Shopee empowers youths to help boost the Philippines’ e-commerce industry

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Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with the University of the Philippines Business League to co-present the recent 2018 National Youth Business Convention (NYBC), as part of Shopee’s commitment to empowering youths in the Philippines. The 3-day business convention held from 11 to 13 January was themed ‘Ignite Innovation. Change the Nation’, and saw over a thousand student delegates from the Philippines and across Asia Pacific gather for a series of activities and talks by various industry leaders.

The younger generation has been identified as key drivers of the Philippines’ digital economy, signalling a strong need to groom the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs in booming digital industries, and in particular, e-commerce.

“In the Philippines, we see an increasing number of younger people turning to e-commerce to start their businesses. Shopee is committed to helping young budding entrepreneurs in the Philippines take the first step towards building their own businesses by providing them the necessary operational, knowledge, skills and financial support,” said Terence Pang, Shopee’s Chief Operating Officer.

In line with efforts to encourage more youths to participate in the Philippines’ growing digital economy, Shopee hosted a 1-day case competition for students during the event, which required participants to develop a strategy to solve real-world challenges in the e-commerce landscape. In preparation for the case, the student delegates had the opportunity to interact with Shopee employees to help them better understand the various aspects of the business. The winning team, made up of 6 student delegates from top universities across the region was awarded a 3-month paid internship opportunity with Shopee Philippines, after having impressed the judges with their business knowledge and skills..

In addition, Shopee sponsored three deserving student delegates to attend the convention. The three Shopee scholars, Chelsea Agnes Haley Go from University of San Carlos in Cebu, Inad Elizabeth Lee from University of Southern Mindanao, and Ma Sheena Joshiel Olgado from De La Salle University joined 50 other delegates to participate in the case competition and a Shopee office tour.

“The e-commerce industry is booming in the Philippines and across the region, and we are pleased to see so many young Filipinos excited to be a part of it. We look forward to supporting more youth events in the future, and hope to see more Filipinos pursuing a career in e-commerce,” closed Pang.’’

Shopee is available for free download on Google Play and App Store.

To learn more about Shopee, please visit www.shopee.ph.

Power Mac Center’s official statement on the iPhone battery servicing

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In light of Apple’s official communication regarding the chemical aging issue of batteries on older iPhone units, Power Mac Center, being an Authorized Service Provider, is committed to provide efficient and professional service through a strict set of protocols, which consists of the following:

• Devices must undergo diagnosis to check the battery condition and other internal and external physical/accidental damage or unauthorized modification that may or may not be visible to the naked eye.

• If such issues are found, the iPhone will be ineligible for the battery replacement.

• If, during the diagnosis, we also find other hardware issues, our Apple Certified Engineer will recommend a part/unit replacement accordingly.

• Customers may or may not proceed with the recommendation, but if they decide to pull out, they have to settle the diagnostic fee if the unit is out or void of warranty. The battery replacement fee is Php1,500 for eligible units out of warranty, inclusive of labor. This price may change due to importation costs and without prior notice.

This is Apple’s current and official procedure in all of their partner service centers and we have to comply with it.

We would like to assure our customers that Power Mac Center Service Engineers are Apple-certified and they take their craft seriously. Whatever they do reflects on the brand so there must be no room for error in such proceedings.

Moreover, Power Mac Center is wholly committed to providing Filipinos the complete Apple experience. Since its announcement two weeks ago, we have successfully replaced the iPhone batteries of over 150 satisfied customers. Should they have further questions, they are free to contact the AppleCare Hotline.

Thank you.

Epson Unveils Affordable Feature-Packed High-Brightness Projectors for Offices and Classrooms

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Celebrates number one Global Leadership for 16 years

As the leading digital imaging company celebrates another milestone with the achievement of world number one in projectors for 16 consecutive years, Epson unveiled a series of feature-packed projectors for businesses and schools at affordable price points.

Ms. Lyn Lizarondo, Product Manager for Visual Instruments, Epson Philippines, is joined by Mr. Daniel Poh, Asia Sales Director, Extron Electronics Asia Pte Ltd., Mr. Joseph Mak, Sales Manager, Asia Pacific, Milestone AV Technologies Ltd. and Mr. Adrian Tan, Technical Sales Account Manager – ASEAN countries, SOTI Inc. during the tête-à-tête session

At the Projection Conference & Showcase, “Together, We Bring Imagination to Life”, held at the Shangri-La at the Fort, Epson Philippines Visual Imaging Product Manager Lyn Lizarondo pointed out how projector usage has expanded over the years, with Epson delivering innovations adapted to the fast-changing needs of multiple segments. 

“This showcase highlights how Epson led innovations in visual imaging technologies even beyond the boardroom. In the past few years, we have seen how projectors have become indispensable in the home, schools, and even in big venues and the outdoors. Even as Epson took big steps in various sectors, we have continued to improve on the usage of projectors for businesses and in classrooms, by adding on features that are not available in the market at these price points.”

