Epson Strengthens partnership with DepEd on Gift of Brightness project

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GoB to select less –privileged public schools that demonstrated excellence and innovation in different fields

Epson Philippines formalized the company’s commitment to equip less-privileged, deserving public schools with Epson technologies under the Gift of Brightness project. In the photo are DepEd Secretary Honorable Leonor Briones, Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, Director IV for External Partnership Services Margarita Ballesteros. Signing for Epson Philippines is Marketing Communications and PR Head Donna V. Ferro, assisted by Epson Philippines PR Specialist Mica Bayot. 

The partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and Epson Philippines on the digital imaging company’s Gift of Brightness program for youth and education was formalized during the Memorandum of Agreement ceremonial signing for DepEd partners held recently at the L.B. Soriano Hall, SEAMEO Innotech in Quezon City.

As a company, Epson has always supported the youth and education through various projects and advocacies, one of which is the Gift of Brightness program, started in 2013.

The Gift of Brightness program aims to equip deserving, less privileged schools in the country with Epson technologies to help the students in their studies and school projects through the donation of complete technology packages for each recipient that consist of Epson printers, projectors, scanners, label printers, document cameras and a year’s supply of inks and cartridges.

“Since we started the program, there have been 45 beneficiary-schools, 27 of which were coursed through the Department of Education for the selection process under our partnership for the past two years. We believe that by offering detailed innovation, which is at the heart of all Epson products, we can contribute to uplifting the learning experience for the students. We hope that through the Epson Gift of Brightness, we can help bring brightness and inspiration,” explains Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marketing Communications and PR, Epson Philippines. 

Secretary Briones compared the partners efforts to the help extended by the stakeholders and concluded her speech by urging private companies “to find the true meaning of Christmas among the children whom you are serving.”

GCash dominates Philippine retail e-payment landscape with over 4,000 QRs deployed nationwide

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GCash dominated the Philippine retail e-payment landscape in 2017 with over 4,000 QRs deployed nationwide, a testament to the growing number of merchants who believe in the capability of GCash to usher in cashless payments in the country.

A mobile wallet service offered by Mynt, a financial technology company owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial and Ayala Corp, GCash has been relentless in helping Filipinos get used to a cashless lifestyle and has been bullish in its vision to create an inclusive cashless environment in the Philippines. E-payments provide safety and convenience when shopping for goods and services as people need not carry around loads of cash anymore.

In August this year, GCash introduced the scan to pay feature in the GCash App that allowed customers to pay by simply scanning QR (quick response) codes of merchants. 

“With the GCash scan to pay feature, we bring in technology that lowers the cost of transactions. By enabling merchants to accept payments at virtually no cost, we are actually creating convenience for the merchants and translating that benefit back to the customers and that's how it becomes more accessible for everyone” said Anthony Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mynt.

“Before, you need a POS or a reader for the cards acceptance. But today, we eliminate all that. With GCash, you can pay without cash. That’s the convenience that we bring to our customers,” he added.

To date, QR payments across different merchants all over the country have been deployed successfully, transforming the local retail scene into a cashless landscape.

More than 4,000 GCash QRs are now being accepted in various merchants nationwide, including the biggest players in the retail industry such as Ayala Malls, Robinsons Department Store, SM Malls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Cinema, Puregold, Ministop, and NCCC Malls.

Other merchants where customers can pay using the GCash QRs are:

*SSI Group, which carries an extensive portfolio of established international brands such as Banana Republic, Beauty Bar, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Gap, Bally, Calvin Klein, Clinique;

*Max’s Group, the largest casual dining restaurant company in the country. It includes Max’s Restaurant, Krispy Kreme, Kabisera, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Jamba Juice, Dencio’s, Sizzling Steak; and,

*Bench Group, which includes Bench, Human, Kashieca, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Cotton On, American Eagle.

Smaller sellers located at celebrity bazaar destination Noel Bazaar and food haven Mercato Centrale have also adopted the cashless payment option.

Over the next few months, GCash will continue to lead the way in promoting a cashless ecosystem in the country by aggressively rolling out the use of the scan to pay feature in other locations nationwide. This is aimed at encouraging more people to use it in day-to-day shopping, dining, entertainment, and other activities.

To start enjoying the benefits of the GCash scan to pay feature, customers must download the app for free from the App Store or Google Playstore and register an account. Once installed, customers can cash-in or reload at any GCash kiosk and digital payment booth in Globe Stores, and in over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets such as Robinson’s Business Centers, SM Business Centers, Puregold branches, 7-Eleven Cliqq kiosks, and TouchPay kiosks, among others.

