Talk2 launches Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya Promo, aims to give a grand homecoming to OFWs this Christmas season

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Christmas is the longest holiday in the Philippines - beginning in September and stretching until January of the next year. But the Filipinos’ fascination with Christmas does not start and end on the delicious smell of puto bungbong on simbang gabi, or the piles of gifts sitting under the Christmas tree. To many Filipino families, this season signifies the homecoming of their loved ones working in other parts of the world.

The promise of a grand homecoming this Christmas awaits our hardworking kababayans abroad as Talk2, a communication app developed by Voyager Innovations, launches its Balik-Bayan, Balik-Saya promo.

From September to December 14, 2017, OFWs and their loved ones back home can get a chance to win the ultimate pamasko from Talk2 - a BalikBayan travel package within the country, or a flashy, new iPhone 7 unit.

To join the promo, the OFW must download the Talk2 app, register by texting JOIN <space>Complete Name/Gender/Age/Complete Address to 82552 using the Talk2 app, and wait for the raffle confirmation from the said mobile number.

“We are delighted to offer this Christmas gift to our users all over the world. This is, of course, Talk2’s way of showing appreciation for the hard work and contributions of our modern day heroes to their families, and the entire country. With this, we hope more family members and friends would encourage their OFW loved ones to join this promo and get a chance to win these exciting prizes.” Heidi Garayblas, Head of Integrated Marketing and Communications at hatch, the digital customer engagement arm of Voyager.

Talk2 is one of the many digital and mobile platforms being offered by hatch to millions of Filipino users nationwide. It is an app that allows Filipinos to communicate with their loved ones working abroad at local rates.

By downloading the app and purchasing at least one Talk2 call/text package, the user residing abroad automatically gets a Philippine mobile number so that their friends and family back home can call and text them as if they never left. This means that their loved ones in the Philippines do not need to own a smartphone or connect to the internet in order to reach them, and OFWs can easily contact them at the most affordable rates.

More than just providing an affordable, reliable, and convenient means of communication to its users, Talk2 is all about bridging the distance between our hardworking kababayans abroad and their loved ones in the Philippines - giving them the “Kwentuhang Parang Nasa Pinas Lang” experience.

In fact, Talk2 has enabled closer connections and digital experiences among over a million families in the Philippines and their loved ones abroad.

Android users can easily download Talk2 from the Google Play Store, while iOS users can download the app from the App store. Upon downloading the app, all users need to do is sign-up using their mobile number to use Talk2.

Talk2 is one of the many digital products fuelled by Voyager Innovations. Voyager seeks to develop the products that will accelerate the digital transformation of Filipino consumers and enterprises. Key to this transformation is the communication space, which Talk2 is seeking to redefine.

Download the Talk2 app now at http://htch.ph/talk2android for Android and http://htch.ph/talk2ios for iOS.

Blending of art and technology, Samsung unveils its latest state-of-the-art television: Samsung The Frame TV

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Samsung Electronics, the leading brand for home entertainment and pioneer in revolutionizing state-of-the-art technologies with their products, recently unveils its latest modern TV – The Frame, an innovative concept that merges world class-art and design with its award-winning technology.

Through the years, Samsung has secured its place as the leader in home entertainment by pioneering technologies that have revolutionized the way consumers interact with their television sets. In May, the brand made headlines when it launched the Samsung QLED TV that promises to deliver superior color and image quality. But just when everyone thought TVs couldn’t get any more groundbreaking, Samsung shook things up yet again with the launch of The Frame.

Samsung The Frame breathes new life to home design and gives purpose and meaning to TV, 24 hours a day. When it is powered on, The Frame offers premium picture quality. Meanwhile, when not in use, it becomes a customizable work of art where you can freely curate your favourite artwork and photos, transforming the room into a more vibrant and personalized environment.

Samsung and Philippine School of Interior Design’s (PSID)  has presents how a TV that beautifully blends into the home’s aesthetic. Marrying art and technology, Samsung is the Official Home Entertainment Solutions Partner of Philippine School of Interior Design’s (PSID) grandest exhibit to date - G.O.L.D: Glamorous, Opulent, and Luxurious Designs. 

