

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is especially designed so they can create like a pro – shoot with the ultra-wide front camera, edit easily on its 14.6” AMOLED display, then write, sketch or doodle with the S pen which snaps to the back of the tablet to charge! All in a graphite finish that goes well with everything. 

Visit your Samsung Experience Stores and authorized stores this February and spread the love!

 

For more information, visit

https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/offline/2023/valentines-day/

 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com

 

Love Doesn’t Have to End After Valentine’s

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 MSD’s #GuardAgainstHPV campaign to raise awareness on vaccine-preventable diseases

Valentine’s season may be over, but there are other reasons beyond romance to show love, like protecting yourself and your loved ones from vaccine-preventable diseases. One of the most common causes of genital cancers is the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It infects a staggering 85 percent of sexually active men and women at least once in their lifetime.^[1] And while many experience no health problems, there are those that do develop HPV-related diseases—from distressing genital warts to life-threatening cancers.^[2]

It is for that reason that MSD in the Philippines is re-launching Guard Against HPV, a campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to take the necessary steps to keep infections at bay—not just for themselves, but also for their significant others and the whole family.

“HPV remains the most common sexually transmitted infection. Because it often shows no symptoms, people can spread it without realizing it,” explained Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Country Medical Lead of MSD in the Philippines. “What this means is that, for many infected people, they may already have passed it on to someone they care about—their partners. If it goes untreated, it can lead to cancer.”

A silent killer

According to a 2019 report by the HPV Information Centre, cervical cancer remains the third leading cancer killer among Filipino women.^[3] The study also says that HPV has caused virtually all of these cases.^[4]

HPV is a large group of viruses that cause growths on the body. Some strains infect the skin, such as with common warts. Others infect mucous membranes or surfaces lining body parts that open outside, such as the genitals, anus, throat, and mouth. The latter is called genital HPV. This type can be transmitted via vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse, or rarely by genital to genital contact without actual sex.^[5]

Genital HPV infects people in two ways. Low-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, are often benign, causing warts around the genital and anal area. On the other hand, high-risk HPV strains such as HPV 16 and 18 are cancerous. High-risk HPV strains that remain in the body for many years can cause changes in normal cells, turning them into abnormal cells and then into cancer when left untreated.^[6]

Love that cares

An important step in guarding against HPV is immunization. In fact, health experts recommend HPV immunization to children as young as nine years old to protect them in later life.^[7] Parents are also encouraged to talk to their pediatricians and take advantage of school-based immunization programs for free shots. Currently, HPV immunization is given in public schools by the Department of Health for fourth grade female learners with parental consent.^[8]

Health experts also recommend adults, both males and females, to get immunized. While adults may already be exposed to HPV, the vaccine may help lower their risk for new infections.^[9] This will allow them to take better care of their health while protecting others when they enter new relationships.

“HPV and cancer don’t have to rob our loved ones of their future,” Galang-Escalona said. “Everyone deserves a future free from disease. Let’s create that future by making a commitment to keep our partners and families safe from HPV.”

Learn more about HPV immunization by following the Guard Against HPV page on Facebook and @guardagainsthpv on Instagram.

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About Guard Against HPV

Guard Against HPV is an advocacy campaign of MSD in the Philippines, a member of the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). MSD strictly adheres to the PHAP Code of Practice and all applicable laws and regulations. MSD maintains high ethical standards in the conduct of all its activities including media interactions. To that end, MSD wishes to reinforce and remind you of the following principles:

-        The objective of any article published in lay media should be to increase awareness on the burden of disease, risk factors, complications, and the role of existing and future therapeutic options. 

-        All articles published in lay media should provide balanced and accurate information.

-        There should be no mention of pharmaceutical brand names or any promotion of pharmaceutical products.

-        There should be no references to off-label uses of a prescription product.

-        All readers should be encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for information and guidance.

 

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^[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reasons to Get Vaccinated. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine/six-reasons.html. Date accessed 29 March 2021.

^[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection – Fact Sheet. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

^[3] Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, Mena M, Gómez D, Muñoz J, Bosch FX, de Sanjosé S. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in Philippines. Summary Report 17 June 2019. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

^[4] Ibid.