Through the QR-based mobile payment system, customers can shop by just scanning the QR codes displayed by partner merchants and establishments. With the new smartphone application, there will be no need for customers to carry around wads of cash. It makes purchasing the latest fashion items or paying services more convenient and secure while eliminating the chance of having misunderstandings over payments and getting the wrong change. With GCash, shoppers can skip long lines, keep track of their expenses and minimize the risk of theft, all through the use of their smartphones.

Boy band 1:43 receives McJim Classic Leather’s OPM advocacy grant for single ‘Pasensya Na’

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WORLD-CLASS leather goods maker McJim Classic Leather has chosen iconic Filipino boy band 1:43 as the second recepient of its Dreams Get Real OPM Advocacy Grant  for its new single “Pasensya Na.” 

McJim Classic Leather, which has always been supportive of Filipino music, tapped the revamped 1:43 to further promote OPM by making it more appealing and relevant, especially to the younger generation. Towards this end, in fact, McJim successfully launched talent searches for the next big thing in the local music scene and has—in the recent past—sponsored the music of personalities like Tony Labrusca and X-Factor UK contestant JBK.

“For decades, McJim Classic Leather has always adhered to its exceptional standards in product quality,” the company said in a statement. “By taking on this advocacy, the brand shows its intent to pursue outstanding local music talents in the country and, in the process, help realize the potential of OPM as a world-class force.

“And right now,” the leather brand adds, “we can’t think of a better partner for this than the rejuvenated and charismatic 1:43. We are confident that their heart-tugging second comeback single ‘Pasensya Na’ will engage more Filipinos, especially young local music fans.” 

Composed by Jayson Dedal and arranged by Sonic State Audio Studio, “Pasensya Na” dwells on the kind of love that is willing to give—and give some more—just as long as the beloved is happy.

“Handa akong gawin ang lahat-lahat ng gusto mo / Handa akong ialay ang aking buhay para lang sa’yo / Handa akong ubusin ang aking sarili, o mahal ko / Basta’t lumigaya ka lang kahit ako pa ang masaktan,” goes the song’s chorus. 

“Pasensya na kung talagang mahal kita . . . Lahat ng sakit ay kakayanin ko / Alipin mo ako, alipin ng pag-ibig mo.”

“Pasensya Na” is McJim Classic Leather’s official soundtrack in its viral short film “Sinturon,” which has garnered over10 million views in various Faceboook pages in just a span of three weeks.

“Pasensya Na” can also be streamed in various digital platforms like Spotify worldwide, and is currently enjoying favorable airplay on FM radio stations nationwide. It follows the success of 1:43’s hit comeback single “Trapik Tralala,” which centered on love in the time of traffic gridlock.

Chris Cahilig, 1:43 founder and manager, says that ‘Pasensya Na’ is a song that all hopeless romantics can easily relate to.

“After all,” Cahilig muses, “it can’t be denied that most of us—at one point in our lives—have been martyrs of love and slaves to our emotions. 

“Whether it’s all about unrequited love, loving someone from a distance, or pining for a lost love, ‘Pasensya Na’ speaks for all those who have given their lovers all they’ve got and are still found wanting. If you have ever said sorry or ‘pasensya na’ to someone because loving them too much is simply not enough, this song speaks to you.”

Still, Cahilig says, “there is solace in music, and a song like ‘Pasensya Na’ comforts distressed lovers with the thought that you are not alone in your pain; you don’t have to go through it alone.” 

If fans love the song, Cahilig suggests that they watch for the official music video of “Pasensya Na,” which he and his team shot in Taipei, Taiwan, and is set to be released early in 2018.

The new 1:43 features four talented and charismatic young men in the persons of Art Artienda, Ced Miranda, Jason Allen Estroso, and Wayne Avellano. The band bagged the 2013 Star Awards for Music Song of the Year for the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” and scored the “Most Promising Performing and Recording Group” recognition in the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation’s 45th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Aside from the monster hit “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” 1:43 also popularized the songs “Hayop Sa Ganda,” “Pag-Ibig na Kaya,” and “Ang Saya-Saya,” which became the official theme song of the GMA-7 sitcom “Ismol Family”.

1:43 is co-managed by Cahilig and Mario Colmenares of Primetime Events and Talent Management. For booking inquiries, interested parties may send a message at chriscahilig@gmail.com or call 09054409521.

