Point-And-Shoot with ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser!

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Rapid Laser Auto-Focus and Durable Gorilla Glass 4 for a complete smartphone package!

Smartphone photography has never been this great, with ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser you can take breathtaking photos without worrying about blurred shots plus a tougher Gorilla Glass 4 that is less likely to break all for a very affordable of price of only P7,695! (ZE500KL) and P8,695 (ZE550KL). Truly a bang-for-the buck, being the only smartphone equipped with Laser Auto-focus for just under P10,000! This marks a new standard for midrange smartphones with great features without the hefty price tag.

See at the speed of light: 13MP PixelMaster camera with rear laser-focus for near-instant shots

The new ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE550KL) will benefit from a 13MP PixelMaster camera with an f/2.0 wide-aperture lens to capture stunning, high-resolution photos with zero shutter lag — and laser auto-focus technology empowers users to capture perfect clarity in just 0.2 seconds.

PixelMaster’s industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash. When a flash is preferred, ZenFone 2 Laser is equipped with a Real Tone flash to ensure warm skin tones and accurate color.

ZenFone 2 Laser’s PixelMaster camera also has Backlight (Super HDR) mode to capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. Pixel-enhancing technology increases contrast by up to 400%, ensuring that foreground subjects stand out clearly and are free of shadows.

For those seeking fine-grained control over camera settings like ISO, shutter speed and more, Manual mode offers users a DSLR-like experience right on their smartphone

Corning Gorilla Glass 4: 2X drop-damage resistance with 2.5X more strength

All ZenFone 2 displays are crafted from the latest Gorilla Glass 4 from Corning. Gorilla Glass 4 means ZenFone 2 Laser’s display has twice (2X) the drop-damage resistance of its predecessor and 2.5X retained strength, and is 85% less likely to break in daily use. A microscopically-thin anti-fingerprint coating minimizes scuffs and smudges, allowing the brilliance of ZenFone 2 Laser’s display to shine through.

Simpler, smarter and more personal: ASUS ZenUI with over 1,000 enhancements

Freedom, connection, and expression form the foundation for the ASUS ZenUI mobile user interface. These three pillars have also inspired the evolutionary changes to ZenUI for ZenFone 2 Laser. This latest version offers a simpler and smarter user experience, with a stylish new layout that employs white space for a cleaner design, and which places information front and center for a simpler, smarter user experience.

ZenFone 2 Laser gives everyone the ability to completely customize its interface to match their personal style and usage preferences, including ZenUI's launcher, themes, fonts, icons, and more.

ZenUI has many great new features — including ZenMotion, SnapView, Trend Micro™ security and ZenUI Instant Updates — that enhance usability; ensure security and privacy; and deliver a seamless user experience

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ZenFone 2 Laser is now available in all authorized re-sellers nationwide for as low as P7,695 (ZE500KL) and P8,695 (ZE550KL)

Brand	ASUS
Model Name	ZE550KL
Marketing Name	ZenFone 2 Laser
MSRP (Local currency)	PHP 8,695.00
Screen Size	5.5-inch
Screen Resolution	IPS
Pixel Per Inch	267
IPS Panel	IPS Corning Gorilla 4 glass
Processor	Qualcomm
	Snapdragon S410
	Quad Core
	1.2GHz
Rear Camera	13MP, f/2.0 Aperture, 5-element lens, Auto focus, Dual Color Flash
Battery	typ 3000mAh Polymer battery (removable)
Front Camera	5MP, f/2.0 Aperture, wide-angle 85˚Pano Selfie
3G Network	DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps
LTE Network	CAT4 (DL/UL): 150/100 Mbps
3G Quad Band Support (850/900/1900/2100 MHz)	850/900/1800/1900
Operating System	Android Lollipop 5.0
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
WebStorage/Google drive/Dropbox bundle (Y/N)	5GB lifetime for free
Dual SIM-Card Support	Yes
Maximum Micro SD Card support size	128GB
Bluetooth	BT 4.0
Navigation System	Support GPS、A-GPS and GLONASS、BDS
Sensor	1.Accelerator 2.E-Compass 3. Proximity 4. Hall sensor 5. Ambient light sensor
Weight (gram)	170g
Available Color	Pure Black / Glamour Red /Ceramic White /Gold/Silver

