Pokémon Go: Safety tips to catch 'em right

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From city streets to parks and malls, everyone is definitely on-the-go just to catch their next Pokémon to level up! Taking Filipino gamers by storm, here are some safety tips to remember the next time you and your friends go out to catch, drop lures and conquer gyms!

Globe Prepaid customers can extend the fun by downloading the new Globe Switch app! 

On Globe Switch, avail of the free 1GB mobile data and 30 days free access to Pokémon Go starting August 20, 2016. Globe Switch offers the best online deals as well as over 3 GB worth of free access to over 50 of the most popular apps in the market.

Solar energy use for homes, businesses get boost in form of financing options

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A media forum dubbed as "Usapang Maliwanag: Financing Solar Energy for Houses and Businesses" was held recently is part of the Solar Rooftop Challenge, which highlights the benefits of using solar energy while busting misconceptions that hinder individuals and companies from taking it up.

It showcases existing solar rooftop installations of urban middle class households, celebrities, churches, schools, government buildings and private establishments, as well as empowering stories of people who have joined the solar rooftop revolution in the country.

Proving that solar energy is accessible to common Filipinos, Greenpeace Philippines gathered financing institutions and solar providers to connect energy consumers to easy financing options available in the market and help increase solar energy use in homes and businesses.

Photo opportunity for the panelists of Solar Energy forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe, on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, left to right: Moderator Wilson Lee Flores of Philippines Star, Julius Respicio of BPI, Yeb Saño, Executive Director for Southeast Asia GreenPeace, Voltire Tupaz, Head of Sales , Solar Philippines, and Mike de Guzman, President of Solaric Philippines. ©Greenpeace 

Availing of financing packages spreads the initial costs in putting up solar installations over the long term while already generating savings on electricity costs.

In particularly, Solar rooftops can create huge impacts in lowering monthly electricity bills and the growing availability of financial assistance for those who want to avail of solar installations is a great opportunity to harness the power of the sun and break away from our dependence on fossil fuel generated electricity, like coal.

"Now is the best time to switch on the power of renewables for each home and business to be at the forefront of our fight against catastrophic climate change. The call for the uptake of solar energy is not an empty appeal to each individual's altruism but, as we are attesting today, incentives await in the form of cheap and reliable energy. Financial solutions are widely available from many institutions, and after today, we are expecting more. For both homes and businesses, renewable energy is the way to go," said YebSaño, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

At present, the Philippines produces 29 percent of its electricity through renewable sources, with the Department of Energy looking to raise it to 40 percent by 2020. The mainstream adoption of renewable energy will result in creation of jobs and lower power generation costs that allow households to return the difference in savings to their budgets.

"It is important to note that while large-scale solar power plants are being constructed and going online in the Philippines, there is still a huge amount of solar energy potential that remains untapped. This is where solar rooftop installations on homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses can complete the picture of a country like the Philippines moving towards a higher share of renewable energy in its power generation mix. The energy revolution will happen right on the rooftops of Filipinos' homes," said Reuben Muni, Climate and Energy Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines.

Muni also called for a more robust participation of both the government and business sector to further push the growth and development of renewable energy in the country.

“A strong relationship between the public and private institutions, as well as progressive legislations, should boost our transition to renewable energy. It encouragesand provides incentives to more people and businesses who opt to use the technology,” Muni added.

Greenpeace Philippines is joined by speakers from Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG IBIG Fund), who discussed how its members can avail of their Home Improvement Loan, which can cover the cost of purchase and installation of solar panels. Also in the forum are Solaric Philippines, Solar Philippines and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Journalist, columnist and owner of the Kamuning Bakery Café, where the media forum was held, Wilson Lee Flores, also shared how his decision to use hybrid or partly solar-powered air-conditioning system in the 77-year-old café drastically lowered his monthly electricity bills.

Pinoy kids need to develop reading habits (SM Supermalls' National Children’s Book Reading Day)

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These present days, most people especially students have no much time to read books with all the subjects they have to study in school, plus the distraction from social activities, like using cell phone for texting, internet, computer for assignments and projects, facebook, messaging, and games, TV, DVDs and other gadgets. 