^[5] Cancer.org. HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-cancer-info.html. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

^[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information about HPV and Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/index.htm. Date accessed 29 March 2021.

^[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

^[8] Department of Health. “School-based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization Launched in Mandaluyong City.” Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/node/10736. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

^[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html. Date accessed 26 February 2021.

Experience and share the epic: Samsung debuts the new Galaxy S23 series locally with an epic launch party

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Samsung Philippines officially launched the newest Samsung Galaxy S23 Series through an epic launch together with key influencers. L-R: Contemporary artist Leeroy New, Filipino celebrity Liza Soberano, Samsung Philippines President Min Su Chu, influencer and host Nicole Andersson, and celebrity photographer BJ Pascual.

Samsung’s Epic House unveiled the new Galaxy S23 series at The Fifth in Rockwell with a spectacular launch party, bringing to life the brand’s promise of outstanding Nightography, the pursuit of passions and the brand's continued commitment to sustainability in an immersive and interactive event.

In a program hosted by content creator Nicole Andersson, Samsung shared a rundown of the Galaxy S23 Series’ latest innovations, marking a new era of ultimate premium phone experiences - from truly cinematic Nightography photos and videos with transformative AI, the “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy” for powerful performance, to the Ultra’s embedded S Pen that offers more possibilities for productivity. These features are all housed within a striking design that advances the company’s sustainability commitment. This latest series from Samsung is truly set to redefine experiences and push one’s creativity to epic proportions.

Actress Liza Soberano, iconic photographer BJ Pascual, and famed artist Leeroy New then took guests on a tour of the Epic Rooms, experiential installations that brought to life exactly what makes the Samsung Galaxy S23 series so exciting.

Epic Nightography

As part of the evening’s interactive experiences, guests were able to witness the most advanced camera system in the Galaxy through the Epic Nightography room. The room features different stations where guests were invited to take photos, with stunning neon décor to accentuate the retro, nightlife aesthetic. Iconic photographer BJ Pascual led them throughout the room to showcase the series’ enhanced camera features, sharing that his favorite is the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200MP camera.

“As photographers, we love data, and that’s a lot of data. And it has more megapixels than my work camera. It’s so crazy!” BJ exclaimed. “I’m actually excited to try it at an actual photoshoot. I just wanna try it again. Maybe it might be a billboard.”

The Epic Nightography room featured three stations: Night Selfie, Night Video, and Night Portrait. The Night Selfie station allows guests to take a selfie in the dark, surrounded by neon lights, as Nightography is also available in selfie mode.

Night Video, on the other hand, allows guests to record themselves in the dark surrounded by reflective panels to boost the Galaxy S23’s ability to capture motion while light conditions are low. The station also showcased the Slow Motion video feature, which BJ Pascual attested is perfect for Instagram reels as it adds a dramatic slow-motion effect to your videos that give a look of elegance.

Finally, the Night Portrait room allows guests to take a portrait of themselves surrounded by colored lights to show the Galaxy S23’s enhanced Nightography feature in portrait mode.

The Epic Nightography room highlighted the very best of Samsung Galaxy S23’s enhanced Nightography feature, which includes a new AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that enhances object details and color tone under low-light conditions, which makes images at night crisper and more detailed. One can also take pro-grade photos with The Expert RAW app, which is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy.

The series also has the most stable video capture yet with a doubled optical image stabilizer (OIS), so taking videos at night do not have to look blurry. The video quality has also improved with the new series, with enhanced 8K video at 30fps with a wider angle for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Epic Passions

Guests were given the chance to be their most epic selves with the Epic Passions room, which featured larger-than-life installation and three epic stations: Productivity, Gaming and Self Expression Zones. Beloved actress Liza Soberano introduced the guests to the Epic Passions room, sharing how the Galaxy Series has helped her juggle her busy schedule, her secret love of gaming and how the Galaxy S23 series is perfect for mobile gamers like her.

“One of my favorite things about the Galaxy S23 Ultra is that it seamlessly integrates with the Samsung ecosystem. I’m a busy girl, always on the go, and I love that I can easily pair it with my Galaxy Watch5,” Liza expressed.

