Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ Is Number 1

Tweet

In just a short period, Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ is now ranked No. 1 for National Book Store October Bestsellers list for Non-Fiction: Philippine Publication. The book was formally launched last September at Shangri-La Mall.

It’s Like This, a good source of inspiration to the readers, contains life lessons, quotes, and selected essays that Abunda wrote for his Direct Line column in The Philippine Star.

Abunda’s life story is an open book. It’s Like This covers his humble beginnings in Borongan, Eastern Samar; his unparalleled love for Nanay Lising; his personal challenges; his journey as a television host, inspirational speaker, and talent manager, among others. 

His nuggets of wisdom are now preserved in the pages of his bestselling book. Some of them include: Gay love is equal to all forms of human love; Never allow other people’s opinions to define who you are. And your opinions must not define others as well; Believe that something great is to become of you. Believe and it will happen; Laugh and live with your successes and failures, knowing that all are fleeting; Enemies deserve respect. The same respect we give to the dead.

Read his 100+ Abundable thoughts and see what valuable lessons you can apply to your personal life.

It's Like This is a great gift for Christmas. Available in National Book Store and Powerbooks for only P275.

OPPO’s 160th Concept Store in SM Megamall opens , OPPO F5 Youth leads the selfie generation at Php13,990

Tweet

OPPO, the Selfie Expert, just unveiled the new OPPO F5 Youth designed to be the newest selfie-centric smartphone for the young and enthusiastic people. Now that selfies are considered to be a significant factor in social media, OPPO delivers the F5 Youth with its famous A.I. Beauty Technology, Speedy Facial Unlock, and a 6” FHD+ (2160x1080) Full Screen Display, all for the price of Php13,990.

Flagship experience: Speedy Facial Unlock, A.I. Beauty Selfie and Full Screen display at an   affordable price

Unveiled at OPPO’s 160th Concept Store in SM Megamall, the F5 Youth puts the spotlight on its young and trendy-centric features. Priced at a more affordable price point, this new smartphone brings more innovative features that Filipinos will surely enjoy.

Flagship features for all

The OPPO F5 Youth carries the same A.I. Beauty Technology front camera as the OPPO F5, which results to natural-looking selfies without the hassle of tweaking your camera settings. Its selfie experience is like no other because it can analyze more than 200 facial recognition spots and determine the subject’s age, gender, skin type, and skin tone. This produces easy and customized selfies for all.

Capture real moments anytime and anywhere with the OPPO F5 Youth’s high quality 16MP A.I. Beauty front camera, accompanied with a 13MP rear camera. Get to see vibrant visuals with its six-inch full-screen of 2160x1080 resolution (FHD+) protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Unlock the OPPO F5 Youth using the Speedy Facial Unlock feature, providing an easy and convenient access to your smartphone. This feature is also handy as it becomes an option to unlock the phone besides your passcode and the finger print sensor at the back. 

“The new OPPO F5 Youth brings in a new smartphone experience to Filipinos. Its effortless and natural-looking selfies using the A.I. Beauty Technology will surely be loved by all. It’s also one of the most affordable smartphones today equipped with facial unlock feature, making it innovative along with its strong performance and optics,” said Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines’ Brand Marketing Manager.

Multitasking for today’s demanding online world

OPPO F5 Youth runs on the latest Color OS 3.2 which opens apps 23.2% faster, accompanied with a strong 2.5GHz Octa-Core CPU and 3GB RAM for everyday applications on-demand. Connectivity will never be a problem since it’s equipped with a tri-slot tray to accommodate two sim cards and a micro-SD card.

Interact with the OPPO F5 Youth’s seamless features and innovative design. The 6-inch full-screen display allows users to get a wider visual perspective of their phone while maintaining the same size of a 5.5” phone. Explore more apps using the split-screen feature and effortlessly manage your tasks throughout the whole day. 

A smartphone for the Youth

Since OPPO has continued to be the preferred brand of the youth, it consistently creates innovations to elevate your usual smartphone experience. The OPPO SM Megamall Concept Store is OPPO’s latest concept store inspired by a modern minimalist and youthful vibe with a spacious store experience. 

The OPPO F5 Youth is now available at all OPPO concept and dealer stores nationwide for Php13,990. It is also available via Home Credit financing at 6 months 0% interest. 

For more exciting updates about the OPPO F5 Youth, make sure to tune in to OPPO Philippines’ Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/

Chaos brings the house down on December 8 with Trap & Dubstep artist Ookay

Tweet

Chaos nightclub at City of Dreams Manila presents international DJ/Producer Ookay (pronounced “Okay”) on December 8 to set the party scene in full throttle. Paving the way for the trademark bass-laden Trap and Dubstep tunes of Ookay are Chaos resident DJs MVRXX and Jet Boado together with hype man MC Ronthug who will kick start the party with riveting energy.

