Epson’s continued growth in SE Asia a result of focus on business sectors

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(L-R) Alastaire Bourne, General Manager for Public Relations & Investor Relations - Seiko Epson Corporation; Ian Cameron, General Manager of Global Communications – Seiko Epson Corporation ; Shuji Hamaguchi,General Manager for Professional Printing Division (Large Format Printer and Commercial Equipment Products) - Epson Southeast Asia; Ng HeeKhiang, Regional General Manager for Robotics - Epson Southeast Asia; Siew JinKiat, Regional General Manager for Printer and Visual Instruments Division - Epson Southeast Asia; YunyongMuneemongkoltorn, General Manager - Epson Thailand.

Manila, September 2016 – Epson’s growth within Southeast Asia continues to strengthen as it focuses on growing its corporate and industrial business, and as it emerges as a technology company driven by its core technologies. It has shown consistent revenue growth over recent years as it drives expansion within the business segment, with 9% growth across the region in FY15 in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines, with positive growth over the past five years. In the mid-term, we expect to continue a double-digit growth trend.

Epson will continue to focus on its four key areas of innovation to drive growth – Inkjet, Visual Communications, Wearables and Robotics. Announced earlier this year, the Epson 25 vision aims to create a new connected age of people, things and information with efficient, compact and precision technologies. It provides the technology direction for the company and is the next step in Epson’s growth as a technology company worldwide.

“Epson’s heritage as a watchmaker is core to its expertise in developing high performance precision technologies. Epson will continue to leverage our core technologies to create new innovations that will meet new needs across our focus segments, to bring new value to our customers through precision and smart technologies, and that will reduce impact to the environment,” said Toshimitsu Tanaka, Managing Director, Epson Singapore.

Robotics Innovation

Epson is a global leader in high-precision SCARA robots which are deployed in the manufacturing industry for a wide variety of applications.

With the recent development of high-precision force sensors in Epson robots, the robots can accurately and consistently sense forces as limited as 0.1 Newton. With this, Epson’s robots are able to perform intricate and precise tasks, to address tasks requiring automation. Going forward, Epson envisions developing robots to see, sense, think and work like humans, and working alongside and supporting humans in a variety of situations.

The industrial robotics business at Epson targets to grow by 150% for FY16, driven by strong demand in Southeast Asia.

Inkjet Innovation (Business Printing)

Epson’s growth for its printers is driven by its Micro Piezo and PrecisionCore printhead technology, which has been incorporated across its business and ink tank system printers to ensure durability and reliability. Demand for ink tank printers continues to expand, with growth in SE Asia at 17% in FY15.

With the roll-out of its business inkjets for offices in Southeast Asia, Epson aims to drive growth in the office and enterprise segment with its Replaceable Ink Pack System (RIPS) business printers. The RIPS printer is able to print up to 75,000 pages with each ink pack set, which offer lower page yields compared to laser printers. It also reduces the use of consumables and lower carbon emissions in comparison to laser printers.

Epson is also making efforts to contribute to customers’ work processes by reducing the environmental impact of its products. As part of this initiative, Epson will combine its compact inkjet printers with its PaperLab office papermaking system, to provide a sustainable office printing ecosystem. The world’s first[1] in-office paper recycler to use a dry process[2], PaperLab, which Epson plans to launch in Japan later this year, recycles waste paper in the office to provide a source of office paper, while eliminating the need to store and transport documents to recycling facilities.

Inkjet Innovation (Industrial Printing)

Epson’s growth in its professional printing business continues to expand, with growth of 6% for its large format printers for FY15, and forecasted growth of 13% for FY16. Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology continues to drive product development and innovations with its scalability, enabling printing across different media from fabric to signages, and with a variety of inks.

Epson will focus on its digital textile, signage and label printing business to drive growth. In the area of digital textile printing, Epson currently has 85% market share for dye-sublimation digital textile printing[3] within Southeast Asia. Through its collaboration with Robustelli, Epson plans to roll-out its high-end direct-to-garment roll-to-roll digital textile printer within the region, and will continue to develop technologies to meet the needs of customers across the different segments.

Visual Communications Innovation

As the company with the largest market share worldwide at 32%, and at 23% in SE Asia, Epson has continued to dominate the projector market for 3LCD business and home projectors, with interactive projectors driving its growth.

Epson will be launching its new high brightness laser projectors in Southeast Asia this year, along with its 25,000 lumens 3LCD laser projector, which would be the world’s first brightest 3LCD projector to date.

