NÜWA at City of Dreams Manila receives 2018 Forbes Five-Star Award

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NÜWA City of Dreams Manila achieves Five-Star rating in the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide, the only new Five-Star award for hotels in Manila. Forbes Travel Guide is considered as the annual “Oscars” of the hotel industry and is known for its exacting and stringent standards. The prestigious list of award winners is comprised of the world’s best hotels and resorts.

“It is through the vision and leadership of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho and the hard work and commitment of our management and staff that NÜWA City of Dreams Manila has achieved this recognition. We’re extremely proud of our colleagues for contributing to this high standard of service each and every day and we thank our guests for their trust and confidence,” said Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited’s luxury integrated resorts in Macau and Manila garnered a collective total of 71 stars from 2018 Forbes Travel Guide. NÜWA Macau is the only property with a total of 5 Five-Stars for its offerings in accommodation, spa and restaurants. Altira Macau is one of only two resorts worldwide with quadruple Five-Stars; and Studio City’s Star Tower and NÜWA Manila are only two of the new 27 hotels to receive the Five-Star rating among other 50 countries.

“NÜWA represents Melco’s DNA of sophistication, quality, and innovation. Being one of the select hotels in the world that’s awarded the Forbes Five-Star is a testament to our dedication to provide the highest level of luxury experience and personalized service”, adds Geoff Andres, until recently the Property President of City of Dreams Manila prior to assuming the same position in Studio City Macau early this month.

Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide) has been the gold standard in the hotel industry since 1958. Its rating system is based on more than 900 objective standards for hotels, restaurants and spas worldwide, making it the most comprehensive and rigorous in the industry. To achieve Forbes Travel Guide Four and Five-Star status, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting service standards, which are determined through an unannounced and undercover service evaluation conducted by Forbes Travel Guide’s expert inspectors.

NÜWA Manila’s Forbes Five-Star award comes a month after the luxury brand was launched on January 16 this year, when Melco Resorts & Entertainment rebranded Crown Towers in Manila and Macau to NÜWA. Melco’s new luxury brand NÜWA, inspired by the eponymous heroine in Chinese mythology, represents classic Asian refinement.

NÜWA, one of the three luxury hotels in City of Dreams Manila, features 254 lavishly-appointed contemporary rooms, and spacious suites and villas with personalized and dedicated butler service. Facilities include a free-form swimming pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art Precore fitness equipment; and the NUWA spa which provides a pampering experience in elegant therapy rooms and spa suites within the 654-sq.meter facility.

An elevated dining experience is also available at NÜWA, with: The Tasting Room, the newly reopened restaurant offering a Michelin-star experience with contemporary French cuisine infused with Asian influences; Crystal Dragon, known for its premium Cantonese and regional Chinese fare in a modern Oriental setting; and Breezes, a poolside restaurant and bar. The Sky Gaming Lounge, a well-appointed private space on the topmost floor is exclusively for Li Ying Hin VIPs. 

For more information on NÜWA, call 800 8080 or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com or www.nuwamanila.com.

Digitizing Financial Services in PH with Blockchain, UnionBank partners with Microsoft to pursue blockchain technology in PH

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Today, digital technology is pushing people, businesses, and governments to rethink the way they work and operate. In the banking and financial industry, fintech companies are disrupting conventional methodologies and introducing innovative products to cater to mobile and connected customers that demand state-of-the-art digital services.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is in the midst of a digital shift as it pursues a three-point plan. This aims to transform its operations with digital technology, put up a digital bank, and engage fintechs in catering to the local market.

As part of its endeavours, UnionBank has partnered with Microsoft to conduct blockchain trials on Azure.

“Similar to our mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more, UnionBank is committed to making lives better and enriching the lives of Filipinos through greater financial inclusion. We stand together in the belief that financial service institutions need to ramp up digital transformation efforts to engage users and transform products,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director and Country General Manager of Microsoft Philippines.

Blockchain for greater financial inclusion

A recent BSP survey found that 86 percent of Filipino households remain unbanked. Blockchain can push for greater financial inclusion by allowing financial institutions to provide accessible, useful, and affordable products and services that meet client needs. Whether it’s transactions, payments, savings, credit, or insurance, these can be delivered in a responsible and sustainable way via blockchain.