Through its Art Mode feature, Samsung The Frame can display any piece from the Samsung Collection, a built-in library of over 100 exclusive works by renowned global artists commissioned and hand-selected by the tech giant.

With options in 10 different categories–wildlife, landscapes, drawings, digital art, still life and more–there’s something for every unique preference. If these are not enough, The Frame has an Art Store for an unlimited access to a plethora of collections. You can also opt to upload your personal images, and customize its display with a variety of layouts and filters using your smartphone.

“This year, we would like to provide TVs that are not only stunning and sophisticated, but also beautiful masterpieces that are versatile to fit within any living space. The design of Samsung The Frame has been conceived through the vision of a TV that is beautiful even when it is turned off,” shares Samsung Product Marketing Head for TV and Audio Jun Guevara.

Samsung The Frame amplifies the beauty in any living space and blends with the interior of a home.

To make sure the art on your TV looks realistic and beautiful at every moment, Samsung The Frame has a brightness sensor that allows the screen to seamlessly adjust to ambient lighting, making the whole display truly blend into your interiors. It also comes with wooden frame bezel that can be easily attached to the TV. This customizable frame is available in White, Walnut, and Beige Wood, that make it look like a painting or a photograph hanging on your wall. Moreover, it is furnished with Samsung’s No Gap Wall Mount system, which positions the TV flush against the wall, and Samsung’s Invisible Connection Cable for a sleek and clean setup that is free of messy cables.

“Having Samsung as our Official Home Entertainment Solutions Partner makes this exhibit more special. We at PSID are in awe as we witness and experience how the innovation of Samsung The Frame and other design solutions end the era of limited space options for our TVs,” PSID Dean Jie Pambid shares.

The G.O.L.D exhibit will open to public starting October 1, and will run for the entire month at Uptown Bonifacio Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

The PSID's G.O.L.D: Glamorous, Opulent, and Luxurious Designs exhibit gathers faculty, alumni, and graduating students to present the anthology of style, trends, and design that epitomize PSID’s excellence in interior design education over 50 years.

"Samsung constantly reimagines design by creating entirely new TV concepts that give our customers an experience like no other. We are honoured to work with a group that commits to blending art with functionality through technology and design solutions for the Filipino homes,” shares Samsung Marketing Director Chad Sotelo.

Select designers showcase their world through varying contemporary and forward-thinking styles with Samsung The Frame, accentuating different design statements in each space. The exhibit also boasts of sample living areas incorporating Samsung’s advanced technologies and design solutions such as: the QLED TV, UHD TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Soundbar Sound+, Wireless Audio 360 Speaker, No Gap Wall Mount, and Invisible Connection.

Meanwhile, exciting promos and rewards await the first customers of Samsung The Frame. For every purchase in Abenson, Ansons, and SM Appliance Stores from September 23 to December 31, 2017, customers will get one free set of customizable frame and 6-months unlimited access to Art Store. And for a limited period, when purchased in Abenson Ascott BGC, Glorietta, Alabang, Trinoma and Shangri-la, Samsung The Frame will also come with a free 32” HD TV or 40” FHD TV.

TV when it’s on, art when it’s off. Get to know more about Samsung The Frame and its latest promos by visiting the Samsung Facebook page or samsung.com/ph.​​​​

The Orange Lady, Joby Linsangan Moreno talks about her 10 Commandments

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Joby Linsangan Moreno, the lady behind Orange Blush Salon talked about her 10 Commandments as The Orange Lady in her first public engagement as a professional speaker.

Joby delivering her talk entitled," The 10 Commandments of the Orange Lady"

The event billed Elevate: Primed For Greatness held at The Podium Special Events Center, Cabanatuan City and organized by Lvrage, saw Joby talking before a mixed crowd of students and professionals.

Joby opened her first salon at age 23 in Nueva Ecija from the remnants of a beauty parlor about to close shop. It was a huge move for Joby who with her savings of 30,000 pesos chose to invest in the salon business. She was at that time working as a medical technologist. 