The new Epson projectors are equipped with an impressive 3,3000to 3,600 lumens, delivering both white and colour brightness in the same high levels. This feature is important to ensure better visibility even in bright environment, like in offices or in classrooms. 

Resolutions range from SVGA, XGA, WXGA, WUXGA and wide ranging connectivity- HDMI/VGA/LAN that provides convenient and hassle-free projections. EB-U42 even comes additional with 2 HDMI ports, with one of it MHL-enabled – ideal for greater digital compatibility.

Wireless transmission enables the users to enjoy enhanced connectivity and flexibility with either EB-U42’s built-in wireless module or Epson’s ELPAP10 wireless LAN adaptor. This enables end-users to easily share and transmit images, texts and files from smart devices like mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

Split screen features allow two separate image sources to be projected on a single screen, eliminating the need for a second projector. This is useful during video conferences allowing presentation images and remote participants to be shown together simultaneously. 

Multi-PC projection moderator function allows connecting to up to 50 devices- PC, smartphones or others--- and simultaneously project onto the screen up to four (4) images. This is a significant advantage to help make meetings or classroom presentations easy and efficient. 

Screen mirroring allows users to wirelessly mirror their android smart devices to the projector without the need of cables or installing any application. 

Auto Power On- projection starts automatically when a signal is received from a computer or smart device even if the projector is on standby. It saves the need to turn on the power button or use the remote control. 

Epson has pioneered in raising awareness on Color Brightness (Color Light Output) as an important requirement for life-like colors. Utilizing its own proprietary 3LCD technology, all Epson projectors deliver equal levels of White Light Output and Color Light Output—an important detail that significantly raises the quality of projected images. 

Since 2015, Epson’s visual imaging development has remained focused on multi-sectoral usage and innovating in anticipation of evolving functions of projectors as an ubiquitous digital imaging device for business, education or lifestyle requirements.

““Epson’s R&D on its products and supporting services are made even better by constantly enhancing every detail to come up with this level of performance and reliability. Being number one globally for 16 years, and in the Philippines for the past few years has inspired the company to further harness its own technologies into expanding to more possibilities for visual imaging products, ” explains Eduardo Bonoan, General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines. 

“The R&D for all Epson products are aligned with the Epson 25 Vision of “creating a new connected age of people, things and information with efficient, compact and precision technologies’, and with the enhancement of every detail, we are surely coming closer and closer to making it happen for our customers,” concludes Bonoan.

Jollibee brings an exciting Pinoy BBQ twist to its Classic Burger Steak

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Jollibee, the Philippines’ #1 fast-food brand, adds yet another exciting new product to its delicious roster—the NEW Pinoy BBQ Burger Steak!

The new Burger Steak variant continues to offer the brand’s signature juicy and 100% beefy-linamnam patty, this time paired with the tasty and flavor-packed Pinoy BBQ sauce, which is a combination of delicious flavors coming from garlic, tomato and spices, resulting in a winning food combination for Filipinos nationwide.

“As a proudly Pinoy food brand, Jollibee continues to update its menu with products that cater to Filipinos’ taste preferences,” Jollibee Marketing Director Mari Aldecoa said.

“Our newest offering hinges on our consumers’ constant desire for that flavor-packed, saucy ulam served with steamed white rice. Our New Pinoy BBQ Burger Steak adds a unique Pinoy twist to appeal to our consumers who are looking for new ways to enjoy their favorite rice meals. Offering flavour innovations to our classic, popular products like the Burger Steak shows our commitment to embracing our consumers’ evolving tastes and search for variety.”

The Pinoy BBQ Burger Steak delivers not only a levelled-up dining experience, but it also offers great value at Php 55.00* for a 1-pc. rice meal with regular drink. Its well-seasoned, tried-and-tested beef patty, scrumptious Pinoy BBQ sauce and staple white rice make up the ideal meal which truly captures the Pinoy taste.

Treat yourself to a serving of Jollibee’s newest “BBQ-Sarap, Beefy Linamnam Ulam”! The Pinoy BBQ Burger Steak is currently available in Metro Manila stores and will be available in the rest of Luzon starting January 15, and January 22 for Visayas and Mindanao. This product is available for dine-in, take-out, delivery and drive-thru transactions. For more information on your classic Jolly favorites, like Jollibee Philippines’ Facebook page and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.



*Prices may vary across different locations.

Amadeus research puts the spotlight on what Filipino travellers want

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Woman using laptop and looking away at airport

Manila, Philippines: Asia is today the world’s largest travel market, yet the vast majority of its population has yet to travel beyond their borders. This makes the Asian traveller a force to be reckoned with – one that presents the greatest opportunity for the travel industry, but also many challenges. To move the industry towards a closer understanding of travellers in the region, Amadeus has launched Journey of Me Insights, an Asia Pacific traveller study spanning 14 markets.

Albert Pozo, President of Amadeus Asia Pacific said, “There is no traveller today quite as important as the Asia Pacific traveller. Yet the irony is that even as we talk about the ‘Asia Pacific traveller’ – it doesn’t exist. The diversity we see across nationalities, gender and generation in this region is astounding. More than that, our research has showed us that the preferences, behaviours and demands of travellers vary enormously from one country to another. The industry must come to grips with this. The one-size-fits-all approach is a thing of the past.”

Travellers referring to mobile for information

Spanning 14 markets, Amadeus Journey of Me Insights is the most comprehensive research on Asia Pacific (APAC) travellers to date 

Philippines report reveals that 61% of Filipino travellers would be open to sharing their personal information in return for a more personalised travel experience

As part of the Journey of Me Insights project, Amadeus today publishes a report on Filipino travellers titled “Journey of Me Insights: What Filipino travellers want”. From when and how Filipino travellers plan and book their trips, to how and why they want to stay connected while travelling, to how frequently they use sharing economy services, and the types of new technologies they would be most interested in, the study takes a multi-faceted look at what Filipino travellers want. The findings unveiled four themes for travel providers to focus on:

The personalisation-privacy paradox – 64% of Asia Pacific travellers interviewed are open to sharing personal data for more relevant offers and personalised experiences. Slightly more cautious, 61% of Filipino travellers feel the same. For travel providers, the mandate is clear – personalisation must be carefully balanced against rising privacy concerns. They will need to respect and protect personal data and the need for privacy at all times. Above and beyond adhering to legislation, travel players must be able to articulate ‘what’s the value?’ to get travellers to share their data.

Businesswoman talking on smartphone in airport

Get real: Recommendations they can trust – Travellers take their lead from other travellers. Inspiration is the doorway to opportunity for travel providers, but authenticity is the key to unlocking it. Rather than the glossy pictures of travel brochures or the carefully curated Instagram feeds of celebrities, Asia Pacific travellers seek what’s genuine, and turn to their fellow travellers for inspiration. When planning trips, Filipino travellers are most influenced by word of mouth from friends, family and colleagues as well as traveller reviews. Their social network and travel review sites were likewise voted most likely to have sent them relevant recommendations about travel.

The right content, through the right channel, at the right time – In the world of travel, every engagement point matters. Beyond personalisation, connecting with travellers in a timely and intuitive manner is equally important. While the vast majority of Filipino travellers would be interested in receiving travel recommendations from the moment they consider a trip all the way up to while they are on the trip, travel players must consider carefully how to connect with them and with what content. 52% of Filipino travellers prefer to receive updates and recommendations about their trip through e-mail, with only 6% happy to be contacted via mobile messaging services. Recommendations that help them save money was the top choice for Filipino travellers (50%), while timesaving tips were less popular (12%). 

There are many Asias within Asia – The most dominant observation from Journey of Me Insights is that there is no consistent profile for the Asia Pacific traveller. Stark contrasts in behaviours, needs and preferences were observed across all geographic and demographic lines. For example, while 66% of Chinese travellers do most of their trip booking on mobile, only 36% of Filipino travellers do so. Separately, while 70% of Japanese travellers have never used a sharing economy service for trip accommodation, 66% of Filipino travellers have, and almost half of all Indian travellers say they do so ‘often’ and ‘very often’. And while 78% of Filipino travellers think it’s important to find service staff at the destination that speak a language they understand, only half (47%) of Malaysians do, with Hong Kong travellers (4%) even less likely to think the same.

Andy Michaels Lim, Managing Director, South East Asia, Amadeus IT Group added, “At Amadeus, our goal is to help the travel industry thrive by putting the traveller at the centre of everything we do. That’s why we’re investing to understand who they are and what they want. The Philippines report gives us many interesting insights – some expected, others less so. One of the observations that stood out to me was how important cost-saving is to Filipino travellers. Indeed, the Philippines peso has fallen to an eleven-year low so this is not surprising. But this can be an opportunity to travel players, if for example, they can help build more rewarding journeys for their travellers that also saves them money. With Amadeus Journey of Me Insights, we hope to help our customers and partners shape a future of travel that travellers want.”

Journey of Me Insights was conducted in collaboration with YouGov across 14 markets in Asia Pacific including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

All figures, unless otherwise stated, were provided by YouGov.  Total sample size was 6,870 adults across Asia Pacific who have travelled internationally in the last 12 months. Fieldwork was undertaken between 8^th and 17^th May 2017.  The survey was carried out online. 

For further information on the research methodology and more findings, visit www.amadeus.com.

About Amadeus

            

Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).

The Amadeus group employs around 15,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as 70 local Amadeus Commercial Organisations globally.

This year marks 30 years since Amadeus was founded. Throughout 2017, the company will be celebrating 30 years of collaboration with customers, 30 years of technological innovation and 30 years of helping power better journeys for travellers all over the world.

The group operates a transaction-based business model.

Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol “AMS.MC” and is a component of the IBEX 35 index.

To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com, and www.amadeus.com/blog for more on the travel industry.