Arvie de Vera, Head of Fintech at UnionBank, said: “Blockchain technology will revolutionize financial services, and more so in a context like the Philippines where financial inclusion is such a challenge.”

Blockchain is transformational technology that brings down the cost to serve the mass market. At its core, it is a form of data structure used to create a digital transaction ledger that, instead of resting with a single provider, is shared among a distributed network of computers. This promotes financial inclusion by:

Modernizing legacy banking infrastructures. With blockchain technologies, banks can increase efficiencies by addressing the settlement process across the board. Speeding payments, trading of all financial instruments, and automatically outputting regulatory information will massively disrupt the industry and shift labor into better customer service.

Securing transactions. Blockchain technology offers secure transactions through an encrypted ledger. This addresses cyber threats by establishing authenticity and tamper-proof record systems. The decentralization of the command systems in blockchains is critical to safeguarding cyber security.

Azure – a secure blockchain platform

UnionBank is currently conducting and has had successful blockchain trials on Azure.

As an open, flexible, and scalable platform, Azure supports a rapidly growing number of distributed ledger technologies that address specific business and technical requirements for security, performance, and operational processes. Microsoft’s data and AI solution provides unique off-chain data-management and analysis capabilities not offered by others. The vast Microsoft partner ecosystem extends the capabilities of UnionBank’s platforms and services in unique ways that fit specific workload and industry needs.

Azure is secure and provides a rapid, low-cost, low-risk, and fail-fast system for organizations to collaborate on by enabling them to experiment with new business processes—all backed by a cloud platform with the largest compliance portfolio in the industry.

“The Microsoft partnership has also been about sharing best practices and experiences. UnionBank is grateful to have the guidance of such a technology leader—one who has also undergone its own transformation,” de Vera said.

Revolutionizing PH banking

As a tech-savvy organization, UnionBank is embracing digital transformation through its strong culture of innovation and leadership. It is the first bank in the Philippines to pursue blockchain trials.

“It’s an exciting time. The arrival of blockchain in the Philippines is groundbreaking and can revolutionize the financial services industry and lead to greater financial inclusion in the country. As the first bank to pursue blockchain, UnionBank is making big strides in its digital transformation, and Microsoft is committed to helping them make Filipino lives better,” said Bayaborda.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (@microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Microsoft Philippines, the local subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, has been constantly bringing innovation and making its technology available to Filipino businesses and individuals since 1995. As a committed and trusted partner in nation-building, Microsoft Philippines has made it its mission to fuel growth and healthy communities, as well as transform locally-based businesses and empower them to compete in the global economy.

Medical Professionals urge Filipinos to take skin health seriously during PAPSHPI’s 12th Annual Convention

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The Philippine Association of Primary Skin Health Physicians, Inc. (PAPSHPI), an affiliate of the Philippine Medical Association, urges the public to take skin health more seriously and choose medical grade skin care products.

Skin health is often neglected and taken lightly. It is easy to dismiss skin care as an unnecessary indulgence for mere cosmetic reasons or vanity.

JW Healthcare Philippines (JWHP), the local sales subsidiary of JW Group, a leading pharmaceutical company in Korea, is one of the companies that supported the 12th Annual Convention of PAPSHPI.  In photo are PAPSHPI officers (left to right)  Sarah J. De Los Reyes, M.D.,June Paul Ayache Garcia, M.D.,Maria Carmelita G. Vergara, M.D.,Grace M. Lopez, M.D. - center (founding chairman),Marlon B. Ulit, M.D.,Joan Yabut-Dulfo, M.D. and Manrico Cruz, M.D.

PAPSHPI, which recently held their 12th Annual Convention at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, warns patients against these common pitfalls.

Through PAPSHPI President Dr. Elise Christine Tompong, Chairman Dr. Grace M. Lopez, and past presidents Dr. Maica Galvez-Vergara and Dr. JP Ayache Garcia, the association stresses the importance of skin health.