"When I went to college at 17, I did not know na ang med tech nasa lab pala," she recalls. "I did not know, nag aanalyze pala ng ihi, poop, dugo at iba pa. Eh ayaw ko pa naman ng kumukuha ng dugo," she explains.

Speakers answering questions from the audience

Awarding of Plaque of Appreciation With Mr. Luwee Carrasco, President, Lverage Events

With Fellow Conference Speakers; from left, to right: Mr. Luwee Carrasco, Mr. Reynaldo Odulio Jr. Of Wheeltek Motors and Mr. Toby Cayanga of Farmers' AMC. Home grown businesses from Cabanatuan City

Joby then realized that all she wanted was to be a business woman. "I was 23 when I established my salon in Nueva Ecija and my goal was to make it a national brand."

But six months after her first beauty shop opened, "pinirata yung tatlong stylists ko," she reveals. To save the situation, she had to run to the adjacent beauty salon for help. "Pag may pumasok na kliyente sa amin, tatakbo ako sa kabilang parlor, sasabihin ko, paghatian natin, 50-50 tayo sa 60 pesos na gupit." 

Despite the difficulties, Joby survived. And 14 years later, Orange Blush Salon put up 20 branches scattered in the different parts of Northern Luzon and Metro Manila. 10 branches are wholly owned while the other 10 are franchises. The flagship store is located in Sparks Place Cubao.

Orange Lady's First Commandment: Put God first

As a successful business woman, Joby follows 10 rules which she calls,

"The 10 Commandments of the Orange Lady"

1. Put God First In Everything You Do. 

2. Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated. 

3. Spend Quality And Undivided Time With Your Loved Ones.

4. Love Your Family Unconditionally.

5. Dream Big. Start Small.

6. Be Proactive. Focus.

7. Do Not Complain.

8. Feel Beautiful. Be Beautiful.

          9. Count Your Blessings.

10. Find Your Purpose And Seize It. Let Your Light Shine.

Joby also subscribes to the mantra, "For with God, nothing shall be impossible," Luke 1:37.

Joby is married to businessman Lawrence Moreno, her first and only boyfriend. They have three kids. Joby is an Asian Artists Agency talent. 

For more info on Joby visit the Orange Blush Official Facebook page or her official FB and IG accounts. You may also visit Orange Blush Salon at Sparks Place Cubao.

Panasonic Scholarship promotes quality education for nation building

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Panasonic Scholarship promotes quality education.  The six new Panasonic scholars are (front row, from left to right) Mr. Lucas Niegel Cabading of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD); Miss Kathrina Villedo (UPD); Miss Gerdan Marie Louise Salas (UPD); Miss Gelyn Cruz of Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PnC); Miss Bea Marie Manalastas (PnC); and Mr. Jovern Simangan of the University of Rizal System (URS) and with the presenters (back row, from left to right) UPD College of Engineering Associate Dean for Student Affairs Rhandley Cajote; Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) Assistant Director Robert Pacheco; PMPC Executive Director Masaru Toyota; UPD College of Engineering Associate Dean for Institutional Linkages Eric Augustus Tingatinga; Panasonic Precision Devices Philippines Corporation (PPRDPH) Assistant Director Mary Ann Diaz; PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi; PnC President Isabel Inlayo; URS President Marita Canapi;  PPRDPH President Koji Ipposhi; and PMPC Assistant Director Marlon Molano.

Panasonic continues to promote quality education for nation-building as it awarded the 2017 Panasonic Asian Scholarship grants to six deserving university students at a ceremony held on September 27, 2017 at the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman, Quezon City.

The awarding of scholarship was led by Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) President Shinichi Hayashi, Panasonic Precision Devices Philippines Corporation (PPRDPH) President Koji Ipposhi, University of Rizal System (URS) President Marita Canapi, Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PnC) President Isabel Inlayo, PMPC Executive Director Masaru Toyota, UP College of Engineering Associate Dean for Student Affairs Rhandley Cajote, UP College of Engineering Associate Dean for Institutional Linkages Eric Augustus Tingatinga, PMPC Assistant Director Marlon Molano, PMPC Assistant Director Robert Pacheco, and PPRDPH Assistant Director Mary Ann Diaz. 

