The Itchyworms announce first-ever Canada tour: A bittersweet reunion and farewell

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Get ready, Canada! The Itchyworms, one of the Philippines’ most beloved bands, are hitting the road for their first-ever Canadian tour this November 2024 with their “Akin Ka Na Lang Canada” tour.

The highly anticipated tour promises to be a memorable experience for fans across four cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto.

 

A Bittersweet Reunion

The tour marks a special reunion with the band’s original guitarist, Chino Singson, who is now based in Vancouver. Chino, who migrated to Canada in 2022, last toured with the Itchyworms in the US in March 2023. After a year away, he’s back on stage with the band he helped create, bringing with him the magic that fans have missed.

 

Farewell to Mikey Amistoso

While the tour celebrates Chino’s return, it also serves as a heartfelt farewell to the band’s newest member, Mikey Amistoso. Mikey, who joined the Itchyworms in recent years, has brought fresh energy and talent to the group. This tour marks not only his last performances with the band but also his own migration to Toronto, making it an emotional and unforgettable experience for both the members and their fans.

 

A Global Push

The Canadian tour is part of the Itchyworms’ ongoing commitment to bringing their unique sound to audiences beyond the Philippines. Titled “Akin Ka Na Lang Canada,” the tour follows series of successful international shows, including performances in Australia, Japan, and Qatar. This venture into Canada is another step in their journey to share Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with the world.

 

Tour Dates & Ticket Information

● November 1: Vancouver - The Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts (Tickets)

● November 3: Calgary - The Palace Theatre (Tickets)

● November 8: Winnipeg - Club Regent Event Centre (Tickets)

● November 10: Toronto - The Concert Hall - 888 Yonge (Tickets)

 

Tickets are available now on Simpletix and Ticketmaster, so don’t miss your chance to witness this once-in-a-lifetime tour.

 

Produced by Vibeant and WAM Records

This historic tour is brought to you by Vibeant and WAM Records, who have joined forces to bring the Itchyworms’ unique blend of OPM and rock to Canadian shores.

Join the Itchyworms for a night of music, memories, and a celebration of the past and future. This tour promises to be a mix of joy, nostalgia, and heartfelt goodbyes—a true Itchyworms experience you won’t want to miss!

 

For more information and updates, follow the Itchyworms on social media or visit their official website.

 

#ItchywormsCanadaTour #AkinKaNaLangCanada #OPM #Vibeant #WAMRecords

Is HONOR 200 at par with Professional Cameras? Photographer Weighs In

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Leading global smartphone devices provider HONOR just released its latest viral smartphone HONOR 200 and with its revolutionary AI Portrait Photography capabilities, a debate sparked whether HONOR 200 is at par with professional cameras. HONOR invited photographer Migz On-onod to weigh in.

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With the rise of camera-centric smartphones in the market, can it really take over

 professional cameras?

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Migz On-onod is a Baguio-based Sports enthusiast with a passion for photography. His recent prenup photoshoot using the HONOR 200 created buzz online. Amazed with the overall performance of HONOR 200, Migz On-onod referred to the AI Portrait Master as a flagship model with a mid-range price tag.

Considering the price and technology, On-onod weighed in whether HONOR 200 is now at par with professional cameras. “It’s definitely going there. With the current improvements, better color science, integration of AI, and bigger sensor size, everything will lead to that at some point. For a mid-range phone? That’s unbelievable,” he answered.

Talking about his recent viral prenup photoshoot using HONOR 200 Pro, On-onod said, “I didn’t expect that I would be using HONOR 200 Pro exclusively. At first, I didn’t have any plans of using it but I received the unit a few days before the prenup shoot, so I thought it would be fun to test it out. The couple was very impressed. We even decided to not use the photos using the camera and release just the ones captured by HONOR 200.”

Be an AI Portrait Photography

Get your hands on the AI Portrait Master! HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro are now available in-store nationwide priced at Php 24,999 and Php 29,999 respectively. Drop by any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, or online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H200Series_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H200Series_PR, and Tiktok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H200_PR.