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Brand	ASUS
Model Name	ZE500KL
Marketing Name	ZenFone 2 Laser
MSRP (Local currency)	PHP 7,695.00
Screen Size	5-inch
Screen Resolution	IPS LED Backlight TFT screen with 178⁰ wide view angle
Pixel Per Inch	294
IPS Panel	Corning Gorilla 4 glass  with 178⁰ wide view angle
Processor	Qualcomm
	Snapdragon S410
	Quad-core
	1.2GHz
Rear Camera	8MP Aperture, 5-element lens, Auto focus, Dual Color Flash
Battery	typ 2070mAh Polymer battery (removable)
Front Camera	5MP, f/2.0 Aperture, wide-angle 85˚Pano Selfie
3G Network	DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps
LTE Network	LTE CAT4 (DL/UL): 150/50Mbps
3G Quad Band Support (850/900/1900/2100 MHz)	850/900/1800/1900
Operating System	Android Lolipop 5.0
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB
WebStorage/Google drive/Dropbox bundle (Y/N)	5GB lifetime for free
Dual SIM-Card Support	Yes
Maximum Micro SD Card support size	128GB
Bluetooth	BT 4.0
Navigation System	A-GPS and GLONASS
Sensor	1.Accelerator 2.E-Compass 3. Proximity 4. Hall sensor 5. Ambient light sensor
Weight (gram)	140g
Available Color	Painting:Black/White/Red/Purple/Aqua blue IMF: Gold/Silver

Past Agora Advocacy Marketing awardee highlights need for corporate social responsibility

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"Fifty Shades of Marketing Darker” is  this year’s theme for Agora Circle Conference to be held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 21, 2015.

A company’s reputation is built on several cornerstones. More than integrity and a good record, another factor that shapes its identity is its dedication to corporate social responsibility. The importance of these venues cannot be understated, as they greatly shape a company’s identity through its commitment to the public.

Aniceto Sobrepeña

For three decades now, Metrobank Foundation has been committed to its mission of handing out awards to the country’s best teachers, police officers and soldiers as a way of recognizing their service to the country. This initiative has earned the foundation the first ever Agora Award for Advocacy Marketing handed out by the Philippine Marketing Association in 2004. 

Aniceto Sobrepeña, president of Metrobank Foundation, expressed that it was a big privilege for their foundation to be the first recipient of the prestigious award. “We were the first awardee for the category when it was introduced during the 25th anniversary of the Agora Awards.”

Sobrepeña is one of the 22 past Agora Award winners who will be sharing their experience and knowledge in marketing in the forthcoming Agora Circle Conference of the Philippine Marketing Association, which will be held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on October 21, 2015.

The conference, a pre-event for the annual Agora Awards, will see past Agora winners discussing with conference participants their personal stories and what inspired them in creating their winning marketing strategies.

The Foundation was established in 1979 by George S.K. Ty, Metrobank founder and presently Metrobank Foundation Chairman, as a way of sharing the fruits of the bank’s success with the community.

Some of the endeavors the Foundation has been involved with include Manila Doctors Hospital-- which has become a model for healthcare in the country as it offered charity service and outreach missions to the less fortunate and scholarship grants for deserving medical students--, and the Young Painters’ Annual, which provided young artists with the artistic stimulation and offered an avenue to presenting their artworks.

However, it is with the launch of the Search for Outstanding Teachers in 1985 that Metrobank Foundation first came into public attention. The Search not only identified the country’s best mentors, but also promoted a culture of excellence with elementary, high school, and college teachers given the prize. 

The foundation has already recognized more than 300 teachers in the past 30 years. Other awards, namely The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers and Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service followed in 1999, wherein exemplary military personnel and police officers were recognized for their service to the country.

Sobrepeña said it was an honor for Metrobank Foundation to have been given the opportunity to be part of the subsequent selection of awardees in Advocacy Marketing.

“Metrobank Foundation will continue with these programs in a sustainable manner,” he said. “They remain the most coveted awards especially among our teachers in the Department of Education and the members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

This year’s Agora Circle Conference follows the theme “Fifty Shades of Marketing Darker.” Aside from former Agora winners, it will also feature some of the country’s best speakers, members of the academe, industry professionals and students discussing topics that are of interest to the local marketing industry. These include topics on branding, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, and technology. 