The new Galaxy S23 series has also become the answer for the multi-passionate individual, as it allows one to connect with other devices in the Samsung line creating an ecosystem where you could multitask with your different passions at the same time.

The Samsung Multi Control feature connects the Samsung S23 to the Samsung PC and tablet with mouse and keyboard functionality. The embedded S-Pen on the Samsung S23 Ultra allows users to collaborate with other people in making projects through the co-editing feature in Google Meets live sharing, made possible by the collaboration of Samsung Notes and Google Meet. This makes the S23 series the most functionally flexible series yet.

In the Gaming station, guests were given the chance to use the Samsung Galaxy S23 series for mobile gaming, with a fun installation of their favorite video game characters. The station spotlighted the Galaxy S23 series’ premium performance and improved battery life.

Further pushing the envelope in gaming, the Galaxy S23 series provides the best mobile gaming experience yet. Samsung and Qualcomm have launched the new “Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy”, the most powerful and efficient processor ever in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the fastest Snapdragon available today, which allows for smooth gaming graphics and an overall enjoyable gaming experience. Meanwhile, on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, a 5000mAh battery13 powers a larger camera than Galaxy S22 Ultra without increasing the device’s size.

Rounding up the Epic Passions Room is the Self-Expression Zone-perfect for those who love to customize their phones. From aesthetic phone cases to the home screen, one can add favorite apps, widgets and folders to make one’s Galaxy S23 truly one’s own.

Epic Sustainability

The Epic Sustainability room allowed guests to be introduced to the importance of sustainability and how the Galaxy S23 Series was designed with the planet in mind. An awe-inspiring art installation created by renowned sustainable artist, Leeroy New, was the room’s showpiece, made with recycled materials and other sustainable products.

Sharing the inspiration behind the piece, Leeroy explained that “it speaks about how a lot of our plastics, and microplastics, end up in our ocean. Having done large-scale works, I learned to think about the life cycles of the materials I use and I have taken it on as a personal challenge to strictly use materials that are already available.”

Himself an environmental advocate, New was among the first to make a promise at the Pledge Wall, a digital display where guests can use the S-Pen to write pledges on the wall in real time. Asking everyone “What can you do for the planet?”, the display served as an invitation for guests to make their own commitments for sustainability.

The Galaxy S23 series is Samsung’s most sustainable line of mobile devices yet from Samsung, made from pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, PET bottles and water barrels. It is also the first S series to market their screens made of Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus 2, the most durable glass yet made with 22% pre-consumed recycled material.

The Epic Passions room shares how the Galaxy S23 series allows users to pursue their passions. The room has three stations – Ecosystem, where you can connect the S23 to other Samsung Galaxy devices, Gaming, which highlights the  fastest processor that allows for smooth gameplay, and Bespoke which showcases the ability to design and customize the Galaxy S23 phones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is still available for pre-order via Samsung.com, authorized Samsung stores, and Samsung Experience Stores nationwide until February 23. Customers can enjoy a Double Up Storage offer which guarantees the higher memory variant for the price of the lower variant within the same model lineup. The pre-order offer also comes with up to 50% off on Samsung’s latest wearables, and massive savings for traded-in devices.

To pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/online/2023/galaxy-s23-pre-order/.

MICECON returns to Davao this 2023

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After 10 years, the Philippine M.I.C.E.Conference (MICECON) returns to Davao City where it will showcase the region’s rich culture, stunning natural environments, vast culinary offerings and vibrant hospitality to a global audience. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier on 1-3 March 2023 with over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sector.

The MICECON 2023 is the biggest gathering of the Meetings, Incentive Travel and Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country bringing together the special mix of the local and foreign delegates in the MICE industry to learn about the different global trends on business meetings, witness the beautiful sceneries of the premier city of the south, and invite them for networking opportunities with both the local and international MICE experts. This is in collaboration with the City Government of Davao, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

One of the key developments in the business meetings industry is the rise of “bleisure” or combining business and leisure travel experiences. Davao stands as a shining example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. Davao is home to 11 indigenous tribes and has a rising expat population from varied religious and cultural backgrounds. Blessed with pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and quality produce, and delicious cuisines which tourists crave for, Davao City is an ideal bleisure destination. It also continues to grow its capacity as a MICE destination with more venues and accommodations for conventions as well as professionals who show the Philippines’ best quality of hospitality, diversity, peace and stability.