Here some updates on SM Supermalls' National Children’s Book Reading Day

Filipino children need to develop a habit of reading to improve literacy, according to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) during the celebration of SM Supermalls’ National Children’s Book Reading Day held simultaneously in all 58 SM malls nationwide, and seven in China. 

UNICEF emphasized on the importance of reading to children as much as possible, and at an early age. During the event, UNICEF ambassadors read books to select elementary school children per area. Daphne Osena-Paez and Lara Precious Quigaman were in SM Southmall, with Gary Valenciano taking the task in SM Megamall. Aside from UNICEF, the event was also in partnership with Vibal Publishing, National Bookstore and the Department of Education. The annual event is a project of SM Cares, SM Supermalls’ CSR arm, for children.

“Reading is very important, especially since we don’t have a reading culture in the Philippines. Our children are missing out on a lot of things,” said Michelle Parazo-Borromeo, head of UNICEF Private Fundraising and Partnerships. Boromeo cited studies that show young children who are read to everyday get their brains stimulated early for learning. Their learning ability, eventually, will be ahead of their peers.

Paez, who read to students of Almanza Elementary School in Las Pinas, believes that book reading in a mall is a good idea because it gives a chance to a wider audience to find out about the benefits of reading to children. “Having it in a fun place with a dynamic environment like SM, with celebrities reading to kids, gives the advocacy another dimension,” Paez said. UNICEF was able to show an animated visual aid to the kids through a large screen while the reading was taking place.

SM’s National Children’s Book Reading Day coincides with the 25thanniversary of the signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), of which the Philippines is a signatory. To commemorate this significant milestone in children’s rights, UNICEF reissued six of its published books that revolve around the themes on children’s rights, gender stereotypes, conflict resolution, among others.

When SM learned about the reissued books, the mall management suggested that UNICEF participate in their National Children’s Book Reading Day. It was iteration for the National Children’s Book Day, which was started more than 30 years ago by the Philippine Board on Books for Young People.

“What SM did is great because it’s more focused on reading,” Borromeo said. “We actually work a lot with SM because the company supports UNICEF’s advocacies like exclusive breastfeeding and proper nutrition.”

SM and UNICEF’s partnership began in 2008 under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. It started with SM Drink for Two wherein every purchase of SM bottled water gives 25 centavos to UNICEF for the organization’s water sanitation facilities projects for schools and communities in the Philippines.

Concert King Martin Nievera presents “The Best of Martin Nievera” concert at the KIA Theatre!

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Martin Nievera stages “The Best of Martin Nievera” concert and launches new album at the Kia Theatre.

Polyeast Records proudly presents a night of OPM hits—both old and new—with Martin Nievera in a concert dubbed as “The Best of Martin Nievera: Kahapon… Ngayon” concert on August 26, 7:30 p.m. at the KIA Theater. 

To mark this unforgettable evening, the iconic balladeer will work his way through a clutch of classics like “Be My Lady”, “Ikaw Lamang”, “You Are My Song,” “Kahit Isang Saglit” and more love songs which defined the hit maker’s career spanning over three decades. 

Aside from Nievera’s wit and charm on stage, highlights also include his performances with a big band led by musical director Marvin Querido and celebrity guests Noel Cabangon and ZsaZsa Padilla. 

“The Best of Martin Nievera” concert is for the benefit of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. and Philippine Red Cross Quezon City. 

In support of his latest album with PolyEast Records, “Kahapon…Ngayon” is a tribute to OPM roots giving new life to songs drawn from the classic “harana” to iconic old movie scoring. 

“Kahapon…Ngayon” is Nievera’s new album, latest addition to numerous albums that made Nievera one of the most important figures in local Filipino music. With such powerful collection which mirrors rich Filipino arts and music, Nievera pays tribute to his OPM roots on the singer’s rawest collection giving new life to each of the 12 traditional love songs.