Later this year Epson will be launching the Moverio BT-300, which is the lightest[4] OLED binocular smartglassesand sets the standard for augmented reality smart eyewear. With a focus on developing the smartglasses for commercial and business markets in Southeast Asia, Epson continues to work with business customers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop the ecosystem and grow awareness of its smartglasses.

The new BT-300 features Epson’s cutting edge silicon-based OLED (organic light emitting diode) digital display technology, enabling reductions in power usage and weight, and improvements in response time. This cutting edge technology also provides a seamless augmented reality experience in high quality images with greater contrasts, richer colours, and higher brightness.

Epson’s Moverio range was first launched in 2011 with the BT-100, supplemented in 2014 with the BT-200, and again in 2016 with the Moverio Pro BT-2000.

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

http://global.epson.com/

About Epson Southeast Asia

Since 1982, Epson has developed a strong presence across major markets in Southeast Asia. Led by the regional headquarters, Epson Singapore Pte Ltd., Epson Southeast Asia spans an extensive network of 10 countries, and is responsible for delivering and supporting Epson’s cutting-edge consumer and business digital imaging products to the customers of these markets through its comprehensive infrastructure of over 360 service outlets, 10 Epson solution centres and 8 manufacturing facilities.http://www.epson.com.sg

About Epson Philippines

Epson’s corporate presence in the Philippines commenced in 1998. It grew rapidly into a billion peso company in a span of a few years from its establishment due to its client-oriented approach in its business management style by its dedicated and innovative staff members and officers. Epson Philippines has an extensive network of 77 Authorized Service Centers nationwide with more than 200 dealers and more than 800 shops across the Country. For more details, please visit our website (www.epson.com.ph) or our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonPhilippines).

For product inquiries and technical support, please contact Epson Customer Care at: Metro Manila: (02) 441-9030; Toll Free: 1-800-1069-37766 (PLDT), 1-800-3-0037766 (DIGITEL) or visit the Epson Customer Care website: http://customercare.epson.com.ph

Baskin-Robbins’ 14th branch at BGC High Street

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Sweet dreams are made of delicious ice cream as many ice cream lovers are going crazy over this recently opened ice cream shop - Baskin-Robbins . famous selection of unique ice cream flavors that has drawn in many ice cream aficionados in the country. 

Scooping happiness at Baskin-Robbins’ new on BGC, their scoops and take-home pints are full of flavour. 

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s most beloved ice cream brand, spreads more happiness as it opens its 14th branch at B8, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, delighting ice cream lovers around the metro.

The newest branch of the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops features premium hard scoop ice cream, customized ice cream cakes and a full range of frozen beverages which will now be easily accesible to shoppers and residents within Bonifacio High Street and nearby areas in BGC.

“There has been a lot of anticipation for the opening of this branch so we are looking forward to bringing our extensive flavor variety and fun factor to the lively Bonifacio High Street area. Guests can expect to enjoy their usual favorites plus a whole range of new and exciting flavors.” shares Michael Dargani, President of IceDream Inc., exclusive licensee of Baskin-Robbins in the Philippines.

To make the store opening more fun and memorable, Baskin-Robbins lined up a series of delicious treats for its guests and customers, including a special one time offer of their awesome range of ice cream flavors for just P31 all day on October 1.

Apart from the sweet treats, guests enjoyed many freebies and various activities including a lively performance by the UP Dance Company, a friendly meet-and-greet with the Baskin-Robbins mascot, photo printing, face painting, a special booth called ‘Waffle Wonderland’ where guests could customize their waffles in various shapes and colors and ‘Fundae Sundae’ a booth designed for pure indulgence. 

The brand’s delicious and mouth-watering ice cream cakes also attract dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Each delectable cake is made up of one’s choice of Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors. Available in a wide variety of designs and sizes, they are perfect to celebrate any occasion -- birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, graduations or just to satisfy ice cream cravings!

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,300 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats.

Give in to your sweet cravings and join the fun with the opening of the newest Baskin-Robbins’ branch. Come visit the latest addition to Baskin-Robbins’ growing chain. 

To avail of more exciting promos, visit a Baskin-Robbins store near you:

Baskin-Robbins Uptown Place Mall
Central Square and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City
Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 2 and 5 in Makati
2/F SM North, SM North The Block
Fairview Terraces and TriNoma Mall in Quezon City
SM Southmall in Las Pinas
SM Dasmariñas in Cavite
Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna.

For more updates, check out http://www.baskinrobbins.ph, www.baskinrobbins.ph or its social media accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph. 