“Skin is the largest organ of our body and most people do not know that. If we can take time out to give attention and care to our heart, lungs, stomach, and other vital organs, why can’t we do the same for our skin,” says PAPSHPI.

Skin care should be regarded as preventive care, and treatment of skin diseases must start early to prevent further damage just like with any other organ. Physicians warn that “symptoms may go unnoticed or may not be given attention to for months, even years.” 

Skin cancer, for example, is not as popular as breast cancer. But, according to PAPSHPI, it is a disease that may afflict Filipinos, too.

“The realization that early treatment should have been done sets in when the problem has become severe and chronic,” says PAPSHPI.

Mass market vs medical grade

The market does not lack skin care products, which are categorized into mass market and medical grade. However, PAPSHPI advises against falling victim to mass market skin care products because these provide temporary results and come with a higher risk of undesirable side effects.

The medical group urges Filipinos to be selective in using skin care products by choosing products that have been medically tested for safety and efficacy.

PAPSHPI President Dr. Elise Christine Tompong explains that medical grade and prescription-strength skin care products are formulated to provide lasting or permanent results, and skin heath doctors can prescribe these products for specific skin concerns.

Every skin is different and therefore one product cannot suit all skin types. PAPSHPI reminds the public that it is best to ask experts such as medical doctors and professionals which products are good for your skin.

JW Healthcare Philippines (JWHP), the local sales subsidiary of JW Group, a leading pharmaceutical company in Korea, is one of the companies that supported the 12th Annual Convention of PAPSHPI.  JWHP recently launched Dermairis Korean skin care mask infused with natural ingredients and manufactured using patented CTP technologies.

About PAPSHPI

PAPSHPI spreads awareness and brings proper skin care closer to the public through weekly and annual medical missions.  

At the community level, the association holds weekly charity outpatient services at two locations in Quezon City: Birhen Maria along Mindanao Avenue and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine Social Services Department along Doña Juana Rodriguez Avenue (formerly Broadway).

Skin health services range from consultations to procedural such as electrocautery, injections, and laser. PAPSHPI also treats acne, allergies, psoriasis, fungal and viral infections, and dermal tumors, including warts, milia, and syringoma.  

“At least 50 adult and pediatric patients are seen weekly in both areas by six to 10 skin health physicians,” says PAPSHPI. “Consultation, treatment, and medicines are all free.”

PAPSHPI’s annual medical missions outside Metro Manila are usually in coordination with the local government such as the Mayor's office and the municipal health office. 

According to PAPSHPI, patients in the provinces range from agricultural and government workers to private employees and housewives. About 300 to 350 adult and pediatric patients are seen and treated by 30 to 40 skin health physicians per mission. Consultation and medicines are free. 

In addition to patient services, PAPSHPI assists physicians in giving proper skin care to the public. This is part of the association’s mission “to enable and provide medical practitioners, most especially primary skin health physicians, essential updates on diagnosis and treatments.” 

PAPSHPI also helps “tackle professional issues focusing on PhilHealth, gender sensitivity, personality development, awareness, and upliftment of social responsibilities of all medical professionals who can render services in the community.”

Built for the Way We Communicate Today: SAMSUNG Galaxy S9 and S9+

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The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ fuel new discoveries with Super Slow-mo video, best-in-class low light camera and AR Emoji for a more personalized way to express yourself

SEOUL, Korea  – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. introduces the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, the smartphones that reimagine the way we communicate, share and experience the world. Made for the way we increasingly communicate and express ourselves more with images, videos and emojis, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ drive innovation with Samsung’s most advanced camera ever. Redesigned with a new dual aperture lens that powers an innovative low light camera, Super Slow-mo video capabilities and personalized AR Emoji, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ ensure you never miss a moment and make your everyday epic.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ deliver an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful stereo speakers tuned by AKG, surround sound supported by Dolby Atmos and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display – a key staple in Samsung’s design heritage. In addition, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ will come with the new SmartThings app, which unites Samsung’s existing IoT services into one single, smart experience.  

“The way we use our smartphones has changed as communication and self-expression has evolved,” said DJ Koh, president and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S9 and S9+, we have reimagined the smartphone camera. Not only does the Galaxy S9 and S9+ enable consumers to shoot the best photos and videos anywhere, it’s a smartphone that’s designed to help them connect to others and express themselves in a way that’s unique and personal to them.”