To know more about the complete lineup of HONOR devices available, you may visit HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Introducing the New Samsung Shop App in Southeast Asia and Oceania: Delivering Greater Value to Customers Wherever They Are

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Samsung elevates online shopping for users in the Philippines with a personalized experience with App-exclusive deals

Samsung Electronics Philippines Co. – Samsung Electronics announced the availability of the new Samsung Shop App across select markets in the Southeast Asia and Oceania region, as part of its strategy to elevate and simplify the online shopping journey for Samsung users and fans.

The Southeast Asia and Oceania region continues to see a significant volume of purchases for electronic products made online. According to a study^[1] conducted by Samsung in August 2023, 42.6% of respondents in the region bought electronic devices or home appliances online in the past three months. As such, e-commerce remains an important channel for Samsung to expand its reach and growth to customers that are doing more of their shopping online. 

After its launch last year in Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Samsung Shop App is now available in the Philippines; with plans to launch in more markets across Southeast Asia and Oceania. With the Samsung Shop App, users are provided with exclusive access to offers available only on the app. At the same time, the app is also able to personalize offers made available to users depending on their interests, while ensuring they can stay on top of the latest deals of Samsung products via timely notifications in the app.

For users making purchases through the Samsung Shop App, flexible payment options such as easy installment payments simplify the purchase process. Users can also easily view delivery details and do real-time tracking for orders made. As a feature benefit, users also have Official Samsung Warranty when purchasing products on the Shop App. At the same time, users can benefit from the Samsung Rewards program, which lets users easily earn and redeem points on every purchase made through the Samsung Shop App.

“Online shopping has always been a promising avenue to reach our customers, and the increase in online shoppers in the region, including the Philippines, tells us there is merit in creating more accessible shopping platforms. As we are continuously seeking ways to improve our customer experience, our goal with the launch of the Samsung Shop App in the Philippines is to bring our products that can help elevate work and play to more Filipinos, and allow them to seamlessly discover the best personalized deals suited for their unique needs and individuality,” says Min Su Chu, President of Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO).

Immersive, app-tastic shopping experiences

With Samsung Shop App, Samsung is elevating the online shopping experience for customers and fans, all from the comfort of wherever they are, in the following ways:

●        An optimized shopping experience on mobile devices: The Samsung Shop App will be available on both Android and iOS devices, with a mobile-optimized user interface that is user friendly, as well as a curated selection of the latest Samsung consumer electronics products available for purchase through the app, with the catalog of products available for purchase to be expanded in the months to come. In Q4 of this year, tablet users can take advantage of their larger screens for an optimized shopping experience.

 

●        Real-time order status updates: Customers who make purchases on the Samsung Shop App can view details of orders made and receive real-time delivery notifications. For all purchases, customers are entitled to free shipping.

 

●        Personalized recommendations: The Samsung Shop App will be able to offer personalized content and recommendations for Samsung products, including easy comparisons between users’ current devices and the latest models offered, as well as accessories for owned products.

 

●        Exclusive discounts for students: Students from the Philippines will be able to save big on Samsung devices with exclusive discounts and offers for purchases made through the Samsung Shop App.

 

●        Samsung Members-only benefits: Through the Members App, Samsung Members can be directed to exclusive Members-only discounts, offers, and experiential perks, along with the ability to earn additional loyalty benefits, on the Samsung Shop app.

 

●        Exclusive in-app promotions for all: As part of the Samsung Shop App launch festivities, Samsung customers and users will be able to take advantage of a discount of ₱1,000 off with minimum spend of ₱10,000 using the code APP1KPH upon checkout. Promo is available now until December 31, 2024.

Enjoy the latest deals on the new device releases like the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 and wearables like the Galaxy Watch7 Series, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the Galaxy Buds3 series powered by Galaxy AI. Consumer Electronic products like Bespoke AI Home Appliances, Samsung AI TVs and Smart Monitors are also up for grabs. Check out the best deals today at the Samsung Shop App.  Users can also take advantage of Flexible Payment Options: Pay in monthly installments at 0% interest up to 36 months using HSBC, Metrobank, BDO, & BPI credit cards.