Hails from Albay, Catriona Gray crowned Miss World Philippines 2016

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Catriona Gray, a model, host and blogger who hails from Albay, crowned Miss World Philippines 2016 

At the grand coronation night held at the Manila Hotel on Sunday, she was asked why she should be Miss World Philippines, Gray said:

  "To be a Miss World is to be passed a torch that burns with passion and purpose. If I am to become MIss World Philippines, I will dedicate my voice and essence to carry that torch and to set charitable causes alight, such as my personal advocacy, the Paraiso Bright Beginnings Project. And I would focus on passing on this torch to empower others because I believe together there is no darkness in this world that our light cannot overcome."

Catriona Gray, 22-year-old Filipino-Australian beauty beat 24 other candidates from all over the Philippines and was one of the competition favorites from the start. 

Miss Manila Hotel, Miss Hannah, Best in Fashion Runway, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Fashion Runway.

During the Miss World Philippines gala charity night last week, she was named Miss Organique, Miss Figilia, Miss Folded & Hung and Miss Talent.

She will represent the Philippines at the Miss World competition to be held in Washington DC, USA on December 20.

Here is the full list of winners announced that evening: 

Miss World Philippines: Candidate 13, Catriona Gray

First Princess: Candidate 5, Arienne Louise Braga Calingo

2nd Princess: Candidate 18, Ivanna Kamil Su␣ciencia Pacis

Jack Purcell Signature Twill Shield Canvas Low

3rd Princess: Candidate 21, Marah O Munoz

4th Princess: Candidate 8, Sandra Raymundo Lemonon 

A number of special award winners were also announced:

Miss Manila Hotel – #13, Catriona Gray 

Miss Hannah – #13, Catriona Gray

Miss Photogenic – #8 Sandra Raymundo Lemonon

Best in Long Gown – #13, Catriona Gray

Fashion Runway Award – #13, Catriona Gray 

Best in Swimsuit – #13, Catriona Gray

Top 5:

5, Arienne Louise Braga Calingo 

13, Catriona Gray 

8, Sandra Raymundo Lemonon 

21, Marah O Munoz

18, Ivanna Kamil Su␣ciencia Pacis 

Top 12:

7, Sarah Margarette Joson 

5, Arienne Louise Braga Calingo 

13, Catriona Gray 

2, Shenna Mae Monrpyo Zaldivar 

24, Yuri Yu Caunca 

21, Marah O Munoz 

12, Arah Alvero Salientes

23, Ralph Lauren Hernandez Asuncion 

8, Sandra Raymundo Lemonon 

18, Ivanna Kamil Su␣ciencia Pacis 

10, Kristine Reyes Lopez

4, Alyanna Cagandahan

ABS-CBN makes partnership with PLDT-Smart for mobile entertainment content

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PLDT and Smart chair Manny V. Pangilinan and ABS-CBN chair Eugenio ‘Gabby’ Lopez III (third and fourth from left, respectively) lead the groundbreaking partnership of PLDT Home, Smart and ABS-CBN for iWant TV with (from left) lawyer Ray Espinosa, PLDT head of regulatory affairs; Ariel Fermin, EVP and head of Consumer Business for PLDT and Smart; Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN president and CEO; and Rolando Valdueza, ABS-CBN Group CFO

ABS-CBN Corp. has entered a partnership with PLDT and Smart Communications for distribution of its television content and movies.

ABS-CBN Corp. shows will be available for streaming to millions of subscribers of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and its mobile unit, Smart Communications, as the country's largest media and entertainment pursues a shift to digital services.

Chairman Eugenio Lopez III of ABS-CBN Corp., President and CEO Carlo Katigbak and PLDT-Smart Chairman Manuel Pangilinan signed an agreement that will give the telecommunications company's subscribers access to the network's iWant TV service.

"The strategic partnership between ABS-CBN and PLDT underscores our vision to make our content avialable online to more Filipinos," Katigbak said in a statement.With the partnership, ABS-CBN shows will be available on an estimated 30 million smartphone and tablet screens that run on the Smart network, said Oscar Reyes Jr., PLDT First Vice President and head of home businesses.