For almost 50 years now, McJim Classic Leather has been the leading and trusted brand for making classic leather goods and accessories of superior quality and design. McJim products are available in leading online shopping sites and all major department stores nationwide. For more information, visit and like the official McJim Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

Tagaytay Highlands: Homes Tucked Amidst the Charms of Nature

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Tagaytay Highlands has long proven it is the country’s premier leisure development with its extensive collection of themed residences. The variety of residential communities range from mountaintop log cabins and tropical-inspired homes to countryside suburban enclaves. Tucked between the quiet comforts of nature is a community with a lifestyle one could only dream of.

A Captivating Living Experience at Fairfield

Fairfield is a residential community of contemporary American suburban-inspired homes sitting on an expansive flat terrain. Here, bi-leveled homes on 300 to 719 square meter lots are complemented by wide open spaces, verdant flora, and picture-perfect views of Mt. Makiling and the mountainside. 

Stroll through a quiet morning or keep an active pace along the linear road parks and jogging path. Witness great beginnings and happy ever after in this suburban oasis.

A Serene Paradise Awaits at The Parks

Feel the warmth of countryside living at The Parks, a sprawling residential lot community ideally situated on the scenic slopes of the Greenlands. Homes, ranging between 288 to 416 square meter lots, are clustered into four to ten units of landscaped courtyards or garden style parks. This unique setting fosters residents to converge while basking in nature. Fulfill your dream home with a variety of contemporary American-inspired architectural designs for each lot type.

A Range of Recreational Ideals 

Tagaytay Highlands also takes great pride of its array of facilities for leisure and relaxation through its four exclusive clubs highlighted by two championship golf courses.

Membership rights at The Country Club are bundled with each property purchase. Here, sports facilities such as swimming, tennis, bowling, and badminton can be found. Outdoor activities best enjoyed in the confines of nature include the Aerial Walk, Oxcart, and Sporting Arrow. Tagaytay Highlands makes sure memories can be cherished for the family through its variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine – the Highlander Steakhouse, Highlands China Palace, and the Gourmet Avenue.

In an endless desire to escape the urban frenzy, Tagaytay Highlands continues to be more than a worthy investment, striving to fulfill the perfect dream home for individuals within the tranquil harmony of nature and the charming countryside.

Tagaytay Highlands is the premier mountain resort development of the SM Group in Tagaytay. Nestled among the highest elevations of the city, it is a leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury, where stunning nature views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation. For inquiries about owning a Highlands home, call +632 5052422 and +63917 5150158 or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com

Quid Pro Quo emerges as the victor of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2018 North Luzon Qualifiers

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The third qualifier of Asia Pacific Predator League 2018, the region’s biggest world-class gaming tournament, ends as Quid Pro Quo emerges as the victor taking home PHP 30,000.00. Held in TNC San Fernando, La Union, a total for 35 teams competed, with SG Dragons and Jhazchloe coming in at 2^nd and 3^rd place. 

The brainchild of gaming giant Predator Gaming, the Asia Pacific Predator League 2018 is a brand new DOTA:2 league and the most anticipated eSports competition. The Philippines joins the action together with 6 other countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, where the final round will be held. 

Quid Pro Quo, the victor of the recently concluded North Luzon Leg in the Philippines, was formed only in September 2017 when the team’s current manager decided to take players from other existing gaming teams to form an all-new team. A previous winner of the TNC Cup Marikina Branch Qualifier, Quid Pro Quo is currently in Muntinlupa for its bootcamp. 

The North Luzon Regional Qualifiers is one of 4 Regional Qualifiers in the Philippines, which will last for approximately 3 months until January 2018. Each with a prize pool of PHP 30,000.00, the Regional Qualifiers are held in various areas of the country, namely Mindanao (Bukidnon), Visayas (Bacolod), North Luzon (La Union), and NCR (Marikina). Winners of these qualifiers will move on to compete at the National Finals. The victor of the National Finals will then represent the Philippines in the Predator League final round, and will compete against the national winners of the other APAC countries for the total prize pool of $150,000.00. 

In the Philippines, the Predator League 2018 eliminations are done with THENET.COM (TNC), the gaming company’s regular e-Sports partner. Asia Pacific Predator League 2018 is also supported by the Philippine DotA pride, TNC Pro Team – DotA 2. 

For further information about Asia Pacific Predator League 2018 campaign, visit https://predator-league.com/.