Camera Reimagined

Today’s cameras are for more than taking pictures – they’re for connecting and communicating. Consumers want a smartphone camera with state-of-the-art technology so they can express themselves with high-quality images and tools to tell their own, unique story. The Galaxy S9 and S9+’s cameras are built with these consumers in mind, with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor with dedicated processing power and memory that can combine up to 12 frames into one amazing shot for the highest photo quality possible. The Galaxy S9 and S9+’s camera features include:

• Super Slow-mo: Make every day moments epic with dynamic, slow-motion video that captures 960 frames per second. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also offers automatic Motion Detection, an intelligent feature that detects movement in the frame and automatically begins to record – all users have to do is set up the shot. After capturing the Super Slow-mo video, users can select background music from 35 different options or add a tune from their favorite playlist. Users can also easily create, edit and share GIF files with a simple tap in three playful styles of looping to watch the action over and over.

• Low Light Camera: Good lighting is the secret to any great photo. But often, photos are taken in less-than-ideal lighting conditions and most smartphone cameras have a fixed aperture that can’t adjust to low or bright lighting environments resulting in grainy or washed out pictures. Similar to the way the iris of a human eye expands and contracts, Samsung’s Dual Aperture (F1.5 – F2.4) automatically lets in more light when it’s dark and less light when it’s too bright, taking photos that are crisp and clear anytime, anywhere.

• AR Emoji: Samsung lets users create an emoji that looks, sounds and acts just like them. AR Emoji uses a data-based machine learning algorithm, which analyzes a 2D image of the user and maps out more than 100 facial features to create a 3D model that reflects and imitates expressions, like winks and nods, for true personalization. AR Emoji shares your real-life feelings not only in video but also with a range of stickers in uses a standard AGIF file format so users can share their emojis across most third-party messaging platforms.

• Bixby: Samsung’s intelligence platform, integrated into the camera, uses augmented reality and deep learning technologies to provide helpful information about a user’s surroundings. With real-time object detection and recognition, Bixby instantly generates information directly on top of the image that the camera is pointing at. Users can translate foreign languages and currency in real time with Live Translation, learn about their surroundings.

Entertainment Reimagined

Smartphones are often our go-to choice for entertainment, which is why Samsung created a device that offers premium sound experiences with stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Whether users are watching their favorite movie or streaming their favorite artist’s latest album, sounds are clear, crisp and rich in quality. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support Dolby Atmos, giving the effect of 360-degree sound. 

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ audio experience is complemented by Samsung’s revolutionary Infinity Display. First introduced on the Galaxy S8, the bold, bright Super AMOLED Infinity Display blends right into the phone with virtually no distracting bezels. With adaptive contrast enhancement, users can use their device even in direct sunlight.

A Device that Fits with the Connected Lifestyle

As the first smartphone to support the new SmartThings app, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the central hub to manage every facet of the connected lifestyle at home, at the office or on the go. The SmartThings app will be introduced with S9 and S9+, and will connect to other Samsung and non-Samsung devices.

For those constantly on the move, the next-generation Samsung DeX empowers a mobile lifestyle by bringing a large, full-screen experience to the mobile handset. With DeX Pad, a new docking system, users can easily connect the Galaxy S9 and S9+ to a larger monitor, keyboard and mouse to expand the mobile experience with enhanced document editing or even full-screen gaming.

Users can also transform the Galaxy S9 and S9+ into a Touch Keyboard and Touch Pad with the DeX Pad.

The Best Comes Standard with the Galaxy Foundation

Samsung sets the gold standard for smartphones including IP68 water and dust resistance, and fast wireless charging. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ go a step beyond. The devices now support expandable memory of up to 400GB and are equipped with the latest premium application processors offering powerful performance and sophisticated image processing.