The six new Panasonic scholars are Lucas Niegel Cabading, Gelyn Cruz, Bea Marie Manalastas, Gerdan Marie Louise Salas, Jovern Simangan, and Kathrina Villedo. They were chosen after passing series of interviews and assessment of their over-all performance as students.

• Mr. Lucas Niegel Cabading is 20 years old and currently taking up BS Electronics and Communications Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. 

• Miss Gelyn Cruz, on the other hand is 19 years old and currently taking up BS Accountancy at the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao. 

• Miss Bea Marie Manalastas is 19 years old and taking up BS Accountancy at the Pamantasan ng Cabuyao.

• Miss Gerdan Marie Louise Salas is 20 years currently taking up BS Electronics and Communications Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

• Mr. Jovern Simangan is 18 years old and taking up BS Accountancy at the University of Rizal System – Binangonan.

• Miss Kathrina Villedo is 20 years old and taking up BS Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. 

The scholars are expected to make use of their scholarship not only for their personal gain, but also in becoming good leaders in their chosen fields and contribute to the society in the future. During the ceremony, Mr. Hayashi challenged the new scholars by reminding them that Panasonic is not just simply giving them financial support, but for the country’s continuing development as well.

“By way of your intellectual ability, your personality and your humanity, we believe that you are truly the deserving individuals, who can help us in realizing our commitment to contribute in improving the lives of people, and to the further progress of society along with our corporate slogan in pursuing the concept of “A Better Life, A Better World”. In other words, aim to become good leaders in your chosen fields, and contribute to the society in the future,” Mr. Hayashi said. 

Each of the guest speakers took turn in commending Panasonic as they inspire the scholars.

“While it is true that tuition fees are now free in state universities, students need more than just tuition fees. They need sustainability in instruction, in doing research, projects, and other curricular activities... and we are very grateful that Panasonic has that mission of helping our young people pursue their dreams. So to this year's scholars, you are expected to translate your scholarship privilege to greater contributions for national development... and eventually help others when you become successful in the future,” Dr. Canapi said.

Dr. Inlayo also exhorted the scholars as she pointed out that achievers do not always like what they do, but they are winners because they do it anyway.

“Life is unpredictable with hardships, challenges, and trials along the way... It is important that you remember your priority and to allow God to use both success and failure to reproduce Christ’s divine character in you,” Dr. Inlayo added.

In congratulating the scholars, Dr. Cajote encouraged them to rise above all the challenges that they will face along the way.

“Our parents always tell us that education is the only legacy that they can leave behind. Education is something that we strive to attain for ourselves and for our family,” Dr. Cajote said.

Mr. Pacheco, for his part, urged the scholars not to forget that in a sense they are all ambassadors not only of Panasonic and their respective universities, but also of their communities, thus they must carry out seriously their responsibilities as scholars and “help make our world a better place”. 

Panasonic Corporation (Japan) funds the Panasonic Asian Scholarship Program for its localized schemes in the region. In the Philippines, the program is administered by PMPC and supported by PPRDPH.

Arci Muñoz, JC Santos Add Kilig To “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin”

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Mornings will be even brighter for viewers nationwide as Kapamilya stars Arci Muñoz and JC Santos join the cast of ABS-CBN morning series “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin.”

After their breakup, Gabriel (Gerald Anderson) and Bianca (Kim Chiu) face the new chapter of their lives with new people who will help them chase their dreams and change the course of their fate.

The show already introduced Alex (Arci), Gabriel’s free-spirited boss who has a determined heart to achieve her goals in life. But aside from being a partner at work, she will also become Gabriel’s friend who will help him ease the pain of being away from the love of his life.

Viewers also got to know JC’s character Percy, the president of the company where Bianca works for. After an unpleasant first meeting, Bianca and Percy will grow closer together as they learn more about each other’s lives and struggles.

What role will Alex and Percy play in the lives of Gabriel and Bianca?

Don’t miss the series that shows how people can fight for their love and their dreams, “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167).