Corporate social responsibility is always at the core of MICECON. This year will be at the Philippine Eagle Center in Barangay Malagos, Davao City. Flowing from the industry’s thrust to highlight sustainability in its tourism efforts, MICECON delegates will visit the sanctuary in the hopes of raising awareness in the preservation of critically endangered species housed in the Philippine Eagle Center. The center welcomes donations as it continues to expand its care for more animal species and breeding of Philippine Eagles.

"We, at TPB are dedicated to promoting sustainability while simultaneously marketing the Philippines as a top travel destination. We constantly make sure to practice sustainable tourism because we gain from both positive and negative impacts on our environment. Through our CSR at the Philippine Eagle Center, we hope to inspire individuals to travel responsibly”, said TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The event is made possible with the support of the following sponsors: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Abbott Laboratories, Hotel 101, Eudoo Technologies, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. and the Engkanto Brewery.

Delicious treats and some entertainment activities will also delight the guests at the conference courtesy of the following sponsors: Villa Margarita, Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and DOT Region XI on the first day; and Agriya and Pearl Farm, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Acacia Hotel and Rogen Inn, Discovery Samal and the Mayor’s night by the City Government of Davao and SM Lanang Premier and Zegen Management Group on the second day. Davao Region Cacao Council & Annipie Bakery Cafe, Dusit D2 Hotel and Davao Region Coffee Council, and Maan’s Bakeshop and TPB for the Farewell Dinner will cap the last day of activities.

Through Davao’s hosting of MICECON 2023, it is expected to renew ties with its tourism stakeholders, make new connections and position itself as a key MICE destination.

Check out www.micecon.ph for more information.

PLDT Champions Sustainability Through the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Project

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Celebrating leadership and sportsmanship, the PLDT Group held its MVP Cup Golf Tournament, at the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club in Laguna. With its theme, “Further Together Through Camaraderie Among Champions,” PLDT partnered with organizations that pushed for sustainable development through innovation and corporate social responsibility, most notably with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), PLDT Group’s social outreach arm.

Present during the turnover of the donation was Chief Technology Officer, Jojo G. Gendrano; ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino; PLDT Group President & CEO, Al S. Panlilio; Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot; and PLDT-Smart Foundation President, Esther Santos

Marking the annual tournament’s 19th year, partners and guests gathered to recharge, unwind, reconnect, and contribute to a meaningful cause at the fellowship night of the newly returned golf event. PLDT has long embedded sustainability in all aspects of its business and aspires to maintain relationships with like-minded partners. This year’s beneficiary is the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program, a sustainable approach to create livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmer cooperatives and associations in Bohol, especially after the devastating effects of super typhoon Odette last December 2021. Through the MVP Cup, PSF turned over P250,000 to its Adopt-a-Cacao Project.

During the event, Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot, shared the disastrous effects of the super typhoon on her home island, particularly on farming cacao trees that are a big part of Boholano culture.

Through her efforts and the support of PSF and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, also under the MVP Group, she was able to continue with rebuilding and recovery projects– most notably with the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program. Through this project, the farmers will undergo two days hands-on training to learn about cacao rehabilitation and rejuvenation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and values formation.

Guided by its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities forward, PLDT will also integrate technology into the project with data gathering to be done through QR codes for a more efficient cacao inventory and traceability. Producers will likewise be connected to the right market to sell their quality dried cacao beans to chocolate makers in Bohol.

With cacao rehabilitation, propagation, and production, the community would be able to recover their cacao trees and make them productive again. This is in line with Polot’s vision of supplying quality cacao beans to all the chocolate makers in Bohol, the Philippines, and the world.

The MVP Cup continues to be a platform that strengthens sportsmanship and leadership while raising awareness on important causes such as this. The Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program is proof of PLDT’s commitment to its values of integrity, excellence, and that by working hand in hand, organizations and businesses can go Further Together.

To make a donation to the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program and other programs, please visit www.pldtsmartfoundation.org or at www.facebook.com/dalareichchocolatehouse.