Visit www.theagora.ph for details and reservations. For information about the Philippine Marketing Association, visit philippinemarketing.net.ph.

Cherry Mobile launches Intel-powered MAIA Series, introduces newest endorser Janella Salvador

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Cherry Mobile and Intel launches the MAIA Series - Fone i4, MAIA PAD, and the MAIA SMART TAB and presents Cherry Mobile’s newest endorser, teen actress and singer Janella Salvador with the campaign #KayaWithMAIA last September 29, 2015.

Empowerment and freedom to make their own choices have always been the clamor of today’s young generation. From making their next day fashion statement, down to choosing their next gadget, they always look forward to the opportunity to become independent young adults. Keeping their desires in mind, Cherry Mobile, the country’s leading value-for-money phone brand, recently collaborated with Intel to provide the youth and young professionals better smartphones and tablets that will surely empower them to achieve more and reach their dreams – the MAIA series.

The performance-driven MAIA series was officially launched alongside Cherry Mobile’s newest endorser, teen actress and singer Janella Salvador with the campaign #KayaWithMAIA to highlight the new series’ aim to power the youth’s passion. Just like Janella, Cherry Mobile’s newest Intel-powered devices will make a mark in the local electronic device landscape through the MAIA series’ two tablets, the MAIA Pad and MAIA Smart Tab, and the MAIA Fone i4.

“Cherry Mobile’s latest MAIA series is dedicated to the youth with their untiring passion in mind. By introducing these devices, we hope that the youth and young professionals would have more avenues to express their passions and realize their dreams just like Janella, who embodies our campaign #KayaWithMAIA,” said Maynard Ngu, CEO - Cherry Mobile.

Young professionals—and even the young-at-heart— can truly stay stylishly connected without jeopardizing functionality with the MAIA Fone i4, equipped with an Intel Atom x3 1.0GHz 64-bit processor, and Android Kitkat 4.4 Operating System out-of-the-box. Capping off this smartphone’s sweet offerings is its 4” Capacitive Screen, 4GB internal Memory expandable to 64GB via MicroSD, and Dual-SIM capabilities.

Following the series’ smartphone contender is the MAIA Pad, powered by the same Intel Atom x3 Processor. The MAIA Pad comes with the Android KitKat 4.4.4 operating system and 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD. The 7” widescreen tablet is equipped with a USB OTG for maximum on-the-go productivity, and also offers users various connection options with its Dual-SIM and HSPA+ capabilities.

Topping off the MAIA Series is Cherry Mobile’s newest 8” tablet, the MAIA Smart Tab. Powered by the Intel Atom Z3735F 1.8GHz quad-core processor, the MAIA Smart Tab is equipped with Smart Boot, enabling it to carry both Android KitKat 4.4 and Windows 8.1 as operating systems. It comes with an upgraded 2GB of RAM and 32GB internal memory upgradable to 64GB through its MicroSD card. It is also equipped with the same USB-OTG features and a 3,800mAh battery on top of Wi-Fi and dual-sim HSPA+ capabilities to ensure that users maximize their productivity wherever they connect.

“Today’s youth are more empowered and capable than ever. Their technological savvy presents them with the opportunities to accomplish more given the right avenues to express their passion. This is what we aim to leverage through our partnership with Cherry Mobile. The new MAIA series of mobile devices can help us provide amazing experiences to the youth, empowering them through affordable but competitive devices to help them take control of their productivity,” said Calum Chisholm, Intel Philippines Country Manager.

Cherry Mobile MAIA Series:  MAIA Fone i4, MAIA PAD, and the MAIA SMART TAB

The MAIA Fone i4 comes with an Intel Atom x3 processor, Android Kitkat 4.4 OS, a 4-inch capacitive screen, 4GB internal memory expandable up to 64 GB with an microSD card, and dual-SIM Capabilities. The smartphone is priced at P1,999.

The MAIA Pad is also powered by an Intel Atom x3 processor, as it comes with an Android Kitkat 4.4.4 OS, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory expandable by up to 32GB through microSD, has dual-SIM options, and has a 7” screen. The tablet is priced at P2,999.

The MAIA Smart Tab with its 8-inch screen is powered by an Intel Atom Z3735F 1.8GHz quad-core processor, as it comes with Smart Boot, enabling the tablet to function with operating systems: Kitkat 4.4 and Windows 8.1; 2BG RAM, 32 GB internal memory expandable up to 64 GB through microSD, and 3,800mAh battery. The tablet is priced at P4,999.