In addition, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ give users the peace of mind knowing that their phone is protected by Knox 3.1, Samsung’s latest defense-grade security platform. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ support three different biometric authentication options – iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition – so users can choose the best way to protect their device and applications. The devices support Intelligent Scan, a new verification that intelligently uses the collective strength of iris scanning and facial recognition technology to quickly and conveniently unlock a user’s phone in any environment. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ also introduce Dedicated Fingerprint, giving users the option to use a different fingerprint to access Secure Folder than the one used to unlock the phone.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ takes health to the next level with an improved optical sensor built directly into the device, providing richer, more accurate information on user’s health status. This sensor allows the Galaxy S9 and S9+ to keep track of users’ Heart Load Factor, a new measurement of the real-time demand placed on your heart.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available starting in March 16, 2018 and will be offered in Midnight Black, Coral Blue, and a new hue, Lilac Purple.

Pre-order the Galaxy S9 and S9+ from February 27 to March 6, 2018 and get one exclusive gift of your choice along with complimentary bundles and discount on Samsung wearables. Visit your nearest Samsung experience store or select Abenson’s or SM Appliance stores nationwide. 

To know more about the newest Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, visit samsung.com.ph or visit our Facebook page, facebook.com/SamsungPH .

Welcome the New Year with New investment opportunities in the South

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Amaia Steps Bicutan is the perfect investment for those who are seeking to live in a contemporary mid-rise condo that is just 15 minutes away from the Makati Central Business District.

New year, new opportunities. This means making your hard-earned money work by starting your own business or buying the home of your dreams.

For many young professionals and Filipino families, investing in a condominium unit has always been a smart move. On the business side, a condominium unit offers high resale value due to its image of affordable luxury, the safety and security it offers, and the conveniences that come with it. 

For people who live or work south of bustling Metro Manila, top-of-mind affordable real estate provider Amaia Land Corp. offers a good number of wise condo investment opportunities.

For those seeking to live or invest in a contemporary-designed mid-rise condo in Paranaque City, Amaia Steps Bicutan is the place to be. 

Amaia Steps Bicutan offers convenient living as it is 15 minutes away from the Makati Central Business District. It is accessible through the West Service Road and is suitable for individuals and families who work in nearby business hubs.

Amaia Steps Sucat in Paranaque offers 27 retail units for lease, giving residents a variety of options to choose from when shopping for their daily needs.

Also in Paranaque is Amaia Steps Sucat, another mid-rise residential project that sports an expansive retail complex. With 27 retail units for lease, residents can enjoy shopping for their daily needs. Currently, 14 retail stores are now leased including BDO, Security Bank, Seven Eleven, ExpressPay, Ineng’s BBQ and Mooi Nail Bar and Spa. There are also a number of retail tenants opening this year like Ababu Persian Kitchen, The Foodie Corner, JacoBean Coffee and Pastry Shop, Aquaserv, Arceno’s Prayer Café, Mary Pauline Salon and Washeroo Laundry Shop. A few more retail units are up for grabs, if interested to open a retail shop in Amaia Steps Sucat you may contact 09175759876.

Amaia Steps Alabang boasts of a cozy suburban lifestyle and the conveniences of city living along Alabang-Zapote Road.

Further South is Amaia Steps Alabang, a development that is rising along Alabang-Zapote Road. Amaia Steps Alabang offers a cozy suburban lifestyle and the conveniences of city living. It is accessible via Daang Hari, MCX, and SLEX, and is located close to establishments like Madrigal Business Park, ATC, Molito Lifestyle Center, San Beda College Alabang, De La Salle Santiago Zobel, and Asian Hospital.

For those seeking for a sanctuary outside of Metro Manila, there is Amaia Steps Parkway, the only midrise residential development in NUVALI. It is accessible through the Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road and is near Solenad, S&R, Miriam College, Xavier School, and Qualimed.

NUVALI is Ayala Land’s flagship sustainable ecocity in the South. 

 “Comfort and convenience mark Amaia Land’s condominium projects, giving people in the South a taste of prime developments at very affordable prices,” Sixto Sengson Jr. of Amaia Land said. “Their good location, exceptional amenities, and access to major thoroughfares and commercial establishments make Amaia Steps properties truly viable condo investments.”

Amaia Land offers flexible payment schemes such as cash, deferred cash, in-house and bank financing. 

For inquiries, check out www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.