Eastern Communications celebrates its Strong Connection with Marriot Manila

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Eastern Communications and Marriott Manila recently celebrated their Strong Connection and partnership at an afternoon tea hosted at Marriott Manila’s Still Tea & Whisky Bar. 

Eastern Communications is one of the country’s top premier telecommunications companies, trailblazing paths for business connectivity in strategic locations in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Baguio.

Powered by Eastern Communications, Marriott Manila is a testimony to Easterns’ continued vision of providing the hospitality industry with innovative data services and faster, more reliable internet connection.

Creating Stronger Connections 

- Marriott Manila - 

Marriott Manila General Manager Bruce Winton lauded Eastern Communications as a connectivity partner, providing fast and reliable internet connections for their guests, restaurants, and events. 

And the partnership can only grow stronger as Winton also detailed Marriott Manila’s latest projects and delicious dining offers for 2018 like Marriott Café’s Barrels of the Sea Seafood Buffet. Available on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Barrels of the Sea treats guests to the freshest catch from huge barrels that they can have cooked to their taste. From tiger prawns, salmon, yellowfin tuna, live crabs, clams and more, seafood lovers will find this feast irresistible! 

Sundays have also become even more delicious at Marriott Manila with delectable brunch and lunch offers. Available from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Marriott Café adds a tasty twist to their already hefty brunch menu as each diner is entitled to an add-on ala carte plate with an option to get 1, more or all of the 4 special dishes – a beef, fish, goose liver dish or dessert. 

Meanwhile, Cru Steakhouse is calling all meat lovers to a steak fete to add salt and pepper to their Sunday! From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Cru Sreakhouse is offering an unlimited serving of U.S. Certified Angus Roast Beef paired with a serving of salad or soup, 2 side dishes and a slice of the classic apple pie? Guests would be crazy not to book a table for this great Sunday Steak-day! 

- Eastern Communications - 

Providing fast and reliable internet for the hospitality industry 

Catherine Muynila, Eastern Communications’ Head of Marketing, also shared details about Eastern Communications latest products and services for hotels and restaurants, highlighting the company’s edge in providing better services for the hospitality industry.

These products include their Internet Direct Service or IDS, a premium and dedicated internet service with a 1:1 contention ratio. It runs through Eastern Communications’ fully redundant fiber optic network, capable of providing gigabit per second connection between the Philippines and peering partners in the Asia Pacific Region, as well as the US and Europe. IDS has high-speed, high quality and redundant links that are ideal for companies with round-the-clock, mission critical transactions. 

Meanwhile the ISDN PRI is a voice service that allows customers to utilize multiple voice channels through a single phone line. ISDN PRI service is suited for companies with high voice traffic, such as contact centers, which allow clients to experience better value for money without sacrificing voice quality. 

The launch of customized packages for different industries is part of Eastern Communications’ vision of providing customers with its unique brand of “high tech and high touch” service. 

High tech, Muynila described, means delivering products and services that are at par with other telecommunication companies while high touch means offering personalized customer service and solutions to their clients, helping them to arrive at solution suited to their company or industry’s needs. 

As Marriott Manila and Eastern Communications kicks off 2018, they look forward to leveraging their Strong Connection to help hotel guests discover and enjoy everything the digital world has to offer during their stay in Marriott Manila – from sharing unique dining and vacation experiences for those on vacation, to making doing business smoother and faster.

For more information on Eastern Communications and its products and services, visit eastern.com.ph. 

Welcome home National Skater – Michael Martinez from the 2018 Pyeongchong Winter Olympics! - Aspiring ice athletes assured of full support towards winter Olympics dream

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Welcome Home to our National Skater – Michael Martinez from the 2018 Pyeongchong Winter Olympics !

Michael Martinez 

Michael Martinez represented the Philippines in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea where he came up short in his bid to advance in the men's single figure skating event. Despite the setback, the winter Olympian is honoured to be given the chance to compete once more in the global ice tournament.

“Competing at that level of the winter Olympics, in the company of world-class figure skating talents, and performing in front of the world, is already a reward. I am honoured to have represented the country in that tournament and hope I have become an inspiration to the next generation of ice athletes,” said Martinez.

SM Lifestyle and Entertainment chief operations officer Herman Emiliano Medina-Cue presented Michael Martinez with a certificate of recognition February 22, 2018 held at the SM Skating, SM Mall of Asia

Martinez was welcomed home by his family, supporters and fans. He was also presented with a certificate of recognition for his efforts in representing the country and heralding ice skating in the Philippines to new heights.