Fall in love with the concert king all over again as inspired by songs drawn from the classic “harana” songs to iconic old movie scoring, the album consists of classic materials which include: 

‘Buhat” (Rico J. Puno)

 “Bato Sa Buhangin” (Cinderella)

“Buhay ng Buhay Ko” (Leah Navarro)

“Kastilyong Buhangin,” (Basil Valdez)

“Kapantay ay Langit” (Pilita Corales)

“Saan Ka Man Naroroon” (Pilita Corales)

“Paraisong Parisukat (Basil Valdez)” 

“Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” (Celeste Legaspi)

“Maalaala Mo Kaya” (Carmen Rosales/Pilita Corales)

“Usahay” (Leni Alano/Pilita Corales)

“Hindi Kita Malimot” (Kuh Ledesma)

Martin Nievera’s new album “Kahapon…Ngayon” album will also be available at the venue which will be signed during the meet and greet session. 

Tickets are now available at Ticketnet outlet or visit http://www.ticketnet.com.ph www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555. Ticket prices: Orchestra VIP- Php3, 000 (with FREE CD); Orchestra B- Php2, 500 (with FREE CD); Balcony VIP (Loge) – Php2, 000; Balcony- Php1, 000. 

This event is made possible by our presenters: Asian Shipping Corporation, Care Products, Cathay Drug Co. Inc., Empire Chemical Inc. and co-presenters Asia United Bank, Banco De Oro, Bio devices Inc., Bullseye Solutions & Distribution, Davies Paint Philippines, Dowel Container & Packaging, Dyna Drug Corporation, Eagle Electric of the Philippines, First Oceanic Industries Inc., Great Wall International Travel Inc., Puregold, Security Bank Corporation, United Medical Supply, Zesto & Maxicare.

Special thanks to Luxent Hotel, AMI Equipment Services & Solutions, The Brain Computer, Nestle Health Science and Gerry’s Grill Bar & Restaurant. Media partners: MYX Channel, 2nd Avenue, Solar Entertainment, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World, MOR 101.9 My Only Radio for Life, PhilStar.com, Inquirer.net, Pep.ph, Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene, Odyssey, AstroPlus and Focus Media; and Novotel as the official residence.

For more information, you may follow @PolyEastRecords on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

OPPO’s latest camera phone out in stores tomorrow , Road show in three cities to mark PH debut of F1s

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A three-day road show in three cities across the Philippines will mark the debut of OPPO’s latest camera phone in concept and dealer stores nationwide.

OPPO’s latest “selfie expert” phone, the F1s, will be out in stores on August 19. The same date will kick off the road show which will happen simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The road show ends on August 21.

“Introducing the latest selfie expert in a country nicknamed the world’s selfie capital deserves an occasion where people from all over the country can celebrate the possibilities of capturing, storing, and sharing unforgettable moments,” said Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng.

The Manila leg of the road show will be held at SM City North EDSA -4/F Annex- Cyber zone Area. The Cebu leg will take place at SM Cebu’s Event Center while the Davao leg of the road show will happen at SM Davao’s Event Center.

Selfies anytime, anywhere

The latest addition in the F1 series comes with a camera that is ideal for taking selfies.

Thanks to its 16-megapixel front camera with /3.1-inch sensor and a large f/2.0 aperture, the OPPO F1s captures vibrant, glowing selfies anywhere at any time of the day.

The smartphone is also equipped with the latest Beautify 4.0, which comes with an Auto Mode Screen Flash and eight filters, to help users achieve their desired looks.

The F1s also comes with a selfie panorama feature for ‘groufies’ and palm-activated shutter for easier and faster selfie-taking.

A chance to bring home another F1s

Pre-orders for the OPPO F1s will be accepted until today. Customers who pre-ordered their phones will have a chance to bring home another F1s for free.

Upon receiving the phone, a customer needs to take a photo of themselves at the store holding an “I choose F1s sign.” The photos should then be uploaded on Facebook using the hashtags #OPPOF1s and #SelfieExpert.

Ten lucky winners will be chosen among those who submitted their entries.

Suggested retail price of the OPPO F1s is P12,990.