Ookay is the stage name of San Diego-based Abraham “Abe” Laguna, who is best known for his heart-pounding and heavy-handed tracks synthesized with dub and trap beats. His signature style is evident in his latest smash hit "Bouncer" with EDM duo Showtek, which topped the Beatport EDM music chart following its release. In 2016, Ookay’s self-released original titled "Thief," was listed in Spotify and quickly went viral in the US and global charts with over 3 million online streaming listeners. The Sirius Electric Area program by Sirius XM Radio Station which is broadcasted across the US and Canada named “Thief” as the most played song on its first month of release. Ookay's undeniable creativity and talent has garnered support from the likes of Skrillex, Diplo, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, DJ Mustard.

Cruising from city to city performing for various music festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia, Ookay’s releases including remixes of Congrorock’s “Bless Di Nation Ft. Sean Paul” and Steve Aoiki, and Chris Lake & Tujamo’s “Boneless.” He seamlessly combines EDM and Hiphop influences, while creating a musical style all his own. His collaboration with EDM superstar Diplo to remix Avicii’s “You Make Me” is also considered as one of his best works.

Armed with numerous ear-catching releases and a rapidly growing number of fans around the world, Ookay shows no signs of stopping, creating even more captivating hits including “Chasing Colors” featuring Miley Cyrus’ youngest sister Noah, “Back Again”, and “Lighthouse”.

The event is co-presented by Heineken and supported by Red Bull. For Chaos VIP table reservations, guests can contact 0917-8863678. Door charge is priced at P 1,000 inclusive of one drink.

About Chaos

Manila’s Chaos Nightclub offers an unparalleled nightlife experience. It is situated in the ‘Fortune Egg – an architecturally-unique dome-like structure, accentuated with creative exterior lighting and an iconic landmark in the Manila Bay area.

UnionBank Launches The ARK , the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines

Tweet

UnionBank officially launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines last November 27. UnionBank, consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country,  continues enhancing digital banking.

Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.

“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.

Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space.  It could also be used as a 3^rd space for different communities to get together.

The ARK, as a concept branch/ “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking. 

Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.

For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.

“The ARK provides a service unlike any other.  There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.

At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction.  The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction. The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet.  Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests.

UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.

“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.

UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards. 

Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector. 

BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years. 

“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.

The ARK is located at the Insular Life Building at Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas in the Makati Central Business District. 

Acer Philippines and The SM Store wishes everyone a #MalayangPasko with its Holiday Promo

Tweet

Acer Philippines, a leading tech and innovations company, shares an exciting Christmas treat as it announces its #MalayangPasko Holiday Promo. Done in partnership with retail giant SM, the Promo was recently launched together with its endorsers JM De Guzman and Jennylyn Mercado at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. 

Recognizing that customers have diverse priorities and interests especially during the holiday season, Acer Philippines believes that this Christmas, there is no greater gift than the gift of choice. Dubbing the Promo as #MalayangPasko, the IT company has chosen to partner with The SM Store, the nation’s ultimate shopping destination known for their wide range of products, wholly communicated by their tagline “We’ve got it all for you”. 

“This year, as a thank you for keeping Acer as the leading PC brand in the country, we want our gift to really bring joy, and the best way we can do that is to give consumers the freedom to choose their gift,” shares Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines’ Sales and Marketing Director. “Hand in hand with SM, we give our consumers access to an array of products, where they will surely find something to brighten their holidays.”

Acer’s Holiday Promo will run until December 31, during which every purchase of qualifying Windows-based Acer Aspire laptops, desktops, and AllInOnes will come with free The SM Store Exclusive Promotional Shopping Vouchers. Customers will get shopping vouchers worth PHP 5,000.00 for every purchase of Intel Core i7-powered laptops and desktops; PHP 3,000.00 for Intel Core i5-powered laptops and desktops; and PHP 1,000.00 for Intel Core i3-powered laptops and desktops, and projectors.

“The SM Store is grateful and deeply honored to have been chosen by Acer as a partner for its Holiday Promo,” shares Chelo C. Monasterio, President of The SM Store. “We hope that with SM’s help, Acer will be able to truly bring the festive spirit of Christmas.”

Additionally, exclusive rewards await SM Advantage holders. Customers who present their SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Cards, or BDO Rewards Card can enjoy 10x more SMAC points whenever they redeem using their Exclusive Promotional Voucher in The SM Store. 

For more information on the promo, visit the Acer Philippines Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/AcerPH and the Acer Philippines website at www.acer.com.ph, and follow @acerphils on Twitter. You may also purchase online via http://ph-store.acer.com/.