For more information about the Chery Mobile MAIA series, check out www.cherrymobile.com.ph or visit official facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/cherrymobile

“MERRY SM CHRISTMAS” takes “gifting” to the next level

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Christmas is officially on at all SM malls nationwide with the launch of its “Merry SM Christmas 2015” campaign beginning this October. A premier holiday shopping destination, SM also wishes to continue its tradition of spreading cheer and the spirit of giving beyond the walls of the mall through this Yuletide campaign.

Beginning Thursday (October 1), all of SM’s 52 malls will be adorned with grand Christmas garlands, lights, and visual Christmas countdowns accompanied by continuous playing of well-loved Christmas carols. All mall decors are expected to be more thrilling as the season progresses with a series of special events lined up, including the Grand Christmas Centerpiece Launch, Toy Fair, Meet and Greet with Santa Claus and other popular characters, and the Grand Christmas Parade.

Aside from the picture-perfect decorations, the Merry SM Christmas campaign also shares with shoppers the “gifting” idea that aims to make the tradition of giving and receiving more meaningful.

“This holiday season, we would like to encourage our shoppers to make our gift-giving or ‘gifting’ tradition more memorable by doing it in three ways: gifting to family and loved ones; to the community; and to self,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice-President for Marketing.

“Christmas is the perfect time to reconnect with our families and loved ones who deserve nothing but the best from us and also reward ourselves with the things that we’ve been wanting to have,” San Agustin explained. “But what completes the Filipino Christmas gifting idea is the choice of sharing the joy of Christmas to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. We at SM offer this opportunity for our shoppers to give back and make a child happy through the SM Cares Bears of Joy charity program.”

“With the gifting idea in mind, we can do all our planning and early shopping of Christmas gifts more purposive and truly worthwhile. Now, we have a three-question gift guide always at hand: Is this gift for my loved ones, for myself, or for charity?” San Agustin quipped.

Merry SM Christmas will be celebrated by all SM malls nationwide from October 1, 2015 to January 10, 2016.

For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, visit SM’s official Christmas microsite and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber. 

Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.

E-Commerce site reports growth in PH Car Financing sector

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Leading car classified Carmudi, an e-commerce company that connects dealers of cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses to prospective buyers, has recently unveiled its report about the growth of Car Financing in the Philippines. The report provides an outlook in the current and future state of car financing in the country and how it affects consumer attitudes towards credit.

The research also revealed that 76-percent of Filipinos are planning to purchase a car in the next two years compared to 65-percent in other emerging markets. 

In terms of consumer behavior, the Philippines has the highest level of vehicle upgrade, with 96-percent planning to upgrade their cars when they reach a more financial and stable condition.

Meanwhile, attractive consumer loan programs have boosted the strong demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The growth in consumer loans was driven by a 26-percent increase in auto loans, which translated to P244.61 billion.

Subir Lohani, managing director of
Carmudi Philippines. 

As consumer loans continues to grow, local banks are racing to come up with different strategies such as lower interest rates, attractive product offerings, and freebies to boost their share of the industry and give them a competitive edge. 

With the Philippine government initiating ongoing economic reforms and a high inflow of remittances, forecasts predict that consumer lending will flourish at a double-digit rate, driving consumers to further invest in cars and motorcycles. 

As more banks invest in consumer loans, consumer credit is also expected to increase and become more widely accessible to all Filipinos, the report said.

“Car financing has always been an option that consumers in the Philippines look at when buying a car, and data shows that the demand for auto loans in the country continues to increase,” said Subir Lohani, managing director of Carmudi Philippines. 

“With the growing economy and increase in demand for passenger cars, we believe that more of our Filipino customers will seek assistance about financing options. As more banks and financial institutions offer attractive loan programs and require low down payments, we expect auto purchases through financing will continue to flourish in the country,” adds Lohani.

Carmudi is an exciting and new kind of online car classifieds that allows you to sell or buy your car, motorcycle or commercial vehicle in the fastest possible way. You can search, compare, and purchase over 300,000 vehicles on your phone, making car shopping as easy as ever. In just under a year and a half, Carmudi has rapidly scaled to 20 countries across Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. We employ over 500 employees worldwide, and our team continues to grow.