Martinez had a relatively short time to prepare as the Philippines was only advised and allowed to compete as a first alternate after Olympic qualifier Sweden withdrew in January. Prior to his return to the winter Olympics, Martinez won the silver medal in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

SM Skating

SM Skating, a major patron in the country’s ice sports program, has vowed to continue developing the talents and skills of young, aspiring athletes, to keep alive dreams of qualifying and making a strong finish in future winter Olympics games and other tournaments.

SM Skating executives reiterated their commitment to provide training and offer world-class ice skating facilities to Filipino ice athletes after welcoming home figure skater Michael Christian Martinez at the Olympic-size rink inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“We are grateful for the sacrifices made and dedication shown by Michael Martinez in the just concluded winter Olympics. He has become not only a source of pride but also an inspiration especially for the budding ice athletes who, I believe, will carry our country’s colors in future international competitions,” said Herman Emiliano Medina-Cue, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. chief operating officer.

Home of the country’s ice athletes

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. has been supporting the development of Filipino ice athletes, including the Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning Philippine Ice Hockey team, and various ice sports in the country by implementing the SM ice skating sports program and maintaining Olympic-size ice skating rinks in Metro Manila and Cebu City.

Some of the young athletes who train at SM Skating are figure skaters Jules Alpe, Alisson Perticheto, Samantha Cabiles, and Sofia Guidote.

The ice skating rink at the SM Mall of Asia can host not only recreational and competitive figure skating and speed skating events but also ice hockey games.

Located at the main mall’s third level, the 1,800-square meter rink boasts of complete facilities for hockey games such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes as well as two locker rooms with hot and cold shower.

Visitors can conveniently watch practices, training, exhibitions, shows, games and tournaments at the 200-seater stands located around the rink. Those wanting to take a quick bite can head to the snack booth for hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, coffee cakes, pastries and ice-cold beverages.

The ice skating rink also has a spacious lobby and multi-purpose rooms for sports training, meetings, and social functions while a clinic provides immediate first-aid assistance for any minor sports-related injuries.

About SM Skating

Starting as a leisure rink built by the inspired Henry Sy Sr. whose interest was piqued by the grace and class of figure skating, the SM Skating Rink possesses the only Olympic sized ice skating rinks in the entire country. Aside from being a venue for events and leisurely skating, the SM Skating Rink also provides lessons for Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and other sports on ice. Proving right of Henry Sy Sr.’s vision of a tropical country excelling in a winter-based sport, the SM Skating Rink has been home to world class figure skaters, such as Michael Martinez, who internationally compete in prestigious championships such as the Winter Olympics in Sochi. This year, the SM Skating Rink will introduce more sports and activities to learn on the ice, and events that will cater to the existing and new winter-based sports. 

For the skating lessons, please visit: http://smskatingrink.com/rates-and-packages/

Mall of Asia Arena opens private café to offer luxurious dining to concert-goers

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The Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena is the leading venue for local and international entertainment and sporting events. Aside from this, it also offers an all-around leisure experience with its ultramodern facilities, including deluxe corporate suites and specially-curated food establishments.

Among the arena’s world-class facilities is the Premiere Café + Lounge, a luxurious, private restaurant catering to Premiere Suite section ticketholders.    

Located at the third level of the Arena, the Premiere Café welcomes diners into a classy and stylish lounge where they can savor delectable gourmet dishes. During sporting events, guests are also treated to a view of the game with its bar seats facing the arena.

The VIP treatment for all

Recently, the Premiere Café + Lounge opened its doors to all ticketholders of the #PaMORE pre-valentine concert. Not only were the guests able to enjoy the stunning voices of iconic OPM artists Martin Rivera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez and Erik Santos, they also savored a delicious buffet dinner at the exclusive restaurant.

With every ticket purchase, concert-goers were given an option to buy a ticket for the buffet dinner. Many couples looking for a complete Valentine’s date package availed of the dinner. The restaurant’s ambiance was fit for romance as a red carpet, “Happy Valentine’s Day” greetings and pink heart decorations welcomed guests as they were led to candlelit dinner tables adorned with vases of flowers and hearts. Outside, lovely pairs captured their sweetest moments in a photo wall of fairy lights and roses that formed a gigantic heart.

Previously, the Premiere Lounge was also opened to concert goers at Mariah Carey’s “The Elusive Chanteuse Show” and Madonna’s “Rebel Heart Tour Concert”. This year, SM Mall of Asia Arena patrons can expect to avail of the exclusive offer during select major concerts.

“With this special  Premiere Café package, we wanted to give our patrons the VIP experience as we are definitely looking into more opportunities for them to enjoy not just the events but also the luxurious amenities that the MOA Arena has to offer,” shares Herman Medina-Cue, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. Chief Operating Officer.