Samsung Shop App is available on the Google Play Store, and the App Store. To download and install the Samsung Shop App and take advantage of the promotions on offer, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/apps/samsung-shop-app/, or scan the QR code to download.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-195164

 

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^[1] The study was conducted by Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania with over 2,600 respondents across eight markets in the region.

Pluxee Revolutionizes Workplace Engagement with New AI-Powered Rewards and Recognition Platform

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Pluxee Philippines, trusted leader in employee benefits and rewards solutions, launches its new Rewards and Recognition (R&R) platform that aims to redefine employee experience and workplace engagement. Building on this commitment and carrying the legacy of its predecessor Sodexo Benefits and Rewards’ leadership in gifting and rewards, Pluxee’s new R&R platform will elevate employee appreciation and make work-life more rewarding. This new service is powered by Vantage Circle, provider of award-winning recognition and wellness solutions to over 700 global companies.

A recent Gallup study revealed that only 23% of the world's employees are actively engaged at work, feeling involved and enthusiastic about their roles. Conversely, 62% are not engaged, merely showing up and doing the bare minimum, while 15% are actively disengaged, experiencing dissatisfaction and seeking new opportunities Gallup (2024, August).

This widespread disengagement has severe repercussions: 41% of employees feel stressed, 52% are actively job hunting, and $8.9 trillion is lost annually due to low employee engagement.

Pluxee understands the critical role that employee engagement plays in today's competitive landscape and recognizes how fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition can significantly increase motivation and productivity among workers.

"The employee engagement landscape has drastically changed, and technology influenced this transformation. Employees now seek a more meaningful and rewarding work experience," said Pluxee Philippines’ Country Managing Director Mert Cetin. "The Pluxee R&R platform answers this demand by empowering companies to create a culture of appreciation, where employees feel valued and motivated to excel. By making recognition integral to everyday work life, this new digital solution helps establish consistency and nurtures behaviors that drive business growth," Cetin added.

Speaking on this Partnership, CEO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, Mr. Partha Neog stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Pluxee Philippines to bring our award-winning recognition and wellness solutions to more organizations. We, at Vantage Circle, believe that recognition is a fundamental pillar of employee engagement and satisfaction. By leveraging our innovative platform and services, we aim to enhance the recognition and rewards experience, making it more seamless, personalized, and impactful. Together, we are committed to transforming workplaces into spaces where appreciation and engagement thrive."

Enhancing everyday work-life

The Pluxee R&R platform is an AI-powered, mobile-friendly, user-centric tool that offers real-time appreciation through a point-based rewards system.

"Our new, game-changing R&R platform combines the best of both worlds to deliver unmatched value: Pluxee's proven track record and global perspective in employee benefits and rewards, with Vantage Circle's cutting-edge technology, said Sharon K. Velasco, Marketing Director at Pluxee Philippines.”

Pluxee’s new R&R platform boasts of features designed to meet the diverse needs of modern workplaces and make recognition effortless.

• Superior SaaS capabilities: The platform is a superior SaaS solution that seamlessly connects via API with existing apps and systems such as Microsoft 365 and various social media channels. It is already integrated with popular tools like Teams, Slack, Workplace, and Yammer, ensuring seamless user access. Additionally, the platform boasts global certifications on quality (ISO), security, and data privacy, reinforcing its reliability and trustworthiness. 

• Best-in-class engagement: Pre-designed award programs can be customized to meet the organization’s evolving needs. It supports social and peer-to-peer recognition, and automates celebrations with points and greetings. It also enables gifts and monetary awards, and provides multi-level analytics for insights and more informed decision-making. Customizable rewards and badges further enhance the user experience, making recognition both meaningful and personalized. 