Led by PLDT and Smart chair Manny V. Pangilinan and ABS-CBN chair Eugenio  Lopez III, also at the groundbreaking partnership of PLDT Home, Smart and ABS-CBN for iWant TV are Ariel Fermin, EVP and head of Consumer Business for PLDT and Smart; Oscar “Renren” Reyes, FVP and head of Home Business for PLDT; Katrina Luna-Abelarde, FVP and head of Smart Wireless Consumer Division; Gary Dujali, VP and head of PLDT Home Marketing; Kathy Carag, VP and Head of Smart and Sun Master Brand; Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN president and CEO; Aldrin Cerrado, ABS-CBN CFO; Rolando Valdueza, ABS-CBN Group CFO; Cat Lopez, ABS-CBN head of finance for Broadcast; and Mellissa Limcaoco, ABS-CBN head of Digital Transformation.

“In a groundbreaking partnership, the country’s leading digital services providers PLDT Home and Smart Communications have teamed up with multimedia conglomerate ABS-CBN for iWant TV, the streaming service of ABS-CBN for its TV shows, movies and exclusive digital content,” said a press release.

The statement added, “Using iWant TV, subscribers may stream the past and current ABS-CBN shows like On the Wings of Love, Dolce Amore, Ang Probinsiyano and Til I Met You, as well as News and Current Affairs shows, among many others — anytime and anywhere.”

To activate iWant TV, users can register for an account via www.iwantv.com.ph or download the iWant TV app on their Android and iOS devices.

The specials and shows will be available for streaming starting October this year.

Samsung provides the modern family with ‘Partners in Life’

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Today’s millennial parents are modern-day heroes in their own right. Most of them keep a full-time job but give equal if not greater importance in spending time and taking care of the family. 

Everyone could use a little help, especially today’s career-driven and time-strapped homemakers. Samsung addresses this need through its suite of smart digital appliances that are designed to be the millennial family’s “Partners in Life.” 

Samsung is proud to offer state-of-the-art home appliances that intuitively understand and care for the family’s needs. Samsung’s newest digital appliances are known to go beyond the usual functions of a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, and air conditioner. These products are loaded with innovative features to make life easier and more convenient for its users.

“Filipino parents work their hardest so they can provide the best for their family. We at Samsung want to give them the ease and efficiency that they deserve through Samsung Digital Appliances. Our products can be their ‘Partners in Life.’ Samsung’s cutting-edge technology can help accomplish house work with greater comfort and efficiency, so modern homemakers may spend more of their time and energy with their loved ones,” said Stephanie Chua, Head of Product Marketing, Digital Appliances.

Each of Samsung’s digital appliances carry an important role in the household. With its capability to keep food fresh up to two times longer, the Samsung Twin Cooling Refrigerator is the modern home’s partner in freshness. Keeping food fresh longer means tasty and healthy meals at the table and less trips to the grocery to enjoy more quality time with the kids. 

Samsung’s AddWash technology for washing machines makes laundry days easier by allowing more clothes to be added in the middle of a wash cycle so there’s no need to wait for the next laundry day to wash missed items. With its Wi-Fi capability, the Samsung AddWash Washing Machine allows homemakers to monitor the laundry via their smartphone while they do other tasks. Lastly, Samsung’s innovative Ecobubble™ Technology uses air, water, and detergent to create powerful cleansing bubbles that ensure a faster and thorough clean. Laundry days can be a breeze with the Samsung AddWash Washing Machine, making it the modern home’s partner in convenience.

As the home’s partner in comfort, the Samsung’s Split-type Air Conditioner offers hours of reliable cooling and unparalleled energy efficiency through its Digital Inverter. It is the first to use an 8-pole inverter that ensures a more efficient operation with less vibration and noise, while its Wi-Fi function via Smart Control enables the user to control the air conditioner using their smartphone or tablet. Altogether, the Samsung air conditioner ensures a comfortable sleep or leisure time without a worry about noise and steep power costs.

Lastly, the Samsung Microwave Oven gives access to easy and healthier cooking. This microwave oven can do much more than heat meals. It uses Samsung’s revolutionary Slim-Fry technology to cook crispy food with just a touch of oil. It also reduces cooking time, grills meats, and even ferments dough or yogurt, making it a partner in delight in the kitchen. 

Now is the best time to upgrade to smart digital appliances. Samsung’s innovative products are currently offered at flexible payment options or with generous discounts through the Flexi Home Deals promo. The promo is now on its final stretch and is valid only until September 30.

Customers can save up to Php30,000 in discounts if they purchase Samsung Digital Appliances in full cash payments. For those who opt for easy deals on installment, discounts are also available for payment periods of 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months at 0% interest. 

Catch Samsung’s Flexi Home Deals promo until the end of September at selected Samsung dealer stores nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/flexideals2016/.