Watch out for the next cool concert or upcoming sports event and get ready to dine at the Premiere Café + Lounge to experience the VIP treatment that only the Mall of Asia Arena offers!

About SM Lifestyle Incorporated, Inc.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI is the lifestyle and entertainment solutions company of SM Prime Holdings Inc. that offers the best in, events, movies, and leisure. The company has now grown major brands, which include the Mall of Asia Arena, SM Tickets, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, SM Skating Rink, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, Snack Time, Galeón, and SM Cinema.  SMLEI aims to promote bonding activities among Filipino families and friends, through entertainment and leisure facilities, while advocating the ease of use and personalized service created to complement the Filipino lifestyle.

Learning To Love AI

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February is the month of love, and millions of people across the Philippines - and around the world - will express their feelings and celebrate the special relationships they have with their loved ones, through the exchange of cards and gifts in a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval era. 

Also this year, in China, many more are likely to say ‘I love you’ to a girl named ‘Xiaoice’, and she is an Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot.

Thanks to AI, we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in technology, moving from a world where we have to understand computers to one where they now understand us and our intent. And this is not only revolutionizing how we live, work and play; it is upending our entire relationship with technology.

This disruption is brought about by the next big shift in computing, one that is fueled by advances in AI and built around a behavior that is the most natural of all to humans — conversations. Conversational AI, such as chatbots, heralds a new era where digital experiences can now mirror the way people interact with fellow humans. And there is much to love about this new development.

First Love: Microsoft’s AI Journey

For Microsoft, the vision of enabling computers that can see, hear, talk and understand us really began 25 years ago when founder Bill Gates created Microsoft Research. And on that journey, they have recently passed some significant milestones that, only a few years ago, would have seemed impossible to imagine.

• In 2016, Microsoft became the first company to reach human parity in speech recognition, enabling a computer to transcribe conversational speech as well as a human does.
• Only last month, Microsoft researchers created technology that uses artificial intelligence to read a document - and answer questions about it - as well as a human being.

Such milestones are vital to the adoption and use of computers for everyone; because when computers can speak “human”, every human can speak with computers.

These kind of advancements are the result of the deep engineering skills and unique technical capabilities of the team at Microsoft Research, who have received many prestigious national and international honours, including the Turing Award, considered the highest distinction in computer science.

Growing Love: Chatbots Around the World

Microsoft’s work with chatbots expanded rapidly with the launch of Xiaoice in China. This intelligent, natural-language bot is programmed to behave like an 18-year-old girl who is emphatic, humorous and affable. The conversations that she has with users range from advice about what activities to do during the day to relationship feedback. Using advanced machine learning algorithms, her responses mirror what a teenage girl would tell her friend, sometimes with sarcasm included.

Xiaoice can also speak with people over the phone and use streaming video to detect emotions and engage in conversations based on the person’s expressions. Today, she has conversed with more than 100 million users, averaging approximately 23 exchanges per session. This is nearly 10 times the industry average. In fact, it has been estimated that 25% of users have already declared their love to Xiaoice.

But that is not all. Xiaoice is also the first AI chatbot to have a real TV broadcasting job on Dragon TV[1], one of China’s biggest TV stations, with a viewer population exceeding more than 800 million.

Building on the success of Xiaoice, local variations are now available in four other countries — Rinna in Japan and Indonesia, Ruuh in India, and Zo in U.S.

Microsoft launched Rinna in Japan in 2015. Modelled after a school girl, Rinna has today spoken with 25% of the country’s population. She is also powering a chatbot that is serving an entire town in Japan.

Modelled after a smart and adorable 7-year-old boy, Shibuyu Mirai is currently helping residents of, and visitors to, Tokyo’s busy Shibuya district access local services and information. Shibuyu-kun is serving the community so well that the Shibuya municipal government has recently granted him residency status, a world’s first.

Much to Love: AI as a Force for Good

Today, many of the conversations revolving around AI are mired in trepidation and alarm – ranging from job displacements to the widening of social inequalities. However, it is evident from these chatbots that there is much to love about AI, and it has brought about both functionality and emotional connection to millions of people around the world.

Beyond conversations and companionship, AI also has immense potential to offer lasting, positive impact on the world by driving global economic and social progress. From the front lines of education to environmental advocacy to healthcare, AI will be vital in creating technological breakthroughs for humanity and facilitating inclusive solutions that will enable every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

For example, Microsoft’s recent AI for Earth initiative builds on the commitment to use AI technology to amplify human ingenuity and advance sustainability around the globe. Through ongoing projects and partnerships, Microsoft is striving to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including the health of our planet. 