• An extensive marketplace to redeem rewards: Employees can accumulate points on the R&R platform and exchange these for Pluxee Gifts, which are accepted at over 12,000 partner merchants nationwide, including renowned brands like Uniqlo, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, Bench, SM Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Anytime Fitness, Botejyu, and Vikings. The platform also offers e-vouchers from digital brands such as Lazada, Grab, Shopee, Zalora, Angkas, Viu, and Klook 

• Patented, Value-Added Modules: Pluxee’s R&R platform offers additional modules that elevate the overall employee experience. Vantage Fit champions employee wellness through easy-to-use challenges promoting healthy habits and lifestyles. Vantage Pulse, is a complete survey tool that lets organizations collect and measure feedback to gain valuable insights for better decision-making.

Pluxee’s new R&R platform brings a fresh, engaging approach to employee recognition and daily work life. Seamlessly integrating with familiar tools and offering customizable features, Pluxee makes it easy for organizations to celebrate and motivate their teams in real-time.

Transform your workplace culture and enhance employee happiness by exploring this innovative solution. For more information or to schedule a demo, visit pluxee.ph/rewards-recognition or call our Customer Care hotline at 8689-4700. Join us in making every workday more rewarding and enjoyable!

Users praise camera and overall performance of vivo Y100

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The Philippine smartphone market for 2024 is bustling with options, and vivo continues to rise with its impressive lineup. Known for offering both affordability and distinctive design, vivo's devices are setting trends in the industry.

Among the notable releases this year is the vivo Y100, a standout model that has even captured the admiration of vivo ambassador Alden Richards. With its attractive price point, the vivo Y100 delivers commendable features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking value and innovation.

vivo conducted exclusive interviews with two vivo Y100 users from the Philippines to gather valuable insights into their experiences with the device.

Loving the vivo Y100

Wilkim Limpag from Quezon Province has been using the vivo Y100 for nearly four months and finds it to be an impressive device.

He appreciates the phone's elegant design, which he describes as classy and visually appealing. Wilkim also highlights the device's comfortable grip and user-friendly interface, making it easy to handle and operate on a daily basis.

Regarding Y100's camera capabilities, the 32-year-old user expressed significant satisfaction with the quality of the photos he has captured. He praised the camera for delivering vibrant and detailed images.

Below are some of the sample shots taken with the vivo Y100, showcasing the device's impressive camera performance:

Photo taken by Wilkim Limpag using vivo Y100

Photo taken by Wilkim Limpag using vivo Y100

Wilkim also highlighted the battery life of the vivo Y100. According to him, the 5000mAh battery of his Y100 phone can last up to two days without charging.

When asked about his overall experience with the vivo Y100, Wilkim enthusiastically stated, "The performance is super legit. It's very user-friendly and offers great quality."

He also mentioned that he would recommend the vivo Y100 to his family and friends, emphasizing that it is well worth the price.

Ideal for photography

vivo reached out to Kent Iver Joe Enriquez, who has been using the vivo Y100 for several months, to share his experience with the device. The vivo user expressed his appreciation for the photochromic design and build quality of Y100, noting that it enhances the device's style, portability, and ease of use.

Regarding the camera, Kent was particularly impressed with Y100's performance in daylight. He found that the device captures intricate details with remarkable accuracy, making it ideal for photography in well-lit conditions.

Here are some photos taken by Kent during daylight:

Photo taken by Kent Iver Joe Enriquez

Photo taken by Kent Iver Joe Enriquez

Kent also praised the device's overall speed and performance, highlighting its smooth operation. He specifically mentioned the 50MP HD main camera and 8MP selfie camera as standout features, recommending the vivo Y100 to users who enjoy taking photos.

In conclusion, Kent shared his final thoughts on the device, stating, "vivo Y100 is good for gaming experience and photography, especially in daylight. I also like the trendy stylish design."

The vivo Y100 is now available nationwide at vivo concept stores and kiosks, priced for as low as Php 10,999 with 8GB RAM, 8GB extended RAM, and up to 256GB storage (expandable up to 1TB using micro SD card). Choose from two stylish colors: the color-changing Breeze Green and Crystal Black.

For online purchases, visit the vivo website, Shopee, TikTok, and Lazada. Stay updated with the latest vivo news and smartphone releases by following their official pages on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok pages.