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

Piolo Pascual returns to tv drama with family soap “Hawak Kamay”

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ABS-CBN’s newest drama series “Hawak Kamay,” will redefine the Filipino family starting on Monday (July 21). 

The kick-off of the series also marks acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual’s much-anticipated return to television drama following the success of his movie “Starting Over Again” earlier in the year. Piolo will be taking on “Hawak Kamay” along with three of the country’s most powerful child stars, Zaijan Jaranilla, Andrea Brillantes, and Xyriel Manabat. The series will also introduce Grand i-Shiner Yesha Camile, who was under the mentorship of Piolo during her stint in the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp.

Although he has done a number of television shows in the past, Piolo Pascual said he is still very excited about his upcoming family soap, “Hawak Kamay.”

Pascual said the new ABS-CBN series will focus more on the family as compared to the past projects he’s done.

“First of all, I’m working with four kids, these are child superstars. I’m also working with Iza. It’s different because it’s a family thing. Usually love triangle or love story pero ito, it’s more on the family side. Filipinos are very family-oriented so I believe na makaka-relate ang maraming pamilya. Para sa mga Pilipino talaga ito,” Pascual said.

Asked if he feels pressured for it to do well in the ratings game, Pascual quickly said, “Hindi naman mawawala ang pressure. You have to live with it.”

“I’m just thankful and I guess, what I have to focus on is the fact that I’m given work to do and it’s a blessing. I’m just giving my best and take things one day at a time,” he added.

“Hawak Kamay” will also star Piolo’s “Starting Over Again” co-star Iza Calzado, who will be joined by singer-actress Nikki Gil and “Banana Split: Extra Scoop” and “Banana Nite” mainstay Ryan Bang. The show will also feature Victor Neri, who makes a comeback through “Hawak Kamay,” with “She’s Dating the Gangster” cast member Sofia Andres, and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Axel Torres.

This cast will be behind the story of Gin (Piolo Pascual), a failed musician who becomes the guardian of the three orphans that his dearly departed sister adopted: Emong (Zaijan Jaranilla), Dara (Xyriel Manabat), and Ningning (Yesha Camile). 

Tough attorney Bianca (Iza Calzado) and her sister Lorrie (Andrea Brillantes) witness how the reluctant and unprepared Gin ends up as a potential father figure to these three kids. 

Gin falters in his new role and gives up at one point. Eventually, however, he becomes fond of the kids and even accompanies them in a vacation.

As they encounter different trials, Gin gains sight of the more important things in life, and little by little, they all realize what exactly makes a family.

“Hawak Kamay” will mark the third major project of Pascual and Calzado together, after the films “Milan” (2004) and “Starting Over Again” (2014).

The primetime series will also be a reunion for Pascual and Jaranilla, who both top-billed the action-fantasy series “Noah” in 2010.

The cast of “Hawak Kamay” will be making things exciting at Fairview Terraces, the day before the show launches. Join Piolo, Iza, Zaijan, Xyriel, Andrea, and Yesha as they put on a mall show for fans on Sunday (July 20) at 4:00pm.

Catch the story of “Hawak Kamay” as it begins to unfold on Monday (July 21) after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN. For updates, visit “Hawak Kamay’s” official website (hawakkamay.abs-cbn.com), like "Hawak Kamay" on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HawakKamayTV), and follow @HawakkamayTV on Twitter and Instagram.

Nelson Mandela International Day

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Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner

(Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

Today we celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day, a global movement to honour the great man’s public service and diplomacy, a day of service celebrated on July 18, Mandela's birthday.

During his long life, Mandela inspired countless individuals. In 2009, the United Nations declared July 18th, his birthday, Nelson Mandela International Day. The day was unanimously approved in 2009 by the U.N. General Assembly. It was created to honor Mandela and inspire others to carry on his efforts to "take responsibility for making the world a better place, one small step at a time," according to a statement from the Nelson Mandela Foundation Initiative.

An Interactive Google Doodle pays tribute to Mandela who has been called both '"The World's Most Famous Political Prisoner" and "South Africa's Great Black Hope"

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion.

People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.

Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and 

enhances the freedom of others.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.

During his time in prison, Mandela was restricted to a 2m x 2.5m cell, with nothing but a bedroll on the floor and a bucket for sanitation in it. He was consigned to hard labour and was, at first, only allowed one visitor and one letter every six months.

Nelson Mandela received honorary degrees from more than 50 international universities.

Mandela, the former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Price recipient, died at the age of 95 on Dec. 5, 2013. This is the first time the day has been celebrated since his death.

Let us honour his memory by doing our part in making a positive change and to work towards making this world a better place.

Happy #MandelaDay 

DepEd turns over school building in Batangas

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Under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project Phase I, the Department of Education (DepEd) handed over an eight-classroom, two-story building with provisions for Persons with Disability at Julian D. Luna Elementary School.

“Sinigurado natin na may toilet para sa Persons with Disability. Ito ay may mas malaking ramp para magamit ng mga mag-aaral na PWD,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro said adding that as a learner-centered public institution, DepEd establishes child-friendly, safe, and motivating learning environments, where differently-abled learners would be able to achieve their full potential.

Luistro said that DepEd ensured that the classroom building was complete -- from electric fans to toilets -- before the turnover. PSIP involves the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of the said classrooms equipped with school furniture, fixtures, and toilets.

Classrooms built under PSIP have a design life of 25 years, as part of the Department’s technical requirements. Under the PSIP I contract, the contractor covers major maintenance such as structural assessment, termite control, and repainting of the school-building within 10 years. 

Continued commitment to basic education

The Aquino administration remains committed in addressing the growing needs in basic education. Even in the "last two minutes" -- as President Benigno S. Aquino III likes to call the remaining years of his administration -- DepEd will continue to provide basic inputs to address incremental enrolment, regular wear and tear, and senior high school (SHS) requirements.

“Ang atin pong itatayo sa ating “last two minutes” ay ang senior high school,” Luistro said. He added that DepEd shall construct more classrooms in this year to prepare for the full implementation of SHS (grades 11 and 12) in 2016.

DepEd begins rapid damage assessments in Glenda-affected areas

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The Department of Education reported that there were 115 school divisions in 12 Regions affected by Typhoon Glenda. Over 50 school divisions have resumed classes and operations as of today, July 17.

To date, a total of 187 schools have been used as temporary evacuation centers since the preparations for the typhoon began. 

DepEd division offices are in constant coordination with their respective local government units (LGUs) for clearing operations and class resumption. The Department is also initiating rapid damage assessments in affected areas.

DepEd urges the public to participate actively in reporting school damage by sending photos and other relevant information to DepEd’s official Twitter Account (@DepEd_PH) and/or via email at communications@deped.gov.ph. Together the LGUs and other national government agencies, the Department remains committed to ensuring the delivery of basic education services.

All DepEd personnel are requested to report on their status to their respective superiors, if they have not yet done so.

For disaster-related queries or concerns, the public may contact DepEd-Disaster Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) at (02) 635-3764, (02) 637-4933, 0908-2630-378, and DRRMOdeped@gmail.com.