One of these projects is Farmbeat, which strives to address soaring food demands while dealing with limited amount of arable land. This initiative leverages existing connectivity infrastructure as well as the power of the cloud and machine learning to enable data-driven farming. This provides farmers with easily interpretable insights to help improve agricultural yield, lower overall cost, and reduce the environmental impact of farming.

AI can also be used to create a more inclusive future by empowering people with disabilities.  Seeing AI is a free app designed by Microsoft to make the visual world around us more accessible for the 285 million people in the world with low vision. By harnessing the power of AI, this app is able to perceive and recognize a wide spectrum of visual cues – from people to emotions, from barcodes to handwriting – and translate them into audible descriptions. By turning the visual world into an audible experience, this app is making the world more navigable and richer for those with low vision.

Trust: Fundamental to Our Relationship with AI

These examples are just a few of the positive applications of AI; the benefits it can bring to our world and our lives are multifaceted and countless.

Microsoft has been investing in the promise of AI for more than 25 years, and they are optimistic about the opportunities that AI creates, and how it can amplify human ingenuity to create a better future for all.  

However, the road to a future powered by a partnership between intelligent machines and people will be a long, and sometimes, challenging one. There will be complex questions and broad societal concerns that need to be addressed, including the ethical usage of AI and its impact on employment. 

Addressing these challenges will require trust, integrity, faith and listening to one another – the same fundamental building blocks that are needed to create a lasting and positive partnership with another person.

Ammunition in battling hair loss - Choose Natural!

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Day-to-day, you rise up and there are tons of things to do like go to the office, finish paperwork, and go back home. This might be what you call your lonely and humdrum life. Everyday is a struggle for you. Your only defense against pollution, sleep deprivation and daily grind is to look best. With this, you can’t go to the battle ground unarmed. Tragically, your ammunition of beauty products is mostly made of hazardous chemicals; you win some, you lose some. Sooner or later, they shall take a toll on you. 

Don’t just go with the flow. Change your direction. NOVUHAIR can show you the way, hence, it is dubbed as nature’s answer to hair loss. All its natural ingredients are scientifically proven to help promote hair growth. This way, you have no reason to go back to your old ways. Alter your regimen now if you can’t change the routine and finally admit that it’s time to part ways with chemically-laced products you keep in your vanity kit and say hello to NOVUHAIR. You can never go wrong with nature. Choose natural!

Now, you can optimize your NOVUHAIR experience with NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack (topical scalp lotion, herbal shampoo and conditioner) and enjoy an extra 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for FREE exclusive at participating Watsons stores nationwide! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTvXlqMfvQg

DOH-FDA CCRR No. 1040 s. 2017 Avail NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 NEW YEAR PROMO PACK exclusive at the following participating WATSONS stores nationwide: 

SM Mall of Asia 1, SM Megamall A, SM Megamall A3 Daimaru 

SM North Edsa Main 2, Fisher Mall, SM City Fairview Mall 1 

SM Makati Mall 3, SM Makati Hypermarket, 

Oriental Gardens Makati, Market! Market! 

Robinsons Place Manila, SM San Lazaro Supermarket, 

SM San Lazaro Mall 1, Savemore Laong Laan 2, 

SM Sta. Mesa Mall 3, SM Sta. Mesa Centerpoint 3 

SM Masinag, Savemore Rempson Marikina, SM Taytay Rizal 

SM Marilao Hypermarket, SM Pampanga Annex, 

SM Pampanga Mall 1, SM Clark Mall, Savemore Dinalupihan, 

Waltermart San Fernando Pampanga 

SM Southmall 5, SM Bicutan Mall B-2 Hypermarket, Festival Mall, Orofino Bldg. 

Dona Soledad SM Sta. Rosa Mall, SM Sta. Rosa Supermarket, Waltermart Sta. Rosa, 

SM Calamba, Waltermart Cabuyao 

SM Bacoor Mall 2, SM Dasmarinas Mall 3, Premier Plaza Mall Silang Cavite, 

Waltermart Trece Martires, Kadiwa Cavite Hypermarket, Lumina Point Cavite 

SM Lipa Mall, SM Lipa Supermarket, Waltermart Tanaunan, 

SM Batangas Mall 1, Waltermart Nasugbu 

SM Lucena, SM Naga Mall, J.S Arcilla Bldg. Tabaco 

Ayala Center Cebu 

SM Davao Mall 1 

For inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575, visit NOVUHAIR Facebook Page (Novuhair Official) or website at